Travel Insurance for Europe
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+
- Evacuation
- Included
- Baggage
- €1,000+
- Cancellation
- Trip Cost
Higher is better
Medical transport home
Lost/delayed luggage
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
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
| 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.