Travel Insurance for a Trip to Europe (2024) (2024)

Use the table below to compare prices, COVID-19 coverage and “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) protection for our top travel insurance companies for a trip to Europe.

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 reimbursem*nt 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 reimbursem*nt 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 circ*mstances, 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.

Europe travel insurance costs vary depending on the type of coverage you need, the cost of your trip and your destination.

We gathered quotes from five major travel insurers for an international trip to Europe. The estimates below are for comprehensive travel insurance for five different trips to European countries. Coverage includes cancellation and interruption protection, lost baggage compensation, medical emergency coverage, and evacuation and repatriation. The trip details are the following:

• A 65-year-old couple taking a week-long $7,000 vacation to London
• A 30-year-old couple taking a week-long $7,000 trip to London
• A 19-year-old taking a week-long $2,000 trip to Paris, France
• A 27-year-old taking a week-long $1,800 trip to Athens, Greece
• A 51-year-old taking a week-long $2,000 vacation to Madrid, Spain

Trip costs are up-to-date as of April 2024.

Business travelers and other frequent fliers may find it cheaper to get an annual or multi-trip policy instead of single-trip coverage. However, single-trip coverage will likely suffice if you are planning a one-time trip.

Finally, insurers may have different rules for travel within Europe. Some policies are the same within all Schengen countries (27 nations that allow borderless movement), while others require a detailed itinerary listing each country you intend to visit.

The first step to getting travel insurance is to define your coverage needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Does your credit card have cancellation insurance if you use it to book your air tickets and hotel reservations?
• Does your health insurance cover emergencies occur overseas?
• Does your airline offer cancellation insurance or have policies that allow you to cancel before your departure date?
• Does your auto insurance policy protect car rentals in Europe?
• Are you traveling with valuable devices or gear that you need to insure?

Once you answer these questions, you can start requesting quotes and select a policy that has the coverage you need and fits your budget.

Though Europe does experience conflicts and unrest, it is considered a safe continent overall, with most countries experiencing much lower violent crime rates than elsewhere in the world. However, common-sense safety measures can ensure a smooth trip during your European travels.

Crime and Safety

Violent crime is rare in Europe, with 3,690 homicides and 216,400 robberies across the entire continent in 2021. But petty theft, including pickpocketing, is quite common, with more than four million incidents in 2021.

In addition to avoiding isolated areas and staying in groups after dark, take steps to secure items and money in your pockets using zippers, internal pockets or a money belt worn inside your clothing.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

Whether you are visiting the Netherlands, Portugal or Romania, there are countless opportunities for day trips and tours across Europe. For example, visitors to Belgium can take a day trip to Luxembourg, or you can visit Sweden while staying in Denmark.

Europe also offers many adventure sports opportunities. Activities like trekking, cycling or skiing can increase your risk of injury. For example, ski injuries are very common in popular destinations like the French Alps. In addition to proper equipment, you should always stick to conditions fitting your skill level to decrease your risks on roads, slopes, or trails.

If you plan to pack your itinerary while in Europe, travel insurance can offer reimbursem*nt for canceled tours and excursions. A travel insurance policy can also cover medical expenses if you are injured while participating in certain activities.

COVID-19

Europe has lifted all travel restrictions related to the coronavirus. Travelers from the U.S. can currently enter the EU without documentation regarding vaccinations or recent COVID test results. However, each EU country can impose restrictions or requirements so be sure to check the rules of each country on your itinerary before departure.

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