Travel Insurance for Europe
Last verified: 3 min read
Recommended coverage for traveling to Europe.
Why You Need Travel Insurance
Even when not mandatory (like with ETIAS), travel insurance is strongly recommended. Healthcare costs in Europe can be extremely high, and you are personally responsible for every expense.
An emergency room visit costs hundreds of euros. Hospital surgery runs into tens of thousands. Medical evacuation? Often €50,000+. Travel insurance protects you from these costs.
Recommended Coverage
Medical €100,000+ Higher is better
Evacuation Included Medical transport home
Baggage €1,000+ Lost/delayed luggage
Cancellation Trip Cost If you cannot travel
What Can Go Wrong Without Insurance
- Medical emergency: Appendicitis surgery in France: €8,000-15,000
- Broken leg skiing: Hospital + helicopter rescue in Switzerland: €20,000+
- Medical evacuation: Air ambulance to your home country: €50,000-100,000
- Lost luggage: Replacing essentials and clothing: €500-2,000
- Trip cancellation: Non-refundable flights and hotels: €1,000-5,000+
- Flight delay: Overnight hotel and meals: €150-300
ETIAS Doesn't Include Insurance
ETIAS is only a travel authorization — it does not provide any insurance coverage. You are responsible for all medical costs, trip issues, and emergencies. Do not confuse ETIAS approval with being protected.
What to Look for in a Policy
Prioritize these features:
- High medical coverage: At least €100,000, ideally unlimited
- Medical evacuation: Transport home if local treatment is not enough
- 24/7 assistance: Round-the-clock help when needed
- Trip cancellation: Reimburses pre-paid costs if you cannot travel
- Lost baggage: Compensation for missing or delayed luggage
- Low deductibles: Lower out-of-pocket costs when claiming
Coverage Recommendations by Trip Type
| Feature | Medical Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| City break (1 week) | €100,000 | Medical, baggage, cancellation |
| Multi-country (2+ weeks) | €250,000 | Medical, evacuation, interruption |
| Adventure/skiing | €500,000+ | Activity coverage, mountain rescue |
| Long stay (1-3 months) | €500,000+ | Extended coverage, higher limits |
| Business travel | €250,000 | Equipment, professional liability |
EHIC/GHIC: What It Does and Does Not Cover
EHIC or the UK's GHIC provides limited coverage:
Covered:
- Emergency treatment at state-run hospitals
- Treatment that becomes necessary during your stay
- Care for pre-existing conditions needing attention
NOT covered:
- Private hospitals or clinics
- Medical repatriation
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost or stolen belongings
- Dental care (except emergencies)
- Mountain rescue or helicopter evacuation
EHIC/GHIC supplements but does not replace travel insurance.
Travel Insurance FAQs
How much does European travel insurance cost?
Basic coverage for a 2-week trip typically costs €25-50. Comprehensive coverage with higher limits might cost €50-100. Annual multi-trip policies cost €100-200 per year. Prices increase with age and trip duration.
Should I buy insurance from my airline or travel agent?
Airline and travel agent insurance is often expensive for limited coverage. You'll usually get better value from dedicated travel insurance providers. Compare policies before buying add-ons at checkout.
What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Many standard policies exclude pre-existing conditions. If you have health issues, look for policies that offer coverage for pre-existing conditions (often at additional cost) or specialized medical travel insurance.
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most current policies include COVID-19 coverage for medical treatment. Some also cover trip cancellation if you test positive. Check your specific policy for details on pandemic-related coverage.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Buy insurance as soon as you book your trip. This maximizes your cancellation coverage window. Some benefits (like pre-existing condition waivers) require purchasing within a certain time of booking.
What is the claims process like?
Keep all receipts and documentation. Most insurers have online claims forms. For medical emergencies, contact your insurer's 24/7 assistance line immediately — they can help with direct billing and guide your care.
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