Running of the Bulls – Spain

It’s almost that time of the year when bulls get their revenge and have a go at trampling humans into humburger meat.  Sometimes they get bored with the same old recipe and have a go at making human kebabs.  The annual San Fermin Festival (the running of the bulls) in Pamplona, Spain runs from 6-14 July 2010.

Every year there are serious injuries and sometimes deaths from this dangerous activity.  Last year a young Spaniard was tragically gored in the neck and lung and died in hospital from the injuries and loss of blood.  In 1995 a young American man was killed, and there have been many more over the years. 

The squeamish be warned – this video is quite frightening, but thankfully no lives were lost…

The thing about bulls is that they like to throw their weight around, and don’t always do as they are told.  Who is going to argue with an animal that can weigh half a tonne and toss an adult human more than 20 feet into the air…  No thanks!  Although the bulls mostly stay in a pack and run in one direction, some may stray…  If you are in the wrong place at the wrong time it’s ¡Adios Amigos!  You are basically a human doormat with a big ‘Welcome’ sign, and likely to receive a serious trampling. 

If you are undecided about joining in the action, think about the pros and cons.  What would you put down on the ‘pro’ side of the argument for running with the bulls?  Many people think it’s a good idea to be a bit more relaxed before getting gored, and load up with alcohol beforehand.  So, as well as endangering your life by running with the bulls, you have to contend with the likelihood of being tripped into the path of an angry toro by a bunch of staggering, inebriated humans!  Fun?

Anyway, if you still think that taking on the bulls looks like a worthwhile challenge, stop for a moment to consider the fact that your travel insurance policy is unlikely to cover any claims related to this activity!  Claims would be excluded under several sections, including the one relating to ‘unnecessary exposure to peril’.

Imagine this scenario:  You have a few sangrias and join in the run.  You find out that bulls can run faster than you and that they don’t understand the rules of the road, or honk their horns before they gore and trample you…  Okay,  no big deal, you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to cover medical bills - and your travel insurance will pick up anything else.  Hmm.  Wrong on several counts.

For a start, the fact that you were inebriated would probably be enough to invalidate any related travel insurance claims.  Having knowingly put yourself in peril is another.  Although the EHIC should pick up your medical bills (as long as you are taken to a state-run facility, and not the closest private hospital to staunch the bleeding) it will not cover the expense of repatriation, possibly with a medical escort.  That could set you back many thousands alone. 

As a worst-case scenario:  The bull wins a total knockout and wins your heart – not as a token of affection, but as a souvenir and trophy….  You may not be around to have to pick up and pay the bill for transporting your body back to the UK – but someone will have to do it – and that someone may just turn out to be your heartbroken family!  Sorry to be so blunt.

Anyway, Spain is a great country to visit, so stay safe and enjoy some of the less life-threatening activities.  Pay a visit to our Travel Guide to Spain and follow the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) for updated and very important travel advice.

Don’t forget to take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).  However, this should never be used as a substitute for comprehensive travel insurance.  For example, the EHIC does not cover lost or stolen luggage or possessions, legal liability, or many other common travel-related mishaps!  If you do decide to join in the Run, good luck finding a travel insurance policy to cover you!