Europe Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for Europe can offer various travel protections for your journey abroad, from emergency medical coverage to baggage loss reimbursement. Europe travel insurance can also satisfy Schengen visa travel insurance requirements.

While no traveler wants to think something will go amiss during their European travels, the value of having protection in the event of an unforeseen emergency or travel mishap is immeasurable.

Whether travel insurance is required depends on where you are traveling and your nationality. For travelers visiting Europe, there are two primary considerations:

If you are traveling to a Schengen country, non-visa-exempt travelers will need a Schengen visa. If you need a Schengen visa, travel insurance is mandatory.

Travelers who require a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel insurance when applying. Without this, their visa application will likely be denied.

This requirement may even apply if you are only making a stopover in a Schengen country without disembarking from the plane. Therefore, it's wise to ensure you have adequate EU travel insurance regardless of your destination within Europe to avoid any unexpected financial burdens.

U.S. citizens and travelers from visa-exempt countries are not legally required to have travel insurance to enter Europe and Schengen countries. However, considering that many domestic health insurance policies do not cover medical expenses abroad, purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended. European healthcare can be expensive, and an unforeseen medical emergency could result in significant out-of-pocket costs.

Travelers who require a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel insurance when applying. Without this, their visa application will likely be denied.

For non-Schengen countries in Europe, travel insurance may not be legally required but it is highly recommended to avoid hefty medical bills and travel-related financial losses.

The Schengen Area is a group of 29 European countries that have abolished border controls between them, allowing for unrestricted travel. This agreement, established in 1985, facilitates seamless movement for tourists, business travelers, and residents alike. Once you enter one Schengen country, you can travel freely between all the others without needing additional visas or border checks.

Although most of Europe is part of the Schengen Agreement, some countries remain outside of it. These include:

• Ireland: Has its own visa and border policies separate from the Schengen Agreement.
• Cyprus: Though an EU member, it has not yet joined the Schengen Area.
• United Kingdom: Since Brexit, the UK has its own border control and visa regulations.

So, while these countries do not require a Schengen visa and, therefore, do not require travel insurance, travelers visiting these countries should check their specific entry requirements, as they may differ from Schengen visa policies and requirements.

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, your travel insurance must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage
• Coverage for emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
• Coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
• The policy must be valid in all Schengen Area countries for the duration of your stay

If you purchase a policy through VisitorsCoverage, you don’t need to worry about meeting these requirements manually. Once you specify that you’re traveling to a Schengen country, you’ll automatically be presented with insurance plans that comply with Schengen visa requirements.

After your purchase, you will immediately receive an official Confirmation of Coverage Visa Letter from your insurance provider. This letter verifies that your policy meets Schengen travel insurance requirements and must be submitted alongside your visa application. You will also need to present this letter at the border upon entry into a Schengen country, where immigration officers may request proof of valid travel insurance.

If you want to learn more about Schengen Visa requirements and how to find an insurance policy that satisfies Europe visa requirements, find more information here.

Unfortunately, scams exist in which fraudulent Confirmation of Coverage Visa Letters are issued to unsuspecting travelers. To avoid issues, only purchase your travel insurance from a reputable provider. If you receive a Confirmation of Coverage Visa Letter from a source other than your insurer, it may be fraudulent.

Buying your policy through a trusted marketplace like VisitorsCoverage ensures that you are only shown plans from reputable, globally recognized insurance providers. This safeguards you from invalid or fraudulent documentation and guarantees that your policy will be accepted by Schengen authorities.