Travel Insurance for Europe
Last updated: 8 July 2026
Travel insurance guide for European destinations including Schengen visa requirements and EU healthcare access.
Why You Need Travel Insurance for Europe
Europe is the world's most visited continent, and while healthcare standards are generally excellent, the costs and requirements vary enormously between countries. EU/EEA citizens benefit from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but it only covers necessary medical treatment — not repatriation, mountain rescue, trip cancellation, or dental emergencies.
Non-EU visitors face full private healthcare rates, which range from affordable (€20–40 in Eastern Europe) to extremely expensive (CHF 500+ for a Swiss ER visit). Schengen visa applicants are legally required to have travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage.
Key considerations for European travel insurance include: Schengen visa compliance, ski and mountain rescue coverage (Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites), pickpocketing and theft coverage in major tourist cities, and flight delay protection for budget airline travel. Even within Europe, healthcare costs, risk profiles, and insurance requirements differ dramatically — always check the specific country guide below.
Learn more about Schengen visa insurance requirements or compare our recommended providers.
Countries in Europe
France
Risk: LowItaly
Risk: LowSpain
Risk: LowGermany
Risk: LowUnited Kingdom
Risk: LowNetherlands
Risk: LowSwitzerland
Risk: LowPortugal
Risk: LowGreece
Risk: Low-MediumTurkey
Risk: Low-MediumCzech Republic
Risk: LowAustria
Risk: LowCroatia
Risk: LowPoland
Risk: LowIceland
Risk: Low-MediumNorway
Risk: LowGeorgia
Risk: Low-MediumHungary
Risk: LowSweden
Risk: LowDenmark
Risk: LowFinland
Risk: LowBelgium
Risk: LowIreland
Risk: LowRomania
Risk: LowBulgaria
Risk: LowMontenegro
Risk: Low-MediumAlbania
Risk: MediumSerbia
Risk: LowSlovenia
Risk: LowMalta
Risk: LowEstonia
Risk: LowLatvia
Risk: LowLithuania
Risk: LowCyprus
Risk: LowScotland
Risk: LowWhat Coverage Do You Need for Europe?
When traveling to Europe, your insurance needs depend on your specific destination, activities, and trip duration. At a minimum, ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation. For more adventurous trips, look for policies that cover extreme sports, altitude sickness, or specific regional risks.
Recommended Providers
EKTA
European travel insurance with global coverage. Medical, trip cancellation, and more.
Check EKTA →
Frequently Asked Questions
For the Schengen area specifically, yes — a visa applicant must show at least €30,000 in medical coverage. For non-Schengen European countries and for EU/UK/EEA citizens travelling within Europe, insurance isn't legally mandatory but is strongly recommended.
Yes. Schengen visa applications require proof of travel insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage, valid for the entire trip across all 26 member states.