Europe is one of the most popular international destinations for travelers as hundreds of millions of people vacation in Europe each year to experience everything from historic landmarks to breathtaking landscapes.
When traveling abroad to Europe, one thing travelers should not overlook is travel insurance. Travel insurance can offer vital protection from trip-related hiccups to covering medical expenses in the event of an emergency.
Getting travel insurance for Europe will provide you with a vital safeguard while venturing internationally while also giving you the ultimate peace of mind to fully enjoy your trip.
Trip Insurance vs Travel Medical Insurance for Europe
When choosing a travel insurance plan for your trip to Europe, you may notice that you have a couple of options. Travel insurance primarily comes in two types: trip insurance and travel medical insurance. Understanding what each of these types of travel insurance policies can cover can help you better decide which type of plan is right for your trip.
Trip Insurance for Europe
Trip insurance is a type of travel insurance that offers coverage for your trip’s prepaid and nonrefundable costs in the case of a covered cancellation, interruption, or delay.
It basically insures your nonrefundable trip costs, which can include your flight, accommodations, transportation, tours, and more.
Additionally, trip insurance comes with a myriad of other benefits, including coverage for emergency medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation.
Trip insurance is a great option if you invested quite a bit of money into your trip that would be otherwise nonrefundable if an unexpected event occurred and you were forced to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Travel Medical Insurance for Europe
Travel medical insurance is primarily designed to offer medical coverage for those who are traveling outside of their home country.
Typically, a traveler’s health insurance plan that they have back in their home country won’t cover them internationally. Travel medical insurance can help fill this gap, ensuring that travelers have coverage if they were to need emergency medical care due to an unforeseen illness or injury occurring during their travels.
Travel medical insurance is a great choice for travelers who want comprehensive medical coverage during their trip.
Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for European Trips
There are several reasons why having a travel insurance plan for your trip to Europe is necessary. Here are some key highlights of having a travel insurance policy for your trip to Europe.
Protection Against Unexpected Medical Bills
Healthcare in Europe can be costly for travelers without insurance, and most domestic health insurance plans will not cover travelers while they are outside of their home country. A travel insurance policy can cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and even evacuation, sparing you from high out-of-pocket costs.
Coverage for Emergency Medical Evacuation
In the event of a life-threatening or serious emergency, emergency medical evacuation may be necessary to quickly get you the care you need. This can include both ground and helicopter transportation.
Without insurance, emergency medical evacuation can be extremely expensive, especially in Europe. Depending on your location and destination, emergency medical evacuation can cost up to $100,000 in Europe. While it may be absolutely crucial to save your life or treat a serious emergency, the cost of this transportation can be devastating without proper coverage.
Baggage Loss or Delay
When traveling internationally, the chance of baggage loss or delay is not uncommon, especially if you have one or more connecting flights.
Most travel insurance policies will include coverage for baggage loss and delay, providing you with the funds you need to get essential items if your baggage can’t be found or is delayed for a certain amount of time.
Border Entry Protection Benefit
Border entry protection is another valuable benefit of travel medical insurance as it can help provide coverage for any expenses incurred if you are denied entry into the European border due to certain specified complications as listed in the plan’s policy wording. Coverage can include the cost of a flight back to your home country (up to the listed benefit maximum).
It May Be Required (Schengen Visa)
When planning a trip to Europe, it is also important to check to see if you are required to get a Schengen visa for entry requirements.
Travelers from certain non-visa-exempt countries will be required to apply for a Schengen visa in order to visit any of the European countries within the Schengen area.
As part of the Schengen visa application process, having a travel insurance policy that meets certain requirements is mandatory.
Repatriation of Remains Coverage
Another very important benefit of many travel insurance plans is coverage for the repatriation of remains.
While no traveler wants to think the worst when planning their trip, having protection for your family just in case the unthinkable occurs can truly give you peace of mind when venturing overseas.
Repatriation coverage can provide your family with monetary support for transporting your remains back to your home country in the unlikely event of your death abroad.
Lost or Stolen Passport/Visa
Travel insurance can also offer coverage for a lost or stolen passport or travel document when vacationing abroad, reimbursing you for the expenses associated with obtaining a new passport or travel visa.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is a benefit that is offered by most travel insurance policies that can pay a lump sum amount of money to a chosen beneficiary in the unlikely event of your death or serious dismemberment while traveling abroad.
This can help provide your family with support financially if you were to unexpectedly pass away or become seriously dismembered during your trip.
Best Travel Insurance Plans for Europe 2024
Here are some of the top travel insurance plans for Europe for 2024.
Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans for Europe
Best Trip Insurance Plans for Europe
Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Europe
In order to choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip to Europe, keep in mind the following:
- Decide whether or not a trip insurance policy (insures your nonrefundable trip costs) or a travel medical insurance policy (primarily covers emergency medical expenses) is right for your trip
- Compare top-rated policies on VisitorsCoverage.com to find a plan that best fits your needs and budget
- Read the policy documents of your chosen plan carefully to understand coverage amounts, benefits, deductibles, and any exclusions or limitations such as pre-existing conditions or routine care
- Purchase your policy early, soon after booking your trip, for the best coverage
Stay Protected During Your Trip to Europe
Travel insurance is not just a recommendation; it’s a crucial part of travel planning, especially when heading to Europe. It provides peace of mind, financial protection, and essential support when things don’t go as planned.
Whether you’re exploring the Eiffel Tower, cruising the canals of Venice, or skiing in the Swiss Alps, the right travel insurance will keep you covered. Compare travel insurance plans for Europe or reach out to our Customer Success Team with any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Europe require travel insurance?
Travelers from visa-exempt countries are not required to have travel insurance. However, individuals who are required to obtain a Schengen visa for their trip to Europe are required to get travel insurance for their visa application.
Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
Travel insurance for Europe is highly encouraged as it helps protect against various travel mishaps and unexpected emergency medical situations abroad.
How much is travel insurance to Europe?
The cost for Europe travel insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, such as your age, destination, the type of plan you choose, and the length of your trip. Get a quote with your specific trip details to compare prices.
How do I get travel insurance for Europe?
Travel insurance for Europe can be purchased online in just a few minutes through VisitorsCoverage.
What is the best travel insurance for Europe?
Europe Travel Plus is an ideal European travel insurance plan that offers comprehensive medical coverage and meets Schengen visa insurance requirements.
