Travel Insurance for Europe – All You Need to Know

Europe is one of the world’s top destinations for city breaks, road trips, and bucket-list adventures. But accidents, cancellations, or medical emergencies can happen anywhere. Having the right Europe travel insurance gives you peace of mind, from lost luggage to doctor visits abroad.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat.

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Europe (2026)

Allianz Travel 

One of the largest global insurers, offering strong medical coverage, trip protection, and 24/7 multilingual assistance. Great for families and travelers who want reliable worldwide support.

AXA Schengen 

Specializes in policies that meet Schengen visa requirements. Fast online purchase with immediate certificate (needed for visa applications). Best for non-EU travelers applying for short-term visas.

World Nomads 

Popular with backpackers, students, and adventure travelers. Covers a wide range of activities (hiking, skiing, diving) and allows you to buy or extend coverage while already abroad.

SafetyWing

Flexible, subscription-style insurance designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Affordable monthly payments and worldwide coverage, including Europe.

Europ Assistance 

A European-based provider with strong healthcare networks across the continent. Good for EU citizens or those who want seamless access to local support.

IMG (International Medical Group)

A global provider offering flexible travel and medical insurance plans. Good for students, expats, and long-term travelers in Europe.

Provider Best For Key Features
Allianz Travel Families & frequent travelers Comprehensive medical + trip coverage, 24/7 multilingual support worldwide
AXA Schengen Schengen visa applicants Instant online certificate, meets €30,000 Schengen visa requirement
World Nomads Backpackers & adventure travelers Covers 200+ activities, flexible extensions, can buy while already abroad
SafetyWing Digital nomads & long-term travelers Subscription-style plans, affordable monthly payments, worldwide coverage
Europ Assistance EU-based travelers & short city breaks Strong healthcare networks across Europe, local support, good for shorter trips
IMG Students, expats & long stays Flexible and customizable plans, from emergency-only to full trip protection

What Does Europe Travel Insurance Cover?

Medical coverage – Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency evacuation.

Trip cancellations or delays – Reimbursement if flights or tours are canceled due to illness, strikes, or weather.

Lost or stolen luggage – Coverage for your belongings if they go missing during your trip.

24/7 assistance – Support lines in English for emergencies.

When Do You Need Travel Insurance for Europe?

EU/EEA Travelers – EU citizens can use the EHIC/GHIC card for basic healthcare, but it doesn’t cover private care, repatriation, or extras. Insurance is still recommended.

Non-EU Travelers (US, UK, Canada, etc.) – Medical care can be expensive without insurance. Many Schengen countries require proof of insurance for visa applications.

Schengen Visa Applicants – Must have travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses valid across all Schengen states.

Types of Travel Insurance for Europe

Single-Trip Insurance – Best for one holiday or business trip.

Annual Multi-Trip Insurance – Great for frequent travelers to Europe.

Backpacker/Long Stay Insurance – For gap years or extended stays.

Family Plans – Coverage for parents and children traveling together.

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices depend on your age, trip length, and coverage level, but expect:

1-week trip in Europe – €20–40 for basic coverage.

Annual multi-trip plan – €100–200 depending on extras.

Tip: Compare different providers and check what’s excluded (adventure sports, pre-existing conditions, etc.).

Quick Tips for Buying Europe Travel Insurance

Always check coverage for Covid-19 and pandemics.

Keep a digital copy of your insurance certificate on your phone.

Read the fine print, some policies exclude high-risk sports like skiing or diving.

For road trips, make sure your rental car is covered.

Travel Insurance for Germany

Germany is part of the Schengen Area, so if you need a Schengen visa, you must show proof of insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses

Even if you don’t need a visa (e.g., EU or US travelers), insurance is still recommended because it covers private hospitals, repatriation, and extras not included in public healthcare.

Travel Insurance for Italy

For visa-required travelers, Italy follows the same Schengen rules.

Even for EU citizens with EHIC/GHIC, insurance helps with things like stolen belongings in big cities (Rome, Milan, Florence) and medical evacuation if you plan mountain trips in the Dolomites.

Travel Insurance for Spain

Spain also requires Schengen visa applicants to have travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000

Summer travelers should check if policies cover flight delays, lost luggage, and adventure sports (like hiking or diving in the Canary Islands).

Travel Insurance for France

France’s Schengen visa rules require the €30,000 coverage

Paris is notorious for pickpocketing — so make sure baggage and theft protection is included. Skiing in the Alps? Look for a policy that covers winter sports.

Travel Insurance for Switzerland

Switzerland isn’t in the EU, but it’s in Schengen, so visa rules apply. 

Healthcare here is high-quality but expensive, so insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers. If you’re skiing or hiking, check coverage for mountain rescue.