Europe is well known for some of its world-famous tourist destinations. Traveling to Europe is exciting but can be a costly affair without pre planning for unforeseen situations. These could be related to medical expenses in case of any emergency or need of medical help. Travel Insurance for Europe from the USA for US citizens traveling outside their home country can be a great life saver during such situations.
Travel Insurance provides protection for unexpected sickness and injury, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and other medical incidents. It also covers the expenses for baggage delay, flight delay, trip interruption, loss of baggage... Domestic US insurance cannot be much help in Europe as the coverage is very limited or none when outside of the country. Travel Insurance plans can also be of another kind which is also known as Trip Insurance plans which focuses more on trip expenses where it provides benefits like trip cancellation which covers 100% trip costs, baggage delay, loss of baggage, missing flights and so on.
For the trip cancellation benefit, the covered reasons include:
- Death of an immediate family member
- Serious injury or illness to you, close relative or travel companion
- Sudden family emergency
- Loss of job
There are "Cancel for any reason" plans available with partial reimbursem*nt for flights and hotel booking in case of delay in the flight. Lodging and other prepaid non refundable expenses can be claimed in such cases..
For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens will need to apply for a visa and will need proof of travel health insurance for Europe from the USA that meets requirements. Other nationalities need international insurance coverage even if they intend to stay fewer days.
The requirements for the visa while not particularly strict (we have many international policies which can meet and/or exceed their requirements) can be cumbersome to find.The requirements by European Schengen country state consulates that can be difficult to meet are the following:
- Insurance company must have an office in the EU
- You need coverage for repatriation (return of mortal remains)
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation, and finally
- You need a letter from your insurance company spelling out your coverage. (The requirement for maximum (€30,000) is generally not a problem with US policies).
Most often, US insurance companies refuse to provide the letter needed (#4) even though they may actually meet other requirements. Many policies, however, do NOT cover for repatriation and emergency medical evacuation nor have a foreign office in Europe. Also, our US customers may be surprised to find out that Medicare will not pay for services rendered outside the US (except under extremely limited circ*mstances).
The requirements of US citizens for the long term European visa are exactly like those for the Schengen visa for non-US citizens, so any plans we sell for a Schengen visa will work for you. Furthermore, they are very economically priced and are guaranteed (no medical tests or questions). Best medical insurance while traveling in Europe can be purchased with a credit card and you will immediately (or within the hour) have access to the required Schengen visa letter (unless you are purchasing from the lovely state of Maryland, in which case we will need at least 2 business days to get your letter).
After purchasing the insurance, make sure you have access to the receipt and the soft copy of the insurance along with the ID Card which will be very useful while filing a claim. Traveling to Europe has never been easier and more exciting! Enjoy the Europe trip with sufficient coverage from the travel insurance for Europe from the US.
FAQs
Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Europe. Tourists traveling to countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement can enter with a U.S. passport. However, if you plan to stay in certain countries for more than 90 days, you may require a visa.
Is US health insurance valid in Europe? ›
May 24, 2023, at 4:42 p.m. Can Health Insurance Cover Trips Abroad? Be prepared for unforeseen healthcare expenses when traveling abroad. U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas.
Can US citizens get free healthcare in Europe? ›
No. Outside of emergency treatment, 'medical tourists' need to pay for the health systems in those countries their citizens get for free. If you have residency, you do gain access to Britain's National Health System (NHS). However, it's not completely free.
How much is travel insurance for a Europe trip? ›
On average, travel insurance for a US citizen visiting Europe can range from $50 to $200 for a week-long trip, which is between 5% to 8% of the trip cost. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance to compare prices and coverage options.
Should I take my health insurance card to Europe? ›
Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States.
Does the US citizen need travel insurance to Europe? ›
Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Europe. Tourists traveling to countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement can enter with a U.S. passport. However, if you plan to stay in certain countries for more than 90 days, you may require a visa.
What type of insurance do I need to travel to Europe? ›
Travel insurance isn't required when visiting Europe; however, it can cover your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs in the event of travel delays, cancellations, a medical emergency or lost baggage.
What happens if I get sick in Europe? ›
While no system is perfect, Europe's universal health care does mean that everyone is taken care of — including foreigners. So if you get sick or injured while traveling, you will receive treatment, no questions asked.
What happens if an American gets sick in Italy? ›
In Italy, foreign visitors, both from EU and non-EU countries, have the same rights as Italian citizens, which means that in the event of a medical emergency they are assisted and medicated for free in the emergency ward of public hospitals.
What happens if an American gets sick in the UK? ›
If you have an urgent medical problem and you're not sure what to do, you can call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk. IMPORTANT: Anyone in the UK can receive treatment at an NHS facility, no matter their residency status. However, tourist visitors to the UK do not typically qualify for free NHS treatment.
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So, how much money do you really need for 3 weeks in Europe? While it varies depending on your travel style and destination, a budget of around $2,000 - $5,000 USD should cover your expenses. Of course, this is just a rough estimate - the more you can save, the better!
What is the best travel insurance company? ›
Our Rankings of the Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024
- Faye: Our top pick.
- Travelex Insurance: Our pick for families.
- Nationwide Travel Insurance: Our pick for cruise travel.
- Tin Leg Travel Insurance: Our pick for customizable coverage.
- Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Our pick for luxury travelers.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost? According to our research, the average cost of travel insurance is $204, but you could pay anywhere between $14 and $765 for travel insurance. While this may seem like a wide price range, it's important to understand that travel insurance is not a “one price fits all” purchase.
Is healthcare free for Americans in Europe? ›
Almost all the countries in Europe have a universal healthcare system. There are people who call it a “free healthcare” system but it is actually not free. Each nation has its own variation; however, a common feature is that everyone has to pay for healthcare as a society.
Does my US auto insurance cover international travel? ›
In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go. Even if your policy is valid in a country, it may not meet local insurance minimums.
Why should you take a copy of your insurance card with you abroad? ›
The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs advises the following for international travelers: Learn what medical services your health insurance will cover overseas before going abroad. Carry both your insurance policy identity card as proof of insurance as well as a claim form.
Does American health insurance cover you abroad? ›
U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.
Can I use my United Healthcare in another country? ›
In general, United States health insurance plans don't carry over to other countries. Once you leave the United States, you'll need additional protection so you can get medical care if needed while you're abroad. The best way to do that is to get a travel health insurance plan.
What countries accept US Medicare? ›
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Do I need additional medical insurance when traveling abroad? ›
Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.
