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The best travel insurance policies and providers

It's easy to dismiss the value of travel insurance until you need it.

Many travelers have strong opinions about whether you should buy travel insurance . However, the purpose of this post isn't to determine whether it's worth investing in. Instead, it compares some of the top travel insurance providers and policies so you can determine which travel insurance option is best for you.

Of course, as the coronavirus remains an ongoing concern, it's important to understand whether travel insurance covers pandemics. Some policies will cover you if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and have proof of illness from a doctor. Others will take coverage a step further, covering additional types of pandemic-related expenses and cancellations.

Know, though, that every policy will have exclusions and restrictions that may limit coverage. For example, fear of travel is generally not a covered reason for invoking trip cancellation or interruption coverage, while specific stipulations may apply to elevated travel warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Interested in travel insurance? Visit InsureMyTrip.com to shop for plans that may fit your travel needs.

So, before buying a specific policy, you must understand the full terms and any special notices the insurer has about COVID-19. You may even want to buy the optional cancel for any reason add-on that's available for some comprehensive policies. While you'll pay more for that protection, it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and still get some of your costs back. Note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has other eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

In this guide, we'll review several policies from top travel insurance providers so you have a better understanding of your options before picking the policy and provider that best address your wants and needs.

The best travel insurance providers

To put together this list of the best travel insurance providers, a number of details were considered: favorable ratings from TPG Lounge members, the availability of details about policies and the claims process online, positive online ratings and the ability to purchase policies in most U.S. states. You can also search for options from these (and other) providers through an insurance comparison site like InsureMyTrip .

When comparing insurance providers, I priced out a single-trip policy for each provider for a $2,000, one-week vacation to Istanbul . I used my actual age and state of residence when obtaining quotes. As a result, you may see a different price — or even additional policies due to regulations for travel insurance varying from state to state — when getting a quote.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard receives many positive reviews from readers in the TPG Lounge who have filed claims with the company. AIG offers three plans online, which you can compare side by side, and the ability to examine sample policies. Here are three plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

AIG Travel Guard also offers an annual travel plan. This plan is priced at $259 per year for one Florida resident.

Additionally, AIG Travel Guard offers several other policies, including a single-trip policy without trip cancellation protection . See AIG Travel Guard's COVID-19 notification and COVID-19 advisory for current details regarding COVID-19 coverage.

Preexisting conditions

Typically, AIG Travel Guard wouldn't cover you for any loss or expense due to a preexisting medical condition that existed within 180 days of the coverage effective date. However, AIG Travel Guard may waive the preexisting medical condition exclusion on some plans if you meet the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of your initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage you purchase equals all trip costs at the time of purchase. You must update your coverage to insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements that you add to your trip within 15 days of paying the travel supplier for these additional arrangements.
• You must be medically able to travel when you purchase your plan.

Standout features

• The Deluxe and Preferred plans allow you to purchase an upgrade that lets you cancel your trip for any reason. However, reimbursement under this coverage will not exceed 50% or 75% of your covered trip cost.
• You can include one child (age 17 and younger) with each paying adult for no additional cost on most single-trip plans.
• Other optional upgrades, including an adventure sports bundle, a baggage bundle, an inconvenience bundle, a pet bundle, a security bundle and a wedding bundle, are available on some policies. So, an AIG Travel Guard plan may be a good choice if you know you want extra coverage in specific areas.

Purchase your policy here: AIG Travel Guard .

Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is one of the most highly regarded providers in the TPG Lounge, and many readers found the claim process reasonable. Allianz offers many plans, including the following single-trip plans for my sample trip to Turkey.

If you travel frequently, it may make sense to purchase an annual multi-trip policy. For this plan, all of the maximum coverage amounts in the table below are per trip (except for the trip cancellation and trip interruption amounts, which are an aggregate limit per policy). Trips typically must last no more than 45 days, although some plans may cover trips of up to 90 days.

See Allianz's coverage alert for current information on COVID-19 coverage.

Most Allianz travel insurance plans may cover preexisting medical conditions if you meet particular requirements. For the OneTrip Premier, Prime and Basic plans, the requirements are as follows:

• You purchased the policy within 14 days of the date of the first trip payment or deposit.
• You were a U.S. resident when you purchased the policy.
• You were medically able to travel when you purchased the policy.
• On the policy purchase date, you insured the total, nonrefundable cost of your trip (including arrangements that will become nonrefundable or subject to cancellation penalties before your departure date). If you incur additional nonrefundable trip expenses after purchasing this policy, you must insure them within 14 days of their purchase.
• Allianz offers reasonably priced annual policies for independent travelers and families who take multiple trips lasting up to 45 days (or 90 days for select plans) per year.
• Some Allianz plans provide the option of receiving a flat reimbursement amount without receipts for trip delay and baggage delay claims. Of course, you can also submit receipts to get up to the maximum refund.
• For emergency transportation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Allianz, and Allianz must then make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, most Allianz policies provide an option if you cannot contact the company: Allianz will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Allianz Travel Insurance .

American Express Travel Insurance

American Express Travel Insurance offers four different package plans and a build-your-own coverage option. You don't have to be an American Express cardholder to purchase this insurance. Here are the four package options for my sample weeklong trip to Turkey. Unlike some other providers, Amex won't ask for your travel destination on the initial quote (but will when you purchase the plan).

Amex's build-your-own coverage plan is unique because you can purchase just the coverage you need. For most types of protection, you can even select the coverage amount that works best for you.

The prices for the packages and the build-your-own plan don't increase for longer trips — as long as the trip cost remains constant. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit is only available for your first 60 days of travel.

Typically, Amex won't cover any loss you incur because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. However, Amex may waive its preexisting-condition exclusion if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You must be medically able to travel at the time you pay the policy premium.
• You pay the policy premium within 14 days of making the first covered trip deposit.
• Amex's build-your-own coverage option allows you to only purchase — and pay for — the coverage you need.
• Coverage on long trips doesn't cost more than coverage for short trips, making this policy ideal for extended getaways. However, the emergency medical and dental benefit only covers your first 60 days of travel.
• American Express Travel Insurance can protect travel expenses you purchase with Amex Membership Rewards points in the Pay with Points program (as well as travel expenses bought with cash, debit or credit). However, travel expenses bought with other types of points and miles aren't covered.

Purchase your policy here: American Express Travel Insurance .

GeoBlue is different from most other providers described in this piece because it only provides medical coverage while you're traveling internationally and does not offer benefits to protect the cost of your trip. There are many different policies. Some require you to have primary health insurance in the U.S. (although it doesn't need to be provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield), but all of them only offer coverage while traveling outside the U.S.

Two single-trip plans are available if you're traveling for six months or less. The Voyager Choice policy provides coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger and already have a U.S. health insurance policy.

The Voyager Essential policy provides coverage (including medical evacuation for a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition) for trips outside the U.S. to travelers who are 95 or younger, regardless of whether they have primary health insurance.

In addition to these options, two multi-trip plans cover trips of up to 70 days each for one year. Both policies provide coverage (including medical services and medical evacuation for preexisting conditions) to travelers with primary health insurance.

Be sure to check out GeoBlue's COVID-19 notices before buying a plan.

Most GeoBlue policies explicitly cover sudden recurrences of preexisting conditions for medical services and medical evacuation.

• GeoBlue can be an excellent option if you're mainly concerned about the medical side of travel insurance.
• GeoBlue provides single-trip, multi-trip and long-term medical travel insurance policies for many different types of travel.

Purchase your policy here: GeoBlue .

IMG offers various travel medical insurance policies for travelers, as well as comprehensive travel insurance policies. For a single trip of 90 days or less, there are five policy types available for vacation or holiday travelers. Although you must enter your gender, males and females received the same quote for my one-week search.

You can purchase an annual multi-trip travel medical insurance plan. Some only cover trips lasting up to 30 or 45 days, but others provide coverage for longer trips.

See IMG's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Most plans may cover preexisting conditions under set parameters or up to specific amounts. For example, the iTravelInsured Travel LX travel insurance plan shown above may cover preexisting conditions if you purchase the insurance within 24 hours of making the final payment for your trip.

For the travel medical insurance plans shown above, preexisting conditions are covered for travelers younger than 70. However, coverage is capped based on your age and whether you have a primary health insurance policy.

• Some annual multi-trip plans are modestly priced.
• iTravelInsured Travel LX may offer optional cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason coverage, if eligible.

Purchase your policy here: IMG .

Travelex Insurance

Travelex offers three single-trip plans: Travel Basic, Travel Select and Travel America. However, only the Travel Basic and Travel Select plans would be applicable for my trip to Turkey.

See Travelex's COVID-19 coverage statement for coronavirus-specific information.

Typically, Travelex won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition that existed within 60 days of the coverage effective date. However, the Travel Select plan may offer a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, the insured traveler must meet all the following conditions:

• You purchase the plan within 15 days of the initial trip payment.
• The amount of coverage purchased equals all prepaid, nonrefundable payments or deposits applicable to the trip at the time of purchase. Additionally, you must insure the costs of any subsequent arrangements added to the same trip within 15 days of payment or deposit.
• All insured individuals are medically able to travel when they pay the plan cost.
• The trip cost does not exceed the maximum trip cost limit under trip cancellation as shown in the schedule per person (only applicable to trip cancellation, interruption and delay).
• Travelex's Travel Select policy can cover trips lasting up to 364 days, which is longer than many single-trip policies.
• Neither Travelex policy requires receipts for trip and baggage delay expenses less than $25.
• For emergency evacuation coverage, you or someone on your behalf must contact Travelex and have Travelex make all transportation arrangements in advance. However, both Travelex policies provide an option if you cannot contact Travelex: Travelex will pay up to what it would have paid if it had made the arrangements.

Purchase your policy here: Travelex Insurance .

Seven Corners

Seven Corners offers a wide variety of policies. Here are the policies that are most applicable to travelers on a single international trip.

Seven Corners also offers many other types of travel insurance, including an annual multi-trip plan. You can choose coverage for trips of up to 30, 45 or 60 days when purchasing an annual multi-trip plan.

See Seven Corner's page on COVID-19 for additional policy information as it relates to coronavirus-related claims.

Typically, Seven Corners won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition. However, the RoundTrip Choice plan offers a preexisting condition exclusion waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• You buy this plan within 20 days of making your initial trip payment or deposit.
• You or your travel companion are medically able and not disabled from travel when you pay for this plan or upgrade your plan.
• You update the coverage to include the additional cost of subsequent travel arrangements within 15 days of paying your travel supplier for them.
• Seven Corners offers the ability to purchase optional sports and golf equipment coverage. If purchased, this extra insurance will reimburse you for the cost of renting sports or golf equipment if yours is lost, stolen, damaged or delayed by a common carrier for six or more hours. However, Seven Corners must authorize the expenses in advance.
• You can add cancel for any reason coverage or trip interruption for any reason coverage to RoundTrip plans. Although some other providers offer cancel for any reason coverage, trip interruption for any reason coverage is less common.
• Seven Corners' RoundTrip Choice policy offers a political or security evacuation benefit that will transport you to the nearest safe place or your residence under specific conditions. You can also add optional event ticket registration fee protection to the RoundTrip Choice policy.

Purchase your policy here: Seven Corners .

World Nomads

World Nomads is popular with younger, active travelers because of its flexibility and adventure-activities coverage on the Explorer plan. Unlike many policies offered by other providers, you don't need to estimate prepaid costs when purchasing the insurance to have access to trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

World Nomads offers two single-trip plans.

World Nomads has a page dedicated to coronavirus coverage , so be sure to view it before buying a policy.

World Nomads won't cover losses incurred because of a preexisting medical condition (except emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains) that existed within 90 days of the coverage effective date. Unlike many other providers, World Nomads doesn't offer a waiver.

• World Nomads' policies cover more adventure sports than most providers, so activities such as bungee jumping are included. The Explorer policy covers almost any adventure sport, including skydiving, stunt flying and caving. So, if you partake in adventure sports while traveling, the Explorer policy may be a good fit.
• World Nomads' policies provide nonmedical evacuation coverage for transportation expenses if there is civil or political unrest in the country you are visiting. The coverage may also transport you home if there is an eligible natural disaster or a government expels you.

Purchase your policy here: World Nomads .

Other options for buying travel insurance

This guide details the policies of eight providers with the information available at the time of publication. There are many options when it comes to travel insurance, though. To compare different policies quickly, you can use a travel insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to search. Just note that these search engines won't show every policy and every provider, and you should still research the provided policies to ensure the coverage fits your trip and needs.

You can also purchase a plan through various membership associations, such as USAA, AAA or Costco. Typically, these organizations partner with a specific provider, so if you are a member of any of these associations, you may want to compare the policies offered through the organization with other policies to get the best coverage for your trip.

Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?

Is travel insurance worth getting?

Whether you should purchase travel insurance is a personal decision. Suppose you use a credit card that provides travel insurance for most of your expenses and have medical insurance that provides adequate coverage abroad. In that case, you may be covered enough on most trips to forgo purchasing travel insurance.

However, suppose your medical insurance won't cover you at your destination and you can't comfortably cover a sizable medical evacuation bill or last-minute flight home . In that case, you should consider purchasing travel insurance. If you travel frequently, buying an annual multi-trip policy may be worth it.

What is the best COVID-19 travel insurance?

There are various aspects to keep in mind in the age of COVID-19. Consider booking travel plans that are fully refundable or have modest change or cancellation fees so you don't need to worry about whether your policy will cover trip cancellation. This is important since many standard comprehensive insurance policies won't reimburse your insured expenses in the event of cancellation if it's related to the fear of traveling due to COVID-19.

However, if you book a nonrefundable trip and want to maintain the ability to get reimbursed (up to 75% of your insured costs) if you choose to cancel, you should consider buying a comprehensive travel insurance policy and then adding optional cancel for any reason protection. Just note that this benefit is time-sensitive and has eligibility requirements, so not all travelers will qualify.

Providers will often require CFAR purchasers insure the entire dollar amount of their travels to receive the coverage. Also, many CFAR policies mandate that you must cancel your plans and notify all travel suppliers at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Likewise, if your primary health insurance won't cover you while on your trip, it's essential to consider whether medical expenses related to COVID-19 treatment are covered. You may also want to consider a MedJet medical transport membership if your trip is to a covered destination for coronavirus-related evacuation.

Ultimately, the best pandemic travel insurance policy will depend on your trip details, travel concerns and your willingness to self-insure. Just be sure to thoroughly read and understand any terms or exclusions before purchasing.

What are the different types of travel insurance?

Whether you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy or rely on the protections offered by select credit cards, you may have access to the following types of coverage:

• Baggage delay protection may reimburse for essential items and clothing when a common carrier (such as an airline) fails to deliver your checked bag within a set time of your arrival at a destination. Typically, you may be reimbursed up to a particular amount per incident or per day.
• Lost/damaged baggage protection may provide reimbursement to replace lost or damaged luggage and items inside that luggage. However, valuables and electronics usually have a relatively low maximum benefit.
• Trip delay reimbursement may provide reimbursement for necessary items, food, lodging and sometimes transportation when you're delayed for a substantial time while traveling on a common carrier such as an airline. This insurance may be beneficial if weather issues (or other covered reasons for which the airline usually won't provide compensation) delay you.
• Trip cancellation and interruption protection may provide reimbursement if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, such as a death in your family or jury duty.
• Medical evacuation insurance can arrange and pay for medical evacuation if deemed necessary by the insurance provider and a medical professional. This coverage can be particularly valuable if you're traveling to a region with subpar medical facilities.
• Travel accident insurance may provide a payment to you or your beneficiary in the case of your death or dismemberment.
• Emergency medical insurance may provide payment or reimburse you if you must seek medical care while traveling. Some plans only cover emergency medical care, but some also cover other types of medical care. You may need to pay a deductible or copay.
• Rental car coverage may provide a collision damage waiver when renting a car. This waiver may reimburse for collision damage or theft up to a set amount. Some policies also cover loss-of-use charges assessed by the rental company and towing charges to take the vehicle to the nearest qualified repair facility. You generally need to decline the rental company's collision damage waiver or similar provision to be covered.

Should I buy travel health insurance?

If you purchase travel with credit cards that provide various trip protections, you may not see much need for additional travel insurance. However, you may still wonder whether you should buy travel medical insurance.

If your primary health insurance covers you on your trip, you may not need travel health insurance. Your domestic policy may not cover you outside the U.S., though, so it's worth calling the number on your health insurance card if you have coverage questions. If your primary health insurance wouldn't cover you, it's likely worth purchasing travel medical insurance. After all, as you can see above, travel medical insurance is often very modestly priced.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance costs depend on various factors, including the provider, the type of coverage, your trip cost, your destination, your age, your residency and how many travelers you want to insure. That said, a standard travel insurance plan will generally set you back somewhere between 4% and 10% of your total trip cost. However, this can get lower for more basic protections or become even higher if you include add-ons like cancel for any reason protection.

The best way to determine how much travel insurance will cost is to price out your trip with a few providers discussed in the guide. Or, visit an insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip to quickly compare options across multiple providers.

When and how to get travel insurance

For the most robust selection of available travel insurance benefits — including time-sensitive add-ons like CFAR protection and waivers of preexisting conditions for eligible travelers — you should ideally purchase travel insurance on the same day you make your first payment toward your trip.

However, many plans may still offer a preexisting conditions waiver for those who qualify if you buy your travel insurance within 14 to 21 days of your first trip expense or deposit (this time frame may vary by provider). If you don't need a preexisting conditions waiver or aren't interested in CFAR coverage, you can purchase travel insurance once your departure date nears.

You must purchase coverage before it's needed. Some travel medical plans are available for purchase after you have departed, but comprehensive plans that include medical coverage must be purchased before departing.

Additionally, you can't buy any medical coverage once you require medical attention. The same applies to all travel insurance coverage. Once you recognize the need, it's too late to protect your trip.

Once you've shopped around and decided upon the best travel insurance plan for your trip, you should be able to complete your purchase online. You'll usually be able to download your insurance card and the complete policy shortly after the transaction is complete.

Related: 7 times your credit card's travel insurance might not cover you

Bottom line

Not all travel insurance policies and providers are equal. Before buying a plan, read and understand the policy documents. By doing so, you can choose a plan that's appropriate for you and your trip — including the features that matter most to you.

For example, if you plan to go skiing or rock climbing, make sure the policy you buy doesn't contain exclusions for these activities. Likewise, if you're making two back-to-back trips during which you'll be returning home for a short time in between, be sure the plan doesn't terminate coverage at the end of your first trip.

If you're looking to cover a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition, select a policy with a preexisting condition waiver and fulfill the requirements for the waiver. After all, buying insurance won't help if your policy doesn't cover your losses.

Disclaimer : This information is provided by IMT Services, LLC ( InsureMyTrip.com ), a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 5119217) and a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. IMT's services are only available in states where it is licensed to do business and the products provided through InsureMyTrip.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not create or modify any insurance policy terms in any way. For more information, please visit www.insuremytrip.com .

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.

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 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.

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?

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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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Ascen Aynat

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

I would try this one.

Let me know what you think.

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.

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!

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Travel Insurance for Europe: 4 Best Options for 2024

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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 .

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​​Do I need travel insurance for a trip to Europe?

By Jennifer Earl

Edited By Matt Richardson

February 17, 2023 / 9:06 AM EST / CBS News

With warmer months ahead and vacation season fast approaching, now is the time to nail down your vacation plans. It appears travel is already making a comeback, with spending totaling $92 billion in December — 3% above 2019 levels, according to U.S. Travel Association .

Europe is a popular destination for summer vacations. In 2022, travel insurance marketplace SquareMouth estimated the average cost of a summer trip to Europe racked up more than $7,800, roughly $1,000 more than in previous years before the pandemic hit.

Searches for international flights are up 64% so far this year, Kayak says , reiterating the return of traveling abroad is real. As you crunch the numbers on your vacation, booking flights, hotels and excursions, you'll likely want to consider buying travel insurance .  The majority of insured travelers — 90%, to be precise — are traveling to overseas destinations, a 2022 travel study by SquareMouth stated.

If you're planning a European trip, then enter your trip and traveler information to view a list of dozens of travel insurance policies available to you. You can sort them by the cheapest options .

Do I really need travel insurance for Europe?

Europe has generally been one of the top travel destinations for Americans, accounting for nearly half of SquareMouth's sales before the pandemic hit. So, if you're like most Americans, you may be thinking about visiting some European countries in the near future.

As you start booking your 2023 travel , make sure you do your research. Travel insurance, which typically costs anywhere between 5% to 10% of your total trip expenses, could be a small price to pay for added financial protection and peace of mind. Here are some questions you should ask as you consider purchasing travel insurance:

• Does my destination have any insurance requirements?
• Will my current health insurance plan cover me overseas?
• Do I have any pre-existing conditions or health issues that will increase the likelihood I need travel insurance with medical benefits?
• Am I planning to travel for a long period of time or participate in high-risk activities, increasing the chances that I may need travel insurance?
• How much is my total trip cost, and what are the potential savings travel insurance could give me if there's an interruption, delay, cancellation or lost items?

What does travel insurance cover , and are there any perks I may want?

To learn more about the benefits of travel insurance, and why many people traveling internationally are more likely to obtain coverage, head to SquareMouth now!

There are many reasons to buy travel insurance , particularly as travelers flock to airports and long TSA lines return, increasing the chances of a hiccup with the scheduling of your flight.

"Travelers today are growing more cautious following mounting airline-related mishaps, including widespread cancellations, staffing shortages, system outages and the looming threat of strikes," travel insurance marketplace SquareMouth said in a news release .

In general, travelers who are paying significant sums for trips, non-refundable trips or tour deposits and those who want to ensure they have proper medical coverage overseas are urged to obtain a comprehensive travel insurance plan. 

The U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) point out that Medicare and Medicaid benefits won't work outside of the U.S. If you have private health care, you should check with your provider to see what's covered and what's not.

Bottom line

If you're traveling internationally , it's a good idea to get comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical benefits. International trips tend to be pricier than traveling locally, so the potential loss in investment and time could be greater. There are numerous ways travel insurance can help you, but the main benefits include: Covering emergency medical treatments, protection against mishaps or inconveniences and last-minute cancellations.

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How to Find the Best Travel Insurance for Europe in 2023

Find out about the ins and outs of travel insurance for Europe. Learn how to choose the right plan, understand coverage, and file a claim if needed.

Traveling is one of the most exciting experiences one can have in life. It opens us up to new cultures, people, and places that we may have never explored. However, whenever we leave our home country, there are always risks involved.

This is where travel insurance comes in. It’s a safety net for travelers that provides coverage against unexpected events while on a trip. If you’re planning a trip to Europe , it’s important to understand what travel insurance entails and why it’s necessary.

While Europe is generally considered safe for tourists, accidents and emergencies can happen anytime. With travel insurance in place, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if something goes wrong.

Travel insurance for Europe covers many scenarios while traveling within European countries. From medical emergencies to lost luggage or trip cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, different travel insurance plans cover different aspects of your travels based on their scope and your needs.

The key thing here is understanding the purpose of travel insurance and getting the right type of coverage as per your plans and activities during your trip. So before heading to Europe, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance in place – it’s an essential investment for any traveler!

🛏️ Book your hotel ahead of time to get the best deals, click here to find the best hotels to stay !

🧳 One of the best way to explore a new destination stress-free is through guided tours! Check this out to find the best tours at affordable prices .

Follow me on Instagram and Tiktok for more Finland and Europe travel tips ! 🏕️🏕️🏕️

Do you need help planning your trips? Start here!

❗️Be insured before your trip and get a SafetyWing FREE insurance quote 📚 Read our post about why you should always have insurance ✈️ Find out how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner or find deals now 🛌🏻 Book your accommodation through Booking.com 🎭 Find awesome and hassle-free tours through GetYourGuide 🚘 Explore Europe on an epic road trip with Discover Cars

Table of Contents

Importance of having travel insurance while traveling

When planning a trip to Europe, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of booking flights, researching hotels, and mapping out sightseeing itineraries. However, one aspect of travel planning often overlooked is travel insurance. Many travelers question whether they need travel insurance while on vacation , but the truth is that having travel insurance can make all the difference in an emergency.

One of the most important reasons to have travel insurance while traveling in Europe is for medical emergencies. While we all hope for a safe and healthy trip, accidents and illnesses can happen anytime.

If you were to fall ill or get injured while abroad, medical expenses could quickly pile up and leave you with a hefty bill. With the right travel insurance plan, you can rest assured that you’ll be covered for unexpected medical expenses.

Another reason why having travel insurance is important when traveling in Europe is that it provides coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions. If something unexpected happens at home before your trip and you must cancel your plans, travel insurance can help reimburse the costs of non-refundable tickets or reservations.

It also provides coverage if your trip gets interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances like severe weather or natural disasters. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong on your trip – like lost luggage or stolen passports – you’ll have assistance available 24/7.

Traveling abroad can be stressful enough without added worries about unforeseen expenses or emergencies. Comprehensive travel insurance coverage ensures you have access to support around the clock from your insurer’s assistance team should anything go wrong during your European adventure.

All in all, there are many reasons why having travel insurance while traveling in Europe is important. From unexpected medical expenses to trip cancellations and interruptions to providing peace of mind while abroad – investing in a good policy ensures that travelers can enjoy their European getaway with confidence and security, knowing they’re protected from the unexpected.

Why get a travel insurance for Europe

When planning a trip to Europe, it’s important to consider getting travel insurance. Travel insurance for Europe is a type of coverage that provides financial protection against unexpected events that could disrupt your trip or result in costly expenses. It’s similar to other types of travel insurance but tailored specifically for European travel.

Most travel insurance providers offer comprehensive plans that cover a range of expenses and incidents, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen baggage, and more. These plans can be customized to fit the specific needs of your trip and can vary in cost depending on factors such as trip length, coverage limits, and deductibles.

Travel insurance for Europe typically covers medical expenses and emergencies. If you were to become ill or injured while traveling in Europe and needed medical attention or hospitalization, your policy would cover the costs.

This is especially important when traveling abroad because many health insurance policies only provide coverage in your home country. Another benefit of travel insurance for Europe is its coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions.

Suppose you must cancel or cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, natural disasters, or political unrest. In that case, your policy will reimburse you for eligible non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, or tours. Overall, travel insurance for Europe provides peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against unexpected events that could ruin your vacation.

It ensures you can handle expensive bills and stay in an unfamiliar country with assistance. With so many benefits at an affordable cost compared to the potential risks associated with traveling without adequate coverage- getting insured before departure should be a no-brainer!

The purpose and benefits of travel insurance

Traveling can be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences in life. However, it is important to consider that things sometimes go differently than planned while on vacation, and unforeseen events can lead to expensive and frustrating situations. This is where travel insurance comes in handy.

Travel insurance aims to protect travelers against financial losses or unexpected emergencies that may occur during their trip. One of the most significant benefits of travel insurance is that it provides peace of mind.

Knowing that you are covered in case something goes wrong can take a weight off your shoulders and allow you to fully enjoy your journey without worrying about what could happen. From medical emergencies to lost luggage or trip cancellations, having travel insurance means you won’t have to deal with unexpected expenses alone.

Another benefit of travel insurance is that it can save you money in the long run. While purchasing an insurance policy may seem unnecessary initially, considering the potential costs of medical treatment or flight cancellations without coverage puts things into perspective.

With travel insurance, you pay a manageable premium upfront to protect you from far more expensive bills later on if something goes wrong. Travel insurance provides additional assistance while traveling abroad beyond just financial protection.

Travel assistance services are often included with policies providing 24-hour access to customer service representatives who can help with various issues, such as lost passports or emergency medical transport. Sometimes, these services also offer translation assistance and referrals for local medical care if needed.

Overall, the purpose and benefits of travel insurance are clear: offering peace of mind while traveling by providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances and additional support when needed abroad. Before embarking on any journey overseas, it’s essential to consider purchasing a comprehensive policy tailored specifically for your trip’s needs so that you can enjoy your travels knowing that if anything happens, you’re covered!

Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?

Remember this:  anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!

The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with  SafetyWing  was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.

I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.

Read my post about  why you should get travel insurance  for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from  SafetyWing  – they’re the best, in my opinion.

Types of travel insurance plans available for Europe

Regarding travel insurance for Europe, a few different options are available depending on your specific travel needs. Here’s a breakdown of the travel insurance plans you can choose from:

Single trip insurance

When planning a trip to Europe, it’s essential to consider your travel insurance options. One of the most common types of coverage is single-trip insurance. As the name suggests, this policy covers a single trip and usually provides coverage for a specified duration, typically between 1 and 31 days.

Single-trip insurance policies offer comprehensive coverage against various unforeseen events during your travels, such as medical emergencies, cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and personal liability. The level of coverage can vary from policy to policy and provider to provider.

Still, you can expect single-trip travel insurance to provide peace of mind while exploring the captivating cities and towns across Europe . Many travelers opt for single-trip insurance because it offers flexibility regarding duration and destinations covered.

Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway to Paris or embarking on an extended backpacking adventure through several European countries, there’s likely a single-trip policy that will meet your needs. Additionally, purchasing individual policies for each trip is often more cost-effective than investing in an annual multi-trip plan if you only travel once or twice yearly.

When shopping around for travel insurance providers who offer single-trip plans for Europe, it is crucial to evaluate different factors such as cost, benefits included in each plan’s fine print, and add-ons that may be available for extra protection. By comparing different options available using comparison websites or talking directly with customer service reps from leading providers such as Allianz Global Assistance or World Nomads Travel Insurance, travelers can make more informed decisions regarding their travel plans and find the most suitable policy at a fair price point that fits their specific needs while not breaking the bank.

Multi-trip insurance

If you’re a frequent traveler to Europe, multi-trip travel insurance might be your best option. This policy covers multiple trips within a year, making it more convenient and cost-effective than buying separate single-trip policies. Here’s what you need to know about multi-trip insurance:

Firstly, the coverage period for multi-trip insurance usually ranges from 90 days to 365 days, depending on the provider. This means that once you purchase your policy, you have coverage for all your trips during the coverage period.

You don’t need to worry about buying a new policy whenever you travel. Some providers even offer unlimited trips within the coverage period.

Secondly, multi-trip insurance typically includes all the same coverages as single-trip policies – medical emergencies, trip cancellation/interruption, travel delay/missed connections, baggage loss or delay, etc. However, there may be limitations on specific coverages such as pre-existing medical conditions or adventure sports. It’s important to note that while multi-trip insurance can save you money in the long run if you’re a frequent traveler to Europe (or anywhere else), it may not be suitable for everyone.

Single-trip policies might still be more cost-effective if your trips are sporadic or less frequent than once every few months. It’s worth doing some calculations and comparing different options before deciding.

Long-term travel insurance

Long-term travel insurance covers travelers spending extended periods in Europe, typically longer than 30 days. This type of insurance is ideal for individuals or families planning to live, work, or study abroad in Europe. One of the benefits of long-term travel insurance is that it provides an affordable alternative to more expensive health insurance plans offered by universities or employers.

With long-term travel insurance, policyholders can enjoy comprehensive medical coverage at a fraction of the cost. Moreover, long-term travel insurance can offer trip cancellation benefits that cover non-refundable expenses, such as rent or tuition fees.

When selecting a long-term travel insurance plan, it’s important to consider the length and nature of one’s stay in Europe . For instance, if you’re planning to work abroad for six months but will also be traveling frequently to other countries during weekends and holidays, you may opt for a customizable plan that includes coverage for adventure sports or pre-existing medical conditions.

On the other hand, if you’re staying in one location and don’t foresee any significant risks associated with your trip, you may choose a basic plan with lower premiums. In addition to medical and trip cancellation coverage, long-term travel insurance plans can offer personal liability protection in case of accidental damage or injury caused by the policyholder.

This type of coverage can be especially important for those renting apartments or working with equipment that could potentially cause harm to others. Long-term travel insurance can provide peace of mind for travelers staying in Europe for an extended period while offering customizable and affordable options tailored to individual needs.

Customized travel insurance plans

Regarding travel insurance for Europe, one size does not fit all. That’s where customized travel insurance plans come in. These plans allow travelers to tailor their coverage to their needs and preferences, providing more personalized and comprehensive protection.

Customized travel insurance plans can be a great option for travelers with unique situations or requirements not covered by standard policies. For example, if you’re planning an adventure-packed trip that includes extreme sports like bungee jumping or skydiving, you may need additional coverage for these activities.

Or, if you have a pre-existing medical condition that requires ongoing treatment, you may want to include coverage for medical expenses related to your condition. Another advantage of customized travel insurance plans is that they allow you to choose the level of coverage you need for different categories, such as medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss/delay, and personal liability.

This means you can prioritize the areas where you need the most protection and adjust your coverage limits accordingly. When choosing a customized travel insurance plan, it’s important to work with an experienced provider who can help guide you through the process.

They should help you assess your needs and recommend the best options based on your budget and preferences. Be sure to compare different policies carefully before making a final decision, and pay attention to any exclusions or limitations in the fine print.

Customized travel insurance plans offer flexibility and peace of mind for travelers heading to Europe. By tailoring your coverage to your specific needs and priorities, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about unexpected mishaps or expenses ruining your adventure.

What travel insurance for Europe typically covers

Medical expenses and emergencies

When planning a trip to Europe , it’s important to consider the possibility of any medical emergencies that may occur during your stay. Medical expenses can be extremely costly in Europe and quickly increase if you need adequate travel insurance coverage. This is why ensuring that your travel insurance plan includes coverage for medical expenses and emergencies is essential.

Accidents can happen anytime, whether you’re traveling for leisure or business. In case of a medical emergency during your European vacation, your insurance will cover the cost of necessary medical treatments, including hospitalization, surgery, and medication.

You can also access emergency services such as ambulance transport or evacuation if needed. With proper coverage, you could avoid paying out of pocket for these expensive services.

When choosing a travel insurance plan that covers medical expenses and emergencies, it’s important to consider the extent of the coverage provided. Some policies may limit their coverage based on age or pre-existing conditions.

Be sure to carefully read the policy details to understand what is covered and what is not before purchasing it. In addition to medical expenses associated with accidents or emergencies during your trip, some plans also cover emergency dental care and repatriation in case of death while abroad.

Knowing that you are covered in case anything unexpected happens can give you peace of mind while traveling in Europe. So make sure to prioritize this aspect when selecting a travel insurance policy!

Trip cancellation and interruption

When planning a trip, it’s important to consider the possibility of having to cancel or interrupt your travel plans. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes things that are out of our control happen, such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, or unexpected work obligations. This is where trip cancellation and interruption insurance comes in handy.

Trip cancellation insurance covers pre-paid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a covered reason. Covered reasons typically include unforeseen illness or injury, death of a family member or traveling companion, weather-related issues like hurricanes or blizzards, jury duty or military service obligations, and more.

Remember that not all cancellation reasons are covered by all policies. Trip interruption insurance covers expenses incurred when you have to cut your trip short for a covered reason.

Covered reasons often include illness or injury while on the trip, the death of a family member back home requiring you to return earlier than planned, natural disasters causing missed connections or delayed arrivals, and more. It’s important to note that most travel insurance companies require you to purchase trip cancellation and interruption insurance within a certain period after making your initial deposit on the trip (often within 14-21 days).

Also, make sure that the coverage amount is enough to cover any non-refundable deposits you’ve made for transportation, accommodations, and other activities on your itinerary. By purchasing this type of coverage, you can avoid losing thousands of dollars if something unexpected happens before or during your travels.

Travel delay and missed connections

Travel delays and missed connections are common occurrences, especially when traveling long distances. This is where travel insurance can come in handy. With the right policy, you can be compensated for any expenses incurred due to unforeseen delays or missed connections.

Travel delay coverage typically provides reimbursement for additional accommodation and transportation expenses that may arise due to a covered delay. So, suppose your flight is delayed due to weather conditions or mechanical issues, for example, and you must spend an extra night in a hotel or purchase a new ticket to your destination. You can file a claim with your travel insurance provider in that case.

On the other hand, missed connection coverage provides reimbursement for any additional transportation expenses that may arise if you miss your connecting flight or train due to a covered event. For instance, if your first flight is delayed and you miss your connecting flight. As a result, you would have to pay for another ticket out of pocket.

But with missed connection coverage under your travel insurance policy, those costs could be reimbursed. It’s important to note that each travel insurance provider has different terms and conditions regarding their travel delay and missed connection coverage.

Always read through the policy details carefully before purchasing any plan. Also, remember that there may be certain exclusions or limitations on this type of coverage – such as only covering delays caused by specific events like bad weather or strikes – so make sure you understand those as well.

Baggage loss or delay

One of the most common mishaps during travel is baggage loss or delay. It can be stressful to arrive at your destination without your luggage. That’s why having travel insurance that covers this scenario can give you peace of mind.

Most standard travel insurance plans for Europe typically include baggage loss or delay coverage. Baggage loss coverage reimburses you for the value of your lost luggage and personal belongings up to a certain limit, usually ranging from $500 to $3000, depending on your chosen plan.

If your luggage is delayed, you may also be eligible for compensation to cover immediate expenses, such as purchasing clothes and toiletries while waiting for your bags to arrive. To claim baggage loss or delay, you must provide proof of ownership and the value of lost or delayed items.

It’s a good idea to keep receipts or take photos of your belongings before traveling as evidence. You should also report any lost or delayed bags immediately upon arrival to the airline and obtain a written report from them.

It’s worth noting that some credit cards also offer baggage protection, but they may cover less than a dedicated travel insurance plan. Additionally, suppose you’ve purchased expensive items, such as cameras or laptops, before traveling. In that case, it’s essential to know if they’re covered by your credit card or travel insurance policy in case they get lost or stolen during transit.

Passport or travel document loss

Losing your passport or other travel documents is one of the most common problems during a European trip. In addition to the frustration and inconvenience of losing an essential document, you need a proper backup plan to avoid ending up stranded in a foreign country without being able to return home. Fortunately, many travel insurance plans for Europe offer passport or travel document loss coverage.

Suppose your passport or other important travel documents are lost or stolen during your trip. In that case, it’s crucial to report the incident immediately and obtain a new document as soon as possible. Most insurance providers require policyholders to submit proof of loss and file a police report within 24 hours of discovering the loss.

Remember that replacing lost passports can be costly, so choosing a plan with adequate coverage limits is important. In addition to covering the cost of replacing lost passports or visas, some travel insurance plans also provide emergency assistance services, such as arranging for expedited replacement of lost documents or providing translation services if needed.

Ensure you understand what kind of assistance is available through your policy and how to access it in an emergency. Having this peace of mind can make all the difference when traveling abroad.

Personal liability coverage

When considering travel insurance, we often focus on the medical and financial aspects. However, personal liability coverage is just as important when traveling abroad.

This type of insurance covers you in case you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while traveling. It can help protect you from being held responsible for costly legal fees and compensation claims.

When it comes to personal liability coverage, it’s essential to understand what it covers and what it doesn’t cover. Most policies will cover accidental bodily injury or property damage caused by the policyholder.

However, intentional acts are typically not covered. For example, if you purposefully vandalize a hotel room or physically assault another person, your policy won’t provide coverage.

It’s also important to note that personal liability coverage limits how much it will pay per incident and trip. These limits vary by policy, so check your specific plan details before purchasing.

Additionally, some policies may include exclusions for high-risk activities or sports. Read the fine print before assuming you’re covered in all scenarios.

Optional coverages, such as adventure sports or pre-existing medical conditions

Regarding travel insurance for Europe, optional coverages are available that can provide additional protection and peace of mind. Two common add-ons are coverage for adventure sports and pre-existing medical conditions. If you plan on engaging in adventurous activities like hiking , skiing, or bungee jumping during your European travels, it’s important to ensure you have the appropriate travel insurance coverage.

Many standard travel insurance plans exclude sports injury coverage or offer limited protection. However, some providers offer optional adventure sports coverage that can provide additional protection in case of an unexpected injury or accident while participating in these activities.

It’s also important to consider pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance for Europe. If you have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, you may need additional coverage to ensure you’re protected while traveling abroad.

Some insurers offer coverage specifically designed for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Alternatively, some companies may offer a waiver of pre-existing condition exclusion if you purchase their policy within a certain timeframe after booking your trip.

When considering optional coverages for your travel insurance policy, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of each insurer’s offering. Some policies may have specific limitations or exclusions that could impact your ability to make a claim in certain situations.

Additionally, be prepared to pay an additional premium for optional coverages – while they can provide value-added protection, they can also increase the overall cost of your policy. Ultimately, selecting the right combination of coverages will depend on your individual needs and circumstances – but taking the time to consider optional coverages carefully is an important step towards securing comprehensive travel insurance protection while exploring Europe !

How to choose the right travel insurance for Europe

When choosing the right travel insurance plan for your European adventure, there are a few important things to consider.

Assessing your specific travel needs

Before choosing a travel insurance policy, it’s important to assess your travel needs.

Several factors should be considered when deciding the type and amount of coverage needed. Here are some of the things to consider:

• Destination: The country or countries you plan to visit will impact the type of coverage you need. For example, traveling to a remote location with limited medical facilities may require a policy that includes medical evacuation coverage.
• Length of trip: How long will you be traveling? If it’s just a short trip, single-trip insurance may be sufficient. However, long-term travel insurance may be a better option if you’re planning an extended stay abroad.
• Type of trip: What activities do you plan? If your trip involves adventure sports or other high-risk activities, such as skiing or scuba diving, ensure your policy covers these activities.
• Medical history: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, choosing a policy that provides adequate coverage for any related medical expenses that may arise during your trip is important.
• Budget: Budget is always an important consideration when choosing travel insurance. Take some time to compare policies and providers to find one that fits within your budget while providing the necessary coverage for your needs.

Considering these factors can help ensure that you choose the right travel insurance policy for your specific needs and circumstances. Remember to read through all terms and conditions carefully before purchasing any policy so there are no surprises down the road!

Comparing different insurance providers and their offerings

When choosing the right travel insurance for Europe, comparing different insurance providers and their offerings is crucial. With so many options, navigating through the different coverage types, limits, and deductibles can be overwhelming. However, by researching and comparing, you can find a plan that meets your specific needs and budget.

One important factor to consider when comparing travel insurance providers is the type of coverage offered. Some plans may only cover medical emergencies, while others provide more comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellations or interruptions, lost baggage or documents, and personal liability.

It’s important to assess your specific needs before choosing a plan so that you can select one that provides adequate protection. Another important consideration when comparing travel insurance providers is the plan’s cost.

The premiums for travel insurance plans can vary widely depending on the type of coverage provided and other factors such as age and length of travel. Be sure to get quotes from several different providers so that you can compare pricing for similar levels of coverage.

Also, remember any deductibles or copays that may apply to the plan, as these costs can add up over time. When comparing travel insurance providers, it’s also helpful to read reviews from other travelers who have used their services.

Look for reviews that specifically mention claims experiences, as this will give you a good idea of how easy or difficult it may be to file a claim with a particular provider in case something goes wrong during your trip. By doing your research and comparisons ahead of time, you’ll be able to confidently choose a travel insurance provider, knowing that you have found the best option for your needs and budget.

Reading customer reviews and testimonials

When choosing the right travel insurance for Europe, reading customer reviews and testimonials is essential in the decision-making process. While insurance providers may boast about their offerings and benefits, hearing from customers who have used their services can give you a more realistic idea of what to expect.

One way to find customer reviews is by checking out the provider’s website or social media pages. Most companies feature feedback from satisfied customers on their homepage or in a dedicated review section.

However, remember that these reviews may be curated or edited for marketing purposes, so take them carefully. Another option is looking for independent online review platforms like Trustpilot or Yelp.

These websites allow users to leave detailed reviews and ratings on various service providers, including travel insurance companies. You can filter the results by location, product type, or rating to find relevant feedback from other travelers who have been in similar situations as you.

Reading positive and negative reviews can give you a balanced perspective on the insurer’s strengths and weaknesses. Feel free to contact fellow travelers or online communities for recommendations and advice on travel insurance providers.

Forums such as Reddit’s r/travel often have threads dedicated to discussing different types of travel insurance plans and experiences with specific companies. Asking for personal recommendations from people you trust helps narrow your options and decide which provider best suits your needs.

Reading customer reviews and testimonials is an important step in selecting the right travel insurance for Europe. By doing so, you’ll gain valuable insights into insurers’ reputations, customer service quality, claims handling process, and overall performance based on first-hand experiences of other travelers like yourself.

Evaluating coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions

Evaluating coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions is crucial in choosing the right travel insurance for Europe. When comparing different insurance providers, it’s important to understand what their policies cover and what they don’t.

This information can be found in the policy documents or by speaking with a representative from the insurance company. Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay for a specific type of claim.

For example, if your travel insurance policy has a medical expense coverage limit of $50,000 and you incur $60,000 in medical bills due to an accident or illness while traveling in Europe, you would be responsible for paying the remaining $10,000 out of-pocket. It’s important to choose coverage limits that are appropriate for your needs and budget.

Deductibles are another factor to consider when evaluating travel insurance coverage. A deductible is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance policy begins to cover any expenses.

For example, suppose your travel insurance policy has a $500 deductible for medical expenses, and you incur $1,000 in medical bills while traveling in Europe. In that case, you must pay the first $500 before your insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium but may result in higher out-of-pocket costs later.

Exclusions are specific situations or events not covered by your travel insurance policy. It’s important to carefully read the list of exclusions before purchasing a policy to understand what scenarios might not be covered.

For example, many standard travel insurance policies only cover pre-existing medical conditions if they have been declared and approved beforehand by the insurer. Overall, understanding coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions is key to evaluating European travel insurance – which can greatly affect how much protection travelers have during their trip to enjoy peace of mind knowing they are covered.

The importance of understanding policy terms and conditions

It is important to remember that not all travel insurance policies are created equal. You should carefully read and understand each policy’s unique terms and conditions before purchasing.

These terms outline what is covered when it is covered, and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Coverage limits are among the most critical information to understand within a policy.

Coverage limits refer to the maximum amount of money an insurer will pay for a specific type of claim. For example, a policy with a limit of $50,000 for medical expenses means that if your medical bills exceed $50,000 while traveling in Europe, you would be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.

Understanding these limits can help you decide which policy best suits your needs. In addition to coverage limits, it’s also essential to understand any exclusions or limitations within your policy.

Exclusions refer to specific situations or circumstances where your coverage may not apply. For instance, many policies exclude coverage for injuries sustained while participating in extreme sports or activities like bungee jumping or skydiving.

Meanwhile, limitations refer to situations where certain types of coverage may only be provided up to a particular amount or under specific conditions. Take note of any required documentation when filing a claim with your insurance provider.

Some providers require specific forms or documents filled out before they will process your claim fully. Ensure you have access to all necessary paperwork before leaving on your trip to quickly submit claims if needed.

By reviewing the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy carefully, you can ensure that you’re protected in cases where something goes wrong while traveling in Europe. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about anything unclear – it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Schengen Visa and travel insurance requirements

If you plan to travel to Europe, you’ve heard of the Schengen area. This group of 26 countries has abolished border controls between each other, making travel within the area much easier. However, if you’re a non-EU citizen, you must obtain a Schengen Visa before entering any of these countries.

And as part of the visa application process, one of the requirements is having valid travel insurance for Europe. So what exactly does this mean?

Explaining the Schengen area and visa requirements

If you’re planning to travel to Europe, knowing about the Schengen area and visa requirements is important. The Schengen area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished internal borders, allowing free movement. This means that if you enter one Schengen country, you can travel to any other country without showing your passport again at the border.

Some of the countries in the Schengen area include France, Spain , Italy, Germany, and Portugal. You’ll need a valid visa or residence permit to enter the Schengen area as a non-European citizen.

The type of visa you need will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. For example, if you’re traveling for tourism purposes and plan to stay for less than 90 days within six months, you’ll typically need a Schengen Visa.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling for work or study purposes or plan to stay longer than 90 days in six months, you’ll likely need a different type of visa. One important thing to note is that when applying for a Schengen Visa , you’ll usually be required to provide proof of travel insurance that meets certain minimum requirements.

This is because travel insurance can help cover unexpected medical expenses or emergencies while traveling in Europe. The minimum requirements for travel insurance coverage vary by country but generally include coverage for medical emergencies with a minimum coverage amount of €30,000 (about USD 33,500).

It’s always best to check with the consulate or embassy of the country where you plan to apply for your visa regarding their specific requirements. Understanding the Schengen area and visa requirements is crucial when planning your trip to Europe.

Ensure you have all necessary documentation before leaving home and consider purchasing travel insurance that meets minimum requirements as part of your preparation process. Doing so lets you enjoy your travels with greater peace of mind and avoid any unexpected issues or expenses.

Minimum travel insurance coverage required for Schengen Visa

When traveling to the Schengen area, having valid travel insurance that meets the visa requirements is essential. The Schengen Visa is a type of visa that allows travelers to enter and move freely within the 26 participating countries in Europe .

To obtain this visa, you must prove that you have adequate travel insurance for your stay. The minimum travel insurance coverage required for a Schengen Visa is €30,000, equivalent to US dollars.

If necessary, this coverage should include medical expenses, emergency hospital treatment, and repatriation. Additionally, it should cover any expenses related to your repatriation due to illness or death.

It’s important to note that travel insurance policies with lower coverage limits will not meet the requirements for a Schengen Visa. Therefore, before purchasing any travel insurance plan, ensure it meets these minimum requirements.

Provide proof of valid travel insurance to ensure you can enter the Schengen area. When applying for a Schengen Visa, purchasing travel insurance with a minimum coverage limit of €30,000, equivalent to US dollars, is crucial.

This will ensure that you meet the visa requirements and avoid any issues at border control. Be sure to carefully read your policy documents and understand what your plan covers before embarking on your European adventure!

Tips on how to find Schengen-compliant travel insurance

When planning a trip to Europe, one important thing to keep in mind is the Schengen Visa requirement. To obtain this visa, travelers must have a valid travel insurance policy meeting certain criteria.

Here are some tips on how to find Schengen-compliant travel insurance. First and foremost, make sure the insurance provider you choose offers policies specifically designed for Schengen Visa applicants.

Some companies may claim they offer travel insurance for Europe, but their policies may need to meet the minimum requirements for a Schengen Visa. Next, pay close attention to each policy’s coverage limits and benefits.

The minimum coverage required by the Schengen area is €30,000 for medical expenses and emergency repatriation. However, opting for higher coverage limits’s always a good idea.

Another important factor to consider is the duration of coverage. Ensure your policy covers your entire European stay without any gaps or lapses.

Some policies only provide coverage for a specific number of days or may require you to purchase additional coverage if your trip lasts longer than anticipated. Read reviews and testimonials from other travelers who have purchased Schengen-compliant travel insurance from the same provider you’re considering.

This can give you valuable insight into their experiences with claims processing and customer service. By following these tips and doing your research beforehand, you can ensure that you find a reliable and comprehensive travel insurance policy that meets all of the necessary requirements for your European adventure.

Tips for using your travel insurance in Europe

When it comes to using your travel insurance in Europe, a few tips can help you make the most of your coverage.

Keeping important documents and contact information handy

When traveling to Europe, keeping important documents and contact information handy is essential. In case of an emergency or unexpected situation, you want to be able to access these documents quickly and easily. Here are some tips on what documents to have with you and how to keep them safe:

Firstly, make sure you have your passport with you at all times. It’s also a good idea to make a copy of your passport and carry it separately from the original document in case it gets lost or stolen.

Additionally, you should have a printed copy of your travel insurance policy and any relevant medical records, if applicable. To keep these important documents safe, consider getting a neck wallet or money belt that can be worn under your clothes.

This way, the items are hidden from view but still accessible when needed. You can also scan copies of these documents and save them in cloud storage to access them from anywhere with an internet connection.

Another important aspect is having contact information for emergency situations. Ensure you have the phone number of your travel insurance provider and any local emergency numbers in the area where you are traveling.

You should also provide someone back home with a detailed itinerary, including the names of cities or towns where you will stay overnight. Consider registering with your embassy before traveling abroad so they know where you are in case of an emergency.

This can also facilitate communication if something goes wrong during your trip. By keeping these essential documents and contact information handy while traveling in Europe , you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for anything that may come up on your trip.

Understanding your policy and knowing what to do in case of an emergency

Understanding your policy and knowing what to do in case of an emergency is crucial when it comes to travel insurance. Before setting off on your European adventure, ensure you thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of your policy. This will help you know what is covered, excluded and under what circumstances you can file a claim.

Knowing how to use your policy in an emergency can save you from unnecessary hassles and expenses. One important aspect of understanding your travel insurance policy is knowing how to contact your provider in case of an emergency.

Ensure you have their contact information, including phone numbers for their customer service and emergency assistance teams. Keep this information with you, printed or saved on your phone or tablet.

In case of a medical or travel-related emergency during your trip, contact your provider as soon as possible. They can assist with finding a qualified medical facility or arrange transportation to the nearest one.

Depending on the severity of the situation, they can also offer other services, such as translation assistance or legal advice. Be prepared to provide them with your policy number and any relevant information about the situation so they can help you promptly and efficiently.

Understanding how to use your travel insurance policy in an emergency can make all the difference during a trip abroad. It’s important to thoroughly read and comprehend the terms and conditions of your policy before leaving home so that you are aware of what is covered and excluded.

Keeping important contact information handy can also prove invaluable in times of need. By being prepared for unforeseen circumstances during their travels, travelers can rest easy knowing they have protection against unexpected expenses or emergencies while exploring Europe !

Staying safe and healthy while traveling in Europe

Staying Safe and Healthy while Traveling in Europe While traveling to Europe can be an exciting and life-changing experience, keeping health and safety in mind is important.

Here are some tips to ensure your travels are safe and healthy: Firstly, research the places you plan to visit before you go.

This includes familiarizing yourself with local customs as well as any safety concerns that may exist. For example, pickpocketing can be a problem in certain areas of Europe , so always keeping your belongings close and aware of your surroundings is important.

Secondly, staying healthy is also crucial during travel . Bring any necessary medications or medical supplies with you on your trip.

It’s also a good idea to research local healthcare resources beforehand to know where to go in an emergency. Thirdly, staying hydrated and well-fed is essential for maintaining good health while traveling.

Try to eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to carry snacks with you in case you get hungry while out exploring.

In addition, taking basic precautions can also go a long way toward staying safe while traveling abroad. Avoid walking alone late at night or in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-lit streets whenever possible.

If using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, make sure that the vehicle matches the description provided on your app before getting inside. By following these tips for staying safe and healthy while traveling in Europe , you can enjoy all the wonderful experiences this continent has to offer without worrying about potential risks or health issues.

Common misconceptions and myths about travel insurance

Common Misconceptions and Myths About Travel Insurance There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding travel insurance, which can cause some people to avoid purchasing it altogether. However, the truth is that travel insurance can provide peace of mind during your travels and offer financial protection in case of unexpected events.

In this section, we will debunk some common misconceptions about travel insurance.

Myth 1: “I don’t need travel insurance because I’m young and healthy.”

Many travelers believe they do not need travel insurance because they are young and healthy. However, accidents can happen anywhere, regardless of age or health status.

Even a minor injury or illness abroad can result in expensive medical bills or trip cancellations. Travel insurance can cover these unexpected expenses, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels without worrying about potential financial burdens.

Myth 2: “My credit card already provides coverage, so I don’t need travel insurance.”

While some credit cards offer limited travel insurance coverage as a benefit to cardholders, it usually only covers a portion of the costs associated with certain issues such as trip cancellation or lost luggage.

It may also have strict limitations on where to use the benefits and the types of trips covered. Additionally, more than credit card coverage is needed to protect you in case of an emergency situation abroad fully.

Myth 3: “Travel insurance is expensive.”

Travel insurance costs vary depending on factors such as age, length of trip, destination(s), type of coverage selected, etc. Some premium policies with extensive coverages may appear costly upfront; however, more basic plans with essential coverages, such as medical expenses, might be quite affordable compared to what could be spent out-of-pocket if an event occurs while traveling without it.

Ultimately getting quotes from multiple providers ahead of traveling will help travelers make informed decisions based on their budget and specific needs. Understanding the truth behind travel insurance myths and misconceptions is important to ensure you get proper coverage.

Be sure to research your options thoroughly and consider purchasing a policy that provides adequate protection for your individual needs. Remember that the peace of mind of knowing that you have comprehensive coverage can make a world of difference during your travels abroad.

How to file a travel insurance claim

Filing a travel insurance claim can be stressful and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you need to know about filing a claim for your travel insurance in Europe.

The process of filing a claim and the information needed

So you’ve purchased travel insurance for your European adventure, but now you’re left wondering what to do if something goes wrong. Filing a travel insurance claim can be overwhelming, but understanding the process and having the necessary information can make it much easier. First things first, make sure you have all relevant documentation.

This includes your policy details, proof of purchase or booking (such as flight tickets or hotel receipts), and any receipts related to the incident you are claiming for (such as medical bills). Take note of the date and time of the incident, as well as any relevant contact information for individuals involved or witnesses.

Next, contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. Most providers have a specific claims hotline or email address that you can use to initiate the claims process.

Be prepared to provide all necessary documentation and answer any questions about what happened. It’s important to note that some claims may require additional evidence or documentation beyond what is initially provided.

For example, if claiming for a lost/stolen item, your provider may need a police report detailing the incident. If claiming for medical expenses, they may ask for further information from your doctor regarding the treatment received.

Overall, filing a travel insurance claim can seem daunting at first, but with proper preparation and communication with your provider, it should be a straightforward process. Remember to keep all relevant documentation handy throughout your trip so that if an incident does occur, you are ready to file quickly and efficiently.

Tips for a smooth claim process

Tips for a smooth claim process:  Filing a travel insurance claim can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth claim process.

First and foremost, be prepared. Before traveling, ensure you have all the necessary policy information readily available.

This includes your insurance company’s name, policy number, and any contact numbers or email addresses you may need when filing a claim. Remember to keep important documents such as receipts and medical reports safe if needed later.

Next, act quickly. If something goes wrong during your trip and you must file a claim, start the process before returning home.

Call your insurance provider as soon as possible and report the issue while still abroad if possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be for your insurer to verify the facts of the incident.

When filing a claim, make sure that you provide accurate and detailed information about what happened. Be honest about all preceding events – even those that may not seem relevant – as this helps avoid misunderstandings later.

Also, remember to keep copies of any supporting documentation, such as police reports or hospital bills. Feel free to ask questions or seek assistance from your insurer’s customer service team.

They can guide you through the claims process step-by-step and answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way. By following these tips for a smooth claims process, travelers can minimize stress during a difficult time while ensuring they get reimbursed for their expenses according to their plan terms and conditions.

Dealing with potential claim denials and disputes

Dealing with potential claim denials and disputes can be a frustrating experience for travelers who have purchased travel insurance. Sometimes even if you have a valid claim, your insurance provider may deny it or dispute the coverage.

Here are some tips to help you handle these situations: Firstly, always read and understand your policy terms and conditions before filing a claim.

Take note of the coverage limits, exclusions, and deductibles. Check if your situation falls within the scope of coverage provided by your travel insurance plan.

If you are unsure about anything, contact your insurer to clarify any doubts. If you receive a claim denial from your insurer, don’t panic.

Many insurers have an internal appeals process for denied claims that you can go through to challenge their decision. The appeals process may involve submitting additional information or documents to support your claim or speaking directly with a customer service representative.

If you still need help resolving the issue through the appeals process, consider seeking external assistance from third-party organizations such as consumer advocacy groups or regulatory authorities overseeing your country’s insurance industry. It’s important to note that in some cases, disputes are inevitable despite all efforts made by both parties involved in the claims process.

If this happens, it’s advisable to consult with a legal professional who specializes in insurance law to help resolve any disputes and protect your rights as an insured traveler. Remember not to give up on getting what is rightfully yours – always fight for fair treatment!

So, are you ready to get your travel insurance?

So, there you have it – our comprehensive guide to travel insurance for Europe. We’ve covered everything from why you need travel insurance to the types of plans available, what is typically covered, and how to choose the right insurance for your European adventure. It’s clear that having travel insurance is essential when traveling abroad, especially in Europe.

The potential risks and expenses associated with medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage can be daunting without the proper protection. We hope that by reading this article, you feel more informed about why it’s important to get insured before embarking on your European journey.

We encourage all travelers planning a trip to Europe to do their research and take into account their individual needs when choosing a travel insurance plan. Remember to check if your plan meets the Schengen Visa requirements if applicable.

Remember that peace of mind during your travels is priceless; investing in travel insurance will provide just that. We want to stress the importance of being prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your travels through Europe.

By securing appropriate travel insurance coverage before you go, you’ll be able to confidently explore, knowing you’re protected against any unexpected incidents or emergencies. Happy travels!

Summing up the importance of travel insurance for Europe

It’s hard to put a price on peace of mind, especially when traveling. That’s why travel insurance for Europe is an essential investment for anyone planning a trip across the pond. The last thing you want is an unexpected medical emergency or travel mishap to ruin your trip and leave you with hefty bills or lost belongings.

Travel insurance provides coverage and protection against these scenarios, allowing you to relax and enjoy your travels without worry. Not only is travel insurance important for the financial protection it provides, but it also offers invaluable assistance in an emergency.

Medical emergencies in foreign countries can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak the language or are unfamiliar with local healthcare systems. With travel insurance, you can get assistance navigating the healthcare system and even receive evacuation services if necessary.

Additionally, in case of a lost passport or other travel documents, most policies offer help with replacing them quickly. One of the best things about travel insurance for Europe is its flexibility – there are policies to fit every type of traveler and budget.

Whether you’re taking a short weekend getaway or an extended backpacking trip through multiple countries, there’s a policy that will suit your needs. And while many people may opt out of purchasing travel insurance due to concerns over cost, it’s important to remember that the cost of not having coverage can be much higher in case of an emergency or mishap during your travels.

All in all, purchasing travel insurance for Europe isn’t just about protecting yourself financially – it’s also about securing peace of mind so that you can fully enjoy all that this amazing continent has to offer. Don’t let unforeseen circumstances derail your European adventure – invest in proper coverage today and rest easy knowing you’re protected no matter what happens on the road!

Get insured and enjoy your European adventure with the peace of mind

Finally, I encourage all travelers to consider getting travel insurance for their European adventures. Whether you’re taking a leisurely trip through the charming countryside of France or backpacking through Eastern Europe , travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes awry during your journey.

With the right travel insurance policy, you can focus on enjoying your vacation without worrying about unexpected medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations. You’ll be comfortable knowing you’re covered even in the event of unforeseen circumstances that can disrupt your plans.

So before you embark on your European adventure, take some time to research and compare different travel insurance providers and policies. Consider your unique needs and budget when selecting an option that works best for you.

By doing so, you can ensure you’re fully prepared for whatever comes your way while exploring this beautiful continent – from stunning beaches to quaint villages and bustling cities. Happy travels!

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Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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Is Travel Insurance Worth It in May 2024?

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Table of Contents

What does travel insurance cover?

What does travel insurance not cover, when is travel insurance not necessary, when is trip insurance worth it, where to buy travel insurance, how much does travel insurance cost, should you rely on credit card travel insurance instead, so, is travel insurance worth it.

Travel can be expensive. Insurance protects your nonrefundable vacation investment if the unexpected occurs. But is travel insurance worth it?

The answer will depend on whether your trip is refundable, where you're going, whether you'll have health coverage at your destination and how much coverage you already get from your credit card. Here are some key topics to understand when deciding if travel insurance is right for you.

Travel insurance (or trip insurance) covers a number of travel-related risks, from flight cancellations to lost bags to medical emergencies.

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 interruption insurance .

The dollar amount of your coverage depends on the policy you bought and where and when you bought it. Most travel insurance providers offer several different policies to choose from, with higher or lower levels of coverage and higher or lower prices to match.

» Learn more: What to know before buying travel insurance

You can buy policies that cover a single trip, multiple trips or a full year. You can buy an individual policy or one that covers your entire family. There are many companies that offer policies, with Allianz and Travel Guard among the best-known. Here is a chart showing the benefits and coverage levels available on some Allianz policies.

NerdWallet recently analyzed various travel insurance policies to help you choose the plan that best aligns with your travel goals. Check out our results here: Best Travel Insurance Companies Right Now .

» Learn more: Does travel insurance cover medical expenses?

Incidents not covered by your travel insurance vary by policy and provider.

Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from coverage, meaning your benefits don't apply to claims related to that condition. Some policies cover pre-existing medical conditions if you meet certain criteria, for example if you purchased the policy within 14 days of paying for your trip and if you were well enough to travel when you booked your trip.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards might surprise you

Plan on mountain-climbing or engaging in other dangerous activities on your trip? Many policies won't cover you if something goes wrong unless you buy a policy that specifically includes adventure sports. World Nomads travel insurance , for example, offers the Explorer plan, which includes coverage for cave diving, cliff jumping, heli-skiing and many other activities that are considered risky.

Other incidents excluded from a trip insurance policy may involve war, acts of terrorism and the use of alcohol, which can cause your injuries to be designated as "self-inflicted," or the use of drugs, which may be illegal.

If you want full flexibility to cancel your trip you'll need to find a policy that allows you to purchase a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) add-on. This additional benefit does exactly what the name implies and allows you to cancel your trip for any reason. Typically, you'll get around 75% of your prepaid nonrefundable trip expenses back, although exact timing and percentages vary by policy.

» Learn more: Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance explained

Travel insurance primarily covers two aspects of your trip — your nonrefundable reservations and your medical expenses while traveling.

If all of your reservations can be canceled without penalty, then trip cancellation or trip interruption coverage isn't necessary. But even if your trip isn't 100% refundable, insurance may not be necessary. For example, a cheap flight and hotel stay may not be worth covering, though you may still want to purchase travel insurance for medical situations.

Medical coverage typically is not necessary if you have a U.S.-based health insurance policy and you're traveling within the U.S. In those cases, you probably already have adequate coverage for illness or injury.

There are a few reasons that travel insurance can be worthwhile: to protect your nonrefundable trip costs, your luggage or your health.

When should you get trip cancellation and/or trip interruption insurance?

If you would lose the money you paid for your flights, accommodations, rental car, or activities if you had to cancel or go home early, travel insurance that specifically includes trip cancellation and trip interruption is probably a good idea. If your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason, this protection will cover your reservations.

For example, if you're planning to travel to a destination that could have weather-related issues, like hurricanes in the Caribbean, travel insurance may protect your noncancelable reservations. Some policies also provide emergency evacuation to escape dangerous situations. However, if you try to purchase travel insurance after the storm poses a risk, the insurance probably will not protect you.

When should you get baggage delay and/or lost luggage coverage?

Imagine if you go on a one week trip and your checked baggage is lost or delayed. While you’re waiting to get your luggage, baggage delay insurance will reimburse you for any essentials (i.e. toiletries, medicine, socks, clothing, etc.) that you may need to purchase because you don’t have your own things.

But what if the worst case scenario happens and your bag is just lost or stolen? Lost luggage insurance will reimburse you for your misplaced bag, up to a specified dollar amount.

If you’re only traveling with a carry-on, you don’t need these two types of coverage.

When should you purchase travel medical insurance?

U.S.-based health insurance policies generally offer coverage anywhere within the U.S. But if you get sick or hurt when you travel internationally, some policies like Medicare may not cover you.

Even if your health insurance covers you outside the country, doctors at your destination may not accept it. Without travel insurance, you could be stuck paying for these bills out of pocket, then seeking reimbursement from your healthcare provider.

When should you purchase CFAR?

Most travel insurance policies won’t help you get your expenses if you cancel for a “non-covered” reason, like when your plans change or you simply don’t want to go anymore. That’s when it might be good to purchase CFAR.

If you’ve booked a trip but think that you may need to cancel for a reason that’s not covered by trip cancellation, the CFAR add-on will allow you to get up to 50-75% of your nonrefundable trip costs back as long as you cancel at least 2 - 3 days before the trip starts. The add-on must also be purchased within a specific time of the initial trip deposit (usually 14 - 21 days).

What can be an example of a cancellation that’s reimbursable under CFAR? Let’s say you book a trip with your significant other but you break up a week before the trip and don’t want to go alone. Or you book a trip really far in advance but when the date nears, you realize that you don’t want to go anymore. CFAR will be helpful for you in these instances.

When should you purchase travel insurance even though you already have a credit card that provides it?

If you already have some travel insurance protections (e.g., trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay) from your credit card, but you feel that the limits are insufficient, consider purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance plan or a standalone travel medical insurance policy to protect you in case of medical emergencies on your trip.

» Learn more: The majority of Americans plan to travel this year, according to recent NerdWallet study

If you booked your trip through a travel agent, you can likely purchase coverage through them. That includes online travel booking engines like Expedia. If you're taking a cruise , you're usually offered the chance to purchase coverage during the booking process. Similarly, airlines may offer you certain types of coverage when you book a flight through their website. If you have an award booking , you have travel insurance options too.

Another option: Purchase travel insurance directly through the website of a travel insurance company, like Allianz , AXA or Travel Guard .

» Learn more: Airline travel insurance versus independent travel insurance: Which is right for you?

The cost of travel insurance is based on the specifics of your trip. The best way to get a price is to request a quote through the websites of travel insurance providers. Or you can compare multiple insurers in one place with a consolidator like InsureMyTrip.com or SquareMouth .

Many travel credit cards provide certain types of coverage in case your flight is delayed or canceled, your rental car is damaged, or your luggage is lost or delayed.

Here are a few credit cards offering travel protections that could serve as an alternative to travel insurance. But even with these cards, the benefits have a lot of fine print.

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.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

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

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• 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.

These are attractive benefits, but the coverage may not be as broad as you would get buying insurance. For example, AmEx cards only cover round-trip travel, so if you don’t have a return flight booked yet, you might want to consider additional coverage.

Secondly, only the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides emergency medical and dental coverage. The other cards don’t.

Plus, these cards can come with steep annual fees that may be more than you would pay for a travel insurance policy. So don't sign up for a card just to cover one trip unless you've compared costs.

» Learn more: The best credit cards for travel insurance benefits

If you've paid a considerable sum for a nonrefundable vacation, travel insurance is likely a good idea. International travelers who need coverage in case they get sick or injured should also consider buying a policy. If troubles arise, you'll be glad that you're protected.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

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

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit 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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

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.

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Travel Insurance

Best travel insurance companies of May 2024

Amy Fontinelle

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 6:28 a.m. UTC May 2, 2024

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Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best travel insurance company of 2024 , based on our in-depth analysis of travel insurance policies. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans get 5 stars in our rating because of the extensive coverage they provide for the price. Both plans come with high limits for important benefits such as emergency medical and evacuation, travel delay and missed connections. WorldTrips travel insurance also offers a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if you buy a plan within 21 days of making your first trip deposit.

Best travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our travel insurance experts evaluate hundreds of insurance products and analyze thousands of data points to help you find the best trip insurance for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Travel insurance quotes comparison

Best travel insurance companies, best travel insurance.

Top travel insurance plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, why it’s the best.

If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, WorldTrips has two top-rated travel insurance plans in our rating:

• Atlas Journey Preferred provides $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage, with the option to upgrade to primary coverage. Primary coverage means you don’t have to first file a medical claim with your health insurance company. Atlas Journey Preferred is also the best travel insurance for cruises with $1 million in coverage for emergency evacuation.
• Atlas Journey Premier costs more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage. This plan is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority. It also has $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier has $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan includes travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Customer reviews

WorldTrips has a rating of 4.27 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 411 reviews of policies purchased through the travel insurance comparison site since 2008.

Best travel insurance for emergency evacuation

Travel insured international.

Top travel insurance plan

If you’re traveling to a remote area, consider Travel Insured International’s Worldwide Trip Protector. It has the best travel insurance for emergency evacuation of travel insurance policies in our rating. This top travel insurance plan provides up to $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits.

• Only plan in our rating that offers $150,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person is only available for cruises and tours.

Travel Insured International has a rating of 4.39 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 3,402 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best travel insurance for missed connections

If you’re looking for good travel insurance for missed connections , it’s worth considering TravelSafe. Its Classic plan includes $2,500 in missed connection coverage for each person on the plan. Some travel insurance companies only provide missed connection coverage for cruises and tours, but TravelSafe doesn’t impose that restriction.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of our best-rated travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage option.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

TravelSafe has a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,506 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best trip insurance for traveling with a pet

Go Ready Choice by Aegis has the most affordable travel insurance of the best-rated travel insurance companies in our rating. It’s also the best trip insurance for pet parents , with an optional Pet Bundle add-on that includes pet medical, pet kennel and pet return benefits.

• Cheapest of our best trip insurance plans.
• Optional pet bundle adds pet medical expense and pet return benefits.
• Low emergency medical and evacuation limits.
• Low missed connection benefit of $500 per person for cruises and tours only.
• Low baggage and personal items loss benefit of $500 per person.

Aegis has a rating of 4.06 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 1,111 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2013.

Best travel insurance for families

Top-scoring plan

Travelex Insurance Services has the best travel insurance for families because you can add kids aged 17 and younger to your Travel Select plan at no additional charge.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• Robust travel delay coverage of $2,000 per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Low emergency medical coverage of $50,000 per person.
• Non-medical evacuation is not included.
• Low baggage delay coverage of $200 requires a 12-hour delay.

Travelex has a rating of 4.43 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 2,048 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2004.

Best travel insurance for add-on coverage options

Travel Guard Preferred from AIG allows you to customize your policy with a host of available upgrades, making it the best traveler insurance for add-on options . These include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings.

There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million. This is a good option if you’re looking for foreign travel health insurance.

See our full AIG travel insurance review

• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best travel insurance for cruise itinerary changes

Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan is good travel insurance for cruises . It has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion.

Cruise Choice also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay when you’re taking a cruise or tour. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.

• Benefits for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” upgrade available.

Nationwide has a rating of 4.02 stars out of 5 on Squaremouth, based on 570 reviews of policies purchased on the travel insurance comparison site since 2018.

What is the best travel insurance?

The best travel insurance for international travel is sold by WorldTrips, according to our in-depth trip insurance comparison.

The best travel insurance plan for you will depend on the trip you are planning and the coverage areas that are most important to you.

• Best cruise travel insurance
• Best COVID travel insurance
• Best “Cancel for any reason” travel insurance
• Best senior travel insurance

Best travel insurance for cruises

The best cruise travel insurance is Atlas Journey Preferred sold by WorldTrips . This plan offers solid travel insurance for cruises for a low rate.

Via TravelInsurance.com’s website

Best travel insurance for COVID-19

The best COVID travel insurance is the Trip Protection Basic plan sold by Seven Corners . It is a relatively low cost travel insurance plan with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Best travel insurance for “cancel for any reason” 

The best “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance is Seven Corners’ Trip Protection Basic. Adding CFAR coverage to a RoundTrip Basic plan only increases the cost by about 40%, which is lower than other plans we analyzed. For the extra cost, you get coverage of 75% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses, as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure.

Best travel insurance for seniors

The best senior travel insurance is the Gold plan sold by Tin Leg . It is an affordable travel insurance plan with travel medical primary coverage of $500,000 and a pre-existing conditions waiver if you insure the full amount of your trip within 14 days of your first trip deposit.

How much is travel insurance?

The average cost of travel insurance is 5% to 6% of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs . 

How much you pay for travel insurance will depend on:

• The cost of your trip.
• Your destination.
• The length of your trip. 
• The ages of travelers being insured.
• Your state of residence.
• The travel insurance policy you choose.
• The total coverage amounts in your policy.
• Any travel insurance add-ons you select. 

Here are average travel insurance rates for a 30-year-old female who is insuring a 14-day trip to Mexico.

Looking to save? Discover cheap travel insurance options.

How much travel insurance should I buy?

Travel insurance companies typically offer several plans with varying maximum limits. The higher the coverage limits, the more you’ll pay for travel insurance. 

Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site, recommends the following coverage limits for international travel: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $50,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $100,000. 

If you’re going on a cruise, or to a remote location, Squaremouth recommends: 

• Emergency medical coverage: At least $100,000. 
• Medical evacuation coverage: At least $250,000.

When evaluating travel insurance plans, our team of insurance analysts considered the best medical travel insurance policies to have at least $250,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

When should I buy travel insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is within two weeks of making your first nonrefundable travel payment, whether it’s for a plane ticket, hotel stay, cruise or excursion. 

Travel insurance costs the same whether you buy it early or last minute, and buying it early has added benefits: 

• You may be able to add on “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , an upgrade that is typically only available for a limited time after you’ve started paying for your trip. 
• You may qualify for a pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver, meaning your pre-existing conditions will be covered by travel insurance. This waiver is generally added to your policy automatically, provided you buy the travel insurance within a certain window after your first trip deposit.
• You will be covered over a longer period of time for unforeseen events that could cause you to cancel your trip, such as medical emergencies, inclement weather and natural disasters. 

Expert tip: You can buy travel insurance up to the day before you leave on your trip, but waiting may cost you the opportunity to qualify for a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver or to buy a “cancel for any reason” upgrade.

Where can I buy travel insurance?

You can buy a travel insurance plan:

• Online. Visit a travel insurance company’s website to buy a policy directly or use a comparison website like Squaremouth or Travelinsurance.com to see your options and compare plans. You may also be able to purchase travel insurance online through an airline, cruise, hotel, rental car company or other provider you book a ticket with.
• In person. A travel agent or insurance agent may be able to assist you in buying travel insurance.

Travel insurance trends in 2024

Americans are changing the way they travel and this includes buying travel insurance when they might have skipped it in the past. As spending on trips continues to rise , travelers have more to lose if their plans are disrupted. 

Based on travel insurance quote requests on the Squaremouth website last month, these are the main benefits travelers are looking for in a travel insurance policy.

*Source: Squaremouth.com. Travel insurance quote filter usage from March 24 to April 23, 2024.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance of 2024. For companies with more than one travel insurance plan, we shared information about the highest-scoring plan.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 30.
• $3,000, 8-day trip to Mexico for two travelers age 70.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 40.
• $6,000, 17-day trip to Italy for two travelers age 65.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to Italy for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to France for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• $15,000, 17-day trip to the U.K. for four travelers ages 40, 40, 10 and 7.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Best travel insurance FAQs

According to our analysis, WorldTrips has the best trip insurance. Two of its plans — Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier — get 5 stars in our rating.

The best travel insurance policy for you will depend on what type of coverage you need. With so many different policies and carriers, the policy that was best for your friend’s trip to California might not be ideal for your trip to Japan. If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for international travel, you may be willing to pay more for higher coverage levels.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan bundles several types of travel insurance coverage, each with its own limits. To ensure you have adequate financial protection for your trip, your travel insurance policy should include the following travel insurance coverages:

• Trip cancellation . With trip cancellation insurance , you’re covered if you need to call off your trip because of a reason listed in your policy, such as unexpected illness, injury or death of you, a family member or a travel companion, severe weather, jury duty and your travel supplier going out of business. 
• Travel delay. Once your trip has started, travel delay insurance reimburses you for unexpected expenses you incur after a minimum delay, such as five hours. It can cover needs like airport meals, transportation and even overnight accommodation. 
• Trip interruption. If you need to cut your trip early for a reason listed in your policy, trip interruption insurance can reimburse you for any prepaid, nonrefundable payments you’ll lose by leaving early. It can also pay for a last-minute one-way ticket home. 
• Travel medical . Emergency medical benefits are especially important if you need international health insurance for travel outside of the country. Your domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage once you leave the U.S. The best travel medical insurance pays for ambulance service, doctor visits, hospital stays, X-rays, lab work and prescription medication you may require while traveling. 
• Emergency medical evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote area, or planning excursions such as boating to an island, emergency medical evacuation coverage is a good idea. This coverage pays to transport you to the nearest adequate medical facility if you are injured or sick while traveling. 
• Baggage delay. After a certain waiting period, such as six or 12 hours, this coverage will reimburse you for necessities you need to buy to tide you over while you wait for your bag to arrive. Be sure to save your receipts and look at your coverage limit, as some caps are low, like $200. 
• Baggage loss. Baggage insurance can reimburse you if your bag never arrives, or if your personal belongings are stolen during your travels. Coverage limits apply here, as well as exclusions for certain items such as electronics.  

“Typically, travelers are expected to pay their expenses out of pocket, and then file a claim for reimbursement,” said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth. “However, there are medical situations in which a provider may be required to pre-authorize payment to make sure the policyholder receives the treatment they need.”

According to Clark, “Providers can pre-authorize payment for medical care and emergency evacuations. With that said, every circumstance is unique, and providers will handle each situation on a case-by-case basis.”

Travel insurance covers your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs — as well as extra money you may need to spend due to unforeseen circumstances and emergencies — both before and during your trip.

Travel insurance coverage varies by plan, but in general travel insurance covers costs associated with these problems: 

• Bankruptcy of a travel insurance company, such as your airline or tour operator. 
• Dangerous weather conditions.
• Delayed and lost luggage.
• Illness or death in your family that requires you to stay home or cut your trip short.
• Illness that needs medical attention.
• Injury requiring medical evacuation.
• Jury duty. 
• Travel delays and missed connections.
• Theft of your personal belongings while traveling.
• Unexpected job loss. 

Travel insurance policies often exclude or limit “foreseeable” losses. Typical travel insurance exclusions include:

• Accidents or injuries caused by drinking or drug use.
• Canceling your trip because you changed your mind.
• Ending your trip early because you changed your mind.
• Losses caused by intentional self harm, including suicide.
• Losses due to war, civil disorder or riots.
• Medical tourism.
• Medical treatment for pre-existing conditions.
• Mental health care.
• Natural disasters that begin before you buy travel insurance.
• Non-medical evacuation.
• Normal pregnancy. 
• Medical treatment related to high-risk activities.
• Routine medical care, such as physicals or dental care.
• Search and rescue.

Your U.S. health insurance may provide little or no coverage in foreign countries. Check with your health insurance company to see if you have any global benefits and ask how they work. If your health care does extend across the border, the benefits it provides abroad may not be the same benefits it provides domestically. 

Medicare usually won’t pay for health care outside of the United States and its territories, so older travelers planning an international trip should look into the best senior travel insurance with robust medical benefits. 

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip and making a nonrefundable payment — in other words, as soon as you’re at risk of losing money. This way, you’ll know the total cost that you need to insure and you’ll have the longest window to take advantage of your policy’s benefits if something goes wrong.

You can’t wait until something goes wrong and then buy travel insurance to get reimbursed for your loss. Travel insurance only covers unexpected losses.

Travel insurance companies can decline to cover travel to certain countries. For example, you may find that some trip insurance companies don’t offer coverage to countries with a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory from the U.S. State Department. 

Travel insurance policies also frequently exclude certain risks that you’re more likely to encounter in Level 4 or Level 3 countries. For example, your policy may not cover losses related to declared or undeclared wars or acts of war or losses related to known or foreseeable conditions or events. 

Some credit cards , such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , offer benefits such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement when you use your card to pay for your trip.

Ask your credit card issuer for your card’s benefits guide to see what coverage you may have. Keep in mind that it may not cover all the risks you want to protect against, such as the cost of international health care or emergency medical evacuation .

Business travel insurance makes sense if you are self-employed and paying for your own travel expenses, or if you are traveling internationally and want medical coverage abroad.

You might also consider buying travel insurance for a business trip if your company won’t cover extra expenses if your flight is delayed or you need to head home early.

Cruise travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need emergency medical care in a remote location, or if a delayed flight causes you to miss embarkation and you need to pay extra to catch up to your cruise.

Experts caution that travel insurance you buy through a cruise line may not be as comprehensive as plans you can buy directly from travel insurance companies.

Some travel insurance plans cover rental cars as an optional upgrade, for an additional cost. The 5-star rated travel insurance companies in our rating offer these optional rental car benefits:

• Travel Insured International — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000.
• WorldTrips — Rental car damage and theft coverage of $50,000 with a $250 deductible. 

Travel insurance typically only covers a single trip, although your insured trip can have multiple destinations. 

If you’re looking to insure several trips in the same year, annual travel insurance may be a good option for you.

Travel insurance may be required, depending on the country you plan to visit. But it’s smart to consider buying a travel insurance policy for international travel, even when it is not required. A good travel insurance policy can protect you financially if you need emergency medical assistance when traveling, or if you need to cut your trip short and buy a last-minute plane ticket home because an immediate family member is ill. 

Wondering if travel insurance is worth it? What travel insurance covers

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from previously published stories:

• Spirit Airlines scrubs 60% of its Wednesday flights, says cancellations will drop ‘in the days to come.’
• ‘Just a parade of incompetency’: Spirit Airlines passengers with ‘nightmare’ stories want more than apology, $50 vouchers
• ‘This is not our proudest moment’: Spirit Airlines CEO says more flight cancellations expected this weekend
• Hurricane Irma: Flight cancellations top 12,500; even more expected
• Is an annual travel insurance policy right for you?
• How 2020 and COVID-19 changed travel forever – and what that means for you
• COVID-19 or delta variant have you ready to scrap your trip? Here’s how to cancel like a pro
• Sunday: Snow is over, but flight cancellations top 12,000
• After nearly 13,000 Harvey cancellations, Irma is new threat to airline flights
• What’s the difference between travel insurance and trip ‘protection’?
• How to choose the right travel insurance for your next vacation
• Travel insurance can save the day
• Angry passengers brawl after Spirit cancels flights
• What to do when travel insurance doesn’t work
• How lockdowns, quarantines and COVID-19 testing will change summer travel in 2021
• Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won’t cancel
• How to find a hotel with COVID testing and quarantine facilities wherever you travel
• Yearning to travel in 2022? First, figure out your budget – then pick a destination
• Pro tips for surviving a long flight during a pandemic: Get the right mask, bring a pillow
• Want to steer clear of contracting COVID-19 on your next vacation? Follow these guidelines
• Post-pandemic travel: Is it OK to ask another passenger’s vaccine status or request they mask up?
• These days, forgetting these important travel items could cost you thousands of dollars
• International travel hacks: When to book flights and hotels, how to deal with COVID-19 rules
• Traveling post-coronavirus: How do you book your next trip when so much remains uncertain?
• The COVID-19 guide to holiday travel – and the case for why you shouldn’t go this year
• Should you travel during the holidays? Americans struggle with their decision
• ‘There’s still pent-up demand’: What you should know about fall travel
• Planning for life after coronavirus: When will we know it’s safe to travel again?
• ‘Busiest camping season’: Travelers choose outdoor recreation close to home amid COVID-19 pandemic
• Considering a camping trip this summer? Tips to make sure your gear is good to go
• RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies I wish I’d known during my first trip
• Five myths about travel agents
• Should I buy travel insurance?
• Is travel insurance stacked against you?
• Five myths about travel insurance and terrorism
• These eight things could get your travel insurance claims rejected
• There’s a good chance that your credit card already gives you some kind of travel insurance coverage
• How to avoid a hotel cancellation penalty
• Change fees and travel insurance continue to rise

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Amy Fontinelle has more than 15 years of experience helping people make informed decisions about their money, whether they’re refinancing a mortgage, buying insurance or choosing a credit card. As a freelance writer trained in journalism and specializing in personal finance, Amy digs into the details to explain the products and strategies that can help (or hurt) people seeking greater financial security and wealth. Her work has been published by Forbes Advisor, Capital One, MassMutual, Investopedia and many other outlets.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

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