How'd you almost get deported, thats kind of scary! I opted for travellers insurance thru student council travel - about 350$ for 6 months and coverage seems fairly adequate.

The Council Travel insurance is adequate. There are other posts on this topic elsewhere on the board. Usually what you're covered for is urgent and ER care scenarios. Don't look to get a "check up" while you're there. I got double-covered (and double-reimbursed) in '93 via my CIEE insurance (with the student ID card). You'll be fine unless you're a hypochondriac. The OTC medications in Spain are much stronger (and better) than those available in the US. For sore throats I just carried a bottle of "Bisolvón" (red jarabe) in my backpack and was fine with a periodic swig.

I'm not forseeing any checkups or getting my teeth knocked out (Knock on wood)- I figured this was better than paying 200$ a month for my alternative cobra plan - (better coverage but mucha moola)