Travel Insurance For Europe

Do you need travel insurance for Europe?

It’s largely safe to travel through Europe, and Australia enjoys reciprocal healthcare agreements with several European countries.¹https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements That said, it’s still a long way from Oz, and if you lose your luggage or get sick, you’ll still need the protection that your insurance can give you.

Even if you’re visiting and staying with family in Europe, you can still be out of pocket without travel insurance if your plans get interrupted, so travel insurance really is a must-have for everyone.

Ideas & inspiration for your European adventure

There’s so many diverse countries, landscapes, and culture in Europe, that the possibilities for things to do on your trip are almost endless. Here’s just a few ideas to get you thinking:

• Food and drinks touring: Whether you want mussels and chips in Brussels, brie and baguette in Paris, or bratwurst and steins in Munich, there’s no denying that Europe is a gourmet’s paradise.
• Island hopping and sailing: Cruising the Mediterranean is an unforgettable European summer experience. Hire a boat from somewhere like Croatia, or just take advantage of ferries between Greek Islands for your ultimate Mediterranean escape.Also, if you’re going on a cruise anywhere in Europe, it’s important to add a cruise benefit to your travel insurance policy – as this is not a common inclusion on a standard travel policy.
• Winter wonderland: There’s no denying that Europe can satisfy your craving for unique winter experiences. Whether its skiing in the Alps, dog-sledding in Scandinavia, or drinking mulled wine at a German Christmas market, Europe in the colder months can tick all your boxes for white snow, comfort foods, and unforgettable memory making.
• Be a culture-vulture: Whether its galleries, theatres, operas or museums, Europe is awash with some of the greatest cultural experiences in the world. Take in an opera in Vienna, see the Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin, see the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow – the opportunities in Europe are endless.

Receiving medical treatment in Europe

Whatever you decide to do on your European vacation, travel insurance is essential. While Australia does have reciprocal health agreements with several European countries including Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia and Sweden, this isn’t enough to fully cover you.²https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/reciprocal-health-care-agreements/australians/about-reciprocal-health-care-agreements

A reciprocal health agreement means that you’ll be covered for immediate and urgent health care, but you could still be out of pocket without travel insurance for things like illness, or injury requiring a change to travel plans, repatriation, and dental care.

Remember to make sure that your policy covers you for any planned activities, especially if you’re going to take part in adventure sports such as skiing or climbing.

Potential problems in Europe

Although largely safe, you can still get injured or sick in Europe, especially if you’re planning to ski, snowboard, or similar. There’s also the risk of social unrest, terrorism and natural disasters in some areas, so do your homework before you set off.³https://smartraveller.gov.au/Countries/europe/Pages/default.aspx

Travel insurance and winter sports, skiing, and snowboarding

Europe has some of the world’s best skiing and snowboarding landscapes. From Bulgaria to Switzerland, there’s no shortage of opportunities to hit the slopes. However, if you’re looking to participate in these activities, it’s essential to add a snow cover benefit to your policy.

Not all standard travel policies include this, so it’s important to read the fine print of your policy, and make sure you’re covered.

What does travel insurance cover in Europe

It’s essential that you have travel insurance for Europe, especially if you’re planning a tour, just in case any of your plans are disrupted or cancelled.

The medical insurance component is the most vital, though, because even if you’re in a country with a reciprocal agreement, this might not extend to prescriptions, evacuation flights and in-hospital expenses.

Medical problems

A good policy will provide you with a level of cover ambulance transportation, repatriation flights, medical and hospital costs, dental treatment, and also in-hospital cash, up to a specified limit.

Personal liability

If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in Europe you’ll need this cover.

Cancellation fees and lost deposits

If you have to cancel or rearrange your trip, or part of it, then you may lose your deposits or incur cancellation fees. This cover can reimburse you up to a limit as set out in your policy.

Lost or delayed luggage

If your luggage is lost or delayed then you’ll be able to buy replacement clothes, toiletries and other effects up to a limit.

Lost or stolen possessions

If you lose your luggage during the holiday then you’ll be reimbursed for the costs of replacing your goods up to a limit specified in your policy.

Travel delays and cancellations

If your travel plans are disrupted by circumstances beyond your control, then you’ll get a payment for additional meals and accommodation up to a limit specified in your policy.

Lost or stolen travel documents

If you need to replace passports or visas during your holiday then the costs are covered up to a limit specified in your policy.

Rental vehicle excess

If you get into an accident with your rental car, then you’re covered against the rental company’s insurance excess payment up to a limit specified in your policy.

If you’re planning to hire other vehicles, such as sailboats in the Mediterranean or a canal boat, make sure that your travel insurance policy covers you.

Travelling to Europe soon? Compare travel policies with iSelect

Whether you’re looking for travel insurance as a student, or for a holiday, you can find a policy that meets your needs by comparing policies with iSelect. Getting organised before a big trip can be overwhelming, so let us make this aspect of your preparation simple, start comparing today.