travel insurance for eu

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Planning a Trip to Europe? Here’s the Best Travel Insurance in 2024

Jessica Merritt

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Table of Contents

The 5 best travel insurance policies for europe, is travel insurance for europe worth it, europe travel insurance costs, what europe travel insurance covers, how to get travel insurance for europe, credit card travel coverage, final thoughts.

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You’ve got a lot to look forward to if you’re planning a trip to Europe, with its blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Though most of Europe has a well-developed infrastructure and is generally considered safe, the unexpected can happen anywhere you travel — and travel insurance can help you when you need it most. 

Unexpected travel disruptions, medical emergencies, and lost luggage can derail your plans. Travel insurance can help mitigate risks, giving you financial protection and peace of mind. Whether you need coverage for a medical emergency, canceled flight, or other unforeseen travel mishap, travel insurance can help you arrive prepared for anything.

When planning your European trip, it’s important to consider travel insurance to safeguard against unexpected disruptions, medical emergencies, or cancellations.

This guide explains everything you need to know about travel insurance for Europe, including why you should consider it, what you can expect to pay, typical coverage areas, and a glimpse of quotes for real travel insurance plans for European travel.

Travel insurance for Europe can offer great value and protection for your trip. Policies typically cover trip cancellations, interruptions, and medical emergencies. What you pay depends on various factors, including your age, destination and other trip details, and desired coverage. 

To find the best travel insurance for Europe, compare policies that offer extensive medical coverage, trip cancellation packages, and emergency evacuation services.

We’ve reviewed several options for Europe travel insurance to give you an idea of the cost and coverage available.

Consider these travel insurance policies for a trip to Europe:

‌Best Europe Travel Insurance for Young Travelers: Tin Leg

Young travelers can expect low-cost travel insurance options, as insurance companies generally offer favorable rates to young adults. For a 2-week trip to France that costs $1,500, a 25-year-old can expect to pay $52 on a Tin Leg Gold travel insurance plan . With this policy, you get trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip costs, up to 150% in trip interruption coverage, and $500,000 in primary medical coverage. There’s also $500,000 in medical evacuation benefits.

‌Best Europe Travel Insurance for Seniors: Seven Corners

Seniors generally pay more for travel insurance than younger travelers, but there’s still cost-effective coverage available, such as the Seven Corners Trip Protection Choice plan . A 65-year-old visiting France for 2 weeks on a $1,500 trip can expect to pay $143 for this policy. It’s comprehensive, including up to 100% in trip cancellation coverage, 150% for trip interruption, $500,000 in primary medical coverage, and $1 million in medical evacuation and repatriation benefits.

Best Europe Travel Insurance for Cancel for Any Reason: Aegis Go Ready Choice

A Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy can be helpful if you’re concerned you may need to cancel your trip for reasons not usually covered under the regular trip cancellation terms. For example, a regular trip cancellation policy covers illness, injury, death, major delays or cancellations, jury duty, and natural disasters. CFAR allows you to cancel for reasons beyond those, such as a breakup or deciding you don’t want to go anymore, and you can still get up to 75% of your nonrefundable trip costs back.

With the Aegis Go Ready Choice policy , a 45-year-old on a 2-week, $1,500 trip to France can expect to pay $119.82. In addition to the CFAR benefit, you get up to 100% of the trip cost in trip cancellation coverage, 150% for trip interruption, $500,000 in secondary medical coverage, and $500,000 for medical evacuation and repatriation.

Best Europe Travel Insurance for Adventure Tours: Travelex

If your European adventure plans include sports such as cross-country skiing or hiking, you might need a travel insurance policy with adventure sports coverage in case you get hurt. You can get an adventure sports exclusion waiver upgrade on a Travelex Travel Select plan , which offers coverage for sports and adventurous activities that might otherwise be excluded.

The plan also covers up to 100% of your trip cost in trip cancellation, 150% in trip interruption, $100,000 in primary medical, and $1 million in medical evacuation. The high limit on medical evacuation is particularly valuable if you’re planning remote adventures where you might need help getting to medical care. Our quote for this plan came to $93 for a 45-year-old visiting France for 2 weeks and planning to do cross-country skiing and hiking below 4,500 meters.

Best Europe Travel Insurance for COVID-19: IMG

Most travel insurance plans offer medical coverage that includes trip cancellation, interruption, or medical treatment for COVID-19. Still, it’s always a good idea to verify coverage if you’re concerned COVID-19 could derail your travel plans. The IMG iTravelInsured Travel SE plan offers up to $250,000 in primary medical insurance, which includes COVID-19, and $500,000 in medical evacuation benefits. If you need to cancel your trip for COVID-19 illness or other covered reasons, you can get up to 100% of your trip costs back and up to 150% for trip interruption. We were quoted $79.53 for this policy for a 45-year-old visiting France for 2 weeks.

Purchasing travel insurance can be a wise decision anywhere you travel — Europe or points beyond — if you have nonrefundable travel expenses at risk. It’s also valuable for covering potentially costly medical treatment. Travel insurance can offer valuable travel assistance if you’re unfamiliar with your destination and may have a language bar rier.

Europe is a popular travel destination, and costs can add up, especially during peak seasons. You may have nonrefundable travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and tours. Travel insurance can be worth it if you want to protect those costs, as it can offer money back if you have to cancel your trip or go home early for a covered event such as illness, injury, or major travel disruptions.

Medical services in Europe are generally good and often relatively cheap for citizens. However, tourists should expect to pay out of pocket for medical treatment and not expect U.S. medical insurance to work overseas. 

Some medical visits may be inexpensive, but serious illnesses or major emergencies could be costly. A travel insurance plan can offer medical coverage — sometimes primary coverage that kicks in before any other insurance applies — that can cover the cost of treating medical emergencies while you’re in Europe.

Since European countries don’t extend health care benefits to tourists, purchasing health insurance for travel to Europe ensures that any medical costs are covered.

Travel assistance is another valuable aspect of travel insurance for Europe. If you’re unfamiliar with local resources such as health care providers or need help with documents such as your passport, you can get help from your travel insurance company’s travel assistance hotline. These hotlines can offer assistance for just about everything, whether you need translation services, emergency cash, or roadside assistance.

How much is travel insurance for Europe? Comprehensive Europe travel insurance will  cost you about 5% to 10% of your total nonrefundable trip costs . 

For example, on a $1,500 trip, your travel insurance cost should range between $75 to $100, though your actual costs will vary depending on your age, destination, and trip duration, among other factors. 

With comprehensive travel insurance, you generally get coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, and 24/7 travel assistance.

Your costs for Europe travel insurance depend on factors including:

• Trip duration
• The destination
• Coverage options, including optional add-ons
• Optional deductibles
• Coverage limits

Read our guide to average travel insurance costs to learn more about what you’d pay for travel insurance policies.

Travel insurance coverage varies depending on the policy, but you can expect comprehensive travel insurance policies to generally offer most of the same coverage. However, you’ll see more variation in benefit amounts and deductibles, so it’s a good idea to compare quotes so you can see how much coverage you’re getting for your money .

Comprehensive travel insurance policies for Europe typically include:

• Trip Cancellation: With trip cancellation coverage, you can get reimbursed for your nonrefundable travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason such as major illness or death.
• Trip Interruption: Trip interruption coverage offers compensation — usually 150% of your nonrefundable trip costs — if you’ve started your trip but need to cut it short for a covered reason. 
• Travel Delays and Missed Connections: Not all travel insurance policies offer these benefits, but you could get compensation if your travel is significantly delayed or your travel plans are interrupted by a missed connection.
• Emergency Medical: Emergency medical coverage offers benefits if you need emergency medical treatment while traveling. You may find policies with primary coverage, which is used before any other coverage, but other policies have secondary coverage, which doesn’t come first and requires you to make a claim on other insurance policies that apply before you can use your benefit. Some travel insurance plans offer telemedicine, which allows you to consult a doctor virtually without needing to visit a hospital for minor health issues.
• Emergency Evacuation: Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation offers transportation to the nearest suitable medical facility if you’re experiencing a serious health issue. Your travel insurance benefits pay for the cost of care and transportation.
• Rental Car Collision Waiver: A travel insurance policy with rental car coverage can protect you from damage to rental cars and cover requirements for car insurance for travel in Europe. You need to decline the rental car company’s coverage when you rent and use your travel insurance coverage instead.
• Baggage Delay or Loss: If your bags are lost, stolen, delayed, or severely damaged, you may need to buy clothing, toiletries, and other items to replace what you’ve lost. You get reimbursement — up to covered amounts — for these expenses with travel insurance.
• Travel Assistance Hotline: Travel insurance companies with travel assistance hotlines can help get you connected with necessities such as medical facilities or sending communications to your family on your behalf if you’re involved in an emergency.
• Additional Benefits: Some of the additional benefits of travel insurance include coverage for missed excursions, concierge services, and political evacuation.

Types of Europe Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance policies typically offer much of the same general coverage, just at different levels and with different deductibles, but there are variations. Consider these types of travel insurance for Europe:

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance: A comprehensive travel insurance policy gives you various coverage areas that are most important to travelers, including trip cancellation and interruption, emergency medical, emergency evacuation, and travel assistance.
• Cancel for Any Reason : A CFAR travel insurance policy allows you to cancel your travel plans and receive reimbursement — usually around 75% — for reasons that usually aren’t covered by trip cancellation coverage. This is usually an add-on to comprehensive travel insurance. If you’re uncertain about your plans, adding CFAR to your travel insurance for Europe allows for flexibility in case you decide to change or cancel your trip.
• Emergency Medical : If you’re less concerned with trip cancellation, interruption, and travel assistance benefits than medical benefits, a travel insurance policy with emergency medical benefits only could offer savings and peace of mind.
• Adventure Sports : If your European itinerary includes high-risk activities such as mountaineering or scuba diving, you can add adventure sports coverage to ensure your policy is adequate for these activities that are commonly excluded from standard travel insurance.
• Single-Trip Travel Insurance: For travelers taking a one-time vacation, single-trip travel insurance for Europe is an affordable way to protect against disruptions.
• Multiple-Trip or Annual Travel Insurance: An annual travel insurance plan covers multiple trips for a year, so you don’t have to purchase a separate policy each time.

For frequent travelers, it’s worth considering annual travel insurance. A multiple-trip policy may offer more cost-effective coverage for several trips than purchasing single-trip policies each time you travel.

How To Choose a Travel Insurance Policy for Europe

As you look for Europe travel insurance policies, you should compare multiple options to find the right fit. Consider various factors, including cost and coverage, to ensure that your travel insurance policies align with your needs.

• Cost: Price may be your primary concern, which is fair. You should look closely at prices before you purchase a policy. However, be sure that the coverage matches the cost. For example, a low-cost policy might have minimal coverage and high deductibles, so you should be sure the savings are worth it.
• Coverage: See what’s covered in each policy so you know how much you’re covered for, whether it’s trip cancellation or emergency medical treatment. 
• Deductibles: A higher deductible could translate to a lower policy price, but you have to pay more before your benefits kick in. Be sure you can afford the deductible amount if you need to make a claim on your travel insurance policy.
• Limitations: Be clear about what is and isn’t covered, and compare limitations across various policies to see which offer better options than others.
• Eligibility: Travel insurance policies may have eligibility restrictions such as age and destination. Find out if any of these restrictions apply to you before you purchase a policy.
• Preexisting Conditions: Some travel insurance policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions. If you have a preexisting medical condition, look for travel insurance that includes this type of coverage, as not all policies automatically cover ongoing health issues. You may need to add on coverage for preexisting conditions, and travel insurance companies may have time-based requirements, such as purchasing your trip insurance policy within 2 weeks of making your first trip payment.
• Claim Details: Understand what it takes to make a claim, such as how you can get emergency evacuation, how to reach travel assistance, and whether you need authorization before you get emergency medical coverage.
• Customer Ratings and Reviews:  A travel insurance policy might look good on paper but, in practice, does not give you the support you need. Read customer reviews to understand how well a travel insurance policy supports customers, including how easy it is to make a claim, how likely you’ll have a claim denied, and if there are any major customer service issues you might prefer to avoid.

Understanding the travel insurance claims process is essential for getting smooth reimbursement. Review the details before your trip, then keep all receipts and documentation in case you need to make a claim. You may be required to contact the travel insurance company before you use your benefits or get in touch promptly after an incident.

Europe travel insurance is available through various channels. You can purchase travel insurance directly from travel insurance companies, compare multiple options on a travel insurance website, or take advantage of offers as you book your travel.

Travel insurance companies typically offer online quotes and allow you to purchase your policy online. You can compare your options, though you need to visit all the travel insurance company websites you’re interested in to get quotes. This is a good option if you’re loyal to a particular travel insurance company and don’t want to consider others.

A travel insurance comparison website such as Squaremouth can make it easy to compare multiple policies with filters and coverage levels. On sites like these, you input your travel information, including your age, destination, trip cost, and trip duration, to get matched with travel insurance policies that meet your needs. You can narrow down the results based on your preferences and set levels for coverage and deductibles. It’s also easy to look for policies with add-ons such as CFAR or adventure sports in a comparison engine.

Sometimes, travel insurance is an option when you book your travel. For example, you may see travel insurance as you purchase airfare or make a hotel reservation, particularly if you book with an online travel agency such as Expedia or Booking.com . These are usually from third-party travel insurance companies and may be the same policies you can find on a travel insurance comparison website or the individual websites of travel insurance companies.

Take the time to look carefully at your options for Europe travel insurance so you can find the right fit, but purchase your policy promptly after booking. You’ll get the best coverage if you buy travel insurance within 2 weeks of making your first trip payment .

Many travel credit cards offer travel benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage , baggage delay benefits , and rental car collision damage waivers . 

For example,  Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  has primary car rental coverage of up to $75,000, trip cancellation and interruption coverage of up to $10,000 per person per trip, up to $2,500 for emergency medical or dental services, up to $100,000 in emergency evacuation benefits, and more.  

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Some of the travel insurance benefits of The Platinum Card ® from American Express include up to $75,000 in secondary car rental loss and damage insurance , up to $10,000 per trip in trip cancellation and interruption coverage, a 24/7 premium global assist hotline, and complimentary coverage of emergency services arranged through the hotline such as evacuation, transport, and assistance after an evacuation.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with  no credit score impact.

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card ® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card ® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card ® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: CLEAR ® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.
• APR: See Pay Over Time APR

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

These benefits are complimentary for cardholders, though the cards may have an annual fee. The travel coverage from your credit card might be enough for your needs. That can save you money if you don’t need to purchase a travel insurance policy. Look closely at your travel insurance benefit coverage limits and deductibles, as these might not offer enough protection for your needs. You can supplement with a travel insurance policy if the benefits aren’t enough.

Travel insurance can offer a valuable safeguard for your European adventure, with coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions. A range of policies are available, so you can tailor coverage to your needs and ensure you’re protected well but not spending more than necessary. Whether you’re taking an adventurous tour or a relaxed vacation, you can enjoy your trip fully knowing that you’re covered in case of the unexpected.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the premium global assist hotline benefit of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by premium global assist hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

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The Guide to Travel Insurance for Trips to Europe

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Table of Contents

How travel insurance works

How to choose between travel insurance companies, best plans for health insurance while traveling in europe, other tips for travel and medical insurance in europe, which credit cards offer europe travel insurance, travel insurance for europe recapped.

Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating adventure, especially when you’re heading to Europe. Whether you’re in the mood for an eclair or want to take in the Colosseum, making your way over to Europe involves a lot of moving parts.

That’s why travel insurance can be so beneficial. With protections such as trip delay reimbursement and coverage for lost luggage, travel insurance can help make sure your trip stays smooth.

What’s more, several plans include travel health insurance in Europe, so you can worry less about whether that hike through the Alps is a good idea.

Let’s take a look at travel insurance in Europe as well as other coverage options for your vacations.

Because a lot of thought, money and effort go into planning and taking a vacation, protecting your investments (and yourself) with travel insurance can make the difference between an enjoyable memory and a disastrous anecdote you tell at mealtimes.

Travel insurance can cover a variety of things, including:

Accidental death insurance .

Baggage delay and lost luggage insurance .

Cancel for Any Reason insurance .

Emergency evacuation insurance .

Medical insurance .

Rental car insurance .

Trip cancellation insurance .

Trip delay insurance .

Trip interruption insurance .

Trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption and lost luggage insurance are all sources of protection when you travel, especially on airlines. These can reimburse you for nonrefundable expenses you miss out on due to covered delays, and may pay you back for costs you end up incurring (including lodging, meals, toiletries and clothing).

Although it’s possible to get standard health insurance for trips abroad, it’s much more common to get coverage for emergency care, which includes protections for unexpected injuries and illnesses.

Health insurance for European travel is usually included with a standard travel insurance policy, but there are plan limits and there may be deductibles.

It’s also possible to purchase medical-only travel insurance from certain providers if you aren’t interested in other trip protections.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

Before you start shopping for travel and medical insurance in Europe, evaluate the level of coverage you need based on your age, health, trip duration, destination and planned activities (some adventure sports aren't always covered). Compare plans from different providers, paying attention to coverage, benefits and prices.

Here's a short list of factors to consider:

The cost of the policy. 

The limits of the plan.

Whether there are deductibles.

Whether the benefits are primary or secondary.

Where you’re going. 

How long your trip is.

Whether you already have insurance that’ll cover you.  

The types of activities you’ll be doing. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth (a NerdWallet partner) can streamline your shopping experience. Be sure to also read reviews and ratings of individual travel insurance companies to get an idea of customer service and claim resolution processes.

» Learn more: The best travel insurance companies

To figure out the best plans for travel and health insurance in Europe, we generated quotes from multiple travel insurance companies using a test scenario. For this example, we used a 37-year-old Nevada resident traveling to Germany for 11 days with a $4,000 trip cost. Here are the winners.

GeoBlue’s Voyager Choice medical insurance for European travel sits head and shoulders above the rest for cost, at only $28.16.

That said, there's a reason it is so affordable. This plan offers coverage only for medical emergencies and lacks other trip protections. It is a good option if you want to supplement existing travel coverage (say via your credit card ) with more medical coverage.

$1 million in medical coverage.

$0 deductible.

Offers direct billing.

No trip protections.

Pre-existing condition coverage requires that you have domestic health insurance.

Can only purchase plans up to six months in advance of your trip. 

» Learn more: Read our full GeoBlue travel insurance review

IMG’s iTravelInsured Travel SE’s comprehensive plan includes both trip protections and health insurance for Europe travel and rings in at just $135.36.

At this price point, it provides excellent primary coverage for medical insurance, offers rental car insurance and includes superior trip interruption reimbursement.

$250,000 in medical coverage.

$40,000 in rental car insurance. 

Pre-existing conditions covered. 

Travel delay reimbursement kicks in after 12 hours. 

Baggage loss is capped at $250 per item and $1,500 total.

More expensive than other options. 

» Learn more: Read our full review of IMG travel insurance

3. Detour Insurance

The Detour Insurance @The Edge insurance plan is aptly named. Costing $86.90, the plan offers a unique inclusion for the costs of search and rescue, which can provide peace of mind if you're participating in backcountry adventures.

$1 million limit for medical evacuation. 

Coverage can be extended. 

$10,000 for search and rescue. 

No rental car insurance. 

Pre-existing conditions not covered. 

$50,000 limit for 24-hour accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. 

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

4. Trawick International

Trawick International’s Safe Travels Protect plan includes primary medical coverage as well as a wide range of trip protections. At $100.03, it even covers cancellations for medical reasons.

$25,000 in emergency medical coverage.

100% for both trip cancellation and trip interruption. 

Medical quarantine coverage included. 

$100 medical deductible.

$500 lost luggage limit (not a great fit if you are packing several valuables).

Doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. 

» Learn more: Read our full Trawick International review

Do you have a travel credit card ? Many of these cards offer complimentary travel insurance as a part of their benefits. 

The plan you select may offer secondary coverage, but this matters only if you have existing insurance. In its absence, secondary coverage becomes primary. 

Look at your existing health insurance policy. Some plans will provide emergency coverage for you when traveling internationally. 

If you’re planning on heading for the Dolomites or other European mountains for winter sports, be sure that your travel insurance covers adventure activities; not all do. Travel insurance can rescue a ski or snowboard trip , but read the fine print to see what exclusions apply before you purchase a policy. 

» Learn more: 5 tips before buying Schengen visa travel insurance

If you’re looking for insurance when traveling to Europe, you may already have it without knowing. Many travel credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance.

Available types of insurance can include rental car insurance, emergency medical insurance, trip cancellation reimbursement, lost luggage protection and trip delay insurance.

Here are some of the best credit cards for travel insurance:

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per passenger for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $2,000 per person for nonrefundable airline, bus, train or ferry tikets.

• Trip interruption: Up to $2,000 per person for nonrefundable airline, bus, train or ferry tikets.

• Lost or damaged luggage : Up to $3,000 per passenger.

» Learn more: How to choose a credit card for Europe travel

Staying safe is important during your trip to Europe. Health insurance for travel can make a difference, especially if you’re planning on doing anything adventurous. The same can be said for other trip protections, which reimburse you for covered expenses that you incur.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Points + $300 Travel Credit Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.

1x-2x Earn 2X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

50,000 Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Travel Insurance for holidays in Europe

Travel insurance for europe .

Europe is like a treasure chest brimming with wonders waiting to be discovered. Whether you're wandering through ancient ruins, savoring mouthwatering cuisine, or marveling at famous sights like the Eiffel Tower, there's something magical for everyone to experience.

But no matter where your adventures lead you, it's smart to be prepared. Here’s everything you need to know about travel insurance for Europe. We'll show you the ropes so you can expect a safe and worry-free journey.  

Discover our Travel Insurance for Europe

• What should your Travel insurance cover for a trip to Brazil? 
• How Does Travel Insurance for Brazil Work?
• Do I need Travel Insurance for Brazil? 
• How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Brazil?

Our Suggested AXA Travel Protection Plan

What types of medical coverage does axa travel protection plans offer.

• Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Brazil?
• Traveling with pre-existing Medical Conditions? 

Travel Insurance Germany | Travel Insurance Italy   | Travel Insurance France  | Travel Insurance Greece  | Travel Insurance Iceland  | Travel Insurance Norway  | Travel Insurance Switzerland   | Travel Insurance Spain   | Travel Insurance UK  | Travel Insurance Ireland

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to europe.

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 Brazil.

How Does Travel Insurance for Europe Work?

Picture yourself wandering through the streets of Rome. Suddenly, a mishap occurs – perhaps a twisted ankle while exploring the Colosseum. In this moment, AXA Travel Protection proves invaluable. With their support, you gain access to quality healthcare, addressing your injury without fretting over medical bills. This safety net allows you to focus on recovery, so your European journey isn't marred by unexpected health setbacks.

Here’s how travelers can benefit from 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.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe?

Travelers from the United States and other visa-free countries do not need travel insurance to visit Europe. However, if you're from a country that requires a visa for the Schengen area, you must have travel insurance. Even if travel insurance isn’t required for your entry, securing one is still highly recommended.

Why? There are several reasons:  

Medical Emergencies : Exploring Europe often involves extensive walking and adventurous activities. In the event of unexpected illness or injury, having coverage for medical expenses allows travelers to seek necessary medical treatment without worrying about exorbitant costs.  

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.  

Trip Interruption: Unforeseen events such as natural disasters, political unrest, or personal emergencies can disrupt your European adventure. Trip interruption coverage may protect travelers if they need to cut their trip short due to unexpected circumstances.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in Europe?

In general, travel insurance 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 amount of non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc.

Age: L ike 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 provide 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 Europe hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers to 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 for Europe’s 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 Europe's stunning landscapes in a rental car.  

Traveling to Europe for a ski or golf getaway? The Loss Skier Days and Loss Golf Days benefits, optionally available with the Platinum plan, have got you covered. If unexpected slope closures or golf course shutdowns disrupt your plans, these optional benefits may offer reimbursement for prepaid ski tickets or golf arrangements. This way, you can hit the slopes or the greens worry-free, knowing AXA has your back.  

AXA covers three types of medical expenses:

Emergency medical

Emergency evacuation & repatriation

Non-medical emergency evacuation & repatriation  

Emergency medical: Can cover unexpected incidents like broken bones, burns, sudden illnesses, and allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention.

Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Can cover your immediate transportation home in the event of an accidental injury or illness.

Non-medical emergency evacuation and repatriation: Can cover evacuation assistance when you must leave a place urgently due to non-medical reasons like natural disasters or civil unrest.  

Are There Any COVID-19 Restrictions for Travelers to Europe?

No vaccination or COVID testing is required for entry into any European country.  

Traveling with preexisting Medical Conditions to Europe?

Traveling with preexisting medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip. Our Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plans  offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions. The Platinum plan 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 that's been hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a preexisting 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 make sure you travel with ease, no matter your health situation.  

1.Can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight?

You can buy travel insurance even after your flight is booked.  

2.When should I buy Travel Insurance to Europe?

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.  

3.Do Americans need travel insurance in Europe?

Although not mandatory for entry into Europe, having a travel insurance policy that includes emergency medical coverage is highly advisable when visiting the continent.  

4.What is needed to visit Europe from the USA?

US travelers entering Europe must have a valid US passport with at least six months left before expiration, any necessary visas, and ensure their passport remains valid for each country they visit. They must also have a clear reason for traveling and demonstrate adequate financial means for their stay.  

5.What happens if a tourist gets sick in Europe?

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.

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.  

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