Photo © Alexander Spatari

Travel insurance for Europe

Travel medical insurance, baggage protection and trip delay coverage for single and multi-destination trips.

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Europe is a mosaic of distinctly unique nations. Landscapes vary from cliff-bound archipelagos to highland forests and isolated beaches, in countries where you can take a deep-dive into history, brave an outdoor adventure, and taste your way across the continent… all in a single trip.

Whether you’re focusing on a single country or planning to cross borders, here are some tips on how to have a safe journey and what to do if you run into a problem and need to file a travel insurance claim. 


Getting protection for your personal belongings 

While most countries in Europe are considered safe, there is always a chance of being pickpocketed or having something stolen.

Many European cities have reliable public transportation systems, which make it easy to get around, but crowded places, such as trains and buses, can also be targets for thieves.

If your wallet, purse or other personal belongings get stolen, make sure you report the incident to the local police. When you make your claim, you’ll need to submit the police report, as well as proof of ownership of the missing items, such as receipts.

Travel insurance won’t cover certain items such as cash or credit cards, but can help with the replacement of passports and other travel documents as well as other property, up to per article and maximum benefit limits.

Getting help for medical emergencies

Just because many European countries have universal health care systems doesn’t mean that non-residents don’t have to pay medical bills. Before you twist your ankle on a cobblestoned street or get into an accident on the slopes, make sure you have coverage for medical emergencies, no matter where you’re headed.

There are a lot of intricacies when dealing with medical claims, but you don’t have to muddle your way through the policy or face a crisis on your own. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team can clarify your coverage, connect you to health care providers, including those who speak English, monitor your care, and transfer your medical records to your physician at home as well as communicate with you directly about your case.

Adventure sports coverage

With snow-capped mountains, clear-as-glass lakes, and island gems, Europe’s diverse landscapes are perfect for adventurers who enjoy scenery as much as a dose of adrenaline.

Whether hiking in Corsica or surfing the big waves in Portugal, carefully compare our Standard and Explorer plans. The Explorer plan covers more activities than the Standard plan. View the range of sports listed in our Help Center article on adventure sports coverage. It’s important to choose the right plan from the start, because you can’t upgrade your plan mid-trip. Don’t see your sport or activity on the list? Just reach out to our customer service department and ask if you can get coverage.

Keeping safe on the road

Europe’s scenic mountain drives can pose a danger if you’re focused more on the views than the road. Turns can be tight and winding, and some of the routes may lack safety barriers or be riddled with potholes.

Different countries have different road rules, including speed limits (you may need to brush up on the metric system); you may be required to obtain an International Driver’s Permit, even if you’re already licensed in the U.S.

World Nomads’ Explorer plan offers coverage for rental car damage, but RVs, camper vans, motorcycles, and exotic vehicles are excluded. If you’re traveling to several countries in a single trip, you’ll want to check with your rental car company about its policy for border crossings.

If you get into an accident, do what you would normally do in the U.S.: obtain the name, address, insurance information and driver’s license number of any parties involved and report the incident to the police and to your rental car company. When you file your claim, you’ll need to submit your rental agreement, a police report and a damage estimate.

For country-specific road safety tips, go to our Travel Safety section.

Preparing for travel delays

With so many countries in close proximity, it’s easy to cross the border and be transported to a completely different place. But when transiting, you may want to be prepared for any potential delays.

Two things to note about World Nomads’ trip delay coverage: it starts at a minimum of six hours and the delay must be caused by a covered hazard specified in the policy, such as a road closure or a flight rescheduled because of inclement weather.

Collect and safeguard all your receipts for the expenses you’ve had to incur because of the delay, whether that be a hotel stay, dinner at an airport restaurant, or the purchase of a toothbrush and toothpaste. Try to keep your expenses to just the basics, as our plans can cover only up to a per-day and total maximum limit.

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.
L.D
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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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
Photo © Alexander Spatari

Travel Insurance for Europe

Travelling to Europe offers a myriad of exciting choices such as arts, culture, food, and sporting events. The possibilities are endless!

    Trusted by:

  • Trusted by:

Brits looking to travel overseas will be setting their sights on Europe and a variety of cultures and tourist attractions.

You could be off to San Sebastian for Tapas, on your honeymoon to check out the Santorini Calderas, or just wanting to relax and sip craft beers and fancy cocktails in Berlin... the possibilities are endless. But there’s always the chance that the unexpected could derail your holiday, which is why having travel insurance is crucial.

With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance as soon as your trip is locked in and you're ready to go, or while you're on the road travelling around Europe.

No matter how short or long your trip is and what your budget is, you should consider purchasing travel insurance as it may assist you if something goes wrong. World Nomads has two plans which cover an array of activities ranging from mountain biking to skiing, hiking, kayaking, surfing, scuba diving and more.  We also offer cover for other key events such as:

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation back to the UK
  • Cancellation/trip interruption
  • Delays or missed flights
  • Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
  • Travel delay/curtailment

Why should I get insurance cover for Europe?

Planning a trip around Europe is always a big undertaking as it involves many countries and many possibilities - this means making a lot of bookings for hotels, flights, trains, and tours.

World Nomads has two travel insurance plans to choose from, which may be able to help if you suddenly need to cancel your trip, or if you have to cut your trip short and return to the UK. A worst-case scenario is if you fall ill or are badly injured and need to be repatriated back home as this can be very costly.

What to look out for when travelling around Europe

Beware petty theft and pickpockets in key hotspots: While most countries in Europe are amongst the safest to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed or being the victim of a scam in many top tourist hotspots. When in crowded areas in any European country always maintain a sense of awareness of your surroundings.

Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: It’s very important that you always be careful NEVER to leave your valuables out of sight. You can find out more about travel cover for tech gear and other high value items here. Make copies of all key documents you’ll be travelling with—passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets—and keep them separate from the originals so you’ll have proof of purchase if anything happens. Exercise caution in hostels and on trains; padlocking your bags to the luggage rack if you’re on an overnight train or bus is always a good idea.

Hold your cards (ID and cash) close to your chest: When in Europe you’ll need to have your passport, ID, credit cards and cash on you for all that great shopping! Always ensure you carry copies of your passport and any other form of ID with you. Also, a good idea is to have a money belt or neck wallet to protect your credit cards and cash when you’re out and about.

Have fun but don’t overdo it: We always advocate for enjoying yourself as much as you can while travelling but it’s also important to be aware of your surroundings and who you trust when travelling, especially if you are travelling solo around Europe and don’t know the local lingo. With a large number of festivals and enticing nightlife around Europe all year round we suggest not to overdo it when it comes to drinking and partying.

Traveller tip 1: Always make sure you’ve done your research on each of the EU countries you’re planning to visit as there may be UK government imposed travel bans or restrictions in place. If you decide to travel to a country on a ‘Do Not Travel’ list then your World Nomads policy will be cancelled. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all but essential travel to many countries and territories in Europe due to coronavirus (COVID-19) risks. You can look up foreign travel advice here, and read the FCDO’s COVID-19 travel advice by clicking here.

Brexit has arrived, will I need a Schengen Visa to go to Europe?

Currently, UK passport holders can travel anywhere in the EU Schengen zone without having to obtain a visa or a travel authorisation for a maximum of 90 days. However, due to the transition to Brexit, this is set to change which means the impact of Brexit will be felt by many UK travellers heading to the EU in 2022.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for UK citizens is set to be implemented by the end of the year 2022, by which time the Brexit transition period will have ended and Britain will be out of the union.

Travel insurance may be able to bridge the gap for some of these benefits for UK travellers – check out our Brexit article that may help clear any queries you have.

Traveller tip 2: UK residents should have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) when travelling in the EU. This will give you free, or reduced cost, medical treatment. However, its always a good idea to have travel insurance as a GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. With World Nomads travel insurance at your side, you may be covered for private medical healthcare costs, costs associated with mountain rescue in ski resorts or being repatriated back to the UK, or with lost or stolen property.

What other tips for safe travel do you offer?

We have compiled this general information and handy tips on tourist visas and passports, and we have you covered if you’re looking for more Europe travel inspiration. We also have information on which countries are accepting travellers in our safety travel alerts section.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Did you know travel insurance covers...

You can also buy away from home or buy more cover if you extend your trip. Plus, you can claim online anytime, anywhere in the world.

True Claims Stories

Never travel without travel insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. 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 in Spain, and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and 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.
L.D
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
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

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?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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
Photo © Alexander Spatari

Travel Insurance for Europe

Traveling to Europe offers a myriad of exciting choices such as arts, culture, food, and sporting events. The possibilities are endless!

    Trusted by:

  • Trusted by:

Like many of us at World Nomads, travelers from all over the globe are dreaming of a European vacation. With so many countries and endless possibilities, planning a trip to Europe can be a big undertaking. Tick one thing off your list before you go with a World Nomads travel insurance policy designed to keep you covered wherever you traipse in Europe.

Sea view of Pucisca Brac
Seafront scenery of small mediterranean village Pucisca on Island Brac. Photo credit: Getty images / Dreamer4787

With a selection of insurance plans to choose from you’ll have coverage, whether you’re enjoying the great outdoors on a family camping adventure in Trentino in Italy, going solo on a surfing trip to sunny Nazare in Portugal, or hiking with your travel buddy along El Camino in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

With World Nomads you can buy travel insurance before you land in your favorite Europe destination — or if you're already there.

World Nomads offers cover for several activities, from mountain biking to skiing, surfing, kayaking and scuba diving.

What’s covered for your trip to Europe

All World Nomads travel insurance plans cover you for the following:

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Cancellation
  • Baggage
  • Travel delay/interruption

Like most destinations, traveling through Europe requires a certain level of common sense.

What should I look out for when traveling around Europe?

Beware petty theft and pickpockets in key hotspots: While most countries in Europe are amongst the safest to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed or being victim of a scam in many top tourist hotspots. When in crowded areas in any European country always maintain a sense of awareness of your surroundings.

Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: It’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables out of sight. If you're after travel insurance cover for tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with — passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets — and keep them separate from the originals while abroad so you’ll have backups and proof of purchase if anything happens.

Hold your cards (ID and cash) close to your chest: When in Europe you’ll need to have your passport, ID, credit cards and cash on you for all that great shopping! Always ensure you carry copies of your passport and any other form of ID with you. Also, a good idea is to have a money belt or neck wallet to protect your credit cards and cash when you’re out and about.

Have fun but don’t overdo it: We always advocate for enjoying yourself as much as you can while traveling but it’s also important to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you're traveling solo around Europe and don’t know the local lingo. We suggest not to overdo it when it comes to drinking and partying. Always be careful of accepting drinks from strangers especially at big events as there are a lot of music festivals and sporting events throughout the year in Europe.

Whether you’re traveling to Europe from Australia, North America, India or Japan or any other part of the globe, travel insurance can be a life saver if you or your loved ones end up in a hospital in Italy with a huge medical bill, or if you need to return home unexpectedly and your Euro trip is cut short.

Parthenon temple in Athens
Couple looking at Parthenon temple in Athens. Photo credit: Getty images / Matteo Colombo

Ready to go? Get a quote.

Tell us your travel details below and get a quote. You’ll be hopping a flight to Europe in no time.

Where to go in Europe

Still deciding where to travel in Europe? With everything from sailing the Greek Islands to strolling the cobblestone streets of Paris, there’s much to choose from. Check out our travel inspiration on which places to visit in Europe to find your perfect fit. And don’t forget to stay informed on the latest safety travel alerts.

Frequently asked questions

Will I need a Schengen Visa to go to Europe?

When traveling to Europe, it’s very important to have a valid passport and a Schengen visa if you’re not a European citizen as this will help you move freely around the 27 EU member states. Depending on the Schengen country where you are applying for the visa, authorities may ask you for a Schengen visa letter.

Important: The Schengen Agreement allows residents of certain European countries to travel freely around the Schengen Area as though it's a single country. For travelers from other countries, you may need to get a valid Schengen visa to do the same. Before you can get your visa, you may need valid travel insurance. We have also more handy tips on tourist visas and passports.

Am I covered if I want to go to a European country for the day or a weekend?

We get it, you want to make the most out of your travels around Europe and want to fit in as many countries as possible. The best way to be covered for all European destinations is to select ‘Europe’ or ‘Worldwide’ when you get a quote and choose your destinations. That way you will be covered for any country you visit within Europe. For more information check out our FAQ article - What countries or regions do I choose to get a quote?.

Also, depending on your Country of Residence and policy you have chosen, our policies may cover you during a stopover or if you’re in transit. For more information read our help Center article - Do I need extra country cover if I am only making a stop-over, but not leaving the airport?

Note: To access the correct information just set your Country of Residence from the country picker and it will redirect you to the most up to date information.

Do I need a COVID vaccination to visit Europe?

While many countries have eased COVID restrictions, some conditions remain in place. Entry requirements vary depending on the country you plan to visit, and your Country of Residence and conditions of entry change regularly. We encourage you to seek advice prior to traveling.

Which European countries do your travel insurance policies cover?

Just like no two travelers are the same, no two countries are the same. Most European destinations are covered, but you should always check the PDS for your Country of Residence and policy details for the cover you choose.

About World Nomads

World Nomads polices are designed by travelers for travelers to provide simple and flexible travel insurance – and it’s often cheaper than you might think! Featuring coverage for more than 150 activities, quotes are fast, free and you can do it all online at www.worldnomads.com. All of the information we provide about travel insurance is a brief summary only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.

Traveler tip: Always make sure you’ve done your research on each of the countries you’re planning to visit as there may be government-imposed travel bans or restrictions in place. If you decide to travel to a country on a ‘Do Not Travel’ list then your policy will be cancelled. You can find out more information on the US Department of State site on international travel by clicking here. Additionally, the World Health Organization has information on COVID-19 and travel advice which you can read by clicking here.

True Claims Stories

Never travel without travel insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. 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 in Spain, and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and 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.
L.D
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
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

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?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Passport pilfered?
  • Tech trashed?

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)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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