Europe is well known for some of its world-famous tourist destinations. Traveling to Europe is exciting but can be a costly affair without pre planning for unforeseen situations. These could be related to medical expenses in case of any emergency or need of medical help. Travel Insurance for Europe from the USA for US citizens traveling outside their home country can be a great life saver during such situations.
Travel Insurance provides protection for unexpected sickness and injury, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and other medical incidents. It also covers the expenses for baggage delay, flight delay, trip interruption, loss of baggage... Domestic US insurance cannot be much help in Europe as the coverage is very limited or none when outside of the country. Travel Insurance plans can also be of another kind which is also known as Trip Insurance plans which focuses more on trip expenses where it provides benefits like trip cancellation which covers 100% trip costs, baggage delay, loss of baggage, missing flights and so on.
For the trip cancellation benefit, the covered reasons include:
- Death of an immediate family member
- Serious injury or illness to you, close relative or travel companion
- Sudden family emergency
- Loss of job
There are "Cancel for any reason" plans available with partial reimbursem*nt for flights and hotel booking in case of delay in the flight. Lodging and other prepaid non refundable expenses can be claimed in such cases..
For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens will need to apply for a visa and will need proof of travel health insurance for Europe from the USA that meets requirements. Other nationalities need international insurance coverage even if they intend to stay fewer days.
The requirements for the visa while not particularly strict (we have many international policies which can meet and/or exceed their requirements) can be cumbersome to find.The requirements by European Schengen country state consulates that can be difficult to meet are the following:
- Insurance company must have an office in the EU
- You need coverage for repatriation (return of mortal remains)
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation, and finally
- You need a letter from your insurance company spelling out your coverage. (The requirement for maximum (€30,000) is generally not a problem with US policies).
Most often, US insurance companies refuse to provide the letter needed (#4) even though they may actually meet other requirements. Many policies, however, do NOT cover for repatriation and emergency medical evacuation nor have a foreign office in Europe. Also, our US customers may be surprised to find out that Medicare will not pay for services rendered outside the US (except under extremely limited circ*mstances).
The requirements of US citizens for the long term European visa are exactly like those for the Schengen visa for non-US citizens, so any plans we sell for a Schengen visa will work for you. Furthermore, they are very economically priced and are guaranteed (no medical tests or questions). Best medical insurance while traveling in Europe can be purchased with a credit card and you will immediately (or within the hour) have access to the required Schengen visa letter (unless you are purchasing from the lovely state of Maryland, in which case we will need at least 2 business days to get your letter).
After purchasing the insurance, make sure you have access to the receipt and the soft copy of the insurance along with the ID Card which will be very useful while filing a claim. Traveling to Europe has never been easier and more exciting! Enjoy the Europe trip with sufficient coverage from the travel insurance for Europe from the US.
FAQs
Do I need travel insurance for Europe? Travel insurance isn't required when visiting Europe; however, it can cover your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs in the event of travel delays, cancellations, a medical emergency or lost baggage.
What is the best travel insurance for going to Europe? ›
The Best Europe Travel Insurance Companies
| Company | BBB Rating | COVID-19 Coverage |
|---|
| Our Top Pick Faye GET QUOTE | Not Rated | Yes |
| Travelex GET QUOTE | A+ | Yes |
| Nationwide Travel Insurance GTE QUOTE | A+ | Yes, limited |
| Seven Corners Travel Insurance GET QUOTE | A+ | Yes |
4 more rowsMay 6, 2024
While traveling in Europe, your U.S. health plan (including Medicare) likely does pay for medical expenses like hospital bills, ambulance costs or doctor visits if you require medical attention. A robust travel insurance policy will provide medical expense coverage in case you get sick or injured during your travels.
Can US citizens get free healthcare in Europe? ›
Almost all the countries in Europe have a universal healthcare system. There are people who call it a “free healthcare” system but it is actually not free. Each nation has its own variation; however, a common feature is that everyone has to pay for healthcare as a society.
Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad? ›
Purchasing health insurance for traveling abroad is a simple way to save money in an emergency, and anyone can benefit from the coverage. If you're traveling to a country in which your health insurance provider doesn't provide coverage, buying travel medical insurance is a must.
Does the US citizen need travel insurance to Europe? ›
Travel insurance isn't required to visit Europe if you're an American citizen. However, some travelers are required to obtain a Schengen visa and medical travel insurance if they plan to visit any countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement, or stay in the area for more than 90 days.
Do US citizens need Schengen insurance? ›
Passport-holding American citizens do not need a Schengen visa or Schengen visa insurance. However, Americans traveling abroad should consider travel insurance that provides medical coverage and other valuable benefits.. Someone who must obtain a Schengen visa also must purchase Schengen visa insurance.
Do I need extra health insurance to travel to Europe? ›
Do Americans need health insurance in Europe? While not required to enter Europe, a travel insurance policy with emergency medical coverage is a good idea when traveling to Europe, said Baykal of World Nomads.
Should I bring my health insurance card to Europe? ›
Understand what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before traveling. Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States.
What countries accept US Medicare? ›
Your Medicare coverage follows you if you travel to:
- Another state in the U.S.
- District of Columbia.
- Puerto Rico.
- U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Guam.
- Northern Mariana Islands.
- American Samoa.
In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union's universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask a hotelier, restaurant host, or whoever's around to call an ambulance or taxi for you.
What happens if I get ill in Europe? ›
If you need medical treatment while you're in another EU country, presenting your European Health Insurance card (EHIC) can simplify payment and reimbursem*nt procedures. With your EHIC you can get healthcare - and claim reimbursem*nt for the costs you incur - on the same terms as nationals of the country you are in.
What happens if an American gets sick in Italy? ›
No, Americans do not get free health care in Italy, though emergency medical assistance is provided to anyone in need of it. To avoid expensive upfront costs, medical travel insurance is recommended.
Do US citizens need travel insurance? ›
The U.S. government does not provide insurance for U.S. citizens overseas. We do not pay medical bills or unexpected medical costs. We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel.
What happens if you have a medical emergency in a foreign country? ›
Health Care Resources for Travelers
The nearest US embassy or consulate can help travelers locate medical services and notify your friends, family, or employer of an emergency. They are available for emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, overseas and in Washington, DC (888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444).
Is Allianz travel insurance good? ›
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
How much medical insurance do I need to travel to Europe? ›
The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% and 10% of the total price of your trip. This can be worth it for the medical benefits alone when traveling in Europe. Travel insurance plans also typically include travel assistance, which can help if you get sick or injured in Europe.
What company is best for travel insurance? ›
The best travel insurance
- Santander. Times Money Mentor award winning cover. ...
- Saga. Best for over-50s. ...
- Post Office. Best for those with pre-existing medical conditions. ...
- Aviva. Best for those wanting substantial medical cover. ...
- LV= Best for a range of unique add-ons. ...
- Switched On. ...
- Just Travel Cover* ...
- InsureandGo*
Travel insurance can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling: accidents, illness, missed flights, canceled tours, lost baggage, theft, terrorism, travel-company bankruptcies, emergency evacuation, and getting your body home if you die.
What is the best medical insurance for international travel? ›
Based on our comprehensive review, the companies offering the best travel medical insurance are Faye, IMG, Travelex, AIG Travel Guard and Allianz. Travel medical insurance is a specialized type of coverage that helps pay for medical bills and emergency evacuations if you're hurt or become sick while traveling.
