Money Mentor Logo

Helping you make the most out of your money

Searching Money Mentor . . .

The best travel insurance providers.

Updated March 26, 2024

In this guide

Woman at airport after taking out travel insurance

If you’re looking to escape the UK winter, or if you’re saving your holiday for the height of summer, you may wish to consider travel insurance. We explain what travel insurance is and some of the best policies on the market for your holiday.

In 2022, UK residents made 71 million visits abroad. This was over three times the amount made in 2021, when COVID restrictions kept many people at home. 

So if you’re part of a growing number of people spending time abroad, have you considered travel insurance? By taking out one of these policies you could be protected for lost baggage, delayed flights, and medical emergencies abroad among other unforeseen events.  

In this article we explain:

  • What is travel insurance

What does travel insurance cover?

The best travel insurance.

  • Travel insurance and medical conditions

Read more: Passport renewal costs and waiting times

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance covers the cost of unforeseen events and mishaps that either stop you from going on holiday or affect you while you’re away.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance might cover you for:

  • Medical bills if you suffer illness or have an accident while you’re away
  • Cancellation of your trip for reasons outside of your control
  • Lost or stolen baggage

Policies are usually relatively inexpensive and can give you the peace of mind that your costs will be covered if something bad happens while you are on holiday.

According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won’t stop bad things from happening, but it can prevent you from having to find the money to pay for unexpected costs even after you return from your holiday.

Read more: Ten budget travel tips

Many people opt to take out travel insurance to cover potential medical care while away.

Every week, 3,000 Brits need emergency medical treatment while abroad, according to the ABI. But travel insurance isn’t just about covering medical costs. It can protect you against a range of unplanned events:

  • Cancellation or trip interruption for reasons outside your control
  • Missed transport or delayed departure for reasons outside your control
  • Personal injury and death, including medical evacuation
  • Lost, stolen or damaged items, including baggage, passports and money – check if your home contents insurance covers you
  • Accidental damage or injury caused by you

Does travel insurance cover cancelled flights?

Most travel insurers provide a basic level of cover for cancelled flights. Aviva’s travel insurance, for example, will pay out if your flight is cancelled due to an airport shutdown.

If your airline cancels your flight then you should claim a refund directly with them, so your travel insurance could cover other costs such as hotel bookings, vehicle rentals, and other possible excursions.

What are my rights during strike action?

best travel insurance uk to europe

If your flights are cancelled because air staff are striking, which they have over last summer, you might be entitled to compensation from the airline. But for this to apply, customers must have been given less than 14 days’ notice.

It also depends on whether the airline was at fault or not: so if it’s the airline’s staff who are striking, you should be entitled to compensation.

If you’re worried that your flights might be delayed or cancelled, you should also check your travel insurance policy.

Some policies cover you for a cancelled or delayed flight, provided you took out the policy before the strikes were announced.

But if you haven’t yet bought your insurance, you may be out of luck. This is because most insurers won’t cover you for strikes which were already known about.

Read how travel insurance could catch you out.

Below we’ve listed some of the best travel insurance providers on the market, all of which were nominated in Times Money Mentor awards 2023.

Santander

Times Money Mentor award winning cover

Saga

Best for over-50s

Post Office

Post Office

Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions

Aviva

Best for those wanting substantial medical cover  

LV=

Best for a range of unique add-ons

Looking for a new holiday destination?

best travel insurance uk to europe

Make sure to visit Times Travel for your holiday inspiration this year. From palm beaches in Fiji to the beautiful Italian coastline, Times Travel caters to all different tastes. Unlike other parts of the site, you also don’t need a subscription to enjoy their high-quality content.

Another notable provider

Despite not winning a nomination at the Times Money Mentor awards, this provider also offers a decent level of cover:

Switched On Insurance

Switched On

The best travel insurance for cruises.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise, it’s important to take out special additional cover such as a cruise insurance to protect you.

Cruise insurance is normally offered as an add-on to travel policies, and protects you if you:

  • Miss connections to reach the departure
  • Fail to get back on board after planned stops
  • End up being confined to your cabin

Though if you want a dedicated travel insurance policy for a cruise, here’s an option to consider:

JustTravelCover.com

Just Travel Cover*

Best for cruise holidays

The best winter sports cover

If you’re planning a skiing and snowboarding trip then it’s important you have insurance that will cover you if you’re involved in an accident on the slopes.

Most travel insurers will offer winter sports cover as an optional add-on to their regular cover and will protect you if you:

  • Need to be airlifted off the slopes or rescued and need medical treatment
  • Turn up and there’s no snow
  • Can’t start skiing and snowboarding because of avalanche risk
  • Find out your equipment – such as skis, snowboard and boots – has been stolen

It’s difficult to predict what the next ski season will look like. But if you’re booking now and want cover for the essentials, here’s a policy to factor into your calculations.

InsureandGo

InsureandGo*

Best for winter sports

What should a basic travel policy cover?

When shopping for travel insurance, you should ensure your policy comes with the following seven things as standard:

1. Medical expenses

This covers the costs of any emergency medical and surgical treatment while you’re away.

It usually costs more for cover in the US as medical bills can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Any treatment that can wait until you get home is not usually included.

Most policies offer cover of £1 million for medical costs in Europe. This is usually £2 million in the US.

2. Repatriation

This is where you might need to be evacuated from the country you’re visiting.

Repatriation usually happens when you need to get back home to the UK in the event of a medical emergency and is usually covered as standard in most travel insurance policies.

3. Cancellation/curtailment

This covers any travel and accommodation costs you have paid for and can’t use or claim back.

You need a good reason to cancel your trip, so make sure you double check the terms and conditions of your policy.

4. Missed departure

This covers your extra accommodation costs and travel expenses should you miss your departure due to situations outside your control.

It usually includes your car breaking down or being involved in an accident. Leaving home at the last minute won’t count.

This covers you for delays to your travel plans, such as severe weather conditions.

Delays known about before (such as strikes) won’t be covered.

6. Baggage cover

This should cover you if your baggage is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.

You might need extra cover for gadgets or valuable possessions as there are usually limits on separate items.

Losses need to be reported within a certain time frame and you must have a written report from your airline if it loses your baggage.

7. Personal liability cover

This should cover you if you are liable to pay damages due to:

  • Accidental bodily injury to someone
  • Or for loss or damage to someone else’s property
  • Claims made by family members or employees won’t be covered

Choose a smooth private healthcare journey with Saga Insurance

best travel insurance uk to europe

• Easy access to a specialist

• Fast tests, scans and treatment

• Comfortable hospital stay

Get a Saga Health Insurance quote

For people over 50. Saga Health Insurance is a unique product designed by us specifically for our customers, and it’s only available through us. Together with our underwriter, Bupa Insurance Limited, we are committed to providing high standards of quality and service. 

What extra cover can you buy?

To provide a peace of mind you might be able to add the following onto your policy too:

  • Wedding cover – If you’re travelling abroad for a wedding, some providers might include an add-on which covers damage to your possessions. If you think you need something more comprehensive, then consider a separate wedding insurance policy
  • Gadget insurance – While you’re abroad you may wish to cover your laptop, phone, or tablet from theft or damage
  • Golf equipment cover – Planning to tee off abroad? Then consider cover for moving your clubs overseas. This type of add on includes cover for your equipment if it is lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged

Read more: Is credit card travel insurance any good?

What is not covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance won’t cover you for a risk that is known about.

For example, if you have a long-standing medical condition that means you can’t go on holiday, your insurer might not cover you for the cancellation costs.

Insurers also won’t cover you if you have to cancel your trip for reasons within your control. For example, if you miss your flight because you woke up late, your claim is likely to be rejected.

Travel insurance is also unlikely to cover you if you have been irresponsible. For example, if you leave your valuables in your hold luggage then your policy won’t cover you if these items are damaged.

Each travel insurance policy will have specific things it won’t cover and this will vary depending on the provider. So it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully.

What types of travel insurance can you buy?

There are two main options to choose from when taking out a travel insurance policy:

  • Single trip — covers you for one trip of a specified length only
  • Annual multi-trip — covers you for all your trips for one year (if you travel a lot this can work out cheaper than lots of single policies)

You need to make sure that either option of travel insurance covers you for where you are going, such as:

  • Europe only
  • Or the more expensive, worldwide policies (these either include or exclude the US)

But check first which exact countries providers include in their policies. For example, some policies include Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt in their Europe insurance.

There is also specific travel insurance for backpackers, which offers extra cover for those who are likely to be away for an extended period of time or travelling to multiple destinations.

Also bear in mind that if you are doing any extreme sports like skiing or going on a cruise then you might need to buy an add-on.

When should I take out travel insurance?

It’s usually best to take out travel insurance as soon as you have booked your trip.

While many people think of travel insurance as something that covers problems while they are away, some policies cover you for issues, accidents and illnesses that stop you from being able to travel.

Cancellation is one of the main reasons that people claim on a travel insurance policy. If the cancellation happens before you have bought insurance then you wouldn’t be able to claim.

How much should I pay for travel insurance?

Your travel insurance premium will depend on a range of factors such as your age, health, type of policy, and destination. This is why an average travel insurance premium will likely be meaningless, so make sure to do your research and get a quote from several different providers before deciding on a policy.

Do I need travel insurance?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t a legal requirement. However, it does come with a host of benefits such as cover for medical expenses.

We’ve already listed the benefits of having protection for unexpected medical costs above, and it remains pertinent if you’re travelling abroad and won’t have access to the NHS. According to the ABI, there is one recorded case in 2022 when a traveller in Thailand contracted a serious blood infection which needed intensive medical treatment. The bill eventually came up to £250,000 which was paid in full by their travel insurance provider.

Also consider that some visa applications require you to have a suitable travel insurance policy in place before you apply. If you’re applying for a Schengen visa to travel Europe you’ll need a policy in place which covers medical expenses up to €30,000 during your trip.

FAQs: Travel insurance and medical conditions

Many people solely take out travel insurance to protect themselves from medical expenses. According to the ABI, the average medical claim on travel cover is more than £1,300. Notoriously in the US, these figures run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

So below we’ve answered some of the most common medical related questions on travel insurance:

Q. Does travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Some insurers do provide cover for pre-existing conditions. However, it is vital that youflag these conditions during the application stage. If you don’t it could invalidate your policy.  

Q. Do you need to tell your travel insurance provider if you have a new medical condition?

If there is a significant change to your personal health then you’ll need to inform your travel insurance provider. This includes being diagnosed with a new long-term illness.

Failure to do so could invalidate your policy.

Q. Can you get travel insurance if you’re over 75 with medical conditions?

Yes. In fact, there are some providers on the market which tailor their policies towards an older demographic. For example, Saga has dedicated policies for over 50s and 70s.

* All products, brands or properties mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback, and are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. This article contains links from which we can earn revenue. This revenue helps us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. For more, see  How we make our money  and  Editorial promise

Important information

Some of the products promoted are from our affiliate partners from whom we receive compensation. While we aim to feature some of the best products available, we cannot review every product on the market.

Is travel insurance worth it

What is travel insurance and is it worth it?

A technical issue with UK air traffic control systems left thousands of travellers facing long delays on one of the busiest days of the year in August. You have travel rights, so is it worth having travel insurance? Hundreds of flights were delayed and cancelled on bank holiday Monday due to the fault. The incident […]

flight delay and cancellations compensation

Am I entitled to flight delay compensation?

In September, hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed due to a “technical issue” with UK air traffic control systems. It left hundreds of passengers stranded. Here we explain your rights when it comes to flight compensation. Air traffic control faults are classified as “extraordinary circumstances” and therefore airlines do not have to give you […]

The coronavirus pandemic has caused significant disruption to travel plans over the past year

Is credit card travel insurance any good?

We explain how travel insurance on credit card works and look at the pros and cons of using it. Some rewards credit cards offer travel insurance. However, your credit card is unlikely to give you all the cover you need as full medical insurance is not included. This article will cover: Related content: What are […]

Sign up to our newsletter

For the latest money tips, tricks and deals, sign up to our weekly newsletter today

Your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Thanks for signing up

You’re now subscribed to our newsletter, you’ll receive the first one within the next week.

best travel insurance uk to europe

Travelling From the UK to Europe? Here Are 3 Health Insurances to Know in 2023

Byron Mühlberg, writer at Monito.com

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Crossing the Channel to visit Europe is an exciting and memorable trip for most Brits, regardless of whether it's for business, to visit friends or family, or just as a tourist to see the big cities like Paris, Rome, or Vienna And while travelling to Europe can be an accessible, it's worth remembering that out-the-pocket healthcare costs are among the most expensive in the world, so it's not just a good idea, but essential, to arrive in the country with travel health insurance under your belt.

Luckily, online global insurances (known as 'insurtechs') specialize in cost-savvy travel insurance to Europe and other countries worldwide. Our list below explores the four services we believe provide the best deals for young adventurers, everyday holidaymakers looking for comprehensive but affordable coverage, and longer-term expats alike.

Europe Insurance Profile

Here are a few of the many factors influencing the scope and cost of travel insurances for Europe:

Best Travel Insurances for Europe

  • 01. Should I get travel insurance for Europe? scroll down
  • 02. Best medical coverage: VisitorsCoverage scroll down
  • 03. Best trip insurance: Insured Nomads scroll down
  • 04. Best mix for youth and digitial nomads: SafetyWing scroll down
  • 05. FAQ about travel insurance from the UK to Europe scroll down

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory From the UK to Europe?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Schengen countries. If you're entering the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country, you must show a valid passport and travel insurance that covers the duration of their stay and a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Being insured is one of the necessary steps to secure a visa and enter the Schengen Area, and failure to comply may result in a denial of entry from the United Kingdom.

However, regardless of whether or not it's legally required, it's always a good idea to take our health insurance before you travel — whether to Europe or anywhere else. For what's usually an affordable cost , taking out travel insurance will mitigate most or all of the risk of financial damage if you run into any unexpected troubles during your trip abroad. Take a look at the top five reasons to get travel insurance to learn more.

With that said, here are the top three travel insurances for Europe from the United Kingdom:

VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage

Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms,  VisitorsCoverage  is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for visitors from the UK travelling to Europe. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Europe, including coverage for emergencies, doctor's visits, and other medical-related expenses. With its easy online purchase process and 24/7 live chat support, VisitorsCoverage is a reliable and convenient option if you want good value and peace of mind while travelling abroad.

Get a quote ❯

  • Coverage 9.0
  • Quality of Service 9.0
  • Pricing 7.6
  • Credibility 9.5

VisitorsCoverage offers a large variety of policies, and depending on your needs and preferences, you'll need to compare and explore their full catalogue of plans for yourself. However, we've chosen a few highlights for their travel insurance for Europe:

  • Policy names: Varies
  • Medical coverage: Very good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, mental health-related conditions, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Excellent - but only available for US residents.
  • Customer support: FAQ, live chat and phone support
  • Pricing range: USD 25 to USD 150 /person /month
  • Insurance underwriter: Lloyd's, Petersen, and others
  • Best for: Value for money and overall medical coverage

Insured Nomads: Best Trip Coverage

Insured Nomads is another good travel insurance provider for Europe, especially if you're adventurous or frequently on the go and are looking for solid trip insurance from the UK with some coverage for medical incidents too. With Insured Nomads, you can choose the level of protection that best suits your needs and enjoy a wide range of benefits, including 24/7 assistance, coverage for risky activities and adventure sports, and the ability to add or remove coverage as needed. In addition, Insured Nomads has a reputation for providing fast and efficient claims service, making it an excellent choice if you want peace of mind while exploring the world.

Get a quote ❯

  • Coverage 7.8
  • Quality of Service 8.5
  • Pricing 7.4
  • Credibility 8.8

Insured Nomads offers three travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences. We go through them below:

  • Policy names: World Explorer, World Explorer Multi, World Explorer Guardian
  • Medical coverage: Good. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Good. Includes coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, lost or stolen luggage (with limits), adventure and sports activities, and many others.
  • Customer support: FAQ, live chat, phone support
  • Pricing range: USD 80 to USD 420 /person /month
  • Insurance underwriter: David Shield Insurance Company Ltd.
  • Best for: Adventure seekers wanting comprehensive trip insurance

SafetyWing: Best Combination For Youth

SafetyWing is a good insurance option for young people or digital nomads from the UK because it offers flexible but comprehensive coverage at a famously affordable price. With SafetyWing, you can enjoy peace of mind in Europe knowing you're covered for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. In addition, SafetyWing's user-friendly website lets you manage your policy, file a claim, and access 24/7 assistance from anywhere in the world, and, unlike VisitorsCoverage, you can even purchase a policy retroactively (e.g. during a holiday)!

Get a quote ❯

  • Coverage 7.0
  • Quality of Service 8.0
  • Pricing 6.3
  • Credibility 7.3

SafetyWing offers two travel insurance policies depending on your needs and preferences, which we've highlighted below:

  • Policy names: Nomad Insurance, Remote Health
  • Medical coverage: Decent. Includes coverage for doctor and hospital visits, repatriation, and many others.
  • Trip coverage: Decent. Includes attractive coverage for lost or stolen belongings, adventure and sports activities, transport cancellation, and many others.
  • Pricing range: USD 45 to USD 160 /person /month
  • Insurance underwriter: Tokyo Marine HCC
  • Best for: Digital nomads, youth, long-term travelling

Compare For Yourself

In this post, we explored three travel insurance providers you should consider for your next trip to Europe from the UK. That being said, there are many more providers out there, some of which might make even more sense for you depending on your travel needs and preferences. To compare the top providers on the market, run a search on Monto's travel insurance comparison engine below 👇

Find travel insurance for you:

How do they compare.

Interested to see how VisitorsCoverage, SafetyWing, and Insured Nomads compare as travel insurances to Europe? Take a look at the side-by-side chart below:

Data correct as of 14/02/2023

FAQ About Travel Insurance from the UK to Europe

Travel insurance typically covers trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, travel delay, and emergency evacuation. Some travel insurance packages also cover medical-related incidents too. However, remember that the exact coverage depends on the insurance policy.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to Schengen countries. If you're entering the Schengen Area from a non-Schengen country, you must show a valid passport and travel insurance that covers the duration of their stay and a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Being insured is one of the necessary steps to secure a visa and enter the Schengen Area, and failure to comply may result in a denial of entry.

Yes, medical travel insurance is almost always worth it, and we recommend taking out travel insurance whenever visiting a foreign country. Taking out travel insurance will mitigate some or all of the risk of covering those costs yourself in case you need medical attention during your stay. In general, we recommend VisitorsCoverage to visitors worldwide because it offers excellent value for money and well-rounded travel and medical benefits in its large catalogue of plans.

Health insurance doesn't cover normal holiday expenses, such as coverage for missed flights and hotels, but in case you run into medical trouble while abroad, it may cover some or all of your doctor or hospital expenses while overseas. However, not all health insurance providers and plans offer coverage to customers while abroad, and that's why it's generally best to take out travel insurance whenever you travel.

Although there's overlap, health and travel insurance are not exactly the same. Health insurance covers some or all of the cost of medical expenses (e.g. emergency treatment, doctor's visits, etc.) while travel insurance covers non-medical costs that are commonly associated with travelling (e.g. coverage for missed flights, stolen or lost personal belongings, etc.).

The cost of travel insurance depends on several factors, such as the length of the trip, the destination, the age of the insured, and the level of coverage desired. On average, travel insurance can cost anywhere between 3% and 10% of the total cost of the trip.

A single-trip travel insurance policy covers a specific trip, while an annual one covers multiple trips taken within a one-year period. An annual policy may be more cost-effective for frequent tourists.

Yes, you can sometimes purchase travel insurance after starting your trip, but it is best to buy it before the trip begins to ensure maximum coverage. If you do need to buy insurance after you've started your trip, we recommend VisitorsCoverage , which offers a wide catalogue of online trip and medical insurance policies, most of which can be booked with immediate effect. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

Yes, you can most certainly purchase travel insurance for a trip that has already been booked, although we recommend purchasing insurance as soon as possible aftwerwards to ensure all coverage is in place before your journey begins. Check out our guide to buying travel insurance late to learn more.

See Our Other Travel Insurance Guides

The wing of a commercial aircraft in the clouds during a flight.

Looking for Travel Insurance to Another Country?

See our recommendations for travel insurance to other countries worldwide:

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

best travel insurance uk to europe

Allianz Travel Insurance »

best travel insurance uk to europe

Travelex Insurance Services »

best travel insurance uk to europe

Generali Global Assistance »

best travel insurance uk to europe

WorldTrips »

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Europe.

Table of Contents

  • Allianz Travel Insurance
  • Travelex Insurance Services

You almost certainly will want travel insurance for Europe, mostly because the high cost for international trips is worth protecting against travel delays and trip cancellations. Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation.

If you're searching for the best Europe travel insurance that money can buy, consider the following plans and all they have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people need travel health insurance at a bare minimum when traveling to European destinations like France, Italy or Switzerland, as well as additional countries inside and outside of the Schengen area. After all, U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage for medical emergencies overseas, and the same is true for government health plans like Medicare. Check out our article on whether your health insurance covers international travel .

Other benefits built into Europe travel insurance plans can also protect the money that's been spent on airfare, hotel stays, Europe cruises and tours. For example, travelers can benefit from having coverage for trip cancellation, trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

Every travel insurance policy is unique, so you'll want to read over individual travel insurance plans to see what they protect against. That said, the bulk of travel insurance plans for trips to Europe provide the following coverages:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Travel delays
  • Lost luggage reimbursement
  • Baggage delay coverage
  • Medical expenses
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Rental car damage

Some travel insurance plans also offer additional or optional coverage for sports equipment or sports equipment delays, missed connections, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), adventure sports and more.

Some visitors to countries in the Schengen area are required to have a visa for short stays that can last for up to 90 days within a timeline of up to 180 days. However, this is not the case for American citizens, who can stay in Europe for up to 90 days at a time without meeting specific visa requirements.

The U.S. Department of State also notes that American citizens who want to stay in Europe for more than 90 days should reach out to the country they plan on visiting to inquire about their visa process.

If you live in a country that requires a Schengen visa, you are required to purchase Schengen visa insurance that pays for overseas medical expenses. This coverage must provide at least 30,000 euros in protection against medical expenses that result from hospitalization, emergency treatment and repatriation of remains in the case of accident or death.

  • Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
  • Travelex Insurance Services: Best Cost
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
  • WorldTrips: Best for Groups

Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) and preexisting medical conditions coverage available

Kids 17 and younger covered for free

Lower coverage amount for medical expenses than some providers

  • $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation
  • $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
  • $500 in coverage for eligible trip changes
  • $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
  • $500,000 for emergency medical transportation
  • $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage
  • $300 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
  • $800 in protection for travel delays (daily limit of $200 applies)
  • $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
  • 24-hour hotline assistance
  • Concierge services

Optional CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

Kids 17 and younger are covered for free

Many coverages cost extra

  • 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation (up to $50,000)
  • 150% of trip cost for trip interruption (up to $75,000)
  • $2,000 in coverage for trip delays of five hours or longer
  • $750 in coverage for missed connections
  • $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($500 dental sublimit included)
  • $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
  • $200 for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
  • $200 for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
  • $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • 24/7 travel assistance
  • 100% of the insured trip cost for financial default of a travel provider (maximum of $50,000)
  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage for preexisting medical conditions (maximum of $50,000)
  • Cancel for work reasons coverage
  • CFAR insurance
  • Car rental coverage worth up to $35,000
  • $50,000 in additional emergency medical coverage
  • $500,000 in additional coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Adventure sports exclusions waiver
  • $200,000 in coverage for flight accidental death and dismemberment

CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

High coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation

CFAR coverage only reimburses at 60%

  • $1,000,000 coverage limit for emergency medical evacuation and transportation
  • $250,000 coverage limit for medical expenses ($500 limit for dental emergencies)
  • 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation
  • 175% of trip cost for trip interruption
  • $1,000 per person for travel delays ($300 per person daily limit applies)
  • $2,000 per person in coverage for baggage and $500 for baggage delays
  • $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment and $500 for sporting equipment delays
  • $1,000 per person in coverage for missed connections
  • Air flight accident AD&D coverage worth $100,000 per person and $200,000 per plan
  • Travel accident AD&D coverage worth $50,000 per person and $100,000 per plan
  • $25,000 in coverage for rental cars
  • 24-hour travel support

Discounts for groups of five or more

Potential for high coverage limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellation

Available coverage limits vary by age

  • $5,000 for local burial or cremation
  • Up to $25,000 in AD&D coverage
  • $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions
  • $10,000 in coverage for trip interruption
  • $1,000 for lost checked luggage
  • $100 in coverage for lost or stolen passports or visas
  • $100 in coverage per day for travel delays of at least 12 hours (two days of coverage maximum)
  • Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who has created content about travel insurance, family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and more for over a decade. She has visited more than 50 countries around the world and has an annual travel insurance plan of her own. Johnson also has experience navigating the claims process for travel insurance plans and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson works with her husband, Greg, who is licensed to sell travel insurance and owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

You might also be interested in:

best travel insurance uk to europe

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

Holly Johnson

Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations.

best travel insurance uk to europe

8 Cheapest Travel Insurance Companies Worth the Cost

U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering pricing data, expert recommendations and consumer reviews.

best travel insurance uk to europe

The Best Travel Medical Insurance of 2024

Explore protection options for unexpected health issues abroad.

best travel insurance uk to europe

Expat Travel Insurance: The 5 Best Options for Globetrotters

Find the coverage and benefits you need for your adventures abroad.

allianz assistance logo

  • Single Trip
  • Annual Multi-Trip
  • Winter Sports & Ski
  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Sport & Leisure
  • Medical Conditions
  • Travel Insurance for Non-UK Residents
  • Group Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance for Couples
  • Covid-19 travel insurance
  • About Our Travel Insurance
  • Holiday Cancellation Insurance
  • Emergency Medical Assistance Cover
  • Emergency Medical Cover for Travel Insurance
  • Repatriation Insurance
  • Baggage Cover
  • Travel Insurance for Under 18s
  • Comprehensive
  • What's Covered
  • Excluded Vehicles
  • Range Rover
  • Car Hire Excess Insurance
  • Policy Information
  • File a Claim
  • Insurance Glossary
  • Coronavirus - Annual Multi-trip Policy

best travel insurance uk to europe

Travel Insurance for Europe

best travel insurance uk to europe

Whether you fancy a city break filled with romance in Paris, a visit to the beautiful beaches of the Canary Islands or you want to witness the majestic beauty of the Northern Lights, Europe has a destination for almost every type of holiday.

While holidays to France are all about culture and great food, trips to Iceland allow you to see Europe’s wilderness and wildlife at its beautiful best. Alternatively, you can take a trip as far away as Russia, and learn more about the country’s history or be mesmerised by the beauty of Red Square. If you’d rather shop until you drop, try Milan’s gorgeous designer boutiques.

With so much choice, it can be hard to pick just one destination, which is why interrailing has become so popular. You can leave with your backpack and explore everything this beautiful continent has to offer on one trip. If you’re taking an extended break in Europe, then our  Backpacker  insurance could be a good fit.

Below is some more information about our insurance products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

best travel insurance uk to europe

Why do you need travel insurance for Europe?

You may think that travel insurance isn’t as important when you’re staying closer to home, but the truth is, things can still go wrong.

For example, your flight might be cancelled, your luggage may be lost, or your valuables could be stolen by pickpockets at busy tourist attractions. Thankfully, travel insurance for Europe can help protect you against these risks and more. Accidents can happen wherever you are but, with European travel insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if something doesn’t go to plan. 

What's covered?

We offer three types of holiday insurance for Europe: Single Trip , Annual and Backpacker .

Our Single Trip travel insurance for Europe covers you for a maximum of 180 days at any one time. But, if you’re planning on going away more than once this year, then our Annual travel insurance for Europe may be a better fit. It covers you for an unlimited number of trips, up to 31 days in duration over a 12-month period. Alternatively, if you’re aged 50 or under and you’re travelling across Europe to a number of destinations as part of a career break or a gap year, then you could find that our Backpacker insurance is a better option.  

Across our Single Trip and Annual policies, we also offer three different levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold. These have different payment limits and excess amounts.

With our travel insurance for Europe, you can be protected against: 

  • Cancelling or curtailing your trip
  • Emergency medical and associated expenses
  • Loss of passport*
  • Delayed personal possessions
  • Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
  • Loss of personal money*
  • Personal accident cover
  • Missed departures
  • Delayed departures
  • Personal liability
  • Legal expenses
  • End-supplier failure**
  • *Not available with Bronze level cover
  • **Only available with Gold level cover
  • Terms and Conditions apply.  

If you have any activities planned, you can also choose to purchase additional cover. If you’re planning on skiing in the picturesque Val-d'Isère, then our Winter Sports and Ski add-on can protect you against things like piste closure and lost ski equipment. 

To understand exactly what you're covered for and to find out whether any exclusions apply, please read your policy documents . If you have any questions about your policy, please get in touch with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our European travel insurance covers all of Europe* and some destinations outside mainland Europe, such as Morocco. Countries covered by our European travel insurance include:

  • Continental Europe
  • Islands in the Mediterranean
  • The Channel Islands
  • The Isle of Man
  • The Canary Islands
  • The Republic of Ireland

*Please note that you will not be covered if you travel to a country or region that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all travel or against all but essential travel. 

The cost of taking out a travel insurance policy for Europe will vary, depending on the type and level of cover you choose, your age and whether you purchase any add-ons. If you have any pre-exisitng medical conditions, this will affect you eligibility for cover.

To find out how much your holiday insurance for Europe will cost, get a quote today. 

All prices we quote include Insurance Premium Tax (IPT).

Currently, you do not need a visa for short trips to Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and any country in the European Union (EU). If you don’t have a visa, you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This 90-day limit is an accumulation of the time spent in all of these countries during the 180-day period. If you exceed this limit, you may require a visa.

These rules are slightly different for visits to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. Only the time spent within any one of these countries counts towards the 90-day limit within the 180-day period.

You may require a visa if you are travelling for business, work or study. It's also possible that you’ll need to complete the online ETIAS  application form before setting off.

Bear in mind that with our European Annual Travel Insurance, we include some countries that are outside the EEA for example Egypt and Libya. You will need a visa to travel to these countries. You can check the entry requirements  here.

If you’re travelling within the European Union (EU), then an EHIC card is an important document to have. It is not however a replacement for European travel insurance. Also, despite the UK leaving the EU in January 2021, the EHIC remains valid for UK holders until the expiry date of their card. However, once your EHIC has expired you will have to apply for a Global Health Insurance (GHIC). The GHIC will take the place of the EHIC and can be applied for and ordered now if you don't already own an EHIC.

Both the EHIC and the GHIC entitle you to cheaper (sometimes free) emergency treatment in a number of EU countries. Although the card entitles you to the same treatment as local citizens, you should be aware that many countries do not have their version of the NHS, so you may still have to pay for some aspects of healthcare.

For this reason, you should still take out travel insurance for Europe. That way, your medical bills will be included in your cover, and you’ll also be covered for things like cancellations, delayed flights and delayed personal possessions.

If you’re taking a holiday in the UK, travel insurance is still important. Although you won’t need health insurance because you still have access to the NHS, your European travel insurance will still cover things like cancellations, lost luggage and stolen possessions.

Our Annual travel insurance for Europe includes the UK, so your staycation will be covered if you choose ‘Europe’ as your area of cover.  Special UK only rates are also available on our Single Trip policies

Other popular products from Allianz Assistance

best travel insurance uk to europe

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

best travel insurance uk to europe

Single Trip Travel Insurance

best travel insurance uk to europe

Backpacker Travel Insurance

best travel insurance uk to europe

Family Travel Insurance

best travel insurance uk to europe

Cruise Travel Insurance

Get active on your next holiday with our sports and leisure add-ons.

best travel insurance uk to europe

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

best travel insurance uk to europe

Sports & Leisure Insurance

Read our blogs, the latest travel advice and news from allianz assistance uk..

best travel insurance uk to europe

10 Inspirational women who shaped how we travel

best travel insurance uk to europe

Where and how best to see the Northern Lights in Europe

best travel insurance uk to europe

The world's longest and greatest road trips

best travel insurance uk to europe

Staying safe whilst backpacking

best travel insurance uk to europe

Will travel insurance cover strikes?

best travel insurance uk to europe

Things to do in the Dominican Republic

best travel insurance uk to europe

Best time to visit Australia and New Zealand

best travel insurance uk to europe

Top expat destinations for UK employees

best travel insurance uk to europe

Need help? Call us on: 0371 200 0428

Make a claim, policy documents.

best travel insurance uk to europe

The Best Travel Health Insurance Companies for Europe

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 six of the best travel insurance companies for coverage in Europe.

best travel insurance uk to europe

Photo: Pexels.com

When you’re planning a trip to Europe, half of the fun is working out the details of your itinerary, creating a bucket list of attractions to visit, and mapping out the route you want to take.

It’s easy to forget about the finer details, like travel insurance.

That’s just human nature. Who wants to think about the bad stuff when there’s so much to look forward to?

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind while you’re exploring. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a relaxing wine tour through Italy or a more adventurous jaunt through Switzerland – being insured means you’ll come home with only awesome memories and not outrageous medical bills.

But there are different types of travel insurance for Europe and the Schengen zone. Here’s how to pick the best one for your needs.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Europe

So why do you even need travel insurance for Europe, anyway?

It all comes down to a very blunt truth: literally anything could happen while you’re on the road, and you need to protect yourself. It’s truly no different than having health insurance in your home country.

Travelers don’t like thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it’s the responsible thing to do. And a good travel insurance policy covers everything from the smallest stuff – like lost and stolen luggage – to all the big picture items, like natural disasters or broken bones. Yes, even death.

In countries where you’re not a resident, the cost of things like medical bills and emergency evacuation are 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.

Note: Depending on your home country, you might need to apply for a Schengen visa. Furthermore, countries outside the Europe Schengen zone may have different visa and travel insurance requirements than member states inside the Schengen zone, including the UK. When in doubt, talk to an agent!

best travel insurance uk to europe

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.

1. Seven Corners: 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 Seven Corners is the best.

Seven Corners has three different travel insurance plans specifically designed for international students. Each one is customizable so that you can even change the amount of medical coverage (up to $250,000) as well as the deductible. When you visit the student health center at your school, it’ll only cost you a $5 copay. Trip cancellation and interruption are also covered.

There are tons of options to add as well. For example, if you want to visit family back home while on your holidays, you can add coverage for when you return to the US (or wherever home may be). That means if you get into an accident while you’re at home, you’ll have health insurance coverage.

Get a quote

2. SafetyWing: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Expats & Long-Term Travelers

SafetyWing has incredibly unique travel insurance offerings for long-term travelers/expats.

SafetyWing is a rare gem of a travel insurance company because their plans allow you to have coverage for as long as you want. It works like a subscription, and your plan renews every four weeks automatically (until you cancel).

You’ll get coverage up to $100,000 for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage in 180+ countries. Trip interruption and trip delay coverage is also included (up to $100/day), but trip cancellations are not.

There’s one downside: SafetyWing’s insurance policies will not cover your gear. For digital nomads traveling with laptops, cameras, and other items of high value, this may be a dealbreaker. The good news is that you can add supplemental insurance like InsureMyEquipment to make sure you’ve got complete coverage.

More information

3. World Nomads: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Adventure Travelers

World Nomads is an all-around awesome insurance provider, but especially if you’re an adventurous type. They cover over 300 sports and activities, and their Explorer Plan is catered specifically to those interested in higher-risk activities.

Snowboarding in Switzerland? Diving in the Mediterranean? Competing in an air guitar competition (seriously) in Finland? This is the policy for you.

World Nomads’ plans include up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation and repatriation, and coverage for stolen or lost luggage. Bonus: their policies have always provided coverage for pandemics/epidemics, so you’re well covered up to $100,000 in emergency medical for COVID-19 too.

The user experience and customer service with World Nomads is also top-notch. If you’re not completely sure if your activity is covered, definitely speak with an insurance agent about your case.

4. Tin Leg: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Seniors

If you’re a senior ready to leave behind the US and make your dream of Europe travels come true, Tin Leg is the travel health insurance company for you.

Travel insurance requirements can be stringent for seniors, especially if you have pre-existing conditions (or if you’re over a certain age). Tin Leg is unique in that it offers travel insurance for people up to age 90!

Tin Leg has a few different plans, including the Tin Leg Economy policy with basic trip cancellations and medical coverage up to $20,000. That’s a bit low compared to other plans, but the Tin Leg Luxury policy covers people up to $100,000 for emergency medical and $250,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Pre-Existing Condition coverage is also included if your policy is purchased within 15 days of booking your Europe trip.

5. Travelex: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Families

Taking the whole fam on a country-hopping tour of Europe? Travel insurance coverage is a must for the whole gang.

One of the best things about Travelex is that they provide free coverage for all children age 17 and under, as long as they’re traveling with you under a single policy. It doesn’t matter if you have one kid or five…they’re all covered for travel health insurance!

Travelex is a heavy-duty insurer, and although they only have two main plans they also tons of add-on options. The Basic plan covers $15,000 in emergency medical expenses, $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation, and $500 for lost and damaged baggage.

But with their Travel Select plan, your coverage skyrockets: you’ll get $50,000 in emergency medical, $1,000 for lost or damaged luggage, and $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. You’ll also get 150 percent of your insured trip cost reimbursed if your trip is interrupted.

6. AXA: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Multiple Trips

If you’re addicted to Europe travel, getting covered by Ama’s Multi-Trip Schengen visa travel insurance is a must.

Multi-Trip is an AXA Schengen visa insurance for frequent travelers who plan on making several trips to Europe over one year. That means if, for example, you’re traveling between the US and France all year on business, you don’t have to purchase travel insurance more than once.

AXA offers medical insurance for expenses up to €100,000 ($111,000) for both the Schengen zone as well as other countries outside of Schengen. If your Europe travel takes you to places like Monaco and Liechtenstein, the AXA Multi-Trip Schengen travel insurance is a great option for you.

But before you plan multiple trips all over Europe, make sure you’re aware of the Schengen visa requirements. Citizens of certain countries may need to apply for a visa depending on the country (if you’re a traveler from the US, you likely won’t have to). Visa refusal is never a fun experience, so make sure to include your AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate with your visa application.

If you’re unsure about anything, AXA has some great customer service. When in doubt, give them a call.

best travel insurance uk to europe

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.

Is travel insurance necessary in Europe? 

Yes, as soon as you leave the US (or your home country) to visit Europe and the Schengen area, travel insurance is necessary. Travel medical insurance is by far the most important asset for any traveler because those medical expenses will skyrocket if you get sick or injured abroad.

Plus your Schengen travel insurance should also cover things like trip cancellations and interruption. No matter what country you’re visiting, you need to be prepared.

Does travel insurance for Europe also cover the United Kingdom?

It’s important to understand that not all countries are part of the European Schengen area, including the United Kingdom. Your Schengen visa will not apply here, and your European travel insurance may not apply.

Some insurances, like World Nomads, will take into account that you’re traveling all over the European region and that you don’t just need Schengen travel insurance. When you’re requesting a quote online, you can select each destination you’ll be visiting.

You need to check with your travel insurance plan to make sure you’re covered for all your medical expenses and emergency evacuation (as well as anything else you want).

Talk to some travel insurance agents for greater clarity on your options. Europe travel awaits!

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 absolutely need travel medical insurance for Europe, including the Schengen area.

If you’re a US citizen and you get sick or if you’re seriously hurt while in Europe or the Schengen area, you could face crazy high medical expenses. That could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt.

Europe travel insurance is a must for any traveler, and that means US citizens too.

What countries are included in Europe travel insurance?

Generally, Europe/Schengen travel insurance will cover all European countries. As mentioned above, insurers know that you’re likely to visit more than one country on your trip.

But do your homework. Some popular European countries aren’t part of the Schengen area, including the likes of Bulgaria, Croatia, and even the United Kingdom. When it comes to insurance coverage, make sure you read the fine print and make any corrections to your policy as needed.

Residents from certain countries other than the US may require a visa as well, and applicants will want to apply well in advance. Bottom line: your travel medical insurance (just like your Schengen visa requirements) may differ depending on where you’re going.

Does my health insurance cover me in Europe?

Depending on the health insurance coverage you have at home, you may have travel coverage for Europe travel too. Keep in mind this is still travel insurance though—you won’t be able to claim expenses for things like cosmetic surgery abroad.

But in general, residents of the US (and residents of other places, for that matter) shouldn’t assume they’re covered.

Pro-tip: review your policy in great detail before you leave, in case you need to make any corrections.

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?

Latest Articles

  • A Comparison of Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tours April 23, 2024
  • 5 of the Best London to Rome Tours April 23, 2024
  • 5 of the Best Student Accommodation in Toulouse April 23, 2024
  • 5 of the Best Corfu Walking Tours April 22, 2024
  • The 5 Most Charming Beaches in New Hampshire April 22, 2024

Travel map, best travel insurance for europe

4 Best Travel Insurance for Europe in 2024

Home | Travel | Europe | 4 Best Travel Insurance for Europe in 2024

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Getting European travel insurance is one of the main requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa, whether for traveling, studying, or working overseas.

However, if you don’t need a Schengen Visa , you may ask yourself, Do I need travel insurance for Europe ? Well, it’s always a good idea. As I mentioned in my guide to the best international travel insurance companies , you should buy coverage if you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re protected in any unforeseen circumstances.

Europe Alps, travel insurance for Europe

4 Best travel insurance for Europe in 2024

Of course, not everyone needs the same kind of coverage, so in this article, I’m sharing the best travel insurance for Europe and Schengen travel insurance that meets all the visa requirements:

  • Schengen visa travel insurance requirements
  • Europe travel insurance cost & comparison
  • Best travel insurance for Europe

What should European travel insurance cover?

Not to spoil the surprise, but Heymondo is the best option for Europe trip insurance and Schengen Area travel insurance . Heymondo offers comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, and it’s the only company that pays your medical expenses upfront , so you don’t have to worry about filing a reimbursement claim.

Holafly logo

5% OFF your travel insurance

Another great option, if you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind having a deductible, is SafetyWing . Just be aware that there is a $250 deductible per claim, and they don’t cover medical expenses upfront. You will need to pay out of your pocket and ask for reimbursement later, but it is the cheapest option by far.

I’ll give you a full review of other top travel insurance for Europe below .

Is travel insurance for Europe mandatory?

If you’re required to have a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you must have travel medical insurance for a Europe trip . Be aware that not all travelers need a Schengen visa, so check the requirements for different countries below.

If you’re a citizen of a country in the Schengen Area, you don’t need travel insurance for Europe , but it’s wise to have coverage for your trip .

What countries need a Schengen Visa to visit Europe?

Travelers from the following countries must purchase European travel insurance to obtain a Schengen visa and visit the Schengen Area:

Schengen visa insurance requirements

To obtain a Schengen visa, you must have Schengen Area travel insurance . That is, insurance that covers the Schengen Area and meets these requirements:

  • At least $30,000 in coverage for medical emergencies and accidents : Healthcare and medical expenses in Europe aren’t cheap, so emergency medical coverage is a requirement. No matter where you travel in the Schengen Area, your insurance will cover the medical fees if you get sick or injured.
  • Repatriation coverage in case of medical incidents or death : If you fall gravely ill in a remote area or require further medical attention for a serious injury, you may need to be transported back to your home country. This is an expensive service, so your insurance should include repatriation coverage. This way, you won’t have to pay big bucks for transportation fees.
  • Coverage in all 26 Schengen Area countries for the entire duration of your trip : Even if you’re not planning to visit all 26 countries (which would be incredibly ambitious!), your insurance policy must cover all of them. The best Schengen travel insurance policies allow you to select “Europe” as your coverage area, so you don’t have to worry. I always recommend reading the fine print to ensure you don’t encounter any problems when applying for your Schengen visa.

What countries are in the Schengen Area?

schengen area eu countries

The 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area are:

  • Czech Republic
  • Liechtenstein
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland

Of those countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are the only countries that don’t also belong to the European Union.

How much does European travel insurance cost?

Choosing the best travel health insurance for Europe is one of the most frequent doubts among tourists. We currently have a policy with Heymondo , and we’re very happy with it. The company has been super responsive and helpful whenever we’ve needed assistance. I love that they take care of medical payments for us upfront, so we don’t need to pay out of pocket and file a claim.

If you’re still unsure which European tourist insurance best suits you and your needs , look at the table below. I’ve compared the cost of European travel insurance from 4 different companies. To be as impartial as possible, I’ve simulated the prices for a 30-year-old American traveling to Spain for two weeks with a trip cost of $2,500.

*Price used for example

For this European travel insurance comparison , I chose the cheapest policies that cover the Schengen Area and meet all the requirements. While Heymondo isn’t the cheapest, it offers better coverage than the others, and it’s the only one that pays for medical expenses upfront.

Also, remember that these prices are just an example and can vary depending on your trip’s duration, your country of origin, destination, and other factors. However, no matter the cost, you want travel insurance, even for the cheapest places to visit in Europe .

Best Europe travel insurance

Again, each European travel insurance company has its advantages, so I’m sharing an overview of each option below to help you make the best choice.

1. Heymondo , the best travel insurance for Europe

Heymondo is the best holiday insurance for Europe , offering $200,000 in emergency medical coverage and no deductible. One of the main advantages of Heymondo insurance is the 24/7 customer support and medical chat . This way, you can quickly consult a doctor or get directions to the nearest hospital.

Heymondo, best travel insurance for europe

Another thing I like about Heymondo is that it takes care of everything, so you won’t have to pay a single bill out of pocket . No more filing claims and waiting for reimbursement! Just remember that for Heymondo to cover expenses upfront, you must contact them before going to the doctor. If you forget or don’t have time, don’t worry. Heymondo will refund your money after you send them the medical invoice.

Besides, it covers electronic equipment , something that most travel insurance doesn’t include. For us, that coverage is crucial since we always travel with two laptops and professional camera gear.

We’ve been using Heymondo’s annual travel insurance and have been delighted with the experience. We have had to use the customer support more than once, and the team has always been professional, efficient, and kind. If you choose this company for your European travel health insurance , you can save 5% with our Heymondo discount .

2. SafetyWing , a cheap European travel insurance

If you’re looking for a low-cost Schengen travel insurance policy, look into SafetyWing . It’s one of the cheapest travel insurance companies on the market, offering excellent coverage without a hefty price.

SafetyWing’s European travel health insurance includes extensive emergency medical coverage, evacuation and repatriation protection, and up to $5,000 in trip interruption benefits for added peace of mind.

SafetyWing, holiday insurance for europe

However, while SafetyWing has some of the lowest prices on the market, remember that it’s more of a medical travel insurance , so its trip-related coverage is minimal.

Also, there is a $250 deductible, so you’ll have to pay $250 before the company covers your medical costs. If you don’t want to deal with a deductible and want the added benefit of having your expenses paid upfront, I recommend Heymondo .

3. Trawick International , the best Europe travel insurance for seniors

Trawick International is another option to consider, especially if you’re looking for a good travel insurance plan for seniors . Trawick is affordable and features great medical benefits, including coverage for pre-existing conditions. The company also offers decent protection for natural disasters and repatriation.

This company also has travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) . So, if you add CFAR to your policy, you’ll get reimbursed for your flight and accommodation expenses if you call the trip off, regardless of the reason for your cancellation. However, there are specific terms and conditions, so I recommend reading the policy thoroughly.

Trawick International, tourist insurance europe

It’s important to review the different Trawick policies since some pertain to European travel insurance while others are tailored to students or tourists coming to the USA. In our comparison, we looked at the Safe Travels Explorer plan, which includes decent trip cancellation and interruption coverage, but only a small amount of baggage loss protection.

Overall, you can get much more coverage for the same price or a bit more. For example, Heymondo offers $200,000 in emergency medical expenses compared to Trawick’s $50,000. Plus, Heymondo pays your medical expenses upfront.

4. Travelex , another good travel health insurance for Europe

Lastly, Travelex is dependable tourist insurance for Europe that meets all Schengen visa insurance requirements. Its Select plan is the more expensive option, but it includes extensive repatriation and evacuation coverage, as well as natural disaster protection.

Travelex, a great travel medical insurance for a europe trip

You’ll also be covered for travel-related expenses like baggage loss/theft, trip cancellation/interruption, and trip delay. Travelex is also a travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions , making it a good choice if you want your policy to cover treatments and medication abroad for chronic diseases like diabetes.

On the other hand, the Select plan is the most expensive option of the policies we looked at, and the emergency medical expense coverage is very low. In comparison, Heymondo offers much better coverage for a lower price.

What should travel insurance for Europe cover?

When shopping around for travel medical insurance for Europe , make sure you’re looking for the best coverage. Below, you can see what the best European travel insurance should include:

Emergency medical expenses

Emergency medical coverage is the most basic and essential requirement for any European holiday insurance . Even the cheapest policies include this type of coverage. With emergency medical expenses protection, you’ll be covered for any visits, tests, treatments, and hospitalizations during the trip due to illness or injury.

However, chronic illnesses or sicknesses that existed before the start of the trip are excluded from this coverage. For example, the insurance won’t cover treatment for cancer, as that’s a chronic disease that must be treated in your country of origin. On the other hand, an emergency operation for appendicitis would be covered.

Sicily, best European travel insurance

Emergency medical expenses, something that’s covered with European travel insurance

As for injuries and accidents, most policies don’t cover incidents that occur while practicing extreme sports or risky activities. In the case of Heymondo , some adventure sports are included in the Premium plan. For other insurers, there is the option to add this type of coverage to your policy for an extra fee. So, if you’re a daredevil and plan on participating in some extreme sports during your trip, I recommend getting a policy with Heymondo.

Evacuation & repatriation

Evacuation and repatriation coverage are other must-haves when buying insurance for a European trip . If you have to return to your home country due to a medical emergency or death abroad, this coverage will take care of the associated expenses. Moreover, if a family member back home gets seriously sick or dies, or there is an accident at your home, the costs will fall under this category.

Unexpected delays can happen while traveling, be it a flight delay, weather problems, or an issue with the airline. This is why many European travel insurance companies include trip delay coverage. This covers expenses like meals and accommodation if your trip is delayed several hours or more.

Trip cancellation & interruption

As for trip cancellation , it’s often not included in European travel insurance . You usually must take out a trip cancellation policy or add this coverage to your plan.

With trip cancellation protection, you’ll be covered if you have to cancel your trip for health, legal, or work reasons. The amount varies depending on your policy, but you could recover up to 100% of the money you invested in the trip. Of course, you must provide documentation justifying the cancellation.

Northern Lights in Iceland, europe travel insurance

If you want the option of canceling your trip for any reason and getting reimbursed, look into Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance . Many companies offer this coverage as an add-on.

Moreover, trip cancellation coverage is especially useful if you’re visiting multiple countries in Europe. An unexpected incident may come up in the middle of your trip, such as a family member getting sick or a natural disaster back home. Instead of losing all the money you paid for the rest of your journey, you can get reimbursed with European travel insurance with trip cancellation/interruption benefits.

Baggage loss, theft, or damage

It’s not uncommon for luggage to get lost, stolen, or damaged during travel. For this reason, I consider this type of coverage essential for any European travel insurance plan .

Be sure to check the monetary amount for this benefit since some insurers don’t offer as much protection as others. I also suggest keeping your most valuable and expensive items with you in a backpack or carry-on so you don’t risk losing them in your checked baggage.

If you can’t store your things in a hotel, consider using a luggage storage service once you’ve arrived at your destination. This way, you’re not a walking target for pickpockets!

Electronic equipment

If you’re bringing electronic equipment like a camera or laptop, be aware that these items aren’t typically covered under the baggage loss benefit. An exception is Heymondo , which includes electronic equipment protection in its policies.

For most other European travel insurance plans , you’ll have to get this coverage as an add-on for an extra fee.

Adventure sports

This is another benefit that’s often available as an add-on. If you know you’ll be participating in some extreme activities, adding this type of coverage to your policy is a good idea. Adventure sports include things like bungee jumping, skydiving, scuba diving, and white-water rafting.

Heymondo is one of the few European travel insurance companies that include adventure sports protection in its policies.

Search and rescue

Another insurance benefit is search and rescue coverage. This covers the cost of an organized search and rescue effort should you get lost or reported missing during your trip.

Natural disaster evacuation

Finally, natural disaster coverage will pay for the transportation costs if you need to return to your home country due to a natural disaster at your destination. Examples of natural disasters include earthquakes, floods, landslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and wildfires.

Europe travel insurance with a discount

If you decide to get travel insurance for a Europe trip , remember that you can take advantage of our discount to save money on your policy.

Italy, europe travel insurance requirements

In the case of Heymondo , you can get a cheaper European travel insurance policy for being a Capture the Atlas reader. Just click our link below to get a 5% discount on Heymondo insurance .

Also, be sure to read our guide on the best discounts for travel so you can save money on flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.

Is Europe travel insurance worth it?

Even if you aren’t required to get a Schengen visa (and thus European travel insurance ), getting coverage is still a good idea. We never travel without insurance, and I advise everyone to do the same. After all, you never know what could happen abroad, whether you get in an accident or fall ill.

Throughout the years, my friends and I have had many experiences that highlight the importance of having insurance.

For example, I was studying English in Ireland with my cousin when he had to have emergency surgery for appendicitis. Luckily, he had EU travel insurance, so the cost of his operation was covered. He would have been stuck paying thousands if he hadn’t had travel medical insurance for Europe .

Another time, I was taking a trip to Germany, and my luggage never arrived. I was stressed out about not having any clothes or toiletries, but fortunately, I had travel insurance, so the company covered the cost of all the clothes and necessities I had to repurchase.

Iceland's Golden Circle, a place to visit with european travel insurance

While those two scenarios ended nicely, my family and I have had less-than-ideal situations that resulted from not having insurance coverage.

One of those was when I planned a trip to Ukraine years ago. I had to cancel it because of a family emergency, and since I didn’t have travel insurance for Europe , I lost all the money I had invested in flights and hotels.

Similarly, my mom didn’t bother to get insurance before traveling to London. Someone stole her bag in a pub, so she lost her cell phone, camera, and wallet (with her ID and credit cards). She could’ve been covered for these losses if she had purchased European holiday insurance . Unfortunately, she had to pay to replace everything herself.

As you can see from the examples above, all kinds of unexpected circumstances crop up while traveling. It’s always better to have the added security of trip insurance. Take it from me, and don’t learn your lesson the hard way!

Other things to plan for your trip to Europe

Once you get the best travel medical insurance for Europe , finish organizing your trip with these helpful tips:

  • Get one of the best SIM cards for Europe to avoid paying for roaming while using internet in Europe . We always use the Holafly eSIM , and you can even purchase it if you’re already abroad.
  • Get a travel credit card to avoid hefty fees when using foreign ATMs. There are even some great credit cards with no foreign transaction fees that you can take advantage of.
  • Check the iVisa website to see if you need a Schengen visa for your trip. If you do, make sure you request it in advance so you have it in time for your trip.

Lastly, enjoy your trip to the fullest!

FAQs – Travel insurance for Europe

If you still have concerns about European trip insurance , these answers to commonly asked questions may help:

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Travel insurance for Europe is mandatory for citizens who are required to apply for a Schengen visa.

Do I need European travel insurance if I have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

No, you don’t need European travel insurance if you have an EHIC.

Do I need Europe travel insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Yes, those applying for a Schengen visa must have European travel health insurance .

Which countries are required to have travel insurance to Europe?

Travelers who are residents and hold passports from the following countries must have travel insurance for Europe : Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burma/Myanmar, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian National Authority, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

What is the minimum medical coverage to get a tourist visa to Europe?

Individuals must have European travel insurance with a minimum of $30,000 in emergency medical coverage to get a tourist visa to Europe.

The best travel insurance for Europe should include emergency medical coverage, repatriation and evacuation, baggage protection, and trip delay protection. It’s also a good idea to include trip cancellation coverage in the policy.

What’s not covered by travel insurance for Europe?

Some European travel insurance plans don’t include trip cancellation benefits, but this may be available as an add-on. Other things that aren’t typically included are adventure sports, electronic equipment, and natural disasters.

What is the best travel insurance for Europe?

The best travel health insurance for Europe is Heymondo since it has an excellent price-to-coverage ratio and no deductible. Plus, it is the only company that pays your medical bills upfront, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket and file a claim for reimbursement.

How much is travel insurance to Europe?

The cost of Europe travel insurance can range from $2/day to $7/day or more.

Is travel insurance for Europe worth it?

Yes, European travel insurance is absolutely worth it , whether it’s mandatory for you or not. In addition to emergency medical coverage, you’ll have baggage, trip delay, and repatriation benefits that can save you thousands of dollars.

What happens if I get sick or have an accident in Europe and I don’t have travel insurance?

If you need medical assistance during your trip, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any care you receive at the hospital or a doctor’s office. If you have a European Health Insurance Card, you can go to a public medical center. You’ll have to pay out of pocket, but you can file a claim for reimbursement once you return to your home country.

What should I do if I have travel insurance and get sick or have an accident in Europe?

If you get sick or injured while abroad, contact your insurer to find out which medical center or hospital to go to. You can go to the nearest public hospital or clinic if you have a European Health Insurance Card.

What is the age limit for getting travel insurance for Europe?

Some insurers have age limits on their policies, such as Heymondo and SafetyWing, which cover individuals up to 69 years old. Other companies have higher age limits or no limits at all.

Can I extend my travel insurance to Europe if I’m already traveling?

The ability to extend your coverage depends on the insurer. For example, SafetyWing policies automatically renew every 28 days until you select an end date. Heymondo allows you to take out a policy if you’re already traveling, but you’ll have to wait 72 hours after purchasing it for it to go into effect.

Does my travel insurance for Europe cover a flight canceled by the airline?

Generally, European travel insurance doesn’t cover flights that are canceled by the airline. If you want this type of coverage, look into Cancel For Any Reason insurance.

I hope this guide helps you find the best travel health insurance for Europe and that you feel better prepared for your trip. Remember, if you need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area, you’ll need proof of insurance to get the visa.

However, even if you don’t need a Schengen visa, it’s still worth getting European travel insurance . It’s always safer to travel with insurance coverage. This way, you can enjoy your trip and have peace of mind knowing you won’t have to pay any medical bills and cancellation fees out of your own pocket.

Again, Heymondo is the best European holiday insurance , offering excellent coverage for a reasonable price and direct, upfront payments for medical expenses. If you decide to buy a policy, take advantage of our 5% Heymondo discount code below.

Stay safe, and have a wonderful time in Europe!

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance  

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

best travel insurance uk to europe

Ascen Aynat

Comparativa de los mejores seguros de viaje 2024 Covid-19 - Cuándo contratar un seguro de viaje - Seguro de viaje para estudiantes - Seguro de viaje Erasmus

14 replies on “ 4 Best Travel Insurance for Europe in 2024 ”

' src=

Is there a Schengen insurance that covers the UK on the same trip?

' src=

Hi Supinda, Yes, with the companies above, you can find European travel insurance plans that cover Schengen countries and the UK.

' src=

I wish to travel multiple trips to Europe 4-5 days duration

4-5 trips per year Mostly with my kids

Then I recommend you annual multi-trip travel insurance instead.

Let me know if you have any questions, Ascen

' src=

We are a family of four and applying for long term resident visa for Spain. We need health insurance for the visa. What do you recommend?

How long are you planning to stay in Spain. I usually recommend Heymondo, but if you’re staying for long, maybe it’s better to get a health insurance instead of a Travel Insurance,

Thanks, Ascen

' src=

Great information. Thank you so much for the information. Amazing services are there. i am very glad to see this blog. in the Schengen visa Itinerary also, providing good services like Flight Itinerary, Hotel Reservation and Travel Insurance are there.

' src=

hi Nigeria passport holder want to attend 15 days course in amsterdam Netherland base in Dubai UAE which travel insurance do you recommend for me thanks

' src=

I would try this one.

Let me know what you think.

' src=

We are a family of five traveling to Italy from the US. We are planning to do some hikes there. Which insurance do you recommend?

If you are going to have any kind of hiking or adventure sport I would go with insuremytrip standard for sure. It is the best insurance for Europe if you plan up to 2000m.

' src=

Thanks for this great post! I found all the info I need to decide which is the best travel insurance for my trip to Europe. I hope don’t have to use it though

I am glad to read you! Let me know if you have any question and safe travels!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

best travel insurance uk to europe

  • Best Travel Insurance 2024
  • Cheapest Travel Insurance
  • Trip Cancellation Insurance
  • Cancel for Any Reason Insurance
  • Seniors' Travel Insurance
  • Annual Travel Insurance
  • Cruise Insurance
  • COVID-19 Travel Insurance
  • Travel Medical Insurance
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance
  • Pregnancy Travel Insurance
  • Pre-existing Conditions Insurance
  • Mexico Travel Insurance
  • Italy Travel Insurance
  • France Travel Insurance
  • Spain Travel Insurance
  • Canada Travel Insurance
  • UK Travel Insurance
  • Germany Travel Insurance
  • Bahamas Travel Insurance
  • Costa Rica Travel Insurance
  • Disney Travel Insurance
  • Schengen Travel Insurance
  • Is travel insurance worth it?
  • Average cost of travel insurance
  • Is airline flight insurance worth it?
  • Places to travel without a passport
  • All travel insurance guides
  • Best Pet Insurance 2024
  • Cheap Pet Insurance
  • Cat Insurance
  • Pet Dental Insurance
  • Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly
  • Pet Insurance For Pre-Existing Conditions
  • Pet Insurance with No Waiting Period
  • Paw Protect Review
  • Spot Pet Insurance Review
  • Embrace Pet Insurance Review
  • Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Review
  • Pets Best Insurance Review
  • Lemonade Pet Insurance Review
  • Pumpkin Pet Insurance Review
  • Fetch Pet Insurance Review
  • Figo Pet Insurance Review
  • CarePlus by Chewy Review
  • MetLife Pet Insurance Review
  • Average cost of pet insurance
  • What does pet insurance cover?
  • Is pet insurance worth it?
  • How much do cat vaccinations cost?
  • How much do dog vaccinations cost?
  • All pet insurance guides
  • Best Business Insurance 2024
  • Business Owner Policy (BOP)
  • General Liability Insurance
  • E&O Professional Liability Insurance
  • Workers' Compensation Insurance
  • Commercial Property Insurance
  • Cyber Liability Insurance
  • Inland Marine Insurance
  • Commercial Auto Insurance
  • Product Liability Insurance
  • Commercial Umbrella Insurance
  • Fidelity Bond Insurance
  • Business Personal Property Insurance
  • Medical Malpractice insurance
  • California Workers' Compensation Insurance
  • Contractor's Insurance
  • Home-Based Business Insurance
  • Sole Proprietor's Insurance
  • Handyman's Insurance
  • Photographer's Insurance
  • Esthetician's Insurance
  • Salon Insurance
  • Personal Trainer's Insurance
  • Electrician's Insurance
  • E-commerce Business Insurance
  • Landscaper's Insurance
  • Best Credit Cards of 2024
  • Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
  • Best Instant Approval Credit Cards
  • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
  • Best Rewards Credit Cards
  • Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
  • Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
  • Best College Student Credit Cards
  • Best 0% APR Credit Cards
  • Best First Credit Cards
  • Best No Annual Fee Cards
  • Best Travel Credit Cards
  • Best Hotel Credit Cards
  • Best American Express Cards
  • Best Amex Delta SkyMiles Cards
  • Best American Express Business Cards
  • Best Capital One Cards
  • Best Capital One Business Cards
  • Best Chase Cards
  • Best Chase Business Cards
  • Best Citi Credit Cards
  • Best U.S. Bank Cards
  • Best Discover Cards
  • Amex Platinum Card Review
  • Amex Gold Card Review
  • Amex Blue Cash Preferred Review
  • Amex Blue Cash Everyday Review
  • Capital One Venture Card Review
  • Capital One Venture X Card Review
  • Capital One SavorOne Card Review
  • Capital One Quicksilver Card Review
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve Review
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Review
  • United Explorer Review
  • United Club Infinite Review
  • Amex Gold vs. Platinum
  • Amex Platinum vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Capital One Venture vs. Venture X
  • Capital One Venture X vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve
  • Capital One SavorOne vs. Quicksilver
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Capital One Venture
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Amex Gold
  • Delta Reserve vs. Amex Platinum
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Reserve
  • How to Get Amex Pre-Approval
  • Amex Travel Insurance Explained
  • Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Guide
  • Chase Pay Yourself Back
  • CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck
  • Global Entry vs. TSA Precheck
  • Costco Payment Methods
  • All Credit Card Guides
  • Citibank Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Capital One Savings Account Interest Rate
  • American Express Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Western Alliance Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Barclays Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Discover Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Chase Savings Account Interest Rate
  • U.S. Bank Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Marcus Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Synchrony Bank Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Ally Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Bank of America Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Wells Fargo Savings Account Interest Rates
  • SoFi Savings Account Interest Rate
  • Best Savings Accounts & Interest Rates
  • Best High Yield Savings Accounts
  • Best 7% Interest Savings Accounts
  • Best 5% Interest Savings Accounts
  • Savings Interest Calculator
  • Emergency Fund Calculator
  • Pros and Cons of High-Yield Savings Accounts
  • Types of Savings Accounts
  • Checking vs Savings Accounts
  • Average Savings by Age
  • How Much Should I Have in Savings?
  • How to Make Money
  • How to Save Money
  • Compare Best Checking Accounts
  • Compare Online Checking Accounts
  • Best Business Checking Accounts
  • Compare Best Teen Checking Accounts
  • Best Student Checking Accounts
  • Best Joint Checking Accounts
  • Best Second Chance Checking Accounts
  • Chase Checking Account Review
  • Bluevine Business Checking Review
  • Amex Rewards Checking Account Review
  • E&O Professional Liability Insurance
  • Best Savings Accounts & Interest Rates
  • All Insurance Guides
  • Europe Travel Insurance

On This Page

  • Key takeaways

Do I need travel insurance to visit Europe?

What does travel insurance for europe cover, what isn’t covered by european travel insurance, how much does travel insurance for europe cost, how to get the best travel insurance for europe, europe travel information & requirements, europe travel insurance faqs, related topics.

Europe Travel Insurance: Your Essential Coverage Guide

Leigh Morgan

  • Based on our research, our top picks for travel insurance for Europe come from Tin Leg , Generali , and Seven Corners .
  • If you have an emergency while traveling overseas, a European travel insurance plan can reimburse you for some of your losses.
  • American medical insurance doesn’t cover the cost of receiving health care in Europe , so it’s especially important to get medical and medevac insurance when traveling in Europe.
  • Street crime, risks of terrorism, and political unrest are some of the reasons trip interruption, cancellation, and medical coverage should be considered when visiting Europe.
  • In addition to medical costs, a comprehensive travel insurance plan for Europe can also help cover costs associated with cancellations, delays, lost baggage, and more.
  • While cheap insurance with basic coverage can cost as little as $1 per day, you can expect to pay around $8 to $11 per day for more extensive travel insurance.
  • To compare plans and find the right policy to suit your needs, we recommend using an online comparison tool .

From the luxury resorts of Monaco to the sauerkraut in Germany, Europe has a little something for everyone.

If you’re planning a getaway, it’s important to have travel insurance before embarking on your European adventure. This type of insurance reimburses your prepaid expenses if you’re injured, come down with a serious illness, or experience other problems outside of your control.

To help you plan a trip that goes off without a hitch, we put together this guide to traveling to Europe from the United States. Find out about the visa and passport requirements, discover why it’s so important to have travel medical insurance for Europe, and learn more about our top picks for comprehensive coverage.

Our top picks for the best europe travel insurance

  • Tin Leg: Best Rated Travel Insurance
  • Seven Corners: Best Value for a Robust Coverage
  • Generali Global Assistance: Best Value Travel Insurance

Our top picks for Europe travel insurance

Tin Leg

Seven Corners

Generali global assistance.

Standard European travel insurance usually covers every country in the European Union (now excluding the UK ) and the Schengen Zone . If you plan to travel to either country, make sure your insurance plan will cover you. If you plan to travel to a non-Schengen, non-EU country, ask your agent to write a custom policy that includes every destination on your itinerary. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual insurance plan that covers you for multiple trips and destinations.

Although you don’t have to officially buy travel insurance unless you plan to apply for a visa, it’s wise to buy coverage even if it’s not required. Travel insurance protects against losses associated with medical emergencies, travel delays, lost or stolen luggage, and a wide range of other travel-related problems as we can see below.

Best Rated Travel Insurance

Why we like it.

  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Cancelation & interruption coverage
  • Offers hurricane and weather coverage
  • Cancel for any reason not included standard

Best Value for a Robust Coverage

  • Offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancellation & Interruption coverage standard
  • Covers action sports & equipment
  • Must meet waiver for pre-existing conditions to be covered

Best Value Travel Insurance

  • Lowest cost of all Generali Global Assistance plans
  • 24/7 emergency travel assistance included
  • Telemedicine included
  • Lower coverage than other Generali plans
  • Pre-existing conditions are not covered by the Standard plan
  • No coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during on-land travel

Here are some of the reasons Americans should get travel insurance for visiting Europe

Risk of falling victim to street crime

Instances of pickpocketing, general theft, financial scams, and street muggings are not uncommon throughout Europe , as highlighted by the European Crime Prevention Network . Such acts of opportunist theft often happen throughout major European cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Rome, places where there are a high number of visiting tourists with their guard down. Therefore, it’s important that you keep your valuables out of sight and secure, especially when visiting popular tourist sites and traveling on public transport.

Purchasing travel insurance to Europe that covers you for loss of items can go a long way to relieving any stress you receive from falling victim to pickpockets and thieves during your vacation to Europe.

Risk of terrorism

Much like the rest of the Western world, E urope remains on high alert for the risk of terrorist attacks , especially in recent years, especially from Islamic and political extremists - as seen in the official Europol data . Although Europol and local law enforcement strive to keep the risk of attack relatively low, it is not without basis that attacks can happen.

Therefore, it’s important for US citizens to take out travel insurance that covers them for emergency medical coverage and emergency evacuation coverage , should the worst happen while they are on

Political unrest

Political demonstrations, industrial strikes, and even riots are not uncommon across many European nations , especially in the nation’s capitals. As seen in the recent Paris riots in 2023 , these demonstrations can spill out across the city and cause chaos to both tourists and locals alike.

Having an insurance plan that covers you for any trip interruptions, cancellations, and medical coverage for any unforeseen accidents you may face is ideal when traveling across Europe .

Outdoor activities

Visitors to Europe can enjoy a huge range of outdoor activities. Whether this is hiking through the foothills of the Alps, scaling the numerous mountains scattered across the continent, swimming and boating along its endless shores, or an exciting mix of all - this all comes with its own particular risks.

If you plan to enjoy the endless opportunities of the great outdoors while on vacation, you must have travel health insurance in Europe that covers you for sporting and adventure pursuits.

Risk of a driving accident

Generally speaking, driving in Europe is a safe affair. However, it is important to remember that each country has its own unique driving conditions and rules, as can be seen on the official website of the EU . It’s important to familiarize yourself with the rules and driving customs of any European country you are visiting.

If you are planning to hire a vehicle while vacating in Europe, you should consider taking out rental care travel insurance that covers accidents, theft, and vandalism . Also, considering the general risks while driving on unfamiliar roads, emergency medical coverage is a must.

European travel insurance usually bundles several types of coverage into a single policy. Here are some of the most common types of travel insurance available:

Travel medical insurance in Europe

The best travel insurance for Europe should, at the most basic level, include coverage for medical emergencies and emergency evacuation coverage. Your American health insurance won’t pick up the tab if you need medical care while you’re in Europe. Therefore, it’s important to buy travel medical insurance . Health insurance for travel to Europe covers lab tests, X-rays, and other medical expenses. This type of insurance also covers the cost of repatriation, which is when you leave Europe and return to the United States.\

Medical travel insurance can be purchased as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or as an independent policy on its own. In addition to medical travel insurance, consider broadening your policy to include coverage for travel delays, cancellations, and interruptions.

Medical evacuation insurance

In addition to your travel medical insurance in Europe, you should have medical evacuation insurance , better known as medevac coverage. It would be convenient to get sick less than 1 mile away from a hospital, but many emergency situations occur in remote areas without immediate access to medical care.

This type of travel insurance pays to transport you to the closest suitable medical facility. For example, if you sustain serious injuries while skiing or hiking, your insurer will cover the cost of having a helicopter transport you to a trauma center.

Trip cancellation insurance

If you have to cancel your trip for no fault of your own, trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for all prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses up to the limit outlined in your policy. For example, this type of travel insurance may cover the cost of flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid excursions. Some policies will also offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage . This allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and claim back between 50% and 70% of your total prepaid travel expenses.

Trip delay insurance

These days, flight delays are common. It’s also possible for a cruise ship, ferry, or bus to depart later than scheduled, causing you to miss your connection. If this happens while you’re traveling in Europe, trip delay insurance will cover meals, lodging, and other expenses incurred due to the delay. To use this type of travel insurance, you must be using a common carrier, which is a company that provides transportation services to the public.

Trip interruption insurance

It’s no fun ending a trip early, but it’s even less fun if you lose money on prepaid lodging, meals, and other expenses. Trip interruption insurance takes the sting out of this situation by reimbursing you for the unused portion of your trip.

Insurance for personal items

Comprehensive travel insurance usually covers baggage loss, baggage theft, and damage to the personal items in your luggage. For example, if your duffel bag gets stuck in a machine at the airport, your travel insurance may cover the cost of replacing some of your damaged belongings.

Rental car coverage

If you plan to travel around town in a rented vehicle, consider getting rental car coverage for extra peace of mind. This type of insurance covers accidents, theft, and vandalism.

Standard travel insurance covers many things, but it usually excludes the following:

  • Intentional acts:   If you damage a rental car on purpose, your travel insurance won’t pay a dime.
  • Pre-existing conditions:   Travel health insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions, which are health problems that you have before you travel to Europe. For example, if you’ve had hypertension for 10 years, your travel insurance won’t pay any medical expenses associated with a hypertensive crisis. If you are aware of any ongoing illnesses, it is advisable to purchase insurance for pre-existing conditions .
  • Reasonably foreseeable events:   An emergency is a serious, unexpected event, so you don’t know when it’s going to occur. With a reasonably foreseeable event, there is some indication that an emergency might happen. If you choose to travel anyway, your travel insurance won’t cover any costs associated with trip cancellations, trip delays or trip interruptions.
  • Injuries caused by risky activities:   SCUBA diving, skydiving, and mountain climbing are risky. Standard travel insurance doesn’t cover medical expenses associated with these activities, so you’ll need to buy a policy that includes coverage for adventure sports.
  • Government travel restrictions:   Your insurance company has no control over how a government conducts its business. Therefore, if one of the countries you’re visiting decides to implement new travel restrictions during your trip, travel insurance won’t cover any of the associated costs.

Travel insurance for a trip to Europe can be as cheap as around $1 per day for very basic coverage. For a comprehensive policy, you can typically expect to pay $8 to $11 per day.

To give you a better idea of how much travel insurance for Europe costs we got price quotes for a trip to Ireland from three different insurance providers.

For each quote, we applied the following travel details:

  • Age: 35 years old
  • Destination: Ireland
  • Trip Length: 7 days
  • Trip cost: $2,000
  • Date: August 2024

This table displays three quotes for basic travel insurance plans where plans don’t reimburse the full trip costs:

If you want to purchase more comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and interruptions, your premium will be more expensive:

It’s important to understand that many factors influence the cost of travel insurance.

  • Age:   Older people have a higher risk of developing serious injuries. Travel insurance providers account for this risk with higher prices. However, there is also the opportunity to purchase specific travel insurance for seniors - these policies are designed with elderly travelers in mind.
  • Trip length:   The longer your trip is, the more money you’re likely to spend. Insurers charge more for long trips to account for the increased cost of reimbursing you for delays, cancellations, and other problems.
  • Destination:   Some destinations are a bit riskier than others. Insurance companies charge higher premiums to avoid losing money on claims.

How much travel insurance do I need for Europe?

Knowing what level of travel insurance you need for Europe depends on the trip you plan to take. It’s vital to factor in your choice of destination, the activities you plan to do, and the likelihood of you needing to cancel your trip. All of these can determine what type of coverage you will need and by how much. Generally speaking, a standard comprehensive insurance plan will cost you between 5 and 10% of your total trip costs

To get the best travel insurance for Europe, follow these tips:

Plan your itinerary carefully

The cost of travel insurance depends on your destination and the type of transportation you plan to use.

Purchase extra coverage if you plan to participate in adventure activities

Most travel insurance plans don’t cover adventure activities, so be sure to purchase additional protection if you plan to take part in such plans

Think about how much flexibility you want

If there’s a good chance you’ll experience an unexpected hiccup, consider purchasing comprehensive health insurance for European travel rather than a basic policy

Consult the table below for a quick overview of the requirements for traveling from the United States to Europe

Tips for visiting Europe

Are there covid-19 restrictions for entering europe.

As of September 2023, most countries have eliminated their COVID-19 screening requirements. However, the situation may change at any time, as SARS-CoV-2 mutates regularly. It is there for advisable that you take out a travel insurance policy that offers COVID-19 coverage .

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

In most European countries, including the  27 countries in the Schengen Zone , you don’t need a visa for trips lasting 90 days or less. You do need a visa if you plan to travel to Turkey or the Russian Federation, regardless of how long you plan to stay.

If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you may need a Schengen visa or a country-specific visa. The Schengen visa allows you to travel between countries in the Schengen Area without going through a check at every border crossing.

As of mid-2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will go into effect. This system will require any US citizen traveling to Europe to complete an ETIAS application for any European nation that is a co-signer of the Schengen Agreement. The application will cost $8, although some travelers are exempt from paying this fee.

The table below shows the tourist visa requirements for European countries.

Does American insurance work in Europe?

Most U.S. health insurance plans will not cover medical care and treatment outside the United States . Although there are some small exceptions, having comprehensive EU travel insurance will protect you against huge medical bills, travel delays, and much more

Does Medicare cover you in Europe?

In most situations, US-based insurance policies such as Medicare will not provide coverage outside the US. Therefore, it is best to purchase a medical travel insurance plan. This will protect you from huge bills when you require health care or medical supplies you get outside the U.S.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

In most cases, travel insurance isn’t required, but you should get it anyway. This type of insurance gives you extra peace of mind in the event you experience a delay, cancellation, or other problem outside of your control.

Is travel insurance for Europe worth it?

Absolutely, travel insurance is worth it . You never know when you’ll come down with a serious illness or experience some other type of emergency. It’s good to have travel insurance to reimburse you for your losses.

How much does travel insurance for a trip to Europe cost?

It depends on your age, destination, and trip cost. For the most basic coverage, you can purchase a policy for as little as $1 per day. A more extensive travel insurance policy for Europe will generally cost between $8 and $11 per day.

Can I use my U.S. health insurance in Europe?

No. Your U.S. health insurance won’t cover any medical expenses incurred in Europe

Leigh Morgan

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last 5 years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

Explore related articles by topic

  • All Travel Insurance Articles
  • Learn the Basics
  • Health & Medical
  • Insurance Provider Reviews
  • Insurance by Destination
  • Trip Planning & Ideas

Best Travel Insurance Companies & Plans in 2024

Best Travel Insurance Companies & Plans in 2024

Holly D. Johnson

Best Medical Evacuation Insurance Plans 2024

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Best Travel Insurance for Seniors

Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2024

Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2024

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans for 2024

Best COVID-19 Travel Insurance Plans for 2024

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies - Top Plans 2024

Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies - Top Plans 2024

Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance

Best Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Travel Insurance

Best Annual Travel Insurance: Multi-Trip Coverage

Best Annual Travel Insurance: Multi-Trip Coverage

Best Travel Medical Insurance - Top Plans & Providers 2024

Best Travel Medical Insurance - Top Plans & Providers 2024

A pink piggy bank on a desk in the foreground with a person sitting at the desk in the background.

  • Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

A top-view of a model airplane with an umbrella over top of it, symbolizing flight insurance.

Is Flight Insurance Worth It? | Airlines' Limited Coverage Explained

A pregnant person wearing a striped shirt is standing, holding their belly in one hand and the handle of a piece of luggage in the other hand

Guide to Traveling While Pregnant: Pregnancy Travel Insurance

A couple enjoying a romantic boat ride

10 Romantic Anniversary Getaway Ideas for 2023

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions April 2024

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Medical Conditions April 2024

22 Places to Travel Without a Passport in 2024

22 Places to Travel Without a Passport in 2024

A person looking at a waterfall in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Insurance: Requirements, Tips & Safety Info

Best Spain Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost

Best Spain Travel Insurance: Top Plans & Cost

Best Italy Travel Insurance: Plans, Cost, & Tips

Best Italy Travel Insurance: Plans, Cost, & Tips

Disney World Castle at Night

Best Travel Insurance for your Vacation to Disney World

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Coverage: What To Know & How It Works

Chase Sapphire Travel Insurance Coverage: What To Know & How It Works

A woman sitting in front of a computer while holding an American Express credit card in her hand

2024 Complete Guide to American Express Travel Insurance

Leigh Morgan

Schengen Travel Insurance: Coverage for your Schengen Visa Application

A sandy beach in Mexico

Mexico Travel Insurance: Top Plans in 2024

church illuminated in december in Mexico City

Best Places to Spend Christmas in Mexico this December

A cityscape view of Toronto at night

Travel Insurance to Canada: Tips & Quotes for US Visitors

Sarah Stasik

Best Travel Insurance for France Vacations in 2024

Alana Luna (Musselman)

Travel Insurance for Germany: Tourist Information & Tips

View of the London Eye cantilevered observation wheel from the banks of the Thames at night

Best UK Travel Insurance: Coverage Tips & Plans April 2024

A wide shot of Nassau Harbour Lighthouse on the Bahamas island of Paradise Island

Travel Insurance for Trips to the Bahamas: Tips & Safety Info

A map of Europe with each nation's flag flying above the country

Best Trip Cancellation Insurance Plans for 2024

LA Times Compare Team

What Countries Require Travel Insurance for Entry?

A cityscape view of Manila, focusing on the the skyscrapers and harbor.

Philippines Travel Insurance: Coverage Requirements & Costs

Aerial view of the Santo Domingo Malecon boardwalk, showing the beach and sea.

Travel Insurance for the Dominican Republic: Requirements & Tips

Hayley Harrison

Travel Insurance for Trips Cuba: Tips & Safety Info

Imogen Sharma

AXA Travel Insurance Review April 2024

View of the Khmer temples in Ayutthaya, Thailand.

Travel Insurance for Thailand: US Visitor Requirements & Tips

A person taking a picture with a camera on a tripod overlooking the cliffs in Ireland.

Travel Insurance for a Trip to Ireland: Compare Plans & Prices

A person in hat taking pictures of the sights in Japan.

Travel Insurance for a Japan Vacation: Tips & Safety Info

A woman talking on a cell phone and waving.

Faye Travel Insurance Review April 2024

A person wearing a backpack taking a picture of the scenery in Brazil.

Travel Insurance for Brazil: Visitor Tips & Safety Info

A man and woman riding in a boat in Bali.

Travel Insurance for Bali: US Visitor Requirements & Quotes

A person sitting at the top of a ancient amphitheater in Turkey.

Travel Insurance for Turkey: U.S. Visitor Quotes & Requirements

A person standing in a stone temple in India.

Travel Insurance for India: U.S. Visitor Requirements & Quotes

A person standing on a cliff overlooking the coastline in Australia.

Australia Travel Insurance: Trip Info & Quotes for U.S. Visitors

A man and woman holding hands in front of a stone colosseum.

Generali Travel Insurance Review April 2024

A person looking over their shoulder in a train terminal.

Travelex Travel Insurance Review for 2024

A woman holding a suitcase in one hand and an umbrella in the other with a background of a blue sky with clouds.

Tin Leg Insurance Review for April 2024

A man, a woman and a child hugging in an airport.

Travel Insured International Review for 2024

A woman sitting in a terminal next to a backpack.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review April 2024

Two people sitting next to each other and looking at a mobile phone.

HTH WorldWide Travel Insurance Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Two women looking at a map and a man loading luggage into a vehicle.

Medjet Travel Insurance Review 2024: What You Need To Know

The Southern Ocean and snow-covered landscape of Antarctica.

Antarctica Travel Insurance: Tips & Requirements for US Visitors

A person looking across the Kenyan landscape.

Travel Insurance for Kenya: Recommendations & Requirements

The silhouette of people riding elephants around a tree in Botswana.

Travel Insurance for Botswana: Compare Your Coverage Options

A herd of elephants in Tanzania.

Travel Insurance for Tanzania: Compare Your Coverage Options

A person taking a picture of elephants while on an African safari trip.

Travel Insurance for an African Safari: Coverage Options & Costs

Nationwide Cruise Insurance Review 2024: Is It Worth It?

Elizabeth Smith

  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance for Seniors
  • Cheap Travel Insurance
  • Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance
  • Travel Health Insurance
  • How Much is Travel Insurance?
  • Is Flight Insurance Worth It?
  • Anniversary Trip Ideas
  • Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
  • Places to Travel Without a Passport
  • Christmas In Mexico
  • Compulsory Insurance Destinations
  • Philippines Travel Insurance
  • Dominican Republic Travel Insurance
  • Cuba Travel Insurance
  • AXA Travel Insurance Review
  • Travel Insurance for Thailand
  • Ireland Travel Insurance
  • Japan Travel Insurance
  • Faye Travel Insurance Review
  • Brazil Travel Insurance
  • Travel Insurance Bali
  • Travel Insurance Turkey
  • India Travel Insurance
  • Australia Travel Insurance
  • Generali Travel Insurance Review
  • Travelex Travel Insurance Review
  • Tin Leg Travel Insurance Review
  • Travel Insured International Travel Insurance Review
  • Seven Corners Travel Insurance Review
  • HTH WorldWide Travel Insurance Review
  • Medjet Travel Insurance Review
  • Antarctica Travel Insurance
  • Kenya Travel Insurance
  • Botswana Travel Insurance
  • Tanzania Travel Insurance
  • Safari Travel Insurance
  • Nationwide Cruise Insurance Review

Policy Details

#

LA Times Compare is committed to helping you compare products and services in a safe and helpful manner. It’s our goal to help you make sound financial decisions and choose financial products with confidence. Although we don’t feature all of the products and services available on the market, we are confident in our ability to sound advice and guidance.

We work to ensure that the information and advice we offer on our website is objective, unbiased, verifiable, easy to understand for all audiences, and free of charge to our users.

We are able to offer this and our services thanks to partners that compensate us. This may affect which products we write about as well as where and how product offers appear on our website – such as the order in which they appear. This does not affect our ability to offer unbiased reviews and information about these products and all partner offers are clearly marked. Given our collaboration with top providers, it’s important to note that our partners are not involved in deciding the order in which brands and products appear. We leave this to our editorial team who reviews and rates each product independently.

At LA Times Compare, our mission is to help our readers reach their financial goals by making smarter choices. As such, we follow stringent editorial guidelines to ensure we offer accurate, fact-checked and unbiased information that aligns with the needs of the Los Angeles Times audience. Learn how we are compensated by our partners.

HelloSafe » Travel Insurance » Travel Insurance by Destination » What Is The Best European Travel Insurance?

What Is The Best European Travel Insurance?

Table of Contents

You are planning a fancy road trip in Europe and travel insurance is the least interesting topic you think about? But have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to get emergency treatment, where you lost your baggage at the airport, or just about anything else unexpected?

Hence, you’re probably wondering how to find the best travel insurance for visiting Europe.

In the below ultimate guide for travelling from the UK to Europe, we will tell you everything you need to know about travel insurance for your trip to Europe: is it compulsory, what key features should you pay attention to, how much does it cost? etc. Let’s get started.

Why do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Imagine that during your trip, at a roundabout, someone runs into you. You need to call the emergency services. An ambulance comes and you need to make IRM checks to ensure everything is alright.

Unfortunately, it happens much more often than we think, and it could leave both you and your travel partners with significant medical costs to pay if you didn’t apply for travel insurance before leaving.

A recent study of Which as shown that on more than 10 000 UK travelers in 2018, 64% of them have had medical care while traveling abroad. The average spend of medical treatment abroad reaches £1300 but can be much more.

Here is a list of the most common unexpected costs arising during people’s trips:

For as cheap as £1/day, “Comprehensive Travel Insurance” is a contract which fully covers you for your trip to the Europe and provides you with both financial compensation as well as assistance during your trip.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for anyone holding a valid UK passport but is, however, absolutely necessary to prevent you from significant medical or cancellation costs while travelling abroad.

Do I need travel insurance if I have my European Health Insurance Card?

Short answer: yes you do.

Your European Health Insurance Card will allow you to receive free or reduced-cost medical treatment in the European Union as well as in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It will cover any healthcare expense you may have just like any resident of the visited country is covered as standard.

Your EHIC does not cover any of your medical expense in Turkey, the Isle of Man, Monaco, the Vatican City and San Marino.

However, you should never consider your EHIC as a substitute for travel insurance. It will not cover any repatriation, cancellation fees, personal belongings lost, cash stolen or any unfortunate other event. The indicative table below shows what is included in EHIC and/or in travel insurance for medical expenses.

*Medical care available as statutory in the visited country may differ from the National Healthcare System in the UK, although most of the European countries will offer same provision for free healthcare. You may have to pay a patient contribution for some regular care depending on the country.

Your EHIC is your first ally especially if you are travelling with pre-existing medical conditions. However, you should never consider your EHIC as a substitute for travel insurance.

Will my EHIC be valid after Brexit?

You can use your EHIC until the 31/12/2020, end of Brexit transition period.

It is unclear what will be the cooperation between the UK and Europe regarding healthcare afterwards.

Meanwhile, you can apply or renew your EHIC here .

What are the best travel insurance policies for Europe?

How can you choose between the plethora of travel insurance policies on offer and find the least expensive policy? Many insurers, even some small ones, offer very good value for money deals. We’ve come up with a selection of small and big actors offering tempting deals.

Among them you’ll find:

*Quotes above are for a 30 years old person applying for a one week trip to Europe travel insurance .

Even better, use our comparison tool to find the best deal for you! At Safe, we’ve checked out hundreds of travel insurance providers and we are now able to allow you to compare dozens of holiday insurance deals in only a few seconds without giving any personal details.

Always remember to check limits and excess amounts, maximum number of days per trip and exclusions in an insurer’s policy terms and conditions booklet. 

What type of travel insurance do I need for my trip to Europe?

You can apply for different insurance types depending on your type of trip, from frequent luxury or business travel to cheap holidays to Europe.

You will most often have the choice to apply between different travel plan:

  • worldwide excluding USA, Canada
  • worldwide including USA, Canada
  • Australia, New-Zealand

For Europe, as for any of the above destination, travel insurance policy types are:

Most of travel insurers offers discounts for couples and group travel insurance policies for your trip to Europe.

How much is travel insurance to Europe?

For example, this is the cheapest price for a single trip policy of seven days (with an excess at £100):

It is, however, quite difficult to give precise ranges of how much a travel insurance will cost you for Europe, as prices are based on a wide range of criteria. It will mainly depend on:

  • If you’re going for a single or annual multi-trip as mentioned above
  • If you’re subscribing to upgrades such as cruise, business or gadget cover
  • If you have pre-existing medical conditions
  • The length of your stay in Europe
  • If you’re travelling alone, with your partner, a group or your family
  • The financial limits you’d like to get in case of a claim
  • The excess amount you’re willing to pay
  • What will you be doing in Europe (e.g. winter or extreme sports)?

What does your travel insurance for Europe should cover?

Each travel insurance policy is different, since it is the insurer who determines the content of the contracts it offers: guarantees, compensation limits, deductibles, travel insurance prices, etc.

However, all contracts on the market must include at least the following guarantees, applicable in Europe and elsewhere abroad:

  • Medical expenses: compensation by the insurer for your health expenses during your stay (consultation, analysis, emergency treatment, longer hospital stay, etc.).
  • Repatriation assistance to the UK : financial and logistical support by a dedicated 24/7 team for your early return to your country of residence if it proves necessary.
  • Trip cancellation and cover for delayed or missed departure: compensation if you need to cancel your trip for whatever reason or if you missed your departure.
  • Personal liability: compensation for any damage or injury made to a third-party (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover).
  • Baggage: compensation for any lost or theft of baggage while travelling (consider adding it as extra if not included in standard cover).

Most of the time, travel insurers offer different formulas. Cover types involved are usually the same, but the compensation limits and deductibles vary.

What are the nice-to-have features for your travel insurance to Europe?

Which upgrades could you add as extras for your travel insurance to europe.

Additionally, you may tailor your policy for your trip to Europe area with optional extras such as:

  • Business trio insurance for Europe
  • Sport, winter sport, extreme sport cover
  • Schedule Airline Failure (at least £1500 covered)
  • Gadget insurance
  • Cruise cover

What does your travel insurance to Europe not cover?

Most travel insurers will not give financial compensation for:

  • Any claim made as a result of pre-medical condition or pending diagnosis undeclared at the time of purchase (your EHIC will cover for pre-existing medical condition treatment needed in Europe though)
  • Any claim made as a result of you being under drugs or alcohol
  • Difficulties due to natural disaster, war, civil unrest (watch out for strikes)
  • Any claim made as a result of a terrorist attack (except if you took this cover as an option)
  • Pregnancy and childbirth complications during travel (your EHIC will though)

We would advise you to thoroughly check your policy booklet for the main exclusions before leaving home. 

What else should you pay attention to while shopping around for travel insurance for Europe?

While shopping around for travel insurance for your trip to Europe, always pay attention to:

  • The compensation amount s you will get for a claim by consulting our up-to-date reviews on each insurer (especially for medical expenses, trip cancellation, personal liability, baggage and personal belongings)
  • The deductible amounts you’ll have to pay in case of claim (don’t forget that you’ll need to pay the excess on each claim)
  • The exclusions you may have in your policy (strike, cancellation trip due to the carrier defaulting etc.)
  • Coverages included in policies or available as upgrades (winter sports, business trip etc.)
  • The claim process (100% online? How many days do you have to make a claim?)
  • The maximum duration of each trip included as standard (at least 31 days)
  • The upper age limit (if you are a senior travelling).

What countries are included in Europe travel insurance?

European travel insurance usually covers your trip to:

  • any country member of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden
  • any country member of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
  • any country member of the single market: Switzerland.

Other countries may also be included in your Europe travel insurance plan such as Andorra, Cape Verde, Egypt, Gran Canaria, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Madeira, Monaco, Morocco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Tunisia and Turkey.

You need to be aware that some insurers exclude some countries although part of the ones listed above from their european travel insurance plan. You will therefore need to apply for a worldwide travel insurance or compare other cheap travel insurances for Europe.

Do I need a visa for my trip to Europe?

No. Until the 31/12/2020, you can circulate to all European Union countries as well as Ireland, Liechstentein, Norway ans Switzerland without any visa, as long as you do not stay more than 90 days within a period of 180 days.

You will however need to always have with you a valid and full UK passport.

Alexandre Desoutter has been working as editor-in-chief and head of press relations at HelloSafe since June 2020. A graduate of Sciences Po Grenoble, he worked as a journalist for several years in French media, and continues to collaborate as a as a contributor to several publications. In this sense, his role leads him to carry out steering and support work with all HelloSafe editors and contributors so that the editorial line defined by the company is fully respected. and declined through the texts published daily on our platforms. As such, Alexandre is responsible for implementing and maintaining the strictest journalistic standards within the HelloSafe editorial staff, in order to guarantee the most accurate, up-to-date information on our platforms. and expert as possible. Alexandre has in particular undertaken for two years now the implementation of a system of systematic double-checking of all the articles published within the HelloSafe ecosystem, able to guarantee the highest quality of information.

site_name

United Kingdom Travel Insurance

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to the united kingdom, how does travel insurance work in the uk, do i need travel insurance for the united kingdom, how much does travel insurance cost for the united kingdom, our suggested axa travel protection plan , traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , does the uk have any covid-19 restrictions for u.s. visitors, do you need car insurance to drive in the uk, are there any other requirements for traveling to the uk.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.  AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind. 

  • Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
  • Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
  • Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
  • Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
  • Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for the United Kingdom.

Picture this: You've planned a scenic road trip through the Scottish Highlands, a land of misty glens and ancient castles. You stumble upon the enchanting Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Imagine, a misstep on the slippery terrain, and suddenly you've got a sprained ankle, not the souvenir you had in mind. With AXA Travel Protection, you receive access to our 24/7 emergency hotline.  Speak to a licensed multilingual travel assistance agent, they can help assist and direct emergency transportation if necessary to your location. With an AXA Travel Protection plan, we are here to assist and support you whenever and wherever you may be. Here’s the entire list of benefits travelers can have access to with an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

  • Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
  • Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
  • Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

  • Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
  • Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

  • Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
  • COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
  • Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

  • Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
  • Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:  

  • Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
  • Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
  • Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
  • Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Americans aren't required to purchase domestic or international travel insurance to visit the United Kingdom. But it’s still highly recommended that you have a travel insurance plan before embarking on your next trip. 

Why? There are several reasons:

Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in New York, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

In general, travel insurance to the United Kingdom costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

  • Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
  • Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to the United Kingdom will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that United Kingdom hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.  

The Platinum Plan  is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage aligned with the United Kingdom experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the " Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) " offers assistance when you're out exploring the United Kingdom's stunning landscapes in a rental car. 

Additionally, part of the Platinum Plan is the " Lost Skier Days " benefit, offering potential reimbursement if ski resorts unexpectedly close due to ever-changing snow conditions. These perks make the Platinum Plan an excellent option for anyone seeking comprehensive protection during their exciting United Kingdom adventures. 

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

American visitors can breathe a sigh of relief that the UK no longer has any COVID-19 restrictions for visitors coming from the United States. You do not need to fret over getting a COVID test or submit proof of vaccination upon arrival in the UK. 

It’s illegal to drive in the UK without vehicle insurance. This also applies to those driving on an international license, even if it’s only for a brief period. If you are renting a car, however, we strongly recommend you purchase rental car insurance. AXA Travel Protection can help you with that by offering Rental Car Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver.)  This coverage provides extra coverage for your rental car against damage and theft.

American citizens are considered non-visa nationals in the UK. Therefore, they neither require a visa (for short-term travel) nor need to fulfill any other conditions to visit and travel across the UK.

UK Travel Insurance FAQs

1. can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight.

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) 

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

2. Do Americans need travel insurance for the UK?

UK law doesn’t require U.S. citizens visiting the UK for a short time (up to six months) to carry travel insurance. However, carrying international travel insurance for the United Kingdom for unforeseen events is a good idea.

3. What is needed to visit the United Kingdom from the USA?

U.S. citizens only need a passport and a ticket to travel to the UK. The passport must have at least one empty page and validity for the duration of your trip.

4. What happens if a tourist gets sick in the United Kingdom?

The UK has a National Health System (NHS) that provides medical care nationwide.  If a tourist gets sick in the UK, they can get medical care from an NHS center.  However, it’s important to note that while the NHS services are free for the locals, tourists are charged about 150 percent of the cost of their treatment.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

licensed representatives

Travel Assistance Wherever, Whenever

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

  • Travel Insurance Compare Our Plans Popular Benefits COVID-19 Benefits International Plans Domestic Plans Comprehensive Insurance Annual Multi-Trip Inbound Plan Cruise Ski & Snowboard Motorcycle & Moped Adventure Activities Seniors Medical Conditions
  • Emergency Assistance
  • Travel Alerts COVID-19 International Travel Tool Cover-More App
  • Manage Policy
  • travel_explore Not sure? See region list.

Where are you going?

Enter the destination(s) you plan to visit or select them from the list of countries and regions in the dropdown.

Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

Want to come to Australia on our Inbound Plan? Select “Australia Inbound”.

When do you depart?

Enter the date you will leave your home to start your trip.

When do you return?

Enter the date you will arrive home based on AEST (considering any time differences/zones and travel times).

Duration of each trip?

Select the maximum trip duration that best suits your needs.

The maximum trip duration you select will apply to each separate trip you take during the 12-month period of your policy.

For cover to apply, you cannot take trips that exceed this maximum duration. If you make a claim related to a trip that exceeds this maximum duration, it may be declined.

The maximum trip duration you select will be shown on your Certificate of Insurance.

Age of each traveller?

Enter the age (as of today) of each adult and child to be included on the policy.

Travel Insurance for Europe and the UK

Woman with travel insurance for UK exploring London

Source: Getty

Find our best travel insurance for your trip to Europe or the UK

Aussies have a hard time staying away from Europe and the United Kingdom – and it’s easy to understand why: Europe is jam-packed with beautiful old towns and delicious food, while the UK has stunning countryside and character-filled pubs.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if you’re visiting the UK or Europe on a honeymoon, family holiday, backpacking trip or for a cruise, things can go wrong when you least expect it. From lost luggage and missed flights to terrorist attacks and stolen smartphones, it helps to have travel insurance that’s by your side when you need it most.

At Cover-More, we can help support you should the unexpected occur. With over 30 years’ experience protecting Aussies travelling abroad and a 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, our travel insurance can help you feel safer when you travel overseas.

Want to learn more about our travel insurance cover for Europe and the UK? Keep reading.

Ready to get a quote? You can get one online right now.

Skip ahead to read:

Do i need travel insurance for europe and the uk.

  • Does Cover-More offer for travel insurance in Europe and the UK?
  • What benefits do Cover-More’s international travel insurance plans include?
  • Should I buy a Cover-More Annual Multi-Trip Policy for Europe and the UK?
  • Does Cover-More travel insurance cover European cruise holidays?
  • Does Cover-More travel insurance cover snow sports?
  • Does Cover-More travel insurance cover riding a motorcycle or moped?

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover terrorism?

Who do i call in an emergency in europe and the uk.

  • Travel tips for Europe and the UK

Whether you’re backpacking between cities, exploring quaint villages, soaking up history or soaking up the sun on glorious Mediterranean beaches, it’s important to consider safeguarding your trip to Europe and the UK from Australia with travel insurance.

Sadly, incidents can – and do – occur while you’re travelling, and the right travel insurance policy for your trip can help protect you financially when the worst does occur.

If your UK and European holiday is protected by travel insurance, you’ll likely have cover for several important benefits, including lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, missed flights, travel delays, emergency overseas medical expenses, rental vehicle insurance excess cover, and much more.

This means you’ll have financial help and assistance support should you slip on rocks at the beach in St Tropez and break your wrist, miss your train from London to Edinburgh for reasons outside your control, or damage your rental car in Paris.

Does Cover-More offer travel insurance for Europe and the UK?

We know that every traveller – and every holiday – to Europe and the UK is different, so we offer three different international travel insurance plans to suit various trip styles and budgets.

Once you’ve chosen the best travel insurance plan for your Europe and UK trip, you can also choose to customise your policy by varying your cover to include activities not already included in your policy for an extra premium.

Our travel insurance plans for the UK and Europe:

medical cross icon

International  Basic

plane icon

International  Comprehensive

globe icon

International  Comprehensive+

Cover to help you tailor your travel insurance policy to suit your holiday:

  • Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover
  • Snow Sports Cover
  • Adventure Activities Cover

For more information on international travel insurance plans for Europe and the UK, visit our compare plans page or get a quote online now.

What benefits do Cover-More travel insurance plans include?

Our international travel insurance plans provide many useful benefits for you to consider for protecting your trip to Europe and the UK. Our benefits and coverage levels vary across our three plans – all you need to do is find the best level of travel insurance cover for your trip.

Compare our travel insurance plans and benefit levels for trips to Europe and the UK:

*Sub-limits apply. Please refer to the PDS for full policy conditions.   ~Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.   ^ Cover chosen applies per policy.   ^^Conditions apply if you are aware of the pregnancy at the relevant time. For a single trip policy, relevant time means the time of issue of the policy and for an annual multi-trip policy it means the first time at which any part of the relevant trip is paid for or the time at which the policy is issued, whichever occurs last.   †Liability collectively for Loss of Income, Disability and Accidental Death is $45,000 on the Comprehensive+ Plan and $30,000 on the Comprehensive Plan.  •Item limit applies for any one item, set or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories. You may increase these items limits if You wish. See PDS for full details.

For full details of terms and conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply, please read the PDS before purchasing our travel insurance for your trip to the UK or Europe.

Ready to get a quote? You can generate a quote online now.

best travel insurance uk to europe

Should I buy an Annual Multi-Trip policy for Europe and the UK?

Are you a frequent traveller? If you regularly travel to the UK from Australia – or to other parts of Europe and around the world – you may wish to consider purchasing one of our  Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) Plans .

Available on both our Comprehensive and Comprehensive+ Plans , an AMT policy can be an ideal choice for travellers who have multiple holidays planned over a 12-month period and want all their trips (up to a selected duration) to be covered under one policy. For more information – including and limits on trip lengths – visit our Annual Multi-Trip page  and Annual Multi-Trip FAQs page before your trip to the UK and Europe.

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover European cruises?

Are you planning on seeing some of Europe’s most scenic cities from aboard a cruise? We don’t blame you – European cruise holidays are a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations across the continent with greater ease.

Plus, with so many wonderful options to choose from – such as cruising the Greek Islands in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, or the British Isles – there’s a European cruise holiday for everyone.

At Cover-More, it doesn’t matter if you’ve opted to choose our Basic, Comprehensive, or Comprehensive+ travel insurance for your European trip, if you advise us during the purchase process that you are travelling on a cruise of two or more nights, Cruise Cover will be included on your policy for an extra premium.

So, whether you’re taking a short cruise during your European adventure or wish to cruise throughout your entire trip, you’ll need to declare you’re travelling on a cruise for cover to be applied to your policy.

For more information on what cover is provided – including unexpected onboard medical costs and cabin confinement – visit our Cruise Cover  and Cruise Cover FAQs page, plus read the PDS .

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover snow sports in Europe?

Winter is a magical time for Australians to visit the UK and Europe. From snow-dusted villages and vibrant Christmas markets to outstanding ski resorts with lively après ski scenes, a European winter holiday is often like a fairy tale for Aussie travellers.

If you plan on hitting the slopes during your time in Europe, you can add our Snow Sports Cover option to your travel insurance policy for an additional premium.

Our Snow Sports Cover can provide cover for any accidents or injuries that are sustained when skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, possibly helping you avoid any unexpected medical bills and get you the help you need, fast.

For more information, visit our Snow Sports Cover and Snow Sports Cover FAQs page. We recommend you read the PDS before purchasing our travel insurance for European snow trips to ensure it’s the best fit for you.

Family with Travel Insurance for Europe enjoying Christmas Markets

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover riding a moped or motorcycle?

If you’re planning on zipping through the bustling streets of Rome on a moped or exploring the Greek Islands on a motorcycle, you may want to consider adding our Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover to your travel insurance policy for an extra premium. Cover for riding mopeds or motorbikes is not automatically includes in our plans.

At Cover-More, we offer two levels of cover for riding motorcycles or moped during your European or British holiday:

  • Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover : for engine capacity 250cc or less
  • Motorcycle/Moped Riding+ Cover : engine capacity unlimited (conditions apply)

For in-depth information on each level to help you understand if our cover is suitable for your trip to Europe and the UK, visit our  Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover  page.

Planning on only being a passenger on a moped or motorcycle? You’ll still need to include this option in your policy for cover to apply.

We recommend you read the PDS before purchasing our travel insurance cover for your European trip, as several terms, conditions and exclusions apply to our Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover.

Want to generate a quote? Get a quote online  to see how affordable protection for Europe and the United Kingdom can be.

Sadly, even though Europe and Britain are beautiful places to visit, terrorist attacks can – and do – occur in this part of the world. 

If you plan to travel to the UK or Europe from Australia, our international travel insurance plans can help provide support related to acts of terrorism. All three plans provide cover for emergency overseas medical expenses and additional expenses if you are a victim of a terrorist attack, plus access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team.

If you are travelling on either of our Comprehensive or Comprehensive+ Plans and have included cancellation cover in your policy, we can also provide financial support if your UK or European holiday needs to be cancelled because of an act of terrorism.

To understand if any terrorism-related or general travel alerts may affect your trip or your travel insurance policy, we recommend you check our Travel Alerts section prior to and during travel to the UK and Europe.

If you require immediate medical attention or have been a victim of crime, please contact the relevant local emergency services:

  • In Europe, the emergency services number is 112
  • In United Kingdom, the emergency services number is 999

If you need our support, you can contact our  Emergency Assistance team 24/7  on +612 8907 5619. If you’re in the UK, you can also use this local number: 0800 892 014.

Our expert  Emergency Assistance team can help you in several ways, including if you need hospitalisation like our Cover-More customer Steve.

Steve needed our team’s help when he slipped on black ice while in London, which caused irreparable damage to his hip. He required a full hip replacement in the UK, and then business class flights home once he was “fit to fly”.

His travel insurance claim totalled over $20,000, but thankfully we were there to take care of the bill so Steve could focus on recovering.

“Cover-More was so helpful from the time of Steve’s accident right through to when we arrived home. They were just so calm and in control throughout the whole process, which was a huge comfort to us.” – Kathryn, wife of our customer Steve.

To protect your European and UK trip, get a travel insurance quote online now.

Looking for Europe and UK travel tips?

There is so much to see and do in Europe and the United Kingdom – it can be hard figuring out where to start.

To make it easier for Australians travelling to the UK and Europe, we’ve put together a helpful travel guide for your upcoming trip.  Read our travel tips here.

Want us to protect your European holiday?

Find our best travel insurance cover for Europe and the UK trips today.

Material on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects may not apply to you as an individual and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice. The words and other content provided on this website, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Nothing contained on the website is intended to establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed on this website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd.  Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you have read on or accessed through this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

IMAGES

  1. What Is The Best Travel Insurance For Europe?

    best travel insurance uk to europe

  2. The Best Travel Insurance Companies: The Ultimate Guide

    best travel insurance uk to europe

  3. Travel Insurance From Uk

    best travel insurance uk to europe

  4. Best Travel Insurance for 2020

    best travel insurance uk to europe

  5. Europe travel insurance 2021: Complete Guide with COVID-19

    best travel insurance uk to europe

  6. The 13 Best Travel Insurance Plans for 2024

    best travel insurance uk to europe

VIDEO

  1. How to take coverwise travel insurance

  2. Why Travel Insurance is Essential for Your Trip

  3. TD 30s HR

  4. Safeguarding Your Journeys: Exploring the Benefits of Global Rescue Travel Insurance

COMMENTS

  1. Best travel insurance UK 2024: companies and polices rated

    All Clear travel insurance - Platinum. 79% policy score - joint 7th out of 161 policies rated. We like: All Clear was the highest-scoring medical specialist insurer in our analysis. Its policy covers outbound, connecting and returning flights that you miss because of delays.

  2. Travel Insurance For Europe

    Travel statistics compiled by Forbes Advisor using data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI), show that British holidaymakers travelling to Spain made the highest number of medical ...

  3. Compare Travel Insurance for Europe

    Compare holiday insurance quotes from 38 trusted UK providers. 1. Find tailored travel cover at the right price by comparing deals from the UK's leading travel insurers. Start a Quote. 1 Accurate as of April 2024.

  4. Travel Insurance for Europe

    Your travel insurance for Europe should include cover for things like: Emergency medical and hospital expenses. Repatriation to the UK for ongoing medical treatment. Cancelling or cutting short your trip. Lost or stolen luggage and property. Loss or theft of passports and travel documentation.

  5. The best travel insurance providers

    According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, the average claim on travel insurance in 2022 was a little over £970. So while travel insurance won't stop bad things from ...

  6. Find the Best Travel Insurance for Europe from the UK

    VisitorsCoverage: Best Medical Coverage. Among the internet's best-known insurance platforms, VisitorsCoverage is a pioneering Silicon Valley insurtech company that offers comprehensive medical coverage for visitors from the UK travelling to Europe. It lets you choose between various plans tailored to meet the specific needs of your trip to Europe, including coverage for emergencies, doctor's ...

  7. Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

    The OneTrip Prime plan from Allianz comes with: $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation. $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions. $500 in coverage for eligible ...

  8. Compare Our Best Travel Insurance Quotes

    Compare travel insurance policies with Forbes Advisor UK for affordable coverage and great deals. Protect against emergencies, medical costs, cancellations, and more. Get a quote now!

  9. Europe Travel Insurance

    Our Single Trip travel insurance for Europe covers you for a maximum of 180 days at any one time. But, if you're planning on going away more than once this year, then our Annual travel insurance for Europe may be a better fit. It covers you for an unlimited number of trips, up to 31 days in duration over a 12-month period.

  10. Best Travel Insurance to Europe 2024 ⚠️ Price and Coverage

    Heymondo is the perfect insurer for adventurous travellers, and for travel to countries with high medical expenses. Its comprehensive coverage includes motor vehicle accidents and adventure sports. Activate your coupon for a 5% discount on Heymondo, available now until 30/04/2024.

  11. The Best Travel Health Insurance Companies for Europe

    6. AXA: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Multiple Trips. If you're addicted to Europe travel, getting covered by Ama's Multi-Trip Schengen visa travel insurance is a must. Multi-Trip is an AXA Schengen visa insurance for frequent travelers who plan on making several trips to Europe over one year.

  12. 4 Best Travel Insurance for Europe in 2024

    1. Heymondo, the best travel insurance for Europe. Heymondo is the best holiday insurance for Europe, offering $200,000 in emergency medical coverage and no deductible. One of the main advantages of Heymondo insurance is the 24/7 customer support and medical chat.

  13. Travel Insurance For Trips To Europe

    Reimbursement is usually 50% or 75% of trip costs. To use this coverage you must cancel your trip at least 48 hours in advance. You can't wake up and cancel the trip the day you're scheduled ...

  14. Best Travel Insurance for a Europe Trip 2024

    To get the best travel insurance for Europe, follow these tips: 1 ... Best UK Travel Insurance: Coverage Tips & Plans April 2024. By Sarah Stasik - Personal Finance. 7 Min Read 18 APR 2024.

  15. What Is The Best European Travel Insurance?

    Insurer. Price. £7,08. Our review. 4,58/5 rate on Reviews. Provides all types of travel insurance with 2 level of protection: Gold and GoldPlus. Medical compensation for up to 85 years old. Dedicated customer service according to reviews. See insurance offer.

  16. Europe Travel Insurance

    If you become sick in Europe, travelers with AXA Travel Protection can contact the AXA Assistance hotline 855-327-1442. Contact information is typically provided within the insurance documentation. Please ensure to read through your policy details and information.

  17. Schengen Europe Travel Insurance

    AXA is the number one provider of travel insurance for trips to Europe and offers assistance 24/7, as well as other options and tailor-made products. Other coverage available includes our Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week, or Schengen Multi Trip insurance, which is perfect for regular travelers and available for €328 for a year ...

  18. Compare Our Best Single Trip Travel Insurance

    On this basis, we've listed what we consider to be the top five single trip travel insurance policies, below. All include at least £2 million in cover for emergency medical treatment, £2,000 ...

  19. Schengen Travel Insurance: How to choose the best one

    AXA travel insurance is accepted with all Schengen visa applications. Schengen visa insurance meets all the European visa requirements. It is approved and accepted by the consulates and embassies of all the countries of the Schengen Area. It guarantees coverage of at least €30,000 and up to €100,000 (depending on the chosen option).

  20. Travel Insurance for UK

    In general, travel insurance to the United Kingdom costs about 3 - 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: Total Trip cost: The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip.

  21. Best Worldwide Travel Insurance

    Worldwide. £46.61. £57.82. Worldwide (excluding USA, Canada, Mexico and Caribbean) £35.53. £42.03. Average of five cheapest quotes for a 30-year-old solo traveller. Includes emergency medical ...

  22. Travel Insurance for Europe and the UK

    Travel Insurance for Europe and the UK. Source: Getty. Find our best travel insurance for your trip to Europe or the UK. Aussies have a hard time staying away from Europe and the United Kingdom - and it's easy to understand why: Europe is jam-packed with beautiful old towns and delicious food, while the UK has stunning countryside and character-filled pubs.

  23. Travel Insurance For U.K. Trips

    The nominal cost of a travel insurance policy safeguards you and your travel companions in many ways. Squaremouth recommends at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage in case you require a ...