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!
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At a glance
- Travel insurance benefits for Europe may include trip cancellation and interruption
- Coverage for overseas medical emergencies, medical evacuation, and natural disasters while abroad
- Protection for stolen, or delayed baggage and personal belongings
- Coverage for 220+ adventure and sports activities across Europe
- New EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in place
- ETIAS visa waiver expected for Australians in late 2026
- Always check the Policy Disclosure Statement (PDS) for terms and conditions, limitations, and exclusions.
Travelling to Europe offers a myriad of exciting choices such as arts, culture, food, and sporting events. Think long sunsets in Greece, buzzing piazzas in Italy, and scenic train rides through France.
This guide explains what’s covered, what to watch out for, and why insurance matters for Australians heading to Europe in 2026.
What’s covered
World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Emergency medical expenses if you’re sick or injured overseas
- Medical evacuation and repatriation if you need urgent transport and approved by us
- Trip cancellation or interruption for insured events
- Stolen, or delayed luggage and valuables
- Rental car excess cover (Explorer Plan)
- Cover for 220+ activities, including adventure sports
- Family plans: add your children and grandchildren to our policies at no extra cost. Our cover includes 2 adults and up to 8 dependents on the one policy.
- Some COVID-19 related events (check policy details)
Make sure you’ve selected the right travel insurance plan for your specific needs. Always check your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions.
With World Nomads you can get a quote, make a claim, or extend your policy instantly online, while enroute or after arriving at your destination. Waiting periods apply to policies purchased while outside Australia.
What’s not covered
Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:
- Existing medical conditions (except as described in Health conditions & your policy)
- Travel to “Do Not Travel” destinations (see gov.au)
- Unsupervised baggage or valuables
- Activities where you have not purchased the appropriate level of Sports & Activities cover or activities listed as specifically excluded in the policy
- Losses arising from being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs
- Pregnancy-related conditions after 26 weeks
- Ignoring medical or safety advice
Be sure to read the PDS and General Exclusions for other scenarios and expenses we don't cover so there'll be no surprises if you need to use your cover.
Why should I consider travel insurance when visiting Europe?
Europe is diverse, fast-moving, and sometimes unpredictable. Travel insurance may help when:
- Flights are cancelled due to an insured event during peak summer travel
- You get sick or injured far from home
- Your luggage is lost by the carrier between destinations
- Your plans change due to severe weather or emergencies
- You’re travelling across multiple countries
Having the right travel insurance may take the added stress out of travel if things don’t go to plan.
How do the levels of activity and sports cover work?
| (1) Level 1 | (2) Level 2 | (3) Level 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Our policies automatically cover Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan. Low-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 1. |
Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences. Higher-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 2. |
Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences. Highest-risk adventure sports and activities listed as Level 3 (including snow sports). |
Simply specify all the activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards. Terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply, check your PDS for details or contact us.
What to look out for when travelling around Europe
- Severe weather: some parts of Europe can experience four seasons in one day, and some destinations are prone to natural disasters such as flooding. If your trip is interrupted or cancelled as a result of severe weather you may be covered.
- Keep an eye on your gear 24/7: it’s very important that you NEVER leave your valuables unsupervised. If you're after travel insurance cover for your tech gear and other high value items read more here. You should also make copies of all key documents you’ll be traveling with – passport, ID, travel insurance, receipts, vouchers, addresses, transportation tickets.
- Baggage theft or loss by the carrier: if you’re on a European road trip and your rental car is broken into, or your airline loses your bags, you may be able to claim to replace the item or claim for essential clothing and toiletries while you wait for your bag to be returned. The Explorer plan can also offer cover for your rental vehicle insurance excess.
- Pickpockets: while most countries in Europe are very safe to travel to there is always the chance that you might end up being pickpocketed in many top tourist hotspots. If your items are stolen travel insurance could help replace them.
Types of travellers covered
Backpackers & multi-country trips
- Cover for overseas medical emergencies and medical evacuation when approved by us
- Protection for stolen items and carrier baggage delays
- Cover for sports and activities, volunteering, and working holidays
Families
- One policy can cover 2 adults + up to 8 dependents
- Cover for cancellations due to insured events, and unexpected overseas medical and dental emergencies
- Access to 24/7 emergency assistance
Winter & adventure travellers
- Cover for skiing and winter sports and activities with Level 3 Sports & Activity cover
- Upgrades available for higher-risk activities
Summer explorers
- Cover for hiking, road trips, scuba diving, kayaking, and surfing
- Protection for cancellations due to insured events, and personal effects
- Cover for multiple European destinations
Top travel tips for Europe
- Book flights and accommodation early to avoid peak pricing
- Keep valuables secure and never leave them unattended
- Carry copies of your passport, tickets, and insurance documents
- Pack light for easier travel between cities
- Pre-book popular attractions to avoid long queues
- Check local weather conditions before travelling
- Review your travel insurance policy before departure
These above features are a summary only. Cover is subject to the terms, conditions and limitations, and exclusions of the PDS.
Planning to travel to multiple European destinations? Explore our multi-trip travel insurance article.
New entry rules for Europe for Aussie travellers
Entry/Exit System (EES) – Active from October 2025
- Automated border system for Schengen countries
- Tracks entry and exit digitally
- Applies to most EU countries
ETIAS expected late 2026
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation system has been postponed to late 2026.
Non-EU citizens planning a holiday to Europe will need to check if they need a ETIAS travel permit before they go.
The ETIAS will apply to travellers from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.
While an official date hasn’t been announced yet, ETIAS is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026.
Learn more about the ETIAS by checking out our Travel Wiser article.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Europe. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do I need to apply for ETIAS before travelling to Europe?
Australians are expected to need an ETIAS travel authorisation from late 2026. It’s a simple online process, but you must apply before departure. For more information on what Australians should know before going to Europe and the Schengen area go to the Smartraveller website to check the latest entry requirements.
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What travel disruptions are most common in Europe during summer?
In Summer 2026, expect flight delays, overcrowding, and extreme heat in Southern Europe. These can lead to cancellations or itinerary changes. Travel insurance may help recover prepaid costs depending on your chosen travel insurance plan.
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Is Europe safe for Australian travellers?
Europe is generally safe, but petty crime like pickpocketing is common in tourist hotspots. Travel insurance may help if bags are stolen, while basic precautions, like securing valuables, reduce your risk. See smartraveller.gov.au about safety in your chosen destination.
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What should I know about travelling to Europe in winter 2026?
Winter travel brings risks like snow disruptions and higher injury risk from winter sports. If you’re planning a skiing or snowboarding trip to Europe, then consider buying World Nomads travel insurance that includes the option of adding Snow sports so you’re covered.
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)
