Best 5 Travel Insurance for Americans Going to Europe
Are you planning a trip to Europe? , whether you are going to experience some romantic scenarios in Paris , or hoping to see museums in Rome. One thing I would definitely recommend is travel insurance .Unexpected events — flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage — These things can turn your trip into a financial nightmare. In this blog I’ll be telling you . How you can find the best coverage .
Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for Europe
Europe is home to one of the world’s best healthcare systems , but they can be very pricey , that’s why some of the countries made insurance mandatory while applying for a visa . Even if you don’t need a visa, having insurance ensures you’re protected in case of accidents, illnesses, or disruptions.  Basically: don’t skip it.
Key Benefits of Travel Insurance
- Emergency medical situations
- Trip cancellationÂ
- Lost luggage
- Flight delays / cancellationsÂ
- Emergency evacuation
- 24/7 travel assistance
Note: €30,000 in medical coverage for visa approval is a must for European countries.
Top Travel Insurance Companies for Americans
1. SafetyWing
Good for digital nomads and long-time travelers, It offers flexible, subscription-based coverage that includes medical and travel-related issues. They also provided COVID-19 treatment and are doing so now too.
Visit SafetyWing Official Site
2. World Nomads
This company is known for its comprehensive coverage, mainly focused on adventurous travelers. They also cover a wide range of activities and are excellent for people exploring Europe’s outdoors.
Visit World Nomads Official Site
3. Allianz Global Assistance
One of the best in this business .They are established travel insurance providers, Allianz offers a variety of plans suited for single trips, multiple trips, or even annual travel. They have a strong global support network which is beneficial .
Visit Allianz Global Assistance Official Site
4. IMG Global (Patriot Travel Medical Insurance)
IMG is a go-to choice for students and expats. Their Patriot plans pack solid medical and emergency evacuation coverage at pretty reasonable rates.
Visit IMG Global Official Site
5. Travelex Insurance Services
Families often lean toward Travelex because their plans offer strong medical coverage plus handy upgrades like Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) protection.
Visit Travelex Insurance Services Official Site
What to Look for in a Travel Insurance Plan
Medical Coverage
This might be the most important part . Look for at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage. If you plan on skiing or hiking in the Alps, make sure adventurous activities are included , cuz they might cost a fortune if you get injured in any of these activities.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
This protects your wallet from non-refundable expenses if your trip gets canceled due to unforeseen events like illness, injury, or death of a family memberÂ
Baggage & Personal Effects
Lost luggage or stolen electronics or damaged goods can ruin your trip. It ensures the coverage limits are high enough, especially if you’re carrying valuable electronics.
Evacuation and Repatriation
This covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest adequate medical facility, or back home if necessary. Coverage should be at least $250,000.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Schengen Visa?
If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, you are required to show proof of insurance that meets the following criteria:
- Minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage
- Valid for all Schengen countries
- Coverage for emergency medical and repatriation expenses
All the providers listed in this article offer plans that meet or exceed these requirements.
 How Much Does Travel Insurance to Europe Cost?
Prices depend on factors like your age, trip length, and coverage level. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Plan Type | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Coverage (2-week trip) | $40 – $70 | Covers essentials like medical + baggage |
| Comprehensive Plans | $80 – $150 | Includes medical, cancellation, evacuation, etc. |
| Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) Upgrade | +30% – 50% extra | Add-on for maximum flexibility |
Tip: Buy early! You’ll unlock more benefits, like cancellation coverage starting from the day of purchase.
Comparing Travel Insurance Plans: What Tools to Use
Use online aggregators and comparison tools to evaluate different plans based on your needs:
These sites allow you to filter by destination, age, travel length, and special coverages like COVID-19 or adventure sports.
Can I use my U.S. health insurance in Europe?
Not really. Most U.S. health insurance plans won’t follow you abroad. For example, Medicare gives you zero coverage outside the States. That’s why I always recommend getting a travel insurance plan with strong medical benefits—it saves you from a nightmare bill if something happens.
What if I already have credit card travel insurance?
Some premium cards do throw in travel protection, and I’ve used it for small hiccups like delayed luggage. But honestly, it’s rarely enough for big stuff like medical emergencies or evacuations. Definitely check the fine print before you rely on it.
Is COVID-19 still covered?
Yes—most insurers now treat COVID-19 like any other illness. I’ve seen policies that cover both medical care and trip cancellations due to COVID, but don’t assume—it’s always worth reading the details.
How early should I buy travel insurance?
The earlier, the better. I usually buy mine right after booking flights or hotels. That way, I’m covered if something unexpected pops up before the trip—and I can also qualify for extras like Cancel-for-Any-Reason (CFAR) or pre-existing condition waivers.
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