Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe?

Do you need insurance to travel to Europe? Europe travel insurance is required if you are traveling to many countries in Europe, especially the Schengen countries. Schengen countries (such as France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and many more) will not even issue a Schengen visa unless you provide proof of adequate insurance that meets the minimum requirements of Schengen travel insurance.

Schengen Visa Insurance for Europe

Most travelers to Europe visit multiple countries during their trip. It used to be that they were required to get a visa for each individual country, which was very inconvenient. A Schengen visa allows you to visit all 27 countries (and more that may be added) in the Schengen area using just one visa. However, in order to get a Schengen visa, you must first acquire Schengen travel insurance. 

Many people who live in the U.S. already get the health insurance through their employer, spouse's employer or by other means. That insurance may or may not provide coverage outside the U.S. Even if it provides coverage outside the U.S., it may be only emergency coverage. There may be a higher deductible and coinsurance (out of pocket expenses). Even in that case, they will not cover the emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains which are required by the Schengen travel insurance requirements set by the embassies/consulates. Additionally, you require a visa letter from the insurance company that indicates that you have adequate insurance that meets the minimum requirements.

Fortunately, we have several Europe travel health insurance plans that meet all standard requirements of Schengen visa insurance. These plans provide medical coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. 

Schengen Visa Letters

As some travelers are not aware of the requirements of Schengen travel insurance, they may wait until the last minute to ask for proof of insurance. Luckily, we have the technology to allow you to buy Schengen visa insurance online, and download and print an official visa letter on the insurance company’s letterhead with the officer’s signature in about 15 minutes. You can present this letter to the European embassy/consulate where you are applying for the visa. This same letter is accepted as sufficient proof of European travel insurance.

Custom Visa Letters

If the consulate or embassy requires a specific letter that’s different than the standard letter provided, it can be possible to get one in most cases. Please read the FAQ about Custom Visa Letters for more information. Regardless of the requirement you need to fulfill, we have likely dealt with it before and can efficiently handle it.

If you are going to be doing any hazardous activities while traveling to Europe such as Skiing in the Alps, the Atlas plans tend to be attractive as they provide hazardous sports coverage at no extra cost, in case you get sick or injured while doing such activities. The Beacon International plan also provides additional coverage with its Extreme Sports Rider. These can provide a lot of value and peace of mind while enjoying such sports activities in Europe.

Alternatively, you can also compare Schengen visa insurance plans that meet Schengen visa requirements from various companies and buy the one you like.

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DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.