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UK launches Global Health Insurance Card

New agreement ensures the rights of UK residents to access emergency and medically necessary care when travelling in the EU will continue.

UK’s new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) launched as part of UK–EU deal

Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ) will gradually replace existing European Health Insurance Cards ( EHIC )

UK residents will now be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ), the government announced today.

Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.

Current European Health Insurance Cards ( EHIC ) are valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.

The public only need to apply for their new GHIC when their current EHIC expires. Both cards will offer equivalent protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in the EU on a temporary stay, which includes holiday, study and business travel.

The new GHIC card is free to obtain from the official GHIC website . People should apply at least 2 weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.

Minister for Health Edward Argar said:

Our deal with the EU ensures the right for our citizens to access necessary healthcare on their holidays and travels to countries in the EU will continue. The GHIC is a key element of the UK’s future relationship with the EU and will provide certainty and security for all UK residents.

Cover for emergency and medically necessary healthcare is part of a wider healthcare agreement struck with the EU that will see continued cooperation on healthcare for UK residents.

If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority ( NHS BSA ) (which covers the whole of the UK), who can arrange for payment should they require treatment when abroad.

EU member state EHICs will continue to be accepted by the NHS.

Alongside the deal with the EU, the UK is open to agreeing further reciprocal healthcare arrangements that can support UK residents when they travel.

The government always advises that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should take out comprehensive travel insurance. 

Background information

All UK residents are eligible to apply for a GHIC which will be valid and recognised in the EU.

GHIC is free via the official website . Any sites which include a charging fee are in no way affiliated with the official NHSBSA GHIC service.

The government recognises sensitivities around flags in Northern Ireland. As such, residents in Northern Ireland will be provided with an option to choose an alternative version of the GHIC card, which they will be able to apply for shortly. Keep checking  www.nhs.uk/ GHIC  for updates.

Under existing Common Travel Area arrangements with Ireland, UK residents will continue to be able to access necessary healthcare in Ireland by showing proof of residency documentation (such as a UK driving licence, a biometric residence permit, or a Northern Irish medical card) or EHIC or GHIC as used elsewhere in the EU.

The GHIC covers medically necessary state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or, in many cases, free of charge, until your planned return home.

A temporary stay is a period during which you are staying in a place other than the one where you usually live and you do not move your ‘centre of interest’ there. For example, this can include holiday, study and business travel.

Necessary healthcare means healthcare that becomes medically necessary during your stay and for which you cannot reasonably wait until you’re back in the UK to get. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition. Some treatments will need to be pre-arranged with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you’re visiting, for example kidney dialysis or chemotherapy.

Necessary healthcare does not include healthcare that you travel specifically to receive, although individuals who want to seek planned treatment in a member state may be covered under the broader healthcare arrangements with the EU. Read more information on planned treatments .

If a UK resident requires emergency or medically necessary treatment while in the EU, and doesn’t have a GHIC or EHIC , a Provisional Replacement Certificate ( PRC ) can be obtained which will provide the same coverage for healthcare as GHIC or EHIC . The PRC can only be requested at the point of requiring care; it’s not possible to request a PRC in advance of a trip. UK nationals can contact NHSBSA on +44 (0)191 218 1999 should a PRC be required.

UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals living in the UK, who are eligible under the Citizens’ Rights Agreement for reciprocal healthcare based on current EU regulations, can continue to apply for an EHIC .

The UK is seeking to conclude new, comprehensive agreements on social security coordination, including reciprocal healthcare, with the EEA EFTA States and with Switzerland.

Until a new agreement is in place, the UK and Norway will apply, on a temporary basis, an amended version of the 1991 Convention on Social Security and Protocol on Medical Treatment between the governments of the UK and Norway. This includes necessary healthcare.

The rest-of-the-world (RoW) countries we currently have reciprocal healthcare agreements with are Australia, New Zealand, some Crown Dependencies and overseas territories (such as Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gibraltar), and some Balkan states (Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo). Different proofs of eligibility are required under these agreement. Read more travel advice information .

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Schengen Travel Insurance for Europe

(based on 3539 ratings)

Travel Insurance for Schengen visa and Europe

Need travel and medical insurance to obtain a Schengen Visa for Europe? Buy AXA Schengen Travel Insurance online and get your insurance certificate immediately. The certificate is accepted by all consulates and embassies representing the 27 countries in the Schengen Area

Find the Schengen insurance you need:  COMPARE NOW

• Medical expenses up to €30,000
• Repatriation
• 24-hour assistance
• COVID coverage under conditions
• Meets requirements from the E.U
• Medical expenses covered up to €100,000
• Extended protection in all Schengen countries, Ireland and Great Britain
• Medical repatriation

€328 per year

How to buy your Insurance?

Our travel avatar Priyan will explain how to safely buy your Schengen Visa travel insurance online.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to Coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to Coronavirus provided you haven't travelled against  World Health Organisation  or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are travelling to) or medical advice.

The embassy states that I must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. Is this possible?

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”.

What are the covered countries?

AXA’s Europe Travel insurance and AXA's annual  Multi Trip travel insurance  offer extensive protection, covering medical expenses up to €100,000 in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, as well as the United Kingdom , Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania.

AXA's Low Cost   insurance covers medical expenses up to €30,000 in the following European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland .

What is Schengen travel insurance ?

Schengen travel insurance provides you with travel and medical insurance for all the 27 countries that make up the Schengen Area - covering you for trips across the continent or holidays in any nation within the Schengen Zone. AXA is the leading provider of this type of insurance.

Here is the complete list of countries that you can visit with Schengen insurance (provided you have a Schengen visa ) : Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Why do I need travel insurance to visit Europe ?

A requirement for obtaining a Schengen Visa is to have insurance covering you in all states in the Schengen Area up to medical costs of €30,000. The easiest way to do this is to obtain Schengen travel and medical insurance from an accredited provider, such as AXA, which is the leading brand for this type of insurance.

Not all travelers require a Schengen Visa to travel to the Schengen Area, as countries including the U.S.A., Mexico, Brazil, and Canada have visa-free arrangements with the Schengen Zone. However, it is still strongly recommended you obtain insurance as all your medical costs, or those you may incur should something go wrong on your trip, may not be covered without obtaining travel insurance. If you are planning to travel to more than one Schengen country or want to be flexible with your itinerary, it is also a great way to ensure you are covered in the majority of countries in Europe.

If you are a U.K national, we recommend you to read our detailed guide on the effects of Brexit on travel and residency in Europe .

Will getting travel insurance ensure I get a Schengen visa ?

Although it is an essential document to supply when applying for a Schengen Visa, you will also need to supply other supporting documents that outline the reasons for your visit, your itinerary and accommodation plans, as well as how you intend to support yourself and any plans to work or study. Your application may also be rejected by embassy officials - but this is relatively rare as long as all your documents are in order.

How can AXA help with your travel insurance ?

AXA can help by providing you with Low Cost Schengen Area travel insurance that meets your visa requirements when traveling to the Schengen Area from as little as €22 per week - a fee that will cover you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries - a price that isn’t too hard on your wallet ahead of your trip! A certificate proving you are insured will also be available immediately, meaning you can get on with your application.

AXA is the number one provider of travel insurance for trips to Europe and offers assistance 24/7, as well as other options and tailor-made products. Other coverage available includes our Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week, or Schengen Multi Trip insurance, which is perfect for regular travelers and available for €328 for a year’s coverage.

What should I do if I have a medical issue while in the Schengen Area?

Please contact us as soon as possible on the phone number given with the special conditions you receive after taking out your policy. Our helpful staff will then do all we can to resolve your issue and get you treatment or travel home, in line with the conditions of your policy.

Frequently asked questions about countries covered by Schengen travel insurance

1 - does schengen insurance cover countries other than those in the schengen area .

Other than those microstates mentioned, no. If you plan to travel to countries outside the Schengen Area, you will need to get insured there, though this will not affect your Schengen travel insurance covering you while inside the area.

2 - I want to buy travel insurance for my partner and children as a group. Can I do so ?

Yes. You can buy for up to 10 people with only one payment.

3 - Can I get a refund if my Schengen Visa application is refused?

Subject to certain conditions, yes. However, you will need to provide documentation from the embassy, consulate, or visa application center where you applied stating the reason for the refusal.

Get Schengen insurance

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What to know about Schengen zone, Europe’s ‘border-free’ travel system

Schengen countries allow international travelers to move freely across borders without additional passport checks.

Europe’s “border-free” Schengen zone has added travel protections for two more countries, making it easier for more people to explore the southeastern region of the continent.

Romania and Bulgaria partially joined the Schengen area on Sunday, which means visitors who arrive by air or sea from other countries in the zone can cross their borders without an ID check. Land borders will remain subject to ID checks because of opposition led by Austria, which has long cited irregular migration as a concern when it comes to welcoming the two Eastern European states into the Schengen agreement. The move comes more than a decade after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union.

The European Commission had previously recommended that Bulgaria and Romania be admitted to join the Schengen zone, starting in 2011 and most recently in 2023. A combination of internal problems in the two countries and opposition from other countries citing irregular migration concerns — especially after the so-called “migrant crisis” of 2015 — meant they were caught in “Schengen purgatory” until now, according to Leon Züllig, a researcher and Schengen expert at Germany’s Justus Liebig University Giessen.

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National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

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Schengen Travel Insurance

Traveling to a schengen area.

• Double-check the expiration date on your passport, paying particular attention to the validity of childrens passports, whic are only valid for five years.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date
• Always carry your passport with you when traveling to other countries within the Schengen Area. While there may not be any border checks at the time of your travel, officials have the authority to reinstate border controls at any time, without prior notice.

Schengen Travel Insurance of which AXA is a leading provider, covers you in all 27 Countries within the Schengen Territory that have abolished internal border controls for their citizens. The countries are:

Do I need travel insurance while traveling to Schengen Countries?

What do I receive with my Schengen travel insurance?  

What countries are covered under my axa travel plan, how can axa help with your trip to europe, how to get a travel protection quote.

Receive a  free quote  within minutes Or call us at  855-327-1441  to speak with our licensed Travel Insurance Advisors. Monday-Saturday, 8AM-7PM Central Time  

Does AXA Travel Insurance provide coverage for Schengen Visa?

AXA Gold and Platinum plans offer the necessary medical and assistance coverage in all 27 countries in the Schengen Territory.   However, the Gold and Platinum plans only provide coverage up to 60 – 90days.

What should I do if I have a medical issue while in the Schengen Area?

Please contact the local authority as soon as possible. Then contact us on the phone number given with the special conditions you receive after taking out your policy. Our helpful staff will then do all we can to resolve your issue and get you treatment or travel home, in line with the conditions of your policy. If you require assistance while traveling, call us at +1312-935-1719

The embassy states that I must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. Is this possible?

Need Help Choosing a Plan?

Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual Insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip. From Medical Coverage to Trip Cancellation Protection, our team of travel experts will help you choose the right coverage.

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?

World Health Day: Health is a right

7 April is World Health Day. This year’s theme ‘My Health My Right’ emphasises that access to quality health care is a fundamental right . This core principle has also shaped the European Health Union we have been building since 2020 when COVID-19 hit. During the pandemic, the EU ensured that all EU citizens had access to safe and effective vaccines at the same time under the same conditions. 

The pandemic highlighted European countries’ need to coordinate to protect people’s health. Building on lessons learnt, the Commission has been building a strong European Health Union by: 

• enacting new rules on serious cross-border health threats and creating the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, to be better prepared for future health threats and crises  
• reinforcing the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control 
• reforming the EU's pharmaceutical legislation which will ensure timely access to affordable medicines for all citizens 
• introducing the European Health Data Space which will enable citizens, researchers and policymakers to harness the full potential of digital health data for the benefit of patients 
• launching Europe's Beating Cancer Plan , one of the world's most ambitious and comprehensive blueprints for action against cancer, backed by €4 billion in EU funding 
• working to break the stigma for every citizen living with mental health challenges  

Our Health Union makes our health systems stronger, putting patients at the centre. These actions cannot be limited to the EU's borders. Through the EU’s Global Health Strategy, we are investing  €4.4 billion to boost and deliver better health for people worldwide up to 2027. Good public health for every citizen is the foundation of strong economies and societies around the world. 

For more information

Overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic together and building a Health Union  

European Health Union  

Public health policy  

Statement by Commissioner Kyriakides on World Health Day 

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Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for Europe: Coverage and policies for 2024

Erica Lamberg

Heidi Gollub

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

Updated 9:30 a.m. UTC Nov. 27, 2023

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• A trip to Europe often requires hefty prepaid and nonrefundable deposits to secure flights, hotels and tours. Travel insurance protects these outlays if you cancel your trip for a covered reason.
• Many U.S. health insurance plans don’t provide coverage in foreign countries, making a travel insurance plan with medical expense benefits important for trips to Europe.
• The best travel insurance for Europe will package together different types of coverage, including trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, travel medical, emergency medical evacuation and baggage insurance.   

Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but can also be expensive. Your itinerary may include visits to several European countries, and you can quickly rack up prepaid and nonrefundable expenses for flights, hotels, excursions, tours and experiences. 

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind that you’ll be financially protected if things go wrong before or during your trip. But plans differ, so it’s important to pay attention to included coverages, limits and exclusions when choosing your insurance for travel to Europe. 

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Travel insurance is not required for entering Europe. “But it is a very important consideration for a number of reasons,” said Scott Adamski, spokesperson for AIG Travel.

In addition to protecting your trip deposits if you need to cancel, Adamski said an important reason to secure a travel insurance policy relates to health care coverage for U.S.-based travelers headed to Europe. 

“In a surprise to many, their U.S.-based health insurance policy may not provide coverage, or may provide limited coverage, when they’re traveling out of the country,” said Adamski. 

“Medicare also may not provide coverage outside the U.S. (for older Americans) and there may be restrictions/limitations on medical benefits when traveling abroad,” he said. “In short, it’s vital to review your existing health care coverage before traveling.”

To make sure you’re covered financially if things go awry before or during your European vacation, look for a travel insurance plan that includes travel medical benefits as well as coverage for trip cancellation, trip delay, trip interruption, emergency medical evacuation and baggage delay or loss. 

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Trip cancellation insurance for travel to Europe

If you’ve booked a trip to Europe, you’re probably thinking, why would I cancel my dream vacation? 

“No one plans to cancel a trip, but sometimes there are circumstances beyond our control — you suffer an injury before your trip, circumstances at your job change or your flight is canceled due to severe weather at your destination,” said Shannon Lofdahl, spokesperson for Travelex Insurance Services. “Trip cancellation and interruption coverage reimburses you if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason,” she said.

In general, covered reasons for trip cancellation insurance benefits include:

• Death of an immediate family member or a travel companion.
• A serious illness or injury to you, a close relative or a travel companion.
• A sudden and serious family emergency.
• An unexpected job loss or layoff.
• Unplanned jury duty.
• Severe weather.
• Your travel supplier is going out of business.
• A national transportation strike.

So, if three days before your trip to Vienna, Austria, your husband has a heart attack, you can cancel your trip and receive 100% of any prepaid and nonrefundable trip outlays.

It’s important to note that not all reasons to cancel will be covered by your travel insurance policy. For example, if you see a rainy weather forecast in Barcelona or get nervous to travel to Paris because you learn about a rise in petty crimes there, these are not covered reasons.

If you want the highest level of flexibility to change your travel plans, consider adding “ cancel for any reason ” (CFAR) coverage.

CFAR is an upgrade to a basic travel insurance plan that may boost the price of your policy by about 50%, but will give you the latitude to cancel your trip for any reason as long as you cancel at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. If you meet all the requirements of your plan, you can expect to be reimbursed for 75% — or 50%, depending on the plan — of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs.  

Trip delay insurance

Delays are an expected part of traveling these days, especially while traveling abroad, and that fact has emphasized the importance of trip delay coverage, said Lofdahl. “A short delay probably won’t cause you too much stress, but longer delays can mean missing connecting flights.”

Trip delay coverage can reimburse you for costs you incur as a result of a travel delay, as long as the delay was caused by a reason in your policy documents. Severe weather, airline maintenance issues or a security breach at an airport, for instance, are typical reasons covered by trip delay insurance.     

Most policies have a waiting period before your trip delay benefits begin, such as six or 12 hours. If you meet the criteria outlined in your travel insurance policy, you can expect to be reimbursed for a meal, hotel room, taxi fare and a few personal care items to tide you over for the delay, up to the limits in your plan.  

Be sure to hold onto your receipts as you will be asked to submit this documentation when you file a trip delay claim.

DOT rules : What you’re owed when your flight is canceled or delayed may be less than you think

Trip interruption in Europe

No one wants to end their trip early, especially when it’s a long-awaited European vacation, but unexpected issues can arise, said James Clark, spokesperson for Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison site.

If there is an emergency back home that is covered by your travel insurance plan, such as a critically ill parent, or if you suffer an injury while traveling in Europe and need to cut your trip short, your policy’s trip interruption insurance can provide financial assistance. 

You can file a trip interruption claim to recover any prepaid, unused and nonrefundable trip costs you lose because of your unexpected early departure. Your benefits will also typically cover a last-minute one-way economy flight home, and transportation to the airport.

Keep in mind, however, not all reasons to end a trip early will be covered. For example, if you miss your new kitten or have a fight with your partner while in Budapest, and want to go home, these are not covered reasons. You will have to pay your own way home and can’t file a claim for losses.

Americans will have to get travel authorization to enter Europe

Currently, Americans don’t have to worry about getting a visa to travel around Europe. However, that will change in mid-2025. That’s when the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) goes into effect, requiring people traveling from visa-exempt countries like the United States to get authorization for travel to 30 European countries.

Once applications open up, you will be able to apply on the official ETIAS website or mobile app. You’ll need your passport information to apply, and it will cost 7 euros to process the application. For those who don’t get immediate approval, the decision process could take up to 30 days. 

Once approved, your ETIAS travel authorization will be attached to your passport. It will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. 

A standard travel insurance policy won’t cover you if you don’t get your ETIAS travel authorization in time for your trip, or your ETIAS application is rejected. It will be important to apply for ETIAS early, in case there’s a delay or you need to appeal if you’re denied a visa.

If you have “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage you could cancel your trip if your visa doesn’t get approved in time, but you’d need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip to file a CFAR claim for reimbursement.

Travel medical insurance for Europe

Don’t assume your health insurance applies outside the United States. “Many [domestic health insurance] plans won’t cover you if you become ill or injured traveling in Europe or any other country outside the U.S., and, without travel protection, you would be responsible for all the medical expenses,” said Lofdahl with Travelex.

For instance, if you twist your ankle while touring in Rome, your travel insurance can cover the cost of seeing a doctor, getting X-rays, buying prescription medication and staying in the hospital if deemed necessary. Without this coverage, you are responsible for any medical expenses. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip. This can be worth it for the medical benefits alone when traveling in Europe.

Travel insurance plans also typically include travel assistance, which can help if you get sick or injured in Europe. “This benefit offers a range of 24/7 services while you’re traveling — from assistance finding a covered health care provider to helping with replacing lost or stolen passports,” said Lofdahl. These services can also assist with translation services.

Emergency medical evacuation

Depending on where in Europe you’ll be visiting, you might be far from a medical facility adequately equipped to treat severe illnesses and injuries. 

“For this reason, travelers with underlying medical conditions might wish to consider additional medical evacuation coverage for certain costs associated with transportation, to either the nearest recommended medical facility or back home,” said Adamski with AIG Travel.

Also, he explains, many countries in Europe — particularly in the mountainous regions — offer adventure sports for visitors. “In the warmer months, the outdoorsy types who aren’t biking might pursue mountain climbing, available through a wide range of treks and climbs for beginners and advanced climbers alike. In the winter, of course, ski enthusiasts from around the world visit a number of European countries for their access to great snow, luxurious accommodations and challenging runs,” Adamski said.

Unfortunately, accidents can happen when mountaineering, regardless of the time of year. Having a travel insurance plan can provide financial protection in the event of medical or evacuation losses, he said.

As an example, said Adamski, a policyholder might need to return to the U.S. after a skiing injury and may need accommodations such as a lay-flat seat or a row of seats to stretch out a broken leg. 

“A travel insurance provider, with on-staff doctors and medical coordinators, are invaluable in assisting with medical needs in foreign countries and coordinating with airlines to get injured travelers back home. Such arrangements are remarkably expensive, ranging from $20,000 easily into the six figures,” he explained.

Medical evacuation coverage could help cover these costs, and, in AIG Travel’s travel protection plans, said Adamski, this is complemented by access to an entire medical team dedicated to consulting with the local medical providers, working with you or your family to confirm what’s in your best interests as a patient and making the necessary arrangements to get you where you need to be.

When budgeting for a trip, even the most thorough planners rarely consider a contingency that includes a five- or six-figure emergency medical evacuation, said Adamski. “To be suddenly faced with a bill like that could be devastating. Also, the expertise of the medical staff that would be helping to coordinate such an evacuation could (literally) be a lifesaver,” he said.

Clark with Squaremouth notes that travelers heading to Europe should look for policies with at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage. However, if a traveler is doing more remote activities, such as backpacking through the Swiss Alps or exploring the Scandinavian wilderness, “We recommend at least $250,000 in medical evacuation coverage,” he said.

Travel insurance coverage for baggage and belongings

Lofdahl with Travelex said that the return to travel has been wonderful, but the labor shortage has brought some challenges to the industry. “Delayed and lost baggage is one that most people heard about last year and into this year,” she said. “Every airline experienced increases in lost and delayed baggage, and some even had triple the number of lost and delayed bags as they did in the same period in 2021. I can tell you from experience that this can impact your trip.”

European travel generally can include connecting flights which can increase the likelihood that your luggage can be misdirected or lost.

If your luggage decides to vacation in Madrid instead of Athens, you can file a claim with your travel insurance company. Just be sure to get a report from your airline carrier first.

You may also be able to file a claim for delayed luggage. Depending on your plan, you can purchase a few items to tide you over until your bags arrive at your destination, like a swimsuit, some toiletries and a change of clothes. Just be sure to keep any applicable receipts.

Your travel insurance plan may also reimburse you for other personal effect losses while on your vacation. For example, if your camera gets stolen while touring Copenhagen, or if your leather jacket is swiped while in Milan, you can file a claim. But first, you’ll need to file an incident report with your tour leader, hotel manager or local law enforcement. You will be asked for this documentation during the claim process. 

It’s very important to read your travel insurance documents carefully so you understand the scope of your benefits. There are often per-item limits and caps for coverage, rules about how depreciation will affect your reimbursement levels and exclusions which won’t be covered. For instance, lost or stolen cash isn’t reimbursable, and many high-ticket items like heirloom jewelry and designer watches are often excluded from coverage.

Baggage loss insurance is also typically secondary coverage, meaning it comes into play only after you’ve filed for reimbursement from your airline or homeowners insurance (in the event of theft).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Buying a travel insurance policy for Europe isn’t required, but it is a smart way to financially protect your trip investment and to ensure you have medical coverage while traveling abroad. 

“Just because it’s not required doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea. Unexpected medical bills can be costly, and an unforeseen emergency evacuation or repatriation back home to the U.S. or Canada can climb to tens of thousands of dollars,” said Terra Baykal, spokesperson with World Nomads.

Travel insurance also provides trip cancellation benefits, which can help you recoup the cost of trip deposits. “Travel insurance may reimburse you for your missed nonrefundable, prepaid travel arrangements like hotels, flights and tours, if you need to cancel for a covered reason, like the death of an immediate family member, or your last-minute illness or injury,” said Baykal.

It’s also important to find an insurer who will cover you for all the activities you plan to pursue in Europe. So if skydiving in Switzerland, paragliding in Greece or ziplining in Croatia is in the cards, make sure your insurer covers your more adventurous pursuits, said Baykal. 

World Nomads automatically covers more than 150 adventure activities and sports for U.S. residents without the need for an additional adventure activities rider. 

While not required to enter Europe, a travel insurance policy with emergency medical coverage is a good idea when traveling to Europe, said Baykal of World Nomads.

Many U.S.-based health insurance providers offer no coverage abroad, or very limited global benefits. If your domestic health insurance doesn’t provide adequate coverage outside of the U.S., buying travel medical insurance for Europe is recommended.

Whether your health coverage travels with you outside the U.S. depends on your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. Check with your carrier to determine the scope of your travel medical insurance . 

According to Blue Cross Blue Shield, travelers should refer to their Certificate of Coverage and riders and also call customer service to find out about limitations to travel coverage.

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.

Erica Lamberg is a regular contributor to Fox News, Fox Business, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, AAA and USA TODAY. She writes about business, travel, personal finance, health, travel insurance and work/life balance. She is based in suburban Philadelphia.

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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Get healthcare cover abroad with a UK GHIC or UK EHIC

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get necessary state healthcare in EU countries, and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The UK GHIC has replaced the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you have an existing EHIC you can continue to use it until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you'll need to apply for a UK GHIC to replace it.

You can apply for a new card up to 9 months before your current card expires.

A UK GHIC is free and lasts for up to 5 years. Apply for your new card through the NHS website. Avoid unofficial websites – they may charge you a fee to apply.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC instead.

The UK GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. We advise you to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

We also recommend you check FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK for the country you're visiting.

You can apply for a UK GHIC if you're a resident in the UK. You can also add your family members to your application when you apply.

You'll need to provide your:

• date of birth
• National Insurance or NHS number (if you're from England or Wales)
• CHI number (if you're from Scotland)
• Health and Care number (if you're from Northern Ireland)

Applying for family members

Every member of your family needs their own card. You can add your spouse, civil partner and children to your application when you apply. You must enter your own details first and apply for any additional cards when prompted.

If you've already completed your application and want to add additional family members contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services . You'll need to give us your reference number, name, date of birth and address so we can access your record.

After you apply

After you've submitted your application, we'll email you within 24 hours to let you know whether it has been approved or not (if you don't get a reply, check your junk folder). We may need to see additional information or documents before approving it.

Once your application has been approved, you should receive your new card within 15 working days. It will be sent to you by post.

If you do not receive it before you travel, and need medically necessary treatment during your visit, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC) to get temporary cover. For more information, see "If you don't have your card with you" towards the end of this page.

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement

If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can choose to apply for a new UK EHIC rather than a UK GHIC. A UK EHIC provides cover for some countries that are not currently covered by the UK GHIC (these are Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein). Like the UK GHIC, it's free and lasts up to 5 years. You can find out if you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement on GOV.UK.

What your card covers

You can use your card to get state healthcare that cannot reasonably wait until you come back to the UK (sometimes called "medically necessary healthcare"). This includes things like:

• emergency treatment and visits to A&E
• treatment or routine medical care for long-term or pre-existing medical conditions
• routine maternity care, as long as you're not going abroad to give birth

You'll need to pre-arrange some treatments with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you're visiting – for example, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy – as it's not guaranteed that local healthcare providers will always have the capacity to provide this care.

Whether treatment is medically necessary is decided by the healthcare provider in the country you're visiting.

Not all state healthcare is free outside of the UK. You may have to pay for treatment that you would get for free on the NHS, if a local resident would be expected to pay in the country you're visiting.

Before travelling, you should check the state-provided healthcare services in the country you're visiting and any potential charges you may face.

Check the relevant country guide on GOV.UK for information on how to access treatment in the country you're visiting

What your card does not cover

A UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) does not replace travel and medical insurance or cover services like:

• being flown back to the UK (medical repatriation)
• treatment in a private medical facility
• ski or mountain rescue

We advise that you have a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) and private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Where you can use your card

You can use a UK GHIC when you're visiting:

• an EU country ( see a list of EU countries on GOV.UK )
• Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
• St Helena, Tristan and Ascension

You can use a UK GHIC in Switzerland if you're one of the following:

• a British national
• a Swiss national
• an EU citizen
• a stateless person
• a family member of someone who holds one of the above nationalities or statuses

The UK government is negotiating with other countries to expand the use of the UK GHIC, so always check coverage before you travel.

You can use a UK EHIC when you're visiting:

• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

Visiting Norway

You can use a UK passport to get medically necessary healthcare in Norway if you're a UK resident.

Visiting Montenegro

You can get free emergency treatment in Montenegro but you'll have to pay for your prescribed medicines and for other medical treatment.

If you're a UK national, your UK passport will give you access to emergency healthcare in Montenegro.

If you're a UK resident but not a UK national you'll need your passport and a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) to get emergency healthcare.

Getting healthcare in other countries

You'll have to pay for treatment unless the UK has a healthcare agreement with that country .

Check if you're eligible for a UK GHIC

You'll be entitled to a UK GHIC if both of these things apply:

• you're ordinarily and legally resident in the UK
• you do not have healthcare cover provided by an EU country or Switzerland

There is information about what "ordinarily resident" means on GOV.UK

You may also be entitled to a UK GHIC if you're:

• living in the EU or Switzerland with a registered S1 form
• living in the EU or Switzerland with an A1 document issued by the UK
• a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

Check if you're eligible for a UK EHIC

You may be eligible for a new UK EHIC if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, and have been since before 1 January 2021 with a registered S1, E121, E106 or E109 form issued by the UK
• you're living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein since before 1 January 2021 with an A1 issued by the UK
• you're a national of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein who has legally resided in the UK since before 1 January 2021 and are covered under the Withdrawal Agreement – you may not be covered if you are also a UK national or if you were born in the UK
• you're a family member or dependant of an entitled individual already listed

If your circumstances change and you no longer meet one of the above criteria, you may not be entitled to continue using the card and should contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

You must be entitled to use your UK GHIC or UK EHIC at the time of the treatment. If you use it to access healthcare that you're not entitled to, you may be liable for the full cost of all treatment received or face prosecution.

Applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

To apply for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC, you'll need a letter from your university or college showing:

• the name and address of the UK educational institution if you're travelling as part of your course
• the address of where you're studying in the EU or Switzerland
• details of the qualification you're studying for
• the dates your study period in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland started and is due to finish
• your permanent residential address in the UK

If the letter from your university or college does not include your permanent residential address in the UK, you'll be asked to provide further evidence to confirm this.

This is in addition to the information set out in "How to apply" above.

Students studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland applying for a UK Student EHIC or UK GHIC

If you normally live in the UK and have been studying in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland since before 1 January 2021, you may be eligible for a new UK Student EHIC for use in the EU and your country of study.

You will not be able to use this card for treatment in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein unless one of these countries is your country of study.

If you started your course after 1 January 2021, or you're planning to study in an EU country, you'll need to apply for a UK Student GHIC. If you're studying in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can also apply for a UK GHIC but it will not cover you for treatment in those countries, even if you are studying there.

You can use the UK Student GHIC in the EU, Switzerland and your country of study, but not yet in Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Using a UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) when abroad

You should take your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you when you travel abroad. If you need medically necessary treatment, you'll need to present the card to the hospital (or other service provider) that is treating you – make sure that you are being treated at a public health provider and not a private one. Keep all receipts and paperwork.

Depending on the country you visit you may be expected to pay all or part of your bill upfront and then claim a refund afterwards.

Some countries ask patients to pay a contribution towards the cost of their care. This is known as a co-payment or patient share. You can claim back the difference between the total bill and the co-payment, but the actual co-payment is not refundable.

Your UK GHIC or UK EHIC will not cover costs that a local resident would have to pay.

If you don't have your card with you

If you need emergency treatment when you're in another country and do not have your UK GHIC (or UK EHIC) with you, you can apply for a Provisional Replacement Certificate (PRC). A PRC gives you the same level of cover as a UK GHIC or UK EHIC.

A PRC also covers you if you've applied for a UK GHIC or UK EHIC and it has not arrived yet.

Find out more about PRCs and how to apply for one

You'll need to pay in full for treatment if you do not have a UK GHIC, UK EHIC or PRC. You should ask for a copy of your invoice and obtain a receipt.

How to claim a refund

To claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC, you'll need to download and fill in a refund claim form and send it to NHS Overseas Healthcare Services. You should include receipts and any supporting documents with your claim form.

Find out how to claim a refund for healthcare covered by your UK GHIC or UK EHIC

Incorrect charges for treatment

If you think you've been incorrectly charged for medical treatment, contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services .

Keep all documents relating to your treatment. You may need to provide more information to confirm your eligibility and the cost of the treatment you had. This could include:

• receipts or invoices relating to treatment
• confirmation that the treatment was state-provided
• confirmation of payments made to healthcare institutions
• documents relating to insurance cover if your insurer paid for treatment
• discharge documents

NHS Overseas Healthcare Services will look at your claim to decide whether you were charged when you should have been covered. If they determine that your treatment should have been covered by the UK GHIC or UK EHIC, they'll reimburse you or your insurer for the costs of treatment that are covered by your card.

If you suspect GHIC or EHIC fraud

If you suspect that somebody has fraudulently applied for or used a UK GHIC or UK EHIC they are not entitled to, you can report this to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority .

Alternatively, you can email your concern to us at [email protected] .

Page last reviewed: 12 December 2023 Next review due: 12 December 2026

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

USDA-Accredited Veterinarians: Certifying Pets for International Travel

How to electronically issue health certificates.

USDA accepts pet health certificates (for pets eligible to travel to another country) that are electronically signed by USDA-accredited veterinarians. The health certificate must be issued and submitted through the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).

Some countries also accept health certificates that are digitally endorsed by USDA in VEHCS. In those cases, the health certificate can be issued (signed by the USDA-accredited veterinarian) and endorsed (countersigned and embossed/stamped by USDA) entirely online. Access VEHCS to submit an electronic health certificate.

Visit VEHCS Country Acceptance List for Live Animal Exports to determine if and how VEHCS can be used for your health certificate. If the destination country isn't on the list, learn what to do when country requirements aren't known .

This page is for USDA-accredited veterinarians to learn about certifying pets for international travel, completing and submitting health certificates for USDA endorsement, and using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS).

How To Issue Export Health Certificates

The responsibilities of an accredited veterinarian issuing health certificates is outlined in 9 CFR 161.4 Standards for Accredited Veterinarian Duties .

Before issuing a health certificate, YOU must ensure that the:

• Correct and most current version of the health certificate, for the pet species and destination country, is being used.
• Pet meets all requirements of the destination country .
• Health certificate is issued within the timeframe required by the destination country.
• Health certificate includes required and accurate information.

If the pet’s destination country doesn't appear in the list, it's the owner/exporter’s responsibility to contact the pertinent government official in the destination country to obtain those requirements. You'll need to review the requirements and ensure the pet meets them before issuing the health certificate. If you have any questions about this process or need further guidance, contact your APHIS endorsement office .

There are two ways to check your USDA Veterinary Accreditation status: 1. Use the National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) Lookup Tool .

Select “Check my accreditation status.” Enter your National Accreditation Number (NAN) and last name. 2. Contact your State's NVAP Coordinator .

You should also contact your State's NVAP Coordinator if the information displayed on the NVAP Lookup Tool doesn't match your understanding of your accreditation status (for example, your status is other than accredited, or you're not accredited in the State where you're currently practicing).

• Reference this presentation for an overview of APHIS' role in the international export of animals.
• Have your client provide you with a completed Pet Owner Worksheet for Preparing Visit With Accredited Veterinarian To Complete Health Certificate (102.11 KB) .
• Review the pet’s medical records. Obtain previous records if this is a new patient or if another veterinary clinic requires medical information to complete the health certificate.
• Carefully review the requirements for your client's destination country . Determine any identification, vaccinations, testing, or treatments that must be performed, including when they must be performed and in what sequence.
• Make a note of when the pet must be examined and the health certificate issued, depending on your client's travel date and destination country. DO NOT issue a health certificate if the pet doesn't meet requirements in the destination country.
• View guidance on how to complete a VEHCS-style health certificate .

Your APHIS endorsement office can accept and endorse a health certificate. You can submit your health certificate via:

Option 1: Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) . For more information, view how to electronically issue health certificates . OR

Option 2: Shipping. For more information, select the State or U.S. Territory you're located in to find your APHIS endorsement office .

We charge fees to endorse health certificates. Learn more about APHIS fees for endorsing health certificates .

• Only provide required information in the health certificate. For example, if the destination country only requires a rabies vaccination, don't provide information on any other vaccinations administered to the pet.
• If a field of the health certificate is lined out or asterisked, don't complete that field.
• If you make a mistake when completing the health certificate, start over or draw a single line through the incorrect information and initial it.
• Double check the information you entered in the health certificate, ensuring that the animal's description, identification, vaccination, testing, and treatments match your medical records and any other supporting documentation exactly.
• Double check that you followed the destination country's requirements to the letter. For example, if internal parasite treatment is required, a fecal exam isn't a substitute.
• If you didn’t administer a required vaccination or perform a required test, obtain medical records documenting the administration from the veterinarian who did.
• Double check that you signed and printed your name and dated the health certificate for the actual day you issued it.
• Make sure the submission package is complete, including the finished health certificate, supporting documentation for required vaccinations and testing (when applicable), import permit issued by the destination country (when applicable), payment, and a prepaid return shipping label (for nondigitally endorsed health certificates).
• DO NOT issue the health certificate if the destination country requirements aren't met.

What if the airline doesn’t accept a country-specific health certificate?

Although a country-specific health certificate may be required by the destination country, you may also need to complete an APHIS Form 7001 (438.86 KB) for the pet to board the airplane in the United States. This form may be used to demonstrate vaccinations, treatments, and examinations in the timeframe required by the airline.

Note: If you issue two health certificates for the pet, USDA can only endorse the health certificate required by the destination country. Don't submit the APHIS Form 7001 to USDA if it’s not required by the destination country.

What if the airline doesn’t accept a digitally endorsed health certificate?

If the airline doesn't recognize the digital signature and seal on the electronically issued health certificate as official, provide this letter to the airline to resolve any concerns. (239.52 KB)

Related Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Travel for Accredited Veterinarians
• Access VEHCS
• APHIS Endorsement Offices by State
• Find a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian

Poland Warns Against Travel to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon

WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's foreign ministry advises against travel to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon, it said in updated travel guidance published on Friday.

"It cannot be ruled out that there will be a sudden escalation of military operations, which would cause significant difficulties in leaving these three countries," the ministry said in a statement.

"Any escalation may lead to significant restrictions in air traffic and the inability to cross land border crossings."

War in Israel and Gaza

The Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories consist of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.

(Reporting by Alan Charlish; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Photos You Should See - April 2024

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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