European Travel Health Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning on traveling to Europe, taking out travel health insurance is a must. Even if you’re fit and healthy, accidents and illnesses can happen at any time, and medical costs in Europe can be expensive. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at European travel health insurance, what it covers, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.

What is European Travel Health Insurance?

European travel health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling in Europe. It typically covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and medical repatriation (returning you to your home country for treatment). Some policies also cover dental treatment and emergency evacuation.

Most European countries require visitors to have travel health insurance, and some may even require a certain level of coverage. It’s important to check the specific requirements of the countries you plan to visit before purchasing your policy.

What does European Travel Health Insurance Cover?

European travel health insurance typically covers the following:

Medical Treatment Emergency medical treatment if you become ill or injured while traveling in Europe.
Hospital Stays Coverage for hospital stays if you require treatment in a hospital while traveling in Europe.
Prescription Drugs Coverage for prescription drugs if they’re required for medical treatment during your trip.
Medical Repatriation Coverage for returning you to your home country for medical treatment if required.

Some policies also cover dental treatment and emergency evacuation. It’s important to read the policy documents carefully to understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.

How to Choose a Policy

When choosing a European travel health insurance policy, you should consider the following:

  1. Destination: Choose a policy that covers all the countries you plan to visit.
  2. Coverage: Make sure the policy covers the medical expenses you’re most likely to incur.
  3. Exclusions: Check the policy’s exclusions to understand what isn’t covered.
  4. Price: Choose a policy that fits your budget.
  5. Duration: Make sure the policy covers the entire duration of your trip.

It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other travelers and to check the financial stability of the insurance company before purchasing a policy.

FAQ

Do I Really Need European Travel Health Insurance?

Yes, you really do. If you become ill or injured while traveling in Europe, medical costs can be extremely high. Without travel health insurance, you could be left with a large bill to pay.

What if I Already Have Health Insurance?

Your regular health insurance may not provide coverage for medical treatment outside of your home country. It’s important to check with your insurance provider before traveling to Europe to understand what’s covered.

How Much Does European Travel Health Insurance Cost?

The cost of European travel health insurance varies depending on the level of coverage you choose, the duration of your trip, and your age and health status. You should expect to pay between $5 and $15 per day for coverage.

What Happens if I Need Medical Treatment?

If you require medical treatment while traveling in Europe, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will provide you with instructions on how to access medical care and may even be able to arrange direct payment to the medical provider.

Do I Need to Purchase Travel Health Insurance for Each Country I Visit?

No, you only need to purchase one policy that covers all the countries you plan to visit.

By taking out European travel health insurance, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that you’re covered in case of any unforeseen accidents or illnesses. When choosing a policy, make sure to consider your destination, coverage, exclusions, price, and duration of your trip, and always read the policy documents carefully.