Is Travel Insurance Mandatory in Europe?

When planning a trip to Europe, there are many details to consider — flights, accommodations, transportation. But one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is travel insurance. If you're wondering whether travel insurance is mandatory in Europe, the short answer is: yes, it is required for travelers going to the Schengen Area.

Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory in the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area includes 27 European countries that have abolished passport controls at their borders. To enter these countries, travelers need to meet certain requirements, one of which is having valid travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

The main reason for this requirement is to ensure that travelers can cover medical expenses in case of illness or accident during their stay. The healthcare system in some European countries can be expensive, and insurance serves as a safety net both for the traveler and for the country’s healthcare system.

What Should Travel Insurance Cover?

The minimum required value for travel insurance in the Schengen Area is €30,000. This insurance generally covers:

• Emergency medical expenses: If you become ill or injured, the insurance will cover medical treatments, hospital stays, and ambulance services.
• Repatriation: If it is necessary to transport you back to your home country due to health issues, the insurance will cover the costs.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: If unforeseen events cause you to cancel or shorten your trip, the insurance can help cover the costs.
• Lost luggage: If your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, the insurance will provide compensation.

How to Get Travel Insurance for Europe?

There are several companies that offer travel insurance, and it is important to choose one that meets the Schengen Area requirements. Look for policies that cover emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and trip cancellation.

You can purchase travel insurance online through various platforms that compare plans to find the best value for money. The comparison platform we recommend is Real Seguros, which works with the best insurers and offers great discounts. If you click the link, you'll get a discount!

Which Travel Insurance to Choose?

When choosing travel insurance, it is essential to analyze not only the coverage offered but also the price and the insurer’s reputation. For most tourists, essential coverages include emergency medical expenses and repatriation. If you don’t plan on engaging in high-risk activities like extreme sports, a more basic insurance plan may be sufficient and generally more affordable.

In addition, it’s important to consider other factors such as your age, health status, and even the duration of your trip. Some insurers offer different plans for older travelers or for those with pre-existing health conditions, so be sure to pay attention to these details to ensure you're adequately covered.

The Travel Insurance We Chose

Since the question of which travel insurance to choose is quite common, I will share the plan we selected for our last trip. We typically opt for the most affordable option, as our trip is for tourism and doesn’t involve extreme sports or high-risk activities. For Europe, we generally choose either the insurance from Affinity or ITA Travel Insurance, both of which meet all Schengen Area requirements and offer good coverage at an affordable price.

Below is the image of the insurance plans we usually choose, and I also leave the link for you to get your travel insurance! Remember that this value is based on a simulation for 7 days in Europe, and prices may vary when you purchase your own insurance.

Travel insurance is not just a formality — it is a necessary part of your trip to Europe, especially if you're going to the Schengen Area. Protecting yourself against potential medical expenses and unforeseen trip cancellations should be a priority when planning your trip.