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How to Use Travel Insurance in Europe: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Use Travel Insurance in Europe: A Step-by-Step Guide

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 Europe travel insurance policy? 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 your Europe travel insurance 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 it is 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.

TIP: When you purchase Europe travel insurance through VisitorsCoverage, you can take advantage of our claims assistance for quick and easy processing.

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!

Luna
VisitorsCoverage Support