Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Europe?

Why You Might Actually Need It

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, travel insurance isn’t just a smart choice — in many cases, it’s required by law.Most countries in the Schengen Area (including Spain, France, Italy, and Germany) ask travelers to show proof of travel medical insurance that covers at least €30,000 in emergency care. Without it, your visa can even be denied.

Even if you’re visiting the UK, Ireland, or Switzerland (which aren’t part of the Schengen zone), medical costs can add up fast — an emergency room visit in London can exceed $1,000, and hospital stays can reach $5,000+ per day.

What Travel Insurance Covers in Europe

Typical policies include:

• Emergency medical coverage (hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions)

• Trip cancellation or interruption

• Lost baggage and delays

• Emergency evacuation or repatriation

Some premium plans even include COVID-19 coverage, 24/7 multilingual assistance, or “cancel for any reason” add-ons.

How Much Does It Cost?

Travel insurance for a two-week European trip can range from $25 to $80, depending on your age, destination, and trip length.That’s often less than 3% of your total trip cost — and far cheaper than one unexpected hospital visit.

Compare Plans in Seconds with My Global Travel

Instead of searching ten different websites, My Global Travel lets you:

• Compare trusted insurers side-by-side

• Filter by coverage amount, country, and budget

• Buy instantly with secure checkout

👉 Compare travel insurance now and get peace of mind before your flight even takes off.