If you’re traveling to Europe this summer, you will definitely want travel insurance to supplement your trip in case anything goes wrong. These are three of the best travel insurance companies for coverage in Europe.
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When it comes to travel, there’s usually so much to plan – hotels, flight, activities – it’s easy to forget the smaller details, like protecting yourself from the unexpected. But that’s where travel insurance comes in, ensuring that your dream vacation doesn’t turn into a nightmare if something goes awry.
Travel insurance offers peace of mind, allowing you to explore Europe with confidence. Whether you’re sipping wine in Italy or hiking through the Swiss Alps, knowing you’re covered for emergencies means you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about what could go wrong. While no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, having the right coverage ensures that the only surprises you’ll encounter are the pleasant ones.
From medical coverage to trip cancellations, there are several options tailored to European travel, including the Schengen Zone. In this guide, we’ve rounded up three of the best travel insurance companies, helping you find the right fit for your needs and giving you one less thing to worry about as you embark on your European adventure.
Additionally, in countries where you’re not a resident, the cost of things like medical bills and emergency evacuation are often drastically higher than in your home country (even compared to the US, where those bills are crazy high already). So while you might not like the idea of dishing out money for insurance, you definitely don’t want to return from your trip with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
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BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR EUROPE
If you take away just one important thing from this article, let it be this: Europe travel insurance is necessary. Just because these countries are developed and modern doesn’t mean you’re immune to accidents or illness on your travels.
Have a look at the different Europe travel insurance companies and their travel insurance plans.
SafetyWing: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Expats & Long-Term Travelers
SafetyWing offers flexible, subscription-based travel insurance tailored for long-term travelers and expats, renewing every four weeks until canceled. Coverage is up to $100,000 and includes medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruptions across over 180 countries. However, valuable personal items like laptops and cameras aren’t included.
For digital nomads, this may be an issue, but they can add supplementary coverage such as InsureMyEquipment to protect their gear, ensuring comprehensive coverage for both health and personal belongings while traveling. This makes SafetyWing a great option for those on extended trips who need coverage flexibility.
IMG Student Health Advantage: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Students
So you’ve got your visa application sent off and you’re planning on studying for a semester in Europe. Welcome to one of the best experiences of your life!
It’s likely that you’ll be required to have Europe travel insurance as part of your visa requirements to study abroad (and you may even need to present proof of insurance with your visa application and your visa letter). Regardless, travel health insurance is a must—and IMG Student Health Advantage is the best.
IMG’s Student Health Advantage travel insurance is widely recognized for its tailored packages designed for international students. Founded to address the specific needs of students, their plans offer coverage for those studying abroad, whether individually or in small groups. Their options include both standard and platinum plans, each featuring benefits such as coverage for maternity, mental health care, organized sports, and emergency medical assistance. Crucially, the plans also meet visa requirements for many countries and provides peace of mind through broad medical support networks both in the U.S. and globally.
Flexibility is also a key benefit, with coverage spanning one month to five years, depending on the duration of your travel. For students, the deductible is modest, and the coverage limit ranges from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the chosen plan. Additional perks like coverage for pre-existing conditions and low out-of-pocket maximums add to its appeal as a comprehensive insurance solution for students navigating the challenges of studying abroad.
TravelEx: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Short Trips
Some travellers embarking on short-trips may be tempted to cut corners and not other with insurance, instead diverting their funds elsewhere. After all, what’s the worst that can happen on a two-day city break? The answer to that, alas, is “anything”.
Step forward TravelEx, who are our number one pick for those seeking a travel Insurance policy for a short trip.
Their Travel Basic plan is particularly popular for short getaways, covering trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays, as well as emergency medical expenses, without overloading on unnecessary extras. It provides $15,000 in medical coverage and $100,000 for emergency evacuation, making it a well-rounded choice for those looking for peace of mind during brief excursions.
The Travel America plan caters specifically to domestic travelers with additional perks like rental car collision coverage and protection against unexpected closures of venues or events. This plan is especially popular with budget-conscious travelers planning weekend trips or family outings, offering comprehensive support for a flat rate, while avoiding the complexities of more detailed policies.
TravelEX also receive praise for their user-friendliness, with their policies curated to cover a range of possible inconveniences without requiring extensive customization. This simplicity, combined with reliable coverage and a strong track-record of catering to diverse travel needs, makes Travelex a trusted option for short-term travelers who want both security and ease of use.
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EUROPE TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs
Now that you’re aware of the different Europe travel insurance options and their different travel insurance policies, let’s make sure you’re clear on everything else travel insurance related.
Can I use my regular health insurance in Europe
Regular health insurance may offer limited coverage abroad, but it’s often insufficient for major medical expenses. You might face high out-of-pocket costs or find that your policy doesn’t cover medical evacuations or specific treatments in Europe. Check with your provider to confirm what’s covered.
Since healthcare can be expensive in Europe, travel health insurance is a wise choice. It offers more comprehensive coverage, including emergency care and medical evacuations, and ensures you won’t have to deal with unexpected costs while navigating a foreign healthcare system.
Does travel insurance for Europe also cover the United Kingdom?
Not all countries in Europe are part of the Schengen area, including the United Kingdom, so your Schengen visa and travel insurance may not cover these destinations. It’s important to check your travel insurance policy to ensure it provides coverage for all your medical expenses and emergency evacuation needs, especially if you’re visiting non-Schengen countries.
Some insurance providers, like World Nomads, offer more flexible plans that account for travel throughout Europe, not just the Schengen region. When requesting a quote, be sure to select all the destinations you plan to visit. For clarity, consider consulting travel insurance agents to confirm that you’re fully covered for your trip.
What’s the difference between travel health insurance and travel insurance for Europe?
Travel health insurance specifically covers medical expenses while abroad, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergencies. It’s essential if you’re worried about unforeseen health issues during your trip. Some plans may also include coverage for prescription medications or pre-existing conditions, depending on the policy.
Travel insurance, on the other hand, includes broader coverage. In addition to medical expenses, it may cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and flight delays. While it might include some health coverage, it’s not a substitute for dedicated travel health insurance. For comprehensive protection, it’s best to have both types of coverage.
How much travel insurance do I need for Europe?
The amount of travel insurance coverage you need for Europe/the Schengen area really depends on what you’re planning to do. In any case, your insurance plan should at least cover you for up to $100,000 in medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
You’ll also want to consider what kind of expenses you’ll incur if you’re not covered for things like trip interruption, cancellations, and lost/damaged luggage. You can’t often make corrections to your travel health insurance plan after you’ve begun traveling, so make sure you get it right!
Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?
Yes, US citizens definitely need travel medical insurance for Europe, including the Schengen area. Without it, you could face extremely high medical expenses if you get sick or injured, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt.
Travel insurance for Europe is essential for all travelers, and US citizens are no exception. Protecting yourself with insurance ensures you’re covered for unexpected medical costs while exploring Europe.
Is travel health insurance for Europe valid in all countries?
Most travel health insurance plans cover medical emergencies in the Schengen zone and the EU, but the specifics can vary. Some plans may also include non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland, while others may be more limited. It’s important to double-check the countries covered by your policy.
If you plan to travel outside the covered regions, you might need extra coverage. Some insurers offer plans that specifically include certain areas, so if your itinerary takes you to more remote or non-EU locations, ensure your insurance is up to date and covers all the countries you plan to visit.
Do I need Schengen visa insurance for Europe?
Many citizens do not need a Schengen visa before traveling to Europe. You’ll need to figure out what the Schengen visa requirements are for your country first. If you’re a US citizen, for example, you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa.
Applying for a visa can be a daunting experience for some citizens, but the online process for applicants is pretty straightforward. Absolutely make sure you have proof of your Schengen visa travel insurance secured beforehand (like the AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate mentioned earlier), and include it with your visa letter and visa application.
Once you’ve received your Schengen visa, you’re good to go.
Now it’s time—are you ready to see Europe?