Travel Insurance for Europe
What Americans need to know before traveling to Europe
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel protection plans for your trip to Europe. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Europe like hiking, skiing and cycling.
- Plans for Americans include protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Europe brings together a wide range of cultures, landscapes and ways to explore in a relatively compact region – little wonder it’s such a popular destination for Americans. From the iconic cities of Italy and France to the alpine scenery of Switzerland and Austria, and the coastlines of Spain, Portugal and Greece, each country offers an experience all its own. With well-connected transport and short distances between destinations, it’s easy to combine multiple countries in one trip. No one expects things to go wrong while they’re away – but if they do, it may help to know you have travel protection.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel protection coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. Each of our four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – offers different coverages and benefit maximums.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to Europe. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available.* Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available.* Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
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Travel insurance for adventure activities in Europe
If you’re all about outdoor adventures, Europe has you covered. Ski the slopes of Austria’s Alps or snowshoe in Chamonix, France. Hike dramatic trails through Switzerland or take on long-distance routes like Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Along the coast, surf in Portugal, kayak along Croatia’s Adriatic shoreline or sail between the Greek islands. Prefer two wheels? Cycle through Tuscany’s rolling hills or tackle mountain routes in the French Alps and feel like you’re riding the Tour de France. However you like to stay active, Europe offers plenty of ways to get out there.
Coverage for activities in Europe
Common insurance considerations for Europe
Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
In case of unexpected illness or injury on your trip to Asia, the medical expense travel insurance benefit may reimburse necessary emergency medical expenses while traveling. If local care is inadequate in your immediate area, the emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance benefit may cover transport to the nearest adequate medical facility or home for treatment if you suffer an injury that is severe, acute or life- threatening. (Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.).
Trip Cancellation
Unexpected events like natural disasters, illness, or family emergencies may force you to cancel your trip to Asia. Trip cancellation insurance coverage may help reimburse prepaid, non-refundable expenses if your trip to Asia is cancelled due to a covered reason.
Motorbiking
Motorbike accidents are all too common in certain parts of Asia. We encourage you to have the proper in-country license for operating a motorbike and follow all local laws. Check out country-specific requirements before renting a motorbike and learn more here.
Baggage
If your checked luggage is lost by your common carrier en route to your trip to Asia, travel insurance benefits may help reimburse you for lost items. If your baggage is lost on your flight, contact the airline first and then contact our Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery service, which is another of our non-insurance service partners.
Tips we recommend for traveling to Europe
- Spend longer in fewer places and build in plenty of free time to wander and explore – travel shouldn’t feel like a slog
- Travel by train – it’s an easy, affordable and efficient way to get around Europe
- Pack lightly and opt for a carry-on suitcase or backpack over a big suitcase on wheels. It will make life easier on cobblestones, trains and stairs
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and transport hubs. Take extra care around ATMs and tourist hotspots.
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 Americans need a visa to travel to Europe?
Americans don’t need a visa for short stays in most European countries (up to 90 days within a 180-day period). Check current requirements before you travel.
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Is Europe safe for tourists?
Europe is generally safe, with well-developed infrastructure and healthcare. Petty theft can occur in busy cities and tourist areas, so keep valuables secure. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow US Department of State travel advisories*. You may want to consider travel insurance for those unexpected situations that arise.
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What is the best way to get around Europe?
Trains are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel between major cities and neighboring countries. Budget airlines and car hire can also be useful depending on your itinerary.
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What is the best time to visit Europe?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be busy and expensive, especially in major cities and coastal areas.
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Can I drink tap water in Europe?
Tap water is safe to drink in most European countries, though standards can vary slightly by region. When in doubt, check locally, or drink bottled water to stay on the safe side.
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What if my bags are lost or stolen?
Travel insurance benefits for lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or delayed bags are included in all World Nomads plans. Also, our non-insurance service included in every plan assists with tracking and delivering missing checked bags.
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What if my passport gets stolen in Europe?
World Nomads travel protection plans cover theft or damage of the following documents:
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Birth certificates
- Travel visas
You can claim up to the maximum limit stated in the plan towards the replacement of your passport or one or more other travel documents mentioned above.
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What currency is used in Europe?
Many countries use the euro (EUR), but not all. Some destinations, including the UK and Switzerland, have their own currencies, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
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Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Benefits for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness. All World Nomads plans for US residents include insurance benefits and additional non-insurance services like access to pre-trip medical support. A telehealth consultation can help you with a customized medical plan based on your destination. This may help you prepare for health concerns before you go and the best ways to avoid travel-related illnesses.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 844-207-1930 and we can assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 non-insurance Emergency Assistance partners at Generali Global Assistance are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 (877) 289-0968 (toll-free from the Continental US); or
Phone: +1 (954) 334-8143 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Need inspiration for your European travels?
Not sure where your next adventure should take you? Take a look at these travel and safety ideas and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.
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Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.