Whether you are crossing off your bucket list to explore all of Europe, or maybe going on a backpacking trip, a long-term stay in Europe can be a great adventure to explore new areas and enjoy fantastic cuisine.
Our licensed insurance specialists evaluated travel insurance plans for a long-term trip to Europe by their trip and medical coverage, cost, and suitability for longer stays abroad.
Best Europe Travel Insurance Plans 2026
What are the Key Benefits of Travel Insurance for Europe?
A longer stay in Europe should protect you medically, since oftentimes, your domestic health insurance may provide little to no coverage abroad. Especially if you are a senior on Medicare, it is important to get coverage in case of a medical incident abroad where Medicare may not cover you. On top of getting coverage for medical expenses, you may want to look out for coverage for medical and non-medical evacuation and repatriation, in case of a serious medical injury in a remote location or if a strike or natural disaster happens during your long stay in Europe.
While being cared for medically, travel insurance can also protect your overall trip investment. If something happens before, during, or after your trip, travel insurance can cover your prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if a cancellation, interruption, or delay occurs. Not only are you protected, but your bags, valuables, and your trip in general can be protected for a modest amount.
The benefits of travel insurance to look out for when it comes to a longer trip in Europe include the following:
- Emergency Medical/Non-Medical Evacuation: If you experience a serious and unexpected injury while traveling in a remote location or somewhere with limited medical facilities, travel insurance can help cover your transportation and medical evacuation to the nearest hospital. Emergency evacuation may also be available if there is a natural disaster, political unrest, or other dangerous situations at your destination.
- Emergency Medical Expenses: Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to go to a hospital and get medical treatment due to an unexpected injury or sickness. Receiving medical treatment outside of your home country can be expensive, especially because sometimes your domestic health insurance, like Medicare, may provide little to no coverage.
- Pre-existing Medical Condition Coverage: Luckily, travel insurance can cover a traveler with a pre-existing medical condition for some trip-related expenses or emergency medical expenses if your current pre-existing health condition worsens, causing you to interrupt or cancel your trip. When you get your travel insurance plan, the insurance will oftentimes provide a pre-existing medical condition waiver, as long as you got your travel insurance plan within 14-21 days of your initial trip deposit.
- Theft Coverage for Passports and Documents: Especially if you are planning a longer stay in Europe, travel insurance can help recover your missing passport, credit cards, and other important documents that were stolen while traveling. Some travel insurance policies may even offer coverage for emergency cash transfers, which can be useful in case you lose access to your funds.
- Trip Cancellation: Trip cancellation coverage can help you if you are a senior and need to cancel your trip for a covered reason, such as an illness or family emergency. Travel insurance can reimburse up to 100% of your trip costs if you decide before your trip that you need to cancel due to an unforeseen event.
- Trip Interruption: Trip interruption acts in a similar way to trip cancellation, but it's for if you are already on your trip and need to cut it short for a covered reason like an illness or accident. This kind of coverage can help recover your unused, prepaid expenses that you cannot get a refund for. It can also help cover the cost if you need additional transportation home, which can be expensive without insurance.
- Baggage Delay and Loss: Many travel insurance policies include coverage to replace essential items if your baggage is delayed or lost. This benefit gives you the resources to purchase necessary clothing, medications, and personal items while your luggage situation is resolved, minimizing disruption and letting you continue to enjoy your trip.
- Adventure Sports Coverage: If you plan to do an adventurous, high-risk activity, this kind of coverage can help with your medical expenses related to your activity. Many travel insurance plans don't normally cover activities with a higher risk like skiing or mountaineering. However, some plans typically have adventure sports coverage as a separate, optional add-on, which could be worth it in case of an injury related to your activity.
- 24/7 Assistance Services: Many travel insurance plans offer a 24/7 assistance services hotline that you can typically find on your physical or digital ID card. This service can be a game-changer for US travelers to Europe who need help navigating unfamiliar situations. The 24/7 travel assistance service can provide translation services, hospital navigation, and guidance on the necessary documents you may need in case you need to file a claim.
| Benefits | Trip Protection Choice | iTravelInsured Travel LX | Pathway Premier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Emergency Coverage | Up to $500,000 | Up to $500,000 | Up to $100,000 |
| Medical Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 |
| Non-Medical Evacuation | Up to $20,000 | Up to $50,000 | Not Covered |
| Trip Cancellation | Up to 100% | Up to 100% | Up to 100% |
| Trip Interruption | Up to 150% | Up to 150% | Up to 150% |
| Trip Delay | Up to $2,000, $250 per day, after 6 hours | Up to $250 per day, $2,500 maximum | Up to $2,000, $300 per day, after 6 hours |
| Baggage and Valuable Loss | Up to $2,500, $250 per item | Up to $2,500, $250 per item | Up to $1,000, $250 per item |
| Baggage Delay | Up to $500 | Up to $500 | Up to $500 |
| Adventure Sports Coverage | Not covered | Optional add-on benefit | Optional add-on benefit |
| 24/7 Assistance Services | Covered | Covered | Covered |
What are the Common Scenarios US Travelers to Europe May Face?
Planning a long-term trip to Europe can be an exciting adventure, however, there can be room for unexpected events to occur, which can be expensive without the proper insurance. While researching how to plan a long-term trip to Europe, you may want to think about the potential scenarios that could happen, and how comprehensive travel insurance can help you along the way.
Scenario #1: Lost or Stolen Wallet
While traveling on a busy train to Berlin, you notice that your wallet is no longer in your pocket, and you can't dictate as to who might have pickpocketed you. Your wallet had all of your cash and credit cards. With a police report, travel insurance can help you in this case by reimbursing for replacement costs and coverage for unauthorized credit card use. The 24/7 assistance team can provide emergency cash transfers, help you locate the nearest US embassy, and assist with police reports and documentation required for your insurance claim.
Scenario #2: Injury Due to High-Risk Activity
While mountaineering in the French Alps, you slip on some loose rocks and break your leg. You are a distance away from the nearest road, and there is no way you can get up on your own. Travel insurance can help provide coverage to get a helicopter rescue so you can be medically evacuated to the nearest hospital. Also, travel insurance can provide coverage for your medical expenses while in Europe.
Scenario #3: Pre-existing Condition Flares Up
You have well-controlled asthma that has not flared up in a couple of years. However, while visiting Europe in the springtime, the pollen in the air causes your asthma to flare up drastically, resulting in going to the hospital. With the pre-existing medical condition waiver, medical expenses, trip cancellations, and interruptions related to your asthma can be covered.
Get the Best Travel Insurance With VisitorsCoverage
Traveling to Europe can be a journey you will never forget. To make sure that it is even more of an amazing trip, consider getting a travel insurance plan that matches your needs. It is easy to compare plans, explore benefits, and find coverage that suits your trip. Have questions? Our team of licensed insurance specialists is there to help you throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I am visiting part of the Schengen Area for more than 90 days?
If you are a U.S. citizen who is there for more than 90 days, you would have to apply for a Schengen visa. For 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
Is travel insurance more expensive for international trips?
Not necessarily. The cost of your travel insurance is dictated by 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.
Does travel insurance cover rental car accidents in Europe?
Yes, travel insurance can cover your rental car in Europe with an optional add-on to your policy. Some policies may already cover rental cars without it being an add-on, but it is important to check your coverage and if your rental car can be covered.
Does travel insurance cover traveling with expensive items like cameras or my laptop?
Travel insurance can provide coverage for high-value items like cameras 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 hospital directly, or do I have to pay upfront and get reimbursed later?
It typically depends on the care you receive. For emergency hospitalizations, direct billing may be available, but 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. With non-emergency care, you typically pay upfront at a clinic or urgent care and then file a claim for reimbursement.
What documentation should I keep if I need to file an insurance claim?
The necessary documents you will need to file a trip insurance claim can be various items such as copies of your passport and/or US visa/entry stamp, itemized medical bills, and receipts. However, each provider may have slightly different steps. Typically, your insurance company will let you know which type of documents they expect, but if they don't specify, check your policy or reach out to their customer service team for guidance. The more information or documentation you provide, the better. Keeping clear records and acting promptly can help the process go more smoothly.
Is it really necessary to buy trip insurance for international travel?
Depending on your destination, overseas travel may require travel insurance. For destinations that do not require it, it is still highly recommended to get travel insurance. For example, if you happen to get in a situation where you need to seek medical attention, it is very likely that your U.S. healthcare won't cover overseas medical care. That means you would have to pay out of pocket, which can be expensive in most countries.
Can I extend my policy if I stay longer in Europe?
Trip insurance coverage may be extended only if the entire trip is covered by the policy and your return is delayed due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness or natural disasters. This extension will terminate on the earlier of two dates: when you arrive at your originally scheduled return destination, or when the stated extension time frame in your policy lapses. It is recommended to refer to your policy documents for specific terms and conditions.
