Europe Travel Insurance

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

You do not need it to get in, but it is strongly recommended. Your GHIC or EHIC gives you state healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as a local, which is useful, but it is not the same as travel insurance. It will not pay to fly you home, it does not cover private clinics (which many resort doctors are), and it does nothing for a cancelled holiday or a stolen bag. In some countries you still pay part of the cost of treatment.

Travel insurance fills those gaps. The policies you can compare through us cover emergency medical treatment, repatriation, cancellation and baggage, with 24-hour emergency assistance if something goes wrong.

Europe 1 and Europe 2: which do I need?

Many policies split Europe into two areas because medical costs vary quite a lot across the continent.

Europe 1 usually covers most of mainland Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.

Europe 2 includes everything in Europe 1 plus countries such as Spain, the Canary and Balearic Islands, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

These are general groupings rather than the exact list for every policy. See Europe 1 and Europe 2 for a fuller list and check the policy wording of the policy you choose. When you buy a single trip policy, you just tell us your destination country and we will match it to the right area.

Single trip or annual Europe cover?

A single trip policy is ideal for one holiday. If you take a few European trips a year, such as a summer week in Portugal, a ski trip and a couple of city breaks, an annual European travel insurance policy is often cheaper than buying cover each time. Annual policies set a maximum length for each trip, so pick an option that covers your longest holiday. If you later book a long-haul trip, you can usually upgrade to worldwide rather than starting again.

Using your GHIC with travel insurance

It is well worth taking a GHIC or EHIC as well as your policy. You can apply for a free GHIC on the NHS website. Some policies will waive the medical excess if you use it for treatment in a state hospital. Our FAQ on taking your GHIC or EHIC explains more. The GHIC is not accepted everywhere in Europe, though. Turkey, for example, is not covered.

Entry rules: EES, ETIAS and the 90-day rule

Since leaving the EU, UK travellers can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) now records your fingerprints and photo the first time you cross a Schengen border, so allow extra time at ports and airports. A separate travel authorisation called ETIAS is planned, but it is not needed yet. Check the FCDO travel advice for each country before you travel, as rules can change.

If you are applying for a Schengen visa with a non-UK passport, the embassy may ask for proof of medical cover of at least €30,000. Speak to us before buying if you need a certificate for a visa application, as our policies are for UK residents.

Skiing, cruises and activities in Europe

Heading to the Alps? Standard travel insurance does not cover skiing or snowboarding, so add winter sports cover to your policy. Mediterranean cruises need cruise cover added too. Many everyday holiday activities, from snorkelling to cycling, are covered as standard on a Direct Travel policy, and you can check our list of sports and activities before you go.

European travel insurance with medical conditions

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, declare them when you get a quote using our online medical screening. Europe is usually one of the cheaper areas to cover a condition for, and once it is accepted you are covered for emergency treatment related to it.

Visiting somewhere in particular? We have more detail on Spain travel insurance, France travel insurance and Turkey travel insurance, plus individual country guides for each country.