Planning a trip to Europe? Don’t forget to pack travel insurance!
Europe travel insurance is essential for keeping you protected against unexpected events when traveling abroad.
But how do you choose the right travel insurance for Europe? And if you purchase a European travel insurance plan, how do you use it during your trip?
Let’s take a look at how to choose the right Europe travel insurance plan and how to use your travel insurance policy in Europe.
Choose the Right Europe Travel Insurance Policy
Before you depart, select a travel insurance policy that suits your needs. VisitorsCoverage offers a range of options tailored for European travel, including:
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Trip cancellation, interruption, and delay
- Lost luggage
- Meets Schengen visa requirements
Consider factors such as trip duration, activities planned, and your budget when selecting a policy.
Additionally, if you need a Schengen visa to travel to Europe, be sure to select a policy that meets Schengen visa travel insurance requirements – you will need travel insurance proof to get your Schengen visa.
Understand Your Coverage
Understanding travel insurance for Europe and its coverage is essential when it comes to using your travel insurance abroad.
When you purchase your plan, make sure to familiarize yourself with your policy’s details, including:
- Policy maximum and coverage limits
- Your deductible (what you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in)
- Exclusions and limitations
- Pre-existing conditions coverage
- Covered reasons for trip cancellation and interruption (for trip insurance plans)
Each plan’s coverage and exclusions will vary, so familiarizing yourself with what your policy covers and what it doesn’t can save you frustration later on. It can also help you understand how to make the best use out of your policy – it may have benefits you aren’t aware of!
Carry Your Insurance Information
During your trip abroad, make sure to keep your insurance information with you. You may need to have this information ready, especially in emergency situations.
Store digital copies on your phone and email them to yourself as a backup.
Know How to Contact Your Insurer
Make sure to save your insurance provider’s emergency contact number and email address so that they are easily accessible.
You may need to contact your insurance company for various reasons, including for pre-certification for medical care.
When in doubt, you can always contact your insurance company for assistance.
Keep Documentation of Everything
When using travel insurance abroad, you may have to pay upfront for your care and file a claim for your expenses later on.
For this reason, it is very important that you keep all of your medical care documentation, which you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider.
This can include:
- Doctor’s notes
- Itemized receipts of medical expenses
- Proof of payments
- Prescriptions
- Any other documentation provided to you during your treatment
Seek Appropriate Care
If you do need medical care in Europe, seek the most appropriate care based on your location and needs.
You can always contact your insurance provider for travel assistance services which can help you find the best medical facility for your specific ailment or injury.
In case of illness or injury:
- For emergencies, dial 112 (the European equivalent of 911)
- For non-emergencies, visit a local pharmacy or clinic
- Inform your insurance provider as soon as possible
File Claims Promptly
Submit claims as soon as you can, following your insurer’s specific process.
This typically involves filing a claim form including all relevant information, as well as submitting all supporting documentation with your claim.
Explore Europe With Peace of Mind
With Europe travel insurance, you can travel Europe without having to worry about the what-ifs. Travel insurance offers the vital protection you need in the case of the unexpected.
Compare Europe travel insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team with any questions – we are happy to help!
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for Europe
Why do I need travel insurance for Europe if I have health insurance from my home country?
Travel insurance for Europe is necessary for any traveler, especially for those who may be worried about coverage in case of a medical emergency. Most of the time, your domestic health insurance may not cover you while abroad, leading you to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses. However, with a travel insurance plan, it works as a substitute for your domestic health insurance, ensuring that you get medical coverage.
Is travel insurance more expensive for international trips?
Not really. The cost of your travel insurance reflects what it has to cover. If your trip costs more or you choose higher coverage limits, then your plan will reflect that. Since international trips tend to cost more and require higher coverage, your travel insurance can cost more. But, ultimately, your destination is not what directly affects the cost of your travel insurance.
Is travel insurance for Europe mandatory?
It depends on whether you need a Schengen visa. For citizens from the United States, it is not required to have travel insurance for Europe since U.S. citizens don’t need a Schengen visa for stays of less than 90 days. However, it is still highly recommended to get travel insurance, even if it isn’t mandatory.
If I get injured while skiing in Europe, can travel insurance cover me?
Yes, with the adventure sports add-on on most travel insurance plans. Typically, extreme sports like skiing or mountain climbing are not covered under travel insurance. However, with the adventure sports add-on, it ensures you get coverage in case you do get injured from participating in a high-risk activity.
Are pickpocketing incidents covered under travel insurance for Europe?
Yes. If you happen to get pickpocketed while in Europe, travel insurance can cover your belongings with a valid police report. It is also important to note that most travel insurance policies will not cover you if your items are left unattended or in plain sight.
Does travel insurance for Europe cover traveling with expensive items like cameras or my laptop?
Travel insurance can provide coverage for high-value items like cameras, laptops, and jewelry. Typically, there are per-item and overall maximum benefit limits. Make sure to read your plan documents to understand the full details of what is covered and to what extent, since every plan is unique. Also consider purchasing additional specialty insurance for expensive electronics, jewelry, or sports equipment.
Will my travel insurance provider pay the European hospital directly, or do I have to pay upfront and get reimbursed later?
It typically depends on the care you receive. Oftentimes, for non-emergency care, you typically pay upfront at a clinic or urgent care and then file a claim for reimbursement. Meanwhile, for emergency hospitalizations, direct billing may be available. However, it is best to contact the 24/7 assistance services to explain your situation, and they may direct you to a hospital that can provide direct billing.
What documents do I need to file a medical claim for travel insurance?
To file for a travel insurance medical claim, you will typically need the following:
- Medical Records: Copies of all records from your treatment, including ER visits, doctor’s notes, and admission/discharge summaries related to the claimed medical expenses while on the trip.
- Proof of Payment: All invoices, bills, itemized receipts, and relevant credit card or bank statements for the claimed medical costs.
The specific documents required for a medical claim can vary depending on your travel insurance policy. While receiving medical care, you can contact the 24/7 assistance service on your policy ID card to confirm that you have the right documentation before submitting a claim.
