If you're planning a trip to Europe it's important to consider getting travel insurance. Travel insurance provides coverage for various unforeseen circumstances that could occur during your trip, giving you peace of mind and financial protection.
Europe Travel Insurance
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What is it?
Coverage protecting against unforeseen events and expenses while traveling within Europe.
View Plans Browse Schengen Visa Insurance
For travelers to the 27 European countries that make up the Schengen Area.
Travel Insurance for Europe
While some European countries outside the Schengen Area may not require insurance, it's important to note that several countries within the Schengen Area do require additional visas and insurance coverage. 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 travel insurance regardless of your destination within Europe to avoid any unexpected financial burdens.
What is the difference between the EU and the Schengen area?
The European Union (EU) and Schengen Area
The EU is a political and economic union comprising 27 European countries. Member countries share common policies on various matters such as economy, security, migration, health, and the environment. It was established in 1958, initially consisting of Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Over time, several other countries joined, although the United Kingdom withdrew from the EU in 2020.
The Schengen Area facilitates the freedom of movement among individuals from countries that are part of this agreement. The Schengen Area involves countries with a unified visa policy, meaning that tourists who obtain a visa for one Schengen country can visit all other countries within the Schengen Area as well.
Non-Schengen Area Countries in Europe
Currently, Ireland and Cyprus are not included in the Schengen area for Visa requirements and the EU members Bulgaria and Romania only apply some of the Schengen provisions, but if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can still enter and visit these countries without a visa.
Travel Medical Insurance for Europe Visitors
One essential type of travel insurance to consider is travel medical insurance. This coverage ensures that you receive medical attention and assistance if you experience any health issues or accidents while traveling.
It can cover expenses such as:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Medications.
- Emergency medical evacuations
Having travel medical insurance is especially crucial if your regular health insurance does not provide coverage outside of your home country.
Trip Insurance for Europe Travel
Another aspect to consider is trip insurance, which offers protection against trip-related issues such as trip cancellation or interruption.
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances like illness, injury, or unforeseen emergencies can force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Trip insurance, which is only available for U.S. residents to purchase, may reimburse you for non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodation, and tour costs. Make sure to carefully review the policy to understand the specific circumstances covered.
Trip insurance offers several benefits when traveling to Europe. It provides coverage for:
- trip cancellation or interruption
- reimbursing non-refundable expenses if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut short your trip
Additionally, it can offer protection against
- medical emergencies
- medical expenses
- emergency medical evacuations, and repatriation
Trip insurance may also provide benefits for:
- travel delays
- baggage loss or delay
- emergency assistance services
Trip insurance can also offer benefits for common travel inconveniences. For instance, flight delays or cancellations can disrupt your itinerary and result in additional expenses. Trip insurance can provide compensation for these unexpected costs, such as meals, accommodations, or alternative transportation arrangements.
The benefits of trip insurance may ensure you have financial protection and support throughout your European journey.
You may want to explore Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) if you want extra flexibility and coverage. CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not covered by standard trip insurance policies. Keep in mind that CFAR coverage typically requires you to meet certain eligibility criteria and may only reimburse a portion of your trip expenses.
Multiple-entry visas are also available for one, three, or five years. However, all types of Schengen visas have to adhere to the 90/180 Schengen Visa rule, which limits a traveler's stay to a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Compare Travel Insurance Options
Before purchasing travel insurance, whether travel medical or trip insurance, carefully review the policy details, including coverage limits, exclusions, and any pre-existing conditions that might affect your coverage. Compare different insurance providers to find a plan that suits your specific needs and budget.
Remember, while travel insurance cannot prevent unexpected events from happening, it can provide valuable financial protection and peace of mind during your European adventure.
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At VisitorsCoverage, you can easily compare Schengen Visa Insurance plans and buy them online, quickly and without excessive paperwork. Schengen Visa Insurance plans can help protect you from unforeseen circumstances and let you travel with peace of mind.
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Disclaimer
Plan features listed here are high level, provided for your convenience and information purpose only. Please review the Evidence of Coverage and Plan Contract (Policy) for a detailed description of Coverage Benefits, Limitations and Exclusions. Must read the Policy Brochure and Plan Details for complete and accurate details. Only the Terms and Conditions of Coverage Benefits listed in the policy are binding.
