Travel Insurance for Europe

Unforeseen circumstances can happen anywhere and to anyone, even in a relatively peaceful and developed environment like Europe. That’s why it’s important to take out a travel insurance policy for Europe before you leave home, and make sure that the policy has you covered for things like lost or stolen luggage, natural disasters, cancelled or delayed flights, medical emergencies and personal liability. You’ll sleep better at night and enjoy your trip more when you know that you have a safety net that’ll save you money in case of unpredictable circumstances.

How Much is Travel Insurance to Europe?

There are quite a few factors that will affect the overall cost of your travel insurance, such as your age, the countries you are travelling to, the duration of your stay etc. You may also want to include extras like cover for a pre-existing condition or a skiing and diving package, which will add to the cost. Check out a few examples of different levels of travel insurance costs for Europe based on a 14-day trip. Just keep in mind that while these prices are correct at the publishing date, they may change virtually overnight.

• Basic Policies ($44 to $60) – A basic policy like the Joey Cover from Kango, which is $44, will get you $5 million worth of medical care, $1.5 million for personal liability and more, for an excess of just $250.
• Standard Policies ($60 to $80) – If you want value for money then get a standard policy such as the one offered by Fast Cover for $59 which offers unlimited medical and cancellation cover, $5 million towards personal liability costs, a $2,500 cash allowance for hospital stays and $15,000 for accidental death, all for a $200 excess.
• Premium Policies ($80 to $280) – With a premium policy, you get comprehensive cover for almost all eventualities. For example the all-inclusive policy from 1Cover costs just $85, and comes with unlimited medical and cancellation costs, $5,000 cash to use during hospitalization, $15,000 for lost or stolen luggage, $5 million for personal liability cover, $5,000 for lost or stolen travel documents, $25,000 accidental death cover and $50,000 in case you incur unforeseen travel expenses. The best part is that all of this is available at an excess of just $100!

What’s Included?

Most travel insurance policies come with the following standard features:

• Cancellations and Delays – Delayed flights are quite a common occurrence in Europe due to the small budget airlines, and this can be a huge setback for your itinerary plans, and your wallet as well if you don’t have travel insurance cover. However, with the right policy, you’ll be fully covered for the extra travelling costs that result from flight delays or cancellations.
• Medical Treatment – Overseas medical treatment can be crazy expensive, so it’s a good idea to get an insurance policy that includes solid upfront cover for overseas medical costs.
• Emergency Support – Most travel insurance providers offer 24/7 emergency assistance, which you can access from anywhere in the world. This can be very helpful when you find yourself in challenging situations like theft, losing your luggage or medical emergencies, and it will be reassuring to have a human voice at the other end of the line who can offer helpful guidance and support.
• Lost, Stolen or Damaged Luggage and Personal Items – You’ll be glad to know that most travel insurers will cover the damage or loss of your luggage contents and personal effects, including clothing, jewelry and electronics. This will save you from breaking your budget by shelling out for new clothes and electronics that you have lost. Also, double-check the policy document before you leave, to make sure that the cover includes all the items that matter to you.
• Serious Injury – While very rare, fatal injuries do happen. You have to prepare for this by taking out travel insurance that covers this aspect.

What’s Not Included?

The following are often excluded from travel insurance cover to Europe:

• Leaving your luggage and personal effects unattended and vulnerable to theft
• Accidents or illnesses due to extreme alcohol or drug-induced intoxication
• Reckless driving
• Travelling despite warnings to not do so
• Practicing risky activities and sports like rock climbing, scuba diving etc.