Travel Insurance for Europe: What You Need To Know?

• Written by Mudit Handa

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Travelling is not just a recreation but a food for thought. Sometimes, your bustling life needs a break from the mundane office and household chores routine. Going out on a recreational trip is the best way to boost your mind, and Europe is blessed with remarkable landscapes that can rejuvenate your mood with man-made marvels surrounded by nature’s ambience. This is why many europhiles from across the globe aspire to explore this continent.

This article will guide you on the crucial factors to consider while choosing the appropriate travel insurance for Europe from India​.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Europe Travel?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for European travel. The 27 member countries of the Schengen Area require travel insurance that covers medical and repatriation costs of at least €30,000. Accordingly, you can opt for affordable travel insurance for Europe that provides comprehensive coverage for medical and non-medical expenses during your trip.

What is the Benefit of Having Travel Insurance for Europe Travel?

Besides being a mandatory prerequisite, European travel insurance has several other benefits. Here are some evident benefits you can enjoy by buying travel insurance for Europe:

• Coverage for Medical Emergencies: Your travel insurance covers you for hospitalisation, doctor's visits, and even emergency medical evacuation.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage: These benefits can reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, injury, or the death of an immediate family member.
• Lost or Stolen Luggage Coverage: This can help compensate for losses incurred if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged after the check-in procedures.
• Coverage for Other Unexpected Events: Your travel insurance plan will also cover flight delays, missed flight connections, and natural calamities.
• Ultimate Peace of Mind: Knowing that you are out to explore Europe's cultural vibrancy and magnificence, the idea of being covered for medical and non-medical emergencies can let you relax and enjoy every moment of your trip.

However, it is essential to note that the specific benefits of travel insurance will vary depending on the policy you purchase. It is always a good idea to read the fine print carefully before you buy a European travel insurance policy.

When is the Best Time to Purchase Travel Insurance for a European trip?

Ideally, you should buy a travel insurance policy for your trip to Europe before you apply for a Schengen or European visa. This will ensure you have coverage in case of unforeseen events that may occur before or during your trip. 

To ensure you do not have to bear the repercussions of your Schengen visa rejection (for no fault of your own), choose a plan with a refund of visa fee coverage.

What Should We Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance for Europe?

While buying the ideal travel insurance policy for Europe, you must consider the following aspects very carefully:

• Duration of Coverage: When buying travel insurance for Europe, consider the duration of the trip. Your policy must cover the entire trip. Based on the frequency of your travel plans, you may also choose multi-trip insurance.
• Cost of Coverage: When choosing travel insurance for Europe, you must compare different policies based on premiums and their scope of coverage. Accordingly, you can select the best travel insurance for Europe that delivers value for your money.
• Age and Health Consideration: The age factor is the primary parameter when selecting travel insurance. If you have elderly family members, they might need specialised travel insurance with higher coverage limits and considerations for pre-existing medical conditions.
• Analyse the Coverage Scope: You must always carefully read the fine print of your policy and check all the clauses to understand the scope of coverage and exclusions and understand what's covered and what’s not covered. This may include pre-existing medical conditions or certain high-risk activities.

Some comprehensive travel insurance policies generally offer broader coverage for various potential issues.

It's always a good idea to carefully read the policy terms and exclusions before purchasing to ensure it meets your needs and travel plans.

How to Compare Travel Insurance Policies for Europe?

To compare different travel insurance policies and find the best option for your needs, consider the following parameters:

• Scope of Coverage: Carefully evaluate the coverage offered by each policy. Look for policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other potential risks relevant to your trip. Ensure the coverage limits are adequate for your needs.
• Compare the Premiums: You should compare different policies based on the premiums and the scope of coverage offered. Remember that the lowest premium may only sometimes be a viable option value.
• Compare New Age Benefits: Before buying travel insurance, you must compare certain advanced policy benefits, such as personal liability cover, coverage for theft and/or burglary, refund of visa fee in case of visa rejection, adventure sports coverage, and compassionate visit.
• Review the Claim Assistance Services: Before choosing a travel insurance policy, thoroughly research the claims procedure followed by the assistance team to ascertain its efficiency.
• Assess the Third-Party Assistant: Every travel insurance company is supported by a third-party assistant that processes the settlement claims. Check for the credibility of the third-party assistant of your travel insurer.
• Compare the Policy Exclusions: While comparing different policies, pay close attention to the policy exclusions to better ascertain the scope of coverage. This will help you select a policy with a greater scope of coverage.
• Check the Claim Settlement Process: You must also check the insurer's claims process to ensure it is straightforward and efficient.
• Check the Reviews: You must go through the online reviews and choose an insurer with a reputation for good customer service, as you may need assistance while travelling.
• Additional Benefits: Some policies offer additional benefits such as coverage for adventure activities, rental car access, refund of visa fee or staff replacement. Consider these benefits based on your needs.

Considering these factors, you can effectively compare different travel insurance policies and select one that best suits your needs and travel plans. 

Accordingly, you can choose the best travel insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage and peace of mind during your European trip. However, you must always read the policy documents carefully before deciding.

When does European Travel Insurance Policy Emergency Help?

Certain unforeseen events during an international trip may interrupt your Europe trip. Having travel insurance for Europe might cover the following unexpected events during a trip to Europe:

• Natural Disasters: Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions caused by unannounced natural calamities like earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes. Such a disaster might disrupt your travel plans or damage your belongings.
• Political Unrest: In case of unforeseen political turmoil, such as a riot or a war breaking out, it is always advisable to have a travel insurance policy. Such a policy can assist you in getting the first direct return flight to India during political unrest, riots, or a war that may impact your safety or travel plans.
• Emergency Evacuation: Your travel insurance will also assist in emergency medical evacuation or repatriation to your home country in case of an unfortunate event of death. 

Safeguard Your Europe Trip By European Travel Insurance

Before you plan your trip to Europe, the first thing to do is ensure that your trip is insured under an Affordable travel insurance policy for Europe, such as Care Explore Europe by Care Health Insurance. Apart from the benefits discussed above, it provides coverage against expenses incurred due to personal liability.

>> Also Read: Tips for Best Holiday Experience in Europe

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.