Compare Travel Insurance
Last verified: 3 min read
Side-by-side comparison of travel insurance options.
How to Choose the Right Insurance
With dozens of travel insurance providers available, choosing can be overwhelming. Focus on these key factors:
- Coverage amount: Higher medical coverage means better protection
- What is included: Check for evacuation, cancellation, baggage
- Schengen compliance: If you need a visa, ensure it meets requirements
- Deductible: Lower deductibles mean less out-of-pocket costs
- Reviews and reputation: Check how they handle claims
Coverage Comparison by Level
| Feature | Basic | Standard | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Coverage | €30,000-50,000 | €100,000-250,000 | €500,000-Unlimited |
| Medical Evacuation | Included | Included | Included |
| Trip Cancellation | Limited/None | Up to €2,000 | Up to €10,000+ |
| Baggage Coverage | €500 | €1,000 | €2,000+ |
| Trip Delay | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adventure Activities | No | Limited | Included |
| 24/7 Assistance | Phone only | Phone + app | Dedicated line |
| Typical Cost (2 weeks) | €20-35 | €40-70 | €80-150+ |
What to Prioritize
Medical First €100K+ Most important coverage
Evacuation Essential Getting home safely
24/7 Support Important Help when you need it
Low Deductible Better Less out-of-pocket
Types of Insurance Providers
Specialized Travel Insurers:
- Focus exclusively on travel insurance
- Often better coverage and competitive prices
- Examples: World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz Travel
Traditional Insurers:
- Large companies with travel insurance products
- May offer discounts if you have other policies
- Examples: AXA, Zurich, Generali
Schengen-Specific Providers:
- Designed specifically for visa requirements
- Issue visa-ready certificates
- Examples: AXA Schengen, Europ Assistance
Credit Card Insurance:
- Often included with premium cards
- Check if it meets Schengen requirements
- May have activation requirements
Before You Buy: Checklist
- Coverage matches your needs — medical limits, activities covered
- Schengen compliant — if you need it for a visa application
- Dates correct — covers your entire trip plus buffer
- Territory covered — all countries you are visiting
- Deductible acceptable — amount you pay before coverage starts
- Exclusions reviewed — know what is NOT covered
- Pre-existing conditions — covered if you have health issues
- Claims process — how easy is it to file a claim?
Do Not Just Compare Price
The cheapest policy is not always the best value. A €20 policy that denies your €5,000 claim is worse than a €50 policy that pays. Read reviews, check claim satisfaction, and understand what is covered.
Special Situations
| Feature | What to Look For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Visa | €30K min, repatriation, visa letter | Must meet EU requirements |
| Adventure Sports | Activity-specific coverage | Skiing, hiking, water sports |
| Long Stay (1-3 months) | Extended coverage, higher limits | Check per-trip maximums |
| Pre-existing Conditions | Medical underwriting option | Usually costs more |
| Business Travel | Equipment, professional liability | Cover work-related items |
| Frequent Traveler | Annual multi-trip policy | More cost-effective |
How to File a Claim
If you need to use your insurance:
- Contact your insurer immediately — especially for medical emergencies. They may arrange direct payment to hospitals.
- Keep all documentation — receipts, medical reports, police reports (for theft), boarding passes.
- Follow their process — most have online claims forms and apps.
- Submit promptly — most insurers have time limits for filing claims.
- Be honest and thorough — provide complete information to avoid delays.
Comparison FAQs
Is the cheapest insurance good enough?
Not necessarily. Very cheap policies often have low coverage limits, high deductibles, or many exclusions. A slightly more expensive policy with better coverage is usually worth the extra cost.
Should I buy annual or single-trip insurance?
If you travel to Europe more than 2-3 times per year, an annual policy is usually more economical. Check the per-trip duration limits (often 30-90 days) to ensure they match your travel patterns.
Can I buy insurance after I've started my trip?
Some insurers allow this, but coverage typically starts the next day (not immediately) and may have restrictions. It is always better to buy before you leave.
What is the difference between travel insurance and travel medical insurance?
Travel medical insurance focuses only on healthcare costs. Comprehensive travel insurance also covers trip cancellation, baggage, delays, and other non-medical issues. For most travelers, comprehensive is better value.
Do I need separate insurance for each country?
No. One travel insurance policy should cover all countries in your trip. For Europe, look for policies covering the entire Schengen Area or worldwide.
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