Why do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Travelling to Europe is exciting. Every country in Europe has a unique culture, history and attractions. But travelling abroad also brings risks such as medical emergencies, lost baggage or sudden cancellations. Travel insurance may help you manage such risks and reduce financial pressure. Many European countries even require insurance as a condition for visa approval.

This blog reveals why travel insurance matters, how to choose it and what mistakes to avoid when planning your journey.

Reasons to buy travel insurance for Europe

Travellers buy insurance for Europe for many reasons. Each of the following reasons relates to possible situations that might disturb travel plans or create unexpected costs:

• Travel insurance is mandatory for a European Without sufficient insurance coverage, your visa won't be processed.
• Falling ill is one thing, but facing a medical crisis while on a flight or in a foreign country is entirely different. Seeking medical treatment in another country can result in many financial expenses. Moreover, the costs can rise further if medical evacuation is required. With an overseas travel insurance policy offering medical and hospitalisation coverage, you will be able to get help easily, if needed.
• Flight changes or cancellations for various reasons like medical emergencies, bad weather or strikes can disrupt travel plans. With travel insurance, you could avoid paying flight cancellation fees or other associated charges.
• Belongings getting lost or stolen while travelling is pretty common. Whether it's luggage lost due to an airline's mishandling or the theft of crucial items like credit cards or passports, the right travel insurance policy covers these
• While you might be able to handle certain costs during individual travels, family trips naturally require more support. The good news is that family travel insurance options cover the entire family, including two adults up to 60 years old and dependent children up to 21 years old.
• A travel insurance plan can also be helpful if you're held responsible for injuries or property damage suffered by someone else during your trip. Instead of being solely affected by an accident, you might find yourself at fault or confronted with situations where your child damages someone else's property. Travel insurance anticipates and covers such unforeseen scenarios.
• Certain travel insurance policies extend their coverage to your residence while you're abroad. Protection against expenses arising from burglary or fire usually falls within the scope of these plans. Some policies might even provide options for automotive assistance, medical concierge services, lifestyle support and other value-added perks.

How to choose the right travel insurance for Europe?

Policies differ in coverage, cost, and conditions. Choosing suitable travel insurance requires checking several factors, like:

• Check coverage amount: European visas often ask for a minimum of €30,000 (as of April 14, 2024) for medical cover. Ensure the plan meets or exceeds this.
• Look at medical limits: Some plans may not cover chronic conditions or certain treatments. Read carefully to understand what is included.
• Evaluate duration: The policy should cover the entire stay, including the day of arrival and departure.
• Compare add-ons: Some plans may include adventure sports cover, theft protection or higher baggage allowance.
• Review exclusions: Every policy has exclusions, such as alcohol-related incidents or pre-existing illness. These must be noted before buying.
• Check claim process: Easy and quick claim settlement is important. Understand how claims may be raised and processed.

Common mistakes to avoid while selecting Europe travel insurance

Travellers sometimes overlook important points when choosing insurance. These mistakes can create problems later:

• Not reading fine print: Ignoring terms may cause surprise exclusions during emergencies.
• Skipping medical history disclosure: Hiding health details may lead to claim rejection.
• Choosing wrong travel dates: Coverage gaps can occur if dates do not match the travel itinerary.
• Assuming all plans cover everything: Each policy has limits. Never assume broad coverage without confirmation.
• Forgetting family needs: If travelling with children or the elderly, coverage should match their specific needs.

Steps to buy travel insurance for Europe online

Buying insurance online is usually straightforward. Following structured steps helps avoid errors:

• Research plans: Compare policies from different providers through official websites or aggregators.
• Check eligibility: Confirm if the policy accepts applicants from your age group and destination.
• Select coverage type: Decide between single-trip or multi-trip cover based on travel frequency.
• Fill the form carefully: Provide correct passport details, medical history, and travel dates.
• Pay securely: Use verified online payment methods to avoid fraud.
• Download policy document: Keep a digital and printed copy to show at immigration or during emergencies.

Conclusion

Travel insurance may not stop problems from happening, but it can lessen their financial impact. For European travel, insurance is often essential not only for peace of mind but also for visa approval. Checking single-trip travel insurance carefully, avoiding common mistakes, and buying the right policy online can make travel safer and smoother.

As you prepare for your trip, you may also want guidance on choosing a suitable policy. Get personalised travel insurance advice by filling out the form on this page.

FAQs

• Does European travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Not always. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions, while others may include them if disclosed during purchase.

• Can I extend my travel insurance if I stay longer in Europe?

Yes, many insurers allow policy extensions, but you must request them before the current policy expires.

• Is cashless hospitalisation available with European travel insurance?

Some insurers have partnerships with hospitals that offer treatment on a cashless basis. Always confirm before travelling.

• Do I need travel insurance for short trips, like a weekend in Europe?

Yes, insurance is still recommended, since even short visits may face emergencies, medical needs, or delays.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.