Tommy Lloyd
Author: Tommy Lloyd, Managing Director

Tommy has over 15 years experience within the insurance industry, and his primary focus is helping travellers find the right cover for their medical conditions.

Originally posted: 20th Oct 2022

Travel insurance for Europe

If you're purchasing an annual policy, Europe travel insurance covers a range of countries across the continent, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re visiting a number of different destinations at a time.

For a single trip policy, you’ll obviously need to declare each destination you’re planning to visit. Either way, you’ll be able to purchase a comprehensive policy to suit your needs, whatever they may be.

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Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

It’s highly recommended that you take out a travel insurance policy – even though travel insurance is not a compulsory entry requirement across European countries.

Medical expenses and repatriation back to the UK from Europe can often come at a large cost. So, protecting yourself with an adequate travel insurance policy is always beneficial, even if you don’t have to make a claim.

Peace of mind is everything when it comes to enjoying your holiday – and travel insurance gives you just that.

Do you still need travel insurance with an EHIC?

If you possess a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you’re entitled to the same level of state-provided medical care as someone who lives in the country you’re visiting. This card is valid in all European Economic Area countries.

However, just because you’re carrying an EHIC – it doesn’t mean that you would not benefit from, or require more extensive travel insurance cover.

For instance, there’s always the possibility that you might not get the same level of local healthcare in Europe that you’d get back at home in the UK.

You’re EHIC only takes into account healthcare insurance – it doesn’t consider loss of personal belongings, for example.

So, it’s wise to still explore the possibility of taking out a separate policy just to ensure that you’re covered across the board. 

Europe Map

What does Europe travel insurance cover?

Our travel insurance destinations guide demonstrates the way in which insurance providers will allocate their prices for annual cover.

This is broken down broadly by geographical location (with 4 generally being the most expensive and 1 being the least).  

  1. UK
  2. Europe
  3. Worldwide Excluding the USA, Canada and the Caribbean
  4. Worldwide Including the USA, Canada and the Caribbean

A travel insurance policy covering European trips will usually protect you in the event of cancellation and curtailment, loss of personal belongings, any medical expenses and repatriation (to name a few).

An annual multi-trip policy is arguably the best move if you’re planning to visit multiple European countries.

Europe travel tips

Besides adequate travel insurance, there are a few things other things that you may wish to bear in mind when travelling in Europe.

Generally speaking, all you need is a valid UK passport to travel as a tourist within countries that are part of the European Union (EU).

Finding the best travel insurance for Europe

With Medical Travel Compared, you can compare quotes for policies covering a variety of European destinations.

You just need to stipulate your intended policy type (single-trip, annual multi-trip) and where you are going on holiday.

Simply provide the dates – and continue on to the next phase of the quote application where we will ask a few questions to determine your medical history.

This enables us to source quotes from the most relevant providers and help you make that all important first step along your travels to Europe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Some insurance providers will have age limits on their annual trip cover. If you are finding it difficult to get annual trip cover, we would recommend trying a single trip quote, as you are more likely to find cover this way.
With annual trip cover, some insurance providers will have a maximum number of days that you will be covered for during the year so always check your policy wording. The maximum duration of a trip will always be specified and will vary by provider. But don't worry, when you get a quote we'll ask you what your maximum trip length is and only show you quotes which match!
Depending on whether you select European or Worldwide cover, your insurance provider will cover most countries within that area. However, there may be some countries that your insurance provider will be unable to cover you cover for, including any countries which the Foreign & Commonwealth Office have advised it is unsafe to travel to. Always check your policy wording if you are unsure if your country will be covered.

Cape Verde is geographically within Africa and would not be expected to be covered under European cover. Confusion can arise as, although it's not part of Europe, Cape Verde has adopted the Euro as its currency.

A pre-existing condition is a diagnosed medical condition that existed before taking out a policy. We'll ask a series of questions about the medical history for you and any travellers on your quote. If you answer yes to any of these, you will need to tell us about the traveller's conditions. This could be a condition that a traveller has now or has had in the past. If you are not sure what conditions you need to declare, we have online support available to help you 24/7!

You can send your question to our team, or visit our help centre on Destinations.

* Price is based on 1 traveller aged 61, who has no medical conditions and is travelling to France for 7 nights. The price is correct as of April 2024. Prices may vary according to your individual requirements.


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Don't just take our word for it...

If we're unable to help you find cover for a pre-existing medical condition, the Money Helper Directory has listings of companies that may be able to assist you. Further details can be found on their website.