What to Look For in a Travel Insurance Policy (for Europe)

While it makes the list for most people, the ins and outs of what exactly is needed and which policy is the best for you aren’t always front of mind. There are a few things that you should look for before you take out a policy, especially with so many options available to travelers today. 

Check requirements before you compare policies

Some countries require specific travelers (or even all travelers) to have coverage before visiting. Depending on where you’re visiting, the policy may need to meet specific criteria, especially if you’re going through the visa application process. This is the case for anyone applying for a short-stay Schengen visa for Europe, as well as many long-stay visas for Europe. 

Before you start looking for the right policy for you, check to see if you’re required to get insurance. If you are, check if there are any stipulations. For short-stay Schengen visas, for example, the plan has to cover you for at least 30,000 euros in emergency medical expenses and include repatriation and emergency hospitalization. In this case, it’s a legal requirement, so you have to choose an insurance option that meets it. 

Confirm where you’re covered

Most people think “travel insurance covers me when I am traveling.” While yes, that’s how it works, that isn’t the whole picture… and it also isn’t as black and white as that. Travel insurance policies generally work by covering you in specific places while you travel. This means that not all travel insurance policies cover Europe. If they do, they may only cover specific European countries, such as the Schengen Area. This means that if you are planning a multi-country trip, say to France, Italy, and the UK, any given policy may not cover you in all three by default. You need to check that the policy will actually cover you in all of your European destinations. 

If you hold a policy that covers you in France, but not the UK, and you have a medical emergency in London, your insurance won’t cover you, even though it’s technically the same trip.

The same is true for international coverage. Policies exist that offer worldwide protection, but that doesn’t mean you’re covered everywhere. For instance, most travel insurance policies don’t cover you in countries that are experiencing recognized turmoil or war. You’re also not typically covered in your country of residence. 

Last-minute purchase? Check mandatory waiting periods

Some insurers or specific policies may have something called a mandatory waiting period. Mandatory waiting periods are exactly what they sound like – a period you have to wait before your coverage starts, and it isn’t optional or flexible. 

Not all insurance policies have them, but some do, and you need to check the terms and conditions to find out. While this might not be important to you if you’re getting your policy a couple months out, it is extremely relevant if you’re traveling in a few days' time. 

Mandatory waiting periods can vary in length of time – they can be a few days, a week, etc. It really depends. This is why you need to check the specific plan you’re considering. Most travel insurance plans can’t start same-day, which is also something to consider and confirm. 

If you’ve already started your trip, check that you can be covered. Some insurance companies and policies do not allow you to get coverage if you’ve already left, while others might. 

Longer trip? Check trip maximums 

Lastly, if you’re heading on a longer trip, check how long you’re covered. If you have single-trip insurance, this usually isn’t a problem, as your policy will cover you for the dates you’ve selected (keep in mind that policies still have maximums – 30 days, 90 days, etc.). 

If you have an annual policy, per-trip maximums become a lot more relevant. While you may assume you’re covered for the entire year, you may not be due to per-trip maximums. Before you head overseas, especially if you’re planning a lengthier trip, check that your trip falls within any maximums. It’s possible you have a policy that doesn’t have a maximum, but it’s just as likely that you do. 

Overall – remember that travel insurance for Europe varies greatly. Policies differ depending on where you’re getting it, the insurer, where you’re traveling to, and what you need. This is why you should always look at the terms and conditions before you get the first generic coverage you come across.