Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Europe. Tourists traveling to countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement can enter with a U.S. passport. However, if you plan to stay in certain countries for more than 90 days, you may require a visa.
Europe boasts dozens of countries with diverse attractions and experiences that are easily accessible. A short train ride can take you from ski slopes or beaches to busy cities and quaint towns.
The number of travel possibilities makes Europe attractive to tourists, but certain activities can expose you to an increased risk of injury. If you plan to go skiing, cycling, scuba diving, mountain trekking or participate in any other activities, you can account for the risk of injury with travel health insurance. This insurance policy can cover the cost of emergency healthcare if you get hurt abroad. While you can prevent injuries by taking proper precautions, travel medical insurance gives you peace of mind knowing you have coverage if the unexpected occurs.
Travel insurance plans go beyond injury and illness protection. You can buy travel insurance to cover trip interruptions, cancellations and other travel-related problems like lost baggage. For example, labor strikes are common in Europe and can affect airlines and airports, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations. Travel insurance also covers delays due to storms, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or other natural disasters.
Travel Medical Insurance in Europe
The U.S. has the highest healthcare costs in the world. However, eight of the 10 most expensive countries for medical care are in Europe. U.S. embassies in Europe can help you find care if you are hurt or sick but will not assist with medical costs. Private U.S. health insurance does not always cover overseas treatment, and government-sponsored programs like Medicare will not pay for care while you are abroad.
If you suffer an injury or illness and need medical treatment in Europe, you will likely have to pay out of pocket unless you have travel insurance for medical emergencies. These policies cover medical care in hospitals or clinics but will not pay for elective or unnecessary treatments. For example, if you break your leg while skiing in Switzerland, your travel medical insurance would pay for the hospital visit, surgery, and even an emergency helicopter transport.
Travel medical insurance can be purchased as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan or as a stand-alone policy. Purchasing some level of travel medical coverage is wise if your regular health insurance is not valid internationally. You can opt for a supplemental plan that provides secondary coverage beyond what your existing health insurance offers. Like other travel coverage, you pay up-front for costs and then submit claims for reimbursement when you return home. Be sure to keep all receipts and medical documentation.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Most international travel policies also include emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage to cover the cost of air transportation back home if you are seriously injured or ill and require long-term care. Travel insurance may also pay for returning your body home if you pass away while on vacation.
“Cancel for Any Reason” (CFAR) Coverage
Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage allows you to receive compensation for a canceled trip for reasons outside your standard policy. Like all insurance, a traditional trip cancellation policy has exclusions. Your insurance provider will only reimburse for cancellations due to specific reasons, such as a death in the family, an unexpected illness or a natural disaster.
For standard insurance coverage, simply changing your mind does not qualify you for compensation. However, cancel for any reason policies allow you to obtain partial reimbursement for flights, lodging and other prepaid, nonrefundable expenses regardless of your motivation.
CFAR policies can be useful in specific situations. For example, if you book months in advance, it can help you account for scheduling conflicts that could arise between booking and departure.
Gear Theft Protection
Instances of theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, are relatively common in Europe. In fact, the European Union (EU) counted more than 4 million thefts in 2021. Wallets, phones and cameras are popular targets for thieves in tourist areas.
Comprehensive Europe travel insurance may include some gear theft coverage. However, limits are often $1,000 or less, so you may not have enough to cover the loss of expensive devices.
You can seek a travel insurance company that offers increased coverage limits for gear or provides stand-alone theft protection. These travel plans can be worthwhile if you have valuable gear, such as a high-end smartphone, laptop, tablet or camera. You might also consider coverage if you have skiing or sporting equipment.
Rental Car Protection in Europe
Forecasts predict that European agencies will rent vehicles to 60 million users in 2023. While the continent has an excellent train network and inexpensive regional flights, travelers may prefer the convenience and freedom of car travel.
In Europe, you must have liability coverage when you rent a car. Most companies also offer optional collision damage waiver (CDW) policies you can purchase directly from the rental agency. However, this coverage is often more expensive and may include a high deductible you would have to pay in the event of an accident.
Some credit cards offer rental car coverage, or your auto insurance may include coverage for rentals abroad. If you plan on driving extensively, you can also purchase a travel insurance policy with rental car protection.
Europe Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance pays for the cost of the pre-booked expenses if you cancel your trip to Europe for a covered reason. These policies are meant to cover events that are beyond your control. For example, cancellation insurance will pay the trip cost if you become seriously ill before your departure date.
You can purchase medical and trip cancellation insurance individually based on your coverage needs or buy comprehensive travel plans that account for all issues you could encounter in Europe.
The policies typically cover cancellations due to other circumstances, including:
- Legal obligations, such as jury summons or a court subpoena
- Natural disasters
- Military deployment
- A death in your immediate family
- Terrorism, conflicts or political instability
Trip cancellation insurance does not pay out if you change your mind or have a scheduling conflict. The policy may also have restrictions for issues related to pre-existing medical conditions or illnesses that started before you purchased the policy. Opt for CFAR coverage if you prefer flexibility in being able to cancel your travel plans.
You can purchase travel insurance that includes both cancellation and trip interruption coverage. Interruption insurance covers costs associated with unexpected delays. For example, this type of policy would have covered expenses when the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland stopped air travel for days.