Best Travel Insurance for Europe: Complete Guide

Posted on: Sep 24, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Best Travel Insurance for Europe: Complete Guide

A lot of people want to travel to Europe because it has so much history, culture, and beautiful scenery. You should always be ready for the unexpected, whether you're walking around Paris, skiing in the Alps, or eating Italian food. Medical problems, lost bags, or stopping your trip can quickly turn your vacation upside down.

Because of this, travel health insurance Europe is not just a formality; it's a must-have to protect yourself from stress and losing money. This guide will show you why it's important, the rewards, and how to pick the best insurance for your travel needs.

Why is Travel Insurance Important for Europe?

When you travel between European countries, you run the risk of getting sick, hurt, having your flight cancelled, or even being robbed. Many tourists think wrongly that their health insurance from home will cover them while they're travelling, but that doesn't always happen. This is why travel insurance is so important:

1. Schengen Visa Requirement

These are the countries in Europe that are part of the Schengen zone. To get a visa, tourists must show proof of insurance coverage of at least INR 30 lakhs in hospital costs.

2. Expensive Medical Costs

In Western Europe, even a simple visit to the doctor can cost a few hundred euros. Medical crises can cost a lot of money if you don't have insurance.

3. Multiple Destinations, One Policy

Visiting Europe outside its borders is standard. Switzerland, France, and Germany may all be on the same trip. It's best to have insurance that covers the whole continent.

4. Legal and Travel Safety

The insurance usually covers legal defence, missed links, and repatriation services, so you can travel without worrying.

Read our blog on 5 Reasons Why Travel Insurance Is Important to learn more about how this works in the broader sense. It talks about risks that everyone who wants to travel should consider before going.

Benefits of Having Travel Insurance for Europe

There are more benefits to travel insurance than just health security. It's a complete plan that will protect you from many travel problems. It's beneficial for trips in Europe. Here are some of the best benefits of the best travel insurance for Europe:

1. Medical Emergencies and Hospitalisation

Europe has some of the best health care in the world, but it's also costly, especially for people who don't live there. If you don't have travel insurance, a simple trip to a private clinic could cost more than INR 10,000. Surgical procedures or long hospital stays can cost thousands of euros.

You receive the following benefits from travel health insurance Europe:

• Coverage for hospital admission, tests, and surgery

• Access to private medical facilities

• Reimbursement or cashless treatment, depending on provider tie-ups

• Emergency medical evacuation to your home country, if necessary

Example: There is a good chance that your insurance will cover both care and recommended medical equipment if you twist your ankle while hiking in Switzerland and need an X-ray and crutches.

3. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

You may have to stop or shorten your trip because of things you couldn't have planned, like a family emergency, health problems, or sudden political unrest. Without coverage, you lose all of your non-refundable costs.

Your insurance might pay for:

• Flight cancellations

• Hotel and tour bookings

• Missed cruise or train departures

• Unused portion of the trip due to early return

Example: If you get sick before your trip and must stop an INR 1.50 lakhs flight and an INR 2 lakhs in pre-paid reservations, your insurance company will pay for these costs as long as you have the proper paperwork.

3. Loss, Theft, or Delay of Baggage

Lost or stolen luggage is more likely to happen at airports and tourist spots with many people in Europe. If you lose or delay things while travelling, travel insurance can help.

Items covered may include:

• Checked-in baggage

• Electronic devices

• Jewellery or personal documents (up to specific limits)

• Daily essentials if baggage is delayed beyond 6–12 hours

Example: You can get money back for clothes and toiletries until your bag is found if your stuff goes missing at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

4. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

In the worst situations, you might need to be flown to a hospital or sent back to your home country to get more care. Without the best travel insurance for Europe, these services cost a lot of money.

Most of the time, your plan will cover:

• Air ambulance services

• Medical escort services

• Repatriation of remains (in the unfortunate event of death)

• Relocation to your home country for long-term care

Example: What if you have a heart attack in Austria and need to get medical care back home? Your insurance company can set up and pay for a medically equipped flight for you.

5.Support for Travel Delays and Missed Connections

Getting around Europe usually means taking more than one train or plane, or crossing a country. Multiple missed appointments can happen because of one delay.

The policy may cover:

• Meals and accommodation during layovers

• Rebooking costs for missed transport

• Compensation for extended delays (usually after 6+ hours)

Example: If your trip from Amsterdam to Prague is delayed overnight, your insurance company may pay for your hotel and food while you wait for the next flight.

Compare Travel Insurance Policies for Europe

Choosing the right insurance can be hard because there are so many to choose from. To make your analysis easier, do this:

Essential Coverage Checklist

Make sure your insurance includes:

• Minimum INR 30,00,000 medical emergency cover

• Coverage for all Schengen countries

• Baggage loss and trip cancellation benefits

• Covid-19-related protection

Choose Based on Travel Type

• Single Trip Policy: Ideal for a one-time holiday

• Annual Multi-Trip: Best for frequent flyers

• Student Travel Plans: Offers academic interruption cover, sponsor protection

• Senior Citizen Plans: Higher medical limits, pre-existing illness add-ons

Look for Seamless Support

• 24/7 helpline for emergencies

• Direct claim settlement at European hospitals

• An app or an online portal to submit and track claims

If you want to buy travel insurance online, it's smart to use a reputable comparison site to help you determine what you need and compare prices and policy features.

Conclusion

While travelling through Europe can be fun, even minor problems can become big ones if you're not careful. Travel insurance protects you in case of theft, medical problems, trip delays, and more, giving you peace of mind. Getting the right international travel insurance will help you get your visa and keep you safe on your trip.

Carefully compare plans, look at what they cover, and always pick a policy that fits how you travel and where you're going. You can travel around Europe with confidence if you have the right coverage. You'll know you're ready for anything that might happen.

FAQs

1. Do I need insurance for short European trips that last less than a week?

Yes. Accidents and sickness can happen anytime, even if you're only travelling for a few days. In Europe, doctors often need to see proof of insurance before they will help someone.

2. Will my travel insurance cover my flight if I have to cancel because of bad weather?

If your policy covers trip loss or delay, then yes. You might get money back for reservations you didn't use and extra costs like food or hotel stays.

3. Can I use the same coverage in more than one European country?

Of course. Travel plans for most people cover all Schengen countries. If you're going to a non-Schengen area, make sure that your Schengen travel insurance covers it.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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