Travel Insurance for Europe
Last verified: 2 min read
Insurance requirements and recommendations for European travel.
Quick Facts
Mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. Minimum coverage: €30,000 medical + repatriation. Must be valid for all Schengen countries. Recommended for everyone — even visa-free travelers.
Visa Applicants Mandatory Required for Schengen visa
Min Coverage €30,000 Medical + repatriation
Coverage Area All Schengen countries
Recommended For all travelers Even visa-free visitors
Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants (€30,000 minimum coverage). Even for visa-free travelers, it is strongly recommended — healthcare costs and emergencies in Europe can be expensive without coverage.
Insurance at a Glance
Minimum Coverage €30,000 Required for Schengen visa
Must Cover Medical + Repatriation Emergency treatment & return
Territory All Schengen Valid for all 30 countries
Duration Entire Trip Entry to exit dates
Who Needs Insurance?
- Schengen Visa Applicants — MANDATORY. €30,000 minimum medical coverage required. Your application will be rejected without it.
- ETIAS Travelers — RECOMMENDED. Not required for ETIAS, but strongly advised for medical emergencies and trip protection.
- EU Citizens — OPTIONAL. EHIC/GHIC provides some coverage, but travel insurance offers more comprehensive protection.
Even when not mandatory, travel insurance can save you thousands in case of emergencies.
What Good Travel Insurance Covers
- Emergency medical treatment — hospital stays, doctor visits, medications
- Medical repatriation — transport back home if needed
- Emergency dental care — urgent dental treatment
- Trip cancellation — reimbursement if you cannot travel
- Trip interruption — coverage if you need to cut your trip short
- Lost or delayed baggage — compensation for missing luggage
- Personal liability — if you accidentally cause damage or injury
EHIC/GHIC Is Not Enough
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) only covers emergency medical treatment at state-run facilities. It does not cover medical repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or private healthcare. Travel insurance provides much broader protection.
Recommended
Get Travel Insurance for Europe
Whether you need Schengen-compliant coverage for a visa application or want peace of mind for your trip, travel insurance protects you from unexpected costs.
- Schengen-compliant
- Medical emergencies
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage protection
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Insurance FAQs
How much does travel insurance cost?
Basic Schengen-compliant travel insurance typically costs €30-150 depending on trip duration, age, and coverage level. For a 2-week trip, expect to pay around €30-50 for basic coverage.
Can I buy insurance after my visa is approved?
For Schengen visa applications, you must have insurance at the time of application. You cannot submit your application without proof of coverage. Some policies allow you to adjust dates later.
Does my credit card include travel insurance?
Some premium credit cards include travel insurance, but it often does not meet Schengen visa requirements (minimum €30,000 medical coverage, repatriation, all Schengen countries). Check your card's specific coverage before relying on it.
What if I'm visiting multiple countries?
Your travel insurance must cover all Schengen countries you will visit. Most Schengen-compliant policies automatically cover the entire Schengen Area, so one policy works for multi-country trips.
Do I need insurance for ETIAS?
Travel insurance is not required for ETIAS applications. However, it is strongly recommended. Without insurance, you would be personally responsible for any medical costs, which can be very high in Europe.
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