Travel Insurance for Europe
Learn why it’s smart for Americans to invest in travel insurance as they explore Europe’s cities, coasts, and mountains.
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For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.
At a glance:
- Travel insurance benefits for Europe may include trip cancellation, delay, and interruption
- Coverage for medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
- Protection for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
- Coverage for 250+ adventure and sports activities across Europe (high-altitude hiking included)!
- Optional Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) upgrade for extra flexibility. Additional terms apply
- Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
- Travel insurance for activities in Europe
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Europe
- Travel insurance for lost or stolen bags in Europe
- Travel insurance for theft in Europe
- Travel insurance for canceled, delayed, or interrupted travel in Europe
- Tips for traveling to Europe from the United States
Home to 44 countries, centuries-old cities, sweeping coasts, highland forests, and delectable cuisine, Europe offers an incredibly varied experience over a relatively compact space.
You can go dog-sledding in the Norwegian Arctic, learn how to cook traditional Italian dishes in Cinque Terre, journey into a dormant volcano in the Azores Islands, and explore the wild valleys of Albania’s newest park, Vjosa Wild River National Park. Festival goers can celebrate King’s Day in Amsterdam, toast with pints at Oktoberfest in Germany, and throw tomatoes at La Tomatina in Spain. Foodies can indulge cheese in France, find the best pasteis de nata in Portugal, and drink wine among rolling vineyards. It’s easy to see why Europe is so popular among Americans.
Whether you’re focusing on a single country or are planning to cross borders for a multi-destination excursion—by train or by car— you may want to consider travel insurance* for Europe to help you explore the wonders of this continent with ease.
Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
International travel can come with many surprises—such as finding a tiny winery in Tuscany that has been in the family for hundreds of years, or spotting the northern lights dancing through the night skies in Iceland.
Some surprises are not as great, though. Nobody wants to think about things like canceled trips, delayed baggage, and medical emergencies, but these things can happen unexpectedly. If Mount Etna on Sicily erupts, disrupting your travel plans or if you fall off your bike and get hurt while cycling through Slovenia, you may then wish that you had travel insurance for Europe.
World Nomads has four plans to select from, and when you get a quote you can compare the options to determine the best international travel insurance for your needs.
Travel insurance for activities in Europe
Whether you’re planning to go explore Portugal by bike or surf in San Sebastian, World Nomads travel insurance covers Americans for over 250 activities. Rock climbing in the Dolomites, skiing in Andorra, and sailing around the Greek islands are all covered under travel insurance for Europe too.
Different plans cover different activities. Before you get a quote, it might be helpful to have a general idea of your itinerary in Europe. If you know what activities you have planned, you’ll be able to choose the right insurance plan for your trip.
For example, if you want to go sea kayaking in Croatia and mountain biking in Austria, you’ll be covered under all insurance plans, including the Standard Plan. If you’re itching to do some more daring winter adventures in Switzerland, such as backcountry alpine ski touring, or if you hope to run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, you’ll need to invest in the Explorer or the Epic Plan.
Travel insurance for medical emergencies in Europe
As prepared as you may be for your European vacation, sometimes the unexpected happens. You might be trying to catch a big wave in Nazare, Portugal, and hit your head on a rock and require immediate medical attention. Or you might twist your ankle while hiking through the storied forests of Bavaria.
In either case, emergency medical travel insurance may reimburse you for certain medical expenses. While the health care system in Europe is typically quite good, travel insurance for Europe can help you access and potentially be reimbursed for the care you need.
With over 200 languages spoken in Europe, you might find yourself in an area where English isn’t spoken. The 24/7 Emergency Assistance team will be able to help refer you to a place that offers the level of care that you need. They can also help communicate with your medical team if they don’t speak English.
If your attending physician (and the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team) determines that it’s best for you to go home to the US to get medical care, the repatriation coverage that is included in your travel insurance for Europe may cover the costs to get you there.
To streamline your experience seeking medical treatment in Europe, we recommend signing up for our Portable Health Records service before your trip. This non-insurance service allows your documents, prescriptions, test results, and emergency contacts to be accessible in one place, anywhere in the world. Whether you need to refill a prescription or deal with a more serious injury, this service can expedite the process.
Travel insurance for lost or stolen bags in Europe
Lost bags are never something we plan for, but unfortunately, they get lost from time to time. You may have packed your favorite swimsuit and sundress for your Italian summer vacation or all your snow gear for a ski trip to the Bavarian Alps. If you land at the airport and then realize that the airline lost your bag, your travel insurance for Europe may reimburse you for the cost of replacing your belongings.
If you’re lucky, your bags just took a detour and will eventually make their way to you. Even a delayed bag can be stressful though. If this happens, you may still be reimbursed for a change of clothes and toiletries until you and your bag are reunited.
The first step is to contact the airline. If the airline isn’t able to help you locate your lost bag, the second step is to contact the Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service, which is another of our non-insurance service partners. Make sure to have the file reference or record locator number and Property Irregularity Report on hand when you call so you can file a lost luggage claim.
Travel insurance for theft in Europe
As a whole, Europe is pretty safe, although some cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Rome experience petty theft and pickpocketing. Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas, including major tourist spots or while riding the metro—and read up on some tips for avoiding pickpockets.
If anything does happen, make sure you make a police report. You’ll need that if you have to make a claim for those stolen goods.
Travel insurance for canceled, delayed, or interrupted travel in Europe
You may have planned the perfect European getaway, but things happen that may cause you to cancel, interrupt, or delay your trip. Travel insurance for Europe may be able to recover your unused, prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses. Remember- travel insurance does not cover everything. The insurance plan will outline the covered risks for trip cancelation, trip interruption, and trip delay.
If you get sick before leaving the US and your doctor tells you not to travel at that time, you could be forced to cancel your trip. Or, if an immediate family member back home has an unexpected medical emergency while you’re on your adventure, you may need to go back to the United States early. Travel insurance for Europe may help you cover those costs.
From flooding to forest fires, nature can be unpredictable, and it is possible for natural disasters to affect your trip. Volcanoes on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula have been particularly active recently. If an eruption causes flight problems that prevent you from getting to your destination as planned, your trip may be interrupted or delayed. Travel insurance for Europe can help reimburse you for non-refundable, pre-paid accommodation, and activities.
If you purchase the Explorer and Epic Plan during the time sensitive period, the plans also may cover various travel inconveniences you may encounter on your European getaway. For example, if you planned a ski vacation to Norway, but the resort lacks snow and closes when you are already there, you may be eligible for coverage. Or if your rental car broke down on a road trip through the mountains and villages of Transylvania, Romania and you arrived more than 12 hours late at your destination, you may also be eligible for coverage.
Tips for traveling to Europe from the United States
Before you leave the US, we encourage you to check out the US government’s travel advisories for all the countries you’re planning on visiting. Weather, safety, and political situations can change at any time, and this is where they list any current advisories.
If you purchase travel insurance for Europe, it’s a good idea to save the 24/7 Emergency Assistance phone number and your plan number in your cell phone so you don’t have to search for that if an emergency happens.
You’ll potentially be traveling across several countries using different languages, driving laws, and customs. Learn a few phrases and do some research on each destination to know what to expect from place-to-place.
Much of Europe is well-connected by trains, which is both a convenient and wonderful way to travel slowly through Europe and watch the scenery pass by. As you’re preparing for your adventure, brush up on our safety tips for Europe and our favorite destinations to explore on this continent.
*All information we provided here is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions of the plans described. Please carefully read your state specific plan documents for a full description of coverage. Travel insurance is included as part of your travel protection plan which contains both insurance benefits and non-insurance assistance services. Material included on this page does not represent, nor is it specific to, United States Fire Insurance Company or travel insurance benefits provided on United States Fire Insurance Company’s travel protection plans.True claim
A few days into my trip to Spain, I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads, I was able to get medical attention. As luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery. I got a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy. When the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
U.S resident in Spain
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Work emergency?
- Weather delay?
- Travel companion sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Need a hospital?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Damaged luggage
- Checked-in sports equipment
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance Cover for COVID-19 Related Events
Find out what cover is provided if Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel plans
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As featured in:
For information relating to policies purchased prior to 14 July 2021 12:00am UTC, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For policies purchased from 14 July 2021 please see below.
We know that many of our international travelers can’t wait to travel again even though they’re having to take added precautions as coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to disrupt global travel plans. World Nomads wants to help you travel with confidence, so we’ve added some COVID-19 cover to our insurance plans.
All our travel insurance plans purchased from 14 July 2021 include emergency medical and repatriation cover if you get sick with COVID-19 while abroad. Our Explorer plans also offer cover for some COVID-19-related events. Benefit limits, conditions and exclusions apply, and cover varies depending on your Country of Residence and the plan you chose.
World Nomads international travel insurance for some COVID-19 events on our plans
- Our Standard and Explorer plans offer cover for emergency medical assistance if you get sick with COVID-19 overseas. Cover includes medical assistance, repatriation and hospitalization benefits.
- Our Explorer Plan also offers cover for some COVID-19-related events such as cancellation, trip interruption expenses and some quarantine costs if you are diagnosed with COVID-19, as well as additional benefits for healthcare workers, residential care workers and law enforcement officers who have their pre-arranged leave cancelled by their employer due to COVID-19.
Benefit limits apply and vary between plans. Exclusions also apply for pre-existing medical conditions, as outlined in the policy wording.
| Benefit | Standard | Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency medical expenses overseas | Yes | Yes |
| Medical repatriation/ evacuation (including funeral expenses or repatriation of your remains if the worst-case scenario happens) | Yes | Yes |
| Coronavirus Travel Costs Note: This section has its own benefit limits which apply. Check your policy wording for full details or have a look at our Coronavirus Travel Costs article which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions. |
NA | Yes |
What do I do if I get COVID-19 before or during my trip?
If you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to yourself or a member of your traveling party being diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical practitioner, or if your close relative back home is hospitalized or dies due to COVID-19, we have provided some tips below, especially if you intend to make a claim. Please follow these simple tips:
- Isolate! And seek the relevant medical attention.
- Contact your doctor as soon as reasonably possible. They will need to certify that due to the COVID-19 diagnosis, you are medically unfit to continue with your original travel plans. Due to exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions (as defined in the policy wording), the symptoms experienced and the diagnosis of COVID-19 must first occur after the policy purchase.
- Don’t delay in the cancellation of your plans to maximize the opportunity of refunds from your providers.
- Always keep receipts for any trip payments you make and, wherever possible, request written reports from providers or local authorities.
- Follow the local advice, including warnings issued by the US Department of State as required by your policy wording - different countries have different rules. What’s okay in your country of residence may not be okay in the countries you plan to visit. While some countries may be more relaxed in their COVID-19 protocols, some others may be very strict in who they allow to enter.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything, so make sure you’re careful with your planning and you read the policy wording to make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not, as well as the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. If you have any questions, get in touch.
How to get medical assistance
Contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance teams as soon as possible, so they can support you from the time you fall sick or get injured, until the time you get home.
When you call please have ready:
- Your policy number
- A contact number and traveling companion details for where you are now
- The nature of your problem
- Your location
Bag snatched in Latvia.
It was my final day in Riga, Latvia. In my small bag I keep all my valuables, because hostels can't always be reliable with safekeeping. It contained my new GoPro, iPhone, digital camera, laptop and hard drive, plus my emergency money (200 euros). I planned on using my cameras and computer for editing later that afternoon. The coast was amazing and as it got late, I decided to take the train back to Riga city. As I was getting off the train, down the vertical steep steps, I had my bag snatched off my shoulder. In seconds, the doors closed and the train pulled off. Telling authorities on the platforms immediately, they could not assist and referred me straight to the police. Feeling helpless, I went to the police where I was kept for hours because of English barriers and translations of documents. I walked out just after midnight with my report. A day trip I won't forget soon.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
