travel insurance uk and europe

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• About Our Travel Insurance
• Holiday Cancellation Insurance
• Emergency Medical Assistance Cover
• Emergency Medical Cover for Travel Insurance
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• What's Covered
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• Insurance Glossary
• Coronavirus - Annual Multi-trip Policy

Travel Insurance for Europe

Whether you fancy a city break filled with romance in Paris, a visit to the beautiful beaches of the Canary Islands or you want to witness the majestic beauty of the Northern Lights, Europe has a destination for almost every type of holiday.

While holidays to France are all about culture and great food, trips to Iceland allow you to see Europe’s wilderness and wildlife at its beautiful best. Alternatively, you can take a trip as far away as Russia, and learn more about the country’s history or be mesmerised by the beauty of Red Square. If you’d rather shop until you drop, try Milan’s gorgeous designer boutiques.

With so much choice, it can be hard to pick just one destination, which is why interrailing has become so popular. You can leave with your backpack and explore everything this beautiful continent has to offer on one trip. If you’re taking an extended break in Europe, then our  Backpacker  insurance could be a good fit.

Below is some more information about our insurance products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

Why do you need travel insurance for Europe?

You may think that travel insurance isn’t as important when you’re staying closer to home, but the truth is, things can still go wrong.

For example, your flight might be cancelled, your luggage may be lost, or your valuables could be stolen by pickpockets at busy tourist attractions. Thankfully, travel insurance for Europe can help protect you against these risks and more. Accidents can happen wherever you are but, with European travel insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if something doesn’t go to plan. 

What's covered?

We offer three types of holiday insurance for Europe: Single Trip , Annual and Backpacker .

Our Single Trip travel insurance for Europe covers you for a maximum of 180 days at any one time. But, if you’re planning on going away more than once this year, then our Annual travel insurance for Europe may be a better fit. It covers you for an unlimited number of trips, up to 31 days in duration over a 12-month period. Alternatively, if you’re aged 50 or under and you’re travelling across Europe to a number of destinations as part of a career break or a gap year, then you could find that our Backpacker insurance is a better option.  

Across our Single Trip and Annual policies, we also offer three different levels of cover: Bronze, Silver and Gold. These have different payment limits and excess amounts.

With our travel insurance for Europe, you can be protected against: 

• Cancelling or curtailing your trip
• Emergency medical and associated expenses
• Loss of passport*
• Delayed personal possessions
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal possessions*
• Loss of personal money*
• Personal accident cover
• Missed departures
• Delayed departures
• Personal liability
• Legal expenses
• End-supplier failure**
• *Not available with Bronze level cover
• **Only available with Gold level cover
• Terms and Conditions apply.  

If you have any activities planned, you can also choose to purchase additional cover. If you’re planning on skiing in the picturesque Val-d'Isère, then our Winter Sports and Ski add-on can protect you against things like piste closure and lost ski equipment. 

To understand exactly what you're covered for and to find out whether any exclusions apply, please read your policy documents . If you have any questions about your policy, please get in touch with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our European travel insurance covers all of Europe* and some destinations outside mainland Europe, such as Morocco. Countries covered by our European travel insurance include:

• Continental Europe
• Islands in the Mediterranean
• The Channel Islands
• The Isle of Man
• The Canary Islands
• The Republic of Ireland

*Please note that you will not be covered if you travel to a country or region that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has advised against all travel or against all but essential travel. 

The cost of taking out a travel insurance policy for Europe will vary, depending on the type and level of cover you choose, your age and whether you purchase any add-ons. If you have any pre-exisitng medical conditions, this will affect you eligibility for cover.

To find out how much your holiday insurance for Europe will cost, get a quote today. 

All prices we quote include Insurance Premium Tax (IPT).

Currently, you do not need a visa for short trips to Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and any country in the European Union (EU). If you don’t have a visa, you can stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This 90-day limit is an accumulation of the time spent in all of these countries during the 180-day period. If you exceed this limit, you may require a visa.

These rules are slightly different for visits to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. Only the time spent within any one of these countries counts towards the 90-day limit within the 180-day period.

You may require a visa if you are travelling for business, work or study. It's also possible that you’ll need to complete the online ETIAS  application form before setting off.

Bear in mind that with our European Annual Travel Insurance, we include some countries that are outside the EEA for example Egypt and Libya. You will need a visa to travel to these countries. You can check the entry requirements  here.

If you’re travelling within the European Union (EU), then an EHIC card is an important document to have. It is not however a replacement for European travel insurance. Also, despite the UK leaving the EU in January 2021, the EHIC remains valid for UK holders until the expiry date of their card. However, once your EHIC has expired you will have to apply for a Global Health Insurance (GHIC). The GHIC will take the place of the EHIC and can be applied for and ordered now if you don't already own an EHIC.

Both the EHIC and the GHIC entitle you to cheaper (sometimes free) emergency treatment in a number of EU countries. Although the card entitles you to the same treatment as local citizens, you should be aware that many countries do not have their version of the NHS, so you may still have to pay for some aspects of healthcare.

For this reason, you should still take out travel insurance for Europe. That way, your medical bills will be included in your cover, and you’ll also be covered for things like cancellations, delayed flights and delayed personal possessions.

If you’re taking a holiday in the UK, travel insurance is still important. Although you won’t need health insurance because you still have access to the NHS, your European travel insurance will still cover things like cancellations, lost luggage and stolen possessions.

Our Annual travel insurance for Europe includes the UK, so your staycation will be covered if you choose ‘Europe’ as your area of cover.  Special UK only rates are also available on our Single Trip policies

Other popular products from Allianz Assistance

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Single Trip Travel Insurance

Backpacker Travel Insurance

Family Travel Insurance

Cruise Travel Insurance

Get active on your next holiday with our sports and leisure add-ons.

Winter Sports & Ski Travel Insurance

Sports & Leisure Insurance

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Need help? Call us on: 0371 200 0428

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Foreign travel insurance

If you’re travelling abroad, it's important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.

If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go. If you already have a travel insurance policy, check what cover it provides for coronavirus-related events, including medical treatment and travel disruption, and any planned activities such as adventure sports. If you are choosing a new policy, make sure you check how it covers these issues.

If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds.

For example:

You should buy your travel insurance as soon as possible after booking your trip. Read the small print, and familiarise yourself with any exclusion clauses for the policy.

When you travel, make sure you take your insurance policy details with you, including the policy number and your insurer’s emergency assistance telephone number. Share your policy details with people you’re travelling with and friends or family at home, in case they need to contact your insurance company on your behalf.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) represents over 200 insurance companies. Read ABI’s advice on travel insurance , including how COVID-19 can affect it, and their guide on choosing the right travel insurance policy .

In addition to making sure you have appropriate insurance, you should check and sign up to travel advice for your destination.

What to consider when you buy travel insurance for you and your family

• emergency treatment and hospital bills can be expensive. Check whether your policy covers treatment in public or private hospitals
• emergency transport, such as an ambulance, is often charged separately to other medical expenses, and emergency travel home on medical grounds can also be expensive
• pre-existing medical conditions: declare existing conditions or pending treatment or tests so that you are covered if anyone gets ill during your trip. Failing to declare something may invalidate your travel insurance
• all activities you may undertake on holiday, such as sports or adventure tourism (you may need specialist insurance for some activities). Also consider all the places you intend to visit, even if you are in transit, in case anyone needs emergency treatment in another country
• cruises generally require an additional level of cover because it is more difficult to get to hospital for treatment. Check the booking conditions of the operator you plan to sail with
• repatriation costs if you or a family member die abroad
• getting home after medical treatment if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable costs for a family member or friend to stay with you, or travel out to accompany you home, if required
• 24-hour assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
• COVID 19 cover for if you or family members cannot return home because you/they test positive for COVID during your travel. Check your insurance covers additional costs such as alternative flights, accommodation and COVID tests. You should also check your insurance provides cover if you cannot reach your final destination during transit due to COVID-19
• within Europe, some insurers may waive any excess on medical treatment if you use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Check the terms of your policy or contact your insurer to see if this is the case. EHIC and GHIC allow you to access state-provided medically necessary healthcare within the EU and Switzerland on the same terms as residents of these countries. Note that EHIC and GHIC are not alternatives to travel insurance as they do not cover any private medical healthcare costs, repatriation or additional costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts. Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including how to apply for one free of charge
• ATOL is a consumer protection scheme for air holidays and flights, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) . Some insurance policies do not provide cover for when airlines or suppliers go out of business. Choose an ATOL-protected holiday or a travel insurance policy that includes airline or supplier failure cover

Policy exclusions

Check how an insurance policy covers:

• alcohol and drugs: most travel insurance policies do not cover events that happen after you have drunk excessive alcohol or taken recreational drugs or other substances
• high risk destinations: many travel insurance policies will not cover travel to a high risk destination where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel or all travel. Check your policy wording and the relevant country travel advice pages before booking your trip and buying insurance
• mental health conditions: some policies may exclude cover for treatment related to a pre-existing mental health condition. For more guidance see foreign travel advice for people with mental health issues
• age restrictions: check whether there are any age-related restrictions if you are buying an annual policy. The Money Advice Service provides guidance on how to choose the right level of cover, get the best deal, and make a travel insurance claim. It also has specific guidance for travellers over the age of 65 or with pre-existing medical conditions
• sports such as bungee jumping, jet skiing, winter sports or skydiving: these are not usually included in standard policies. Use of quad bikes and hire of mopeds is also usually not covered
• driving overseas: check Driving abroad . If you’re hiring a car, check what cover the hire company provides. If you are driving your own vehicle, check your motor insurance policy to see what it covers
• terrorist acts: most policies offer only limited cover for terrorist acts. As a minimum, make sure your policy covers you for emergency medical expenses and travel home if you are caught up in a terrorist attack. Some travel insurers offer policy add-ons to provide additional cover if there is a terrorist attack in your destination. This may include cancellation cover, if your destination is affected by a terrorist attack before your trip and you decide you no longer wish to travel
• other incidents: some policies only offer limited cover for claims related to or caused by a natural disaster (such as an earthquake or tropical cyclone) or civil unrest. You may also not be covered for some claims that arise from an incident (such as strikes or other industrial action) that was known publicly when you booked your trip and/or bought your travel insurance policy

Insurance for extended periods of travel

‘Long-stay’ travel insurance can cover extended periods of continuous travel. Check carefully the maximum duration allowed in any policy you consider buying to ensure that it meets your needs.

Make sure that the entire policy meets your needs, including specific activities and work (paid or unpaid) you may undertake.

Insurance if you live abroad or go for work or study

Travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. If you live overseas, or you’re planning to move to a different country to live, work or study, you should consider your insurance needs carefully. Local law may require you to have medical insurance, including as part of a visa application.

Read the healthcare guidance in the Living in guide for the country where you live to ensure you have the right healthcare arrangements for your circumstances.

You can buy private medical insurance for UK expatriates. You can also buy insurance from local providers overseas. You should always check policies carefully, including seeing whether you could transfer medical cover if you re-locate to other countries in future.

Support for British nationals abroad

Support for British Nationals Abroad explains how the FCDO can provide support to British nationals if things go wrong abroad.

Reviewed and updated guidance in full.

Updated guidance on using an EHIC or GHIC to access healthcare in Switzerland.

Updated to reflect new rules for travelling to amber list countries.

Updated COVID-19 section on new rules for international travel from 17 May.

Updated to reflect current COVID-19 travel guidance

New link to the declaration form for international travel (for England), from 8 March.

Edited grey box at top of page to provide further information on requirements coming into affect from 15 February

From 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.

Updated with new requirements coming into effect from 4am on 18 January 2021.

Updated with information on pre-departure testing for everyone travelling into England and Scotland.

Updated to reflect latest UK COVID-19 restrictions.

Updated the section on travel to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, to reflect changes from 1 January 2021.

Updated ‘Travel to the EU’ section to reflect that UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) will still be accepted in EU countries, with different guidance for people travelling to Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland from 1 January 2021.

Updated COVID-19 travel guidance

Updated to reflect the latest Tier-based COVID-19 rules for England

Updated to reflect the 5 November national restrictions for England relating to travel

Updated EU travel section with information on EHIC validity

New information on making sure your travel insurance covers you for coronavirus-related events

Update to contents including addition of new segments; travel insurance after starting travel or changing your plans, making a travel insurance claim, other financial protection and if you’re not covered.

Added information on financial protection of package holidays.

Information on the use of European Health Insurance cards (EHIC) in the event of a no deal added to the EU Exit update section

EU Exit update with advice on checking insurance coverage when travelling to Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

Content and format changes

Inclusion of Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries (ATII) information.

Updated information on travel insurance

First published.

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• Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance Europe

Climbing in the alps taking in the art trails of barcelona.

Whatever your next European break entails, take Admiral Travel Insurance along for the ride.

European Travel Insurance

With so much to see and do across Europe, it’s no wonder it’s the biggest travel destination for UK tourists.

And despite many of Europe’s most-loved tourist attractions being just a short flight or train ride from home the UK, the unexpected can still happen, so it pays to have the right cover in place should you need it.

And don’t just take it from us, the Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) recommends you buy travel insurance for every trip you take abroad, including any within Europe.

So, what do you get for your money?

European travel insurance covers you in the event of the unexpected, for things like:

• Having to cancel or cut your trip short
• Your personal belongings being stolen
• The airline losing your luggage

It also protects you and your family if you need medical help – more on European travel health insurance and the EHIC/GHIC below.

Covid-19 - what our travel insurance covers

Our travel insurance now covers you for certain events related to Coronavirus (COVID-19), provided you have proof of a positive Covid-19 test and your cover is active at the time of the event.

What we cover

We provide cover for some costs related to Covid-19: please see Section 1 'emergency medical costs and repatriation' and Section 2 'cancelling or cutting short your trip' in your policy book for full details on what's covered.

We'll cover you if:

• you were diagnosed with Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• a close relative died or became seriously ill as a result of Covid-19 before your trip was due to start
• you weren't allowed to board your pre-booked outbound travel due to symptoms of Covid-19
• an insured person or a close relative died during the trip because of Covid-19
• you couldn't take part in an excursion due to you self-isolating after getting Covid-19

What we don’t cover

You won't be covered if:

• you had reason to believe your trip may be cancelled, postponed or cut short when you booked it, purchased your policy or started your trip
• any government or public authority imposes travel restrictions or quarantine on a community, location, or vessel because of Covid-19 (this includes, but is not limited to, local lockdowns, entry requirements, being denied entry and airspace closures)
• you have to quarantine after arriving in the UK or abroad
• the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) change their advice to avoid ‘all travel’ or ‘all but essential travel’ to your destination because of Covid-19

For more information about how Coronavirus (COVID-19) affects your travel cover, see our FAQ page . And remember to check the policy booklet carefully before you buy to make sure our cover meets your needs.

Choose from three levels of cover

Read the full list of benefits in the policy summary booklet .

Do I need travel insurance if I’m holidaying in Europe?

Unlike car insurance, travel insurance isn’t compulsory, and being so close to home you may be tempted to skip the cover. But you’ll want it in place if things don’t quite go to plan – luggage can get lost and people do get ill abroad.

Take France, for example, a favourite for us Brits, with 17 million of us visiting each year. It’s not just the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the yachts on St Tropez people flock to, snow-lovers flock to France for the hundreds of ski resorts on offer.

And if you were unlucky enough to break an arm while on the slopes of one of the many French ski resorts, you could be looking at costs of up to £1,000 for:

• First responder treatment
• Ambulance, Xrays and cast

If it’s a severe break you may need to be taken to the public hospital where you’ll be treated under the European or Global Health Insurance Card (EHIC/GHIC), which covers 80% of costs. If you've taken out the Admiral Winter Sports Travel Insurance optional upgrade, that’ll cover the rest, otherwise you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket.

Take a look at the true costs of getting ill abroad including how much hospital treatments cost across Europe and worldwide.

Do I need European Travel Insurance if I have an EHIC/GHIC?

Carrying the EHIC – sometimes called the European travel insurance card - means you can get state-level medical cover in the country you’re travelling in – if it's still in date and they accept the card. The same applies for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Each country’s healthcare system is different and might not include the things you’d expect at home, or even cover you at all.

In Cyprus, for example, the GHIC and EHIC are only valid in southern Cyprus. They aren’t accepted in the Republic of Cyprus (north) where the government doesn’t have effective control; it’s run by Turkey.

The GHIC and EHIC aren’t valid in Turkey at all.

In the countries where it is valid, they only cover medical emergencies. They won’t cover all medical or repatriation costs if you need to be brought home for treatment, which is why travel insurance is so important.

It’s free to get a GHIC from the NHS online so get one before setting off on your next holiday and carry it at all times.

Where does European Travel Insurance cover?

Different insurers define ‘Europe’ in different ways, which can make buying the right cover for your holiday confusing.

In Admiral’s case, we cover 50 European countries, and our policies stretch the boundaries of Europe to include places like:

Some insurers may have a smaller definition of Europe, while others may describe their policy as covering ‘Schengen’ countries. The Schengen Area is made up of 26 countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

For other providers who don’t define Europe in this way, or if you’re planning multiple holidays spanning Europe and further afield then worldwide travel insurance could be better suited to your needs.

Admiral Travel Insurance breaks down travel into three zones:

• Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, Caribbean and Mexico

Then three tiers of cover with increasing coverage and product benefits are available. You can choose between Admiral, Admiral Gold or Admiral Platinum to suit your needs best.

Do I need single or annual European Travel Insurance?

Whether you’re planning one European jaunt in a year or multiple holidays to the continent, we have the cover you need.

Our single trip insurance is best for those who are not frequent holidaymakers, and covers you for one trip for up to 365 days.

If you plan on travelling more than once throughout a year, annual European travel insurance is for you.

You’ll be covered no matter how many times you choose to travel (up to 31 days at a time, but this may be extended upon request), and could be perfect for people with a house-share across the channel or those who frequently travel.

What if I have a pre-existing condition?

A pre-existing condition is a short or long term illness or injury you have or have had before you buy travel insurance. This includes having symptoms, tests, diagnosis or medical treatment for a condition.

You can declare your pre-existing conditions during the quote process to see if we can offer cover. If you’re unsure what needs to be declared or if you're unable to find your condition on the medical conditions list, please contact us on 0333 234 9913 .

Your pre-existing conditions won’t be covered unless you’ve:

• Declared them all on your policy
• Received written confirmation that we’ll cover your medical condition
• Paid any additional premium in full

Policy terms and conditions apply. Please note, if you’ve had a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 and been prescribed medication, received treatment, or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past two years, this needs to be declared on your policy.

If you don’t tell us about your pre-existing conditions or give us incorrect information, your policy may be invalid, and we may refuse all or part of any claim you submit.

For a quote with us, click the green button above.

The MoneyHelper directory

If you require cover for more serious medical conditions, MoneyHelper may be able to help you find specialist travel insurance through their medical directory.

If you wish to get in touch with them you can call them on 0800 138 7777 or find them online . (Monday to Friday 8:00-18:00, closed on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.)

Your questions answered

Can i travel anywhere in europe.

You won’t be covered if you travel to a country which the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised ‘against all travel’ or ‘against all but essential travel’. 

Can I buy travel insurance to Europe from the UK?

Yes - you must buy travel insurance while you're still in the UK; you can’t take out Admiral cover one you’ve gone through Customs. 

Will my travel insurance cover skiing or snowboarding in Europe?

If you’re planning a ski or snowboarding trip to any of Europe’s spectacular mountain resorts, you’ll need to add our Winter Sports upgrade onto your policy to be covered for the trip. Without it, your policy won’t be valid.

Is my European cruise covered by my travel insurance?

To be covered for a cruise trip, you must add our cruise cover upgrade . Without it your policy won't be valid.

What should I do if I have a medical emergency, or if I have to cut my trip short?

In case of a serious medical emergency during your trip, please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777 before going into hospital or incurring medical expenses over £500, so we can help you.

For non-medical emergency claims:

• For policies renewed before 5 May 2020, call our claims team on 01243 218 437. Our lines are open Monday to Friday 8:00-20:00 and Saturday 9:00-16:00
• For policies bought or renewed after 5 May 2020, call our claims team on 0333 234 9914. Our lines are open Monday to Friday only 9:00-17:00

Is Turkey in Europe?

While Turkey straddles eastern Europe and Asia, Admiral Travel Insurance classes Turkey as Europe, so our European cover on single-trip or annual cover is what you need.

Is Iceland in Europe?

When buying Admiral Travel Insurance, Iceland is classed as Europe. The island is located between north America and mainland Europe.  Interestingly, Reykjavik is both the northern-most and western-most capital city in Europe.  

Is Cyprus in Europe?

For travel insurance purposes, Cyprus is classed as in Europe by Admiral Travel Insurance. If you’re travelling to Cyprus, it’s important to be aware of the north/south divide in the country.

The north is run by Turkey and accepts the Turkish lira for currency. Whereas the south is mainly inhabited by Greek Cypriots and accepts the Euro.

Does the GHIC/EHIC cover Cyprus?

Neither the GHIC nor the EHIC are valid in the Republic of Cyprus (northern Cyprus) but they're accepted in the south. If you’re travelling to Cyprus it’s important to have insurance in place should you need medical attention.

Is Russia in Europe or Asia?

Russia, west of the Urals, is covered by Admiral’s European travel insurance. The Ural Mountains approximately run from north to south in western Russia and forms part of the conventional boundary between the European and Asian continents.

You’ll need a visa to travel to Russia and it’s best to apply in plenty of time. For more information visit the Russian Embassy’s website .

Am I covered if my flights are disrupted because of Brexit?

You’ll be covered if there’s any disruption to your flights (in line with current cover and exclusions) if you already have travel cover or have booked a trip on your annual policy.

If there’s an official warning from the Government or airlines that suggests flights are likely to be disrupted, customers buying new policies may not be covered.

I don’t want to travel because of Brexit – can I cancel my trip?

If you decide you don’t want to travel because of Brexit and end up cancelling your trip, you won’t be able to claim. Not wanting to travel isn’t a valid cancellation reason for claiming.

Will I need a visa to travel to the EU after Brexit?

In the future, it's possible UK citizens will need a travel permit as part of the European Travel Information and Authorisation Scheme (ETIAS). 

If you can’t go on your trip because you don’t have the correct visa or permit, you won’t be able to claim on your cover.

How long will I need on my passport after Brexit?

The Government recommends UK travellers have at least six months left on their passports from the date they arrive in an EU country when travelling after 29 March 2019. Check the validity of your passport online with this handy tool .

If you can’t go on your trip as you don’t have enough time left on your passport (or you didn’t renew it in time), you won’t be able to make a claim.

Can I still use my EHIC card after Brexit?

If your EHIC is still in date, you can use it when you travel. Otherwise you’ll need to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card ( GHIC ).

If you have a medical emergency while you're abroad, you're injured, fall ill, or have to cut your trip short please call our 24-hour Emergency Assistance Helpline on +44 (0)292 010 7777.

Getting the most out of your trip

Going anywhere nice.

Off to one of the destinations below? Take a look at our guides for some hints and tips on what you need to remember.

Travel insurance that suits you

Whether you're travelling solo, with your family, or with a little one on the way, read our guides to make sure our cover is right for you.

Family Travel Insurance

Student travel insurance, travelling while pregnant, travel insurance over 65, travelling with medical conditions, travel insurance upgrades.

Whether you want the adrenaline rush of a skiing holiday, or fancy taking to the seas on a cruise, you'll need to add extra cover to your policy.

Cruise Travel Insurance

Ski travel insurance, gadget travel insurance, adventurous sports insurance, single trip insurance, annual trip insurance.

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

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Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance for Europe.

Table of Contents

• Allianz Travel Insurance
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You almost certainly will want travel insurance for Europe, mostly because the high cost for international trips is worth protecting against travel delays and trip cancellations. Since your U.S. medical coverage will not apply overseas, you also need international health insurance that covers surprise medical expenses and medical evacuation.

If you're searching for the best Europe travel insurance that money can buy, consider the following plans and all they have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people need travel health insurance at a bare minimum when traveling to European destinations like France, Italy or Switzerland, as well as additional countries inside and outside of the Schengen area. After all, U.S. health insurance plans do not provide coverage for medical emergencies overseas, and the same is true for government health plans like Medicare. Check out our article on whether your health insurance covers international travel .

Other benefits built into Europe travel insurance plans can also protect the money that's been spent on airfare, hotel stays, Europe cruises and tours. For example, travelers can benefit from having coverage for trip cancellation, trip delays, lost or delayed baggage, and more.

Every travel insurance policy is unique, so you'll want to read over individual travel insurance plans to see what they protect against. That said, the bulk of travel insurance plans for trips to Europe provide the following coverages:

• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Travel delays
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Baggage delay coverage
• Medical expenses
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Rental car damage

Some travel insurance plans also offer additional or optional coverage for sports equipment or sports equipment delays, missed connections, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), adventure sports and more.

Some visitors to countries in the Schengen area are required to have a visa for short stays that can last for up to 90 days within a timeline of up to 180 days. However, this is not the case for American citizens, who can stay in Europe for up to 90 days at a time without meeting specific visa requirements.

The U.S. Department of State also notes that American citizens who want to stay in Europe for more than 90 days should reach out to the country they plan on visiting to inquire about their visa process.

If you live in a country that requires a Schengen visa, you are required to purchase Schengen visa insurance that pays for overseas medical expenses. This coverage must provide at least 30,000 euros in protection against medical expenses that result from hospitalization, emergency treatment and repatriation of remains in the case of accident or death.

• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best Overall
• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Cost
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• WorldTrips: Best for Groups

Optional cancel for any reason (CFAR) and preexisting medical conditions coverage available

Kids 17 and younger covered for free

Lower coverage amount for medical expenses than some providers

• $100,000 per traveler in coverage for trip cancellation
• $150,000 per traveler in coverage for trip interruptions
• $500 in coverage for eligible trip changes
• $50,000 in emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 for emergency medical transportation
• $1,000 toward baggage loss or damage
• $300 in coverage for baggage delays of 12 hours or more
• $800 in protection for travel delays (daily limit of $200 applies)
• $100 per insured person per day in SmartBenefits coverage for eligible delays
• 24-hour hotline assistance
• Concierge services

Optional CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

Kids 17 and younger are covered for free

Many coverages cost extra

• 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation (up to $50,000)
• 150% of trip cost for trip interruption (up to $75,000)
• $2,000 in coverage for trip delays of five hours or longer
• $750 in coverage for missed connections
• $50,000 in coverage for emergency medical expenses ($500 dental sublimit included)
• $500,000 in coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• $1,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects
• $200 for baggage delays of 12 hours or longer
• $200 for sporting equipment delays of 24 hours or longer
• $25,000 for accidental death and dismemberment coverage
• 24/7 travel assistance
• 100% of the insured trip cost for financial default of a travel provider (maximum of $50,000)
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage for preexisting medical conditions (maximum of $50,000)
• Cancel for work reasons coverage
• CFAR insurance
• Car rental coverage worth up to $35,000
• $50,000 in additional emergency medical coverage
• $500,000 in additional coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Adventure sports exclusions waiver
• $200,000 in coverage for flight accidental death and dismemberment

CFAR and preexisting medical conditions coverages available

High coverage limits for medical expenses and evacuation

CFAR coverage only reimburses at 60%

• $1,000,000 coverage limit for emergency medical evacuation and transportation
• $250,000 coverage limit for medical expenses ($500 limit for dental emergencies)
• 100% of trip cost for trip cancellation
• 175% of trip cost for trip interruption
• $1,000 per person for travel delays ($300 per person daily limit applies)
• $2,000 per person in coverage for baggage and $500 for baggage delays
• $2,000 per person in coverage for sporting equipment and $500 for sporting equipment delays
• $1,000 per person in coverage for missed connections
• Air flight accident AD&D coverage worth $100,000 per person and $200,000 per plan
• Travel accident AD&D coverage worth $50,000 per person and $100,000 per plan
• $25,000 in coverage for rental cars
• 24-hour travel support

Discounts for groups of five or more

Potential for high coverage limits for medical expenses

No coverage for trip cancellation

Available coverage limits vary by age

• $5,000 for local burial or cremation
• Up to $25,000 in AD&D coverage
• $100,000 in coverage for emergency reunions
• $10,000 in coverage for trip interruption
• $1,000 for lost checked luggage
• $100 in coverage for lost or stolen passports or visas
• $100 in coverage per day for travel delays of at least 12 hours (two days of coverage maximum)
• Up to $25,000 in personal liability coverage

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a travel writer who has created content about travel insurance, family travel, cruises, all-inclusive resorts and more for over a decade. She has visited more than 50 countries around the world and has an annual travel insurance plan of her own. Johnson also has experience navigating the claims process for travel insurance plans and has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson works with her husband, Greg, who is licensed to sell travel insurance and owns the travel agency Travel Blue Book .

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Travel Insurance

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• Unlimited medical emergency expenses¹
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Planning a romantic weekend or a family holiday in the sun? You don’t want to think about the worst happening while you’re away, but if you’re injured or have an accident while away,  European travel insurance can help. 

What is European travel insurance and do you need it?

European travel insurance covers your trip to Europe, as well as some other countries such as Morocco , Tunisia and Egypt if you pick an annual policy . 

Carrying a GHIC card in the EU gives you access to some medical treatment at the same price as local residents. However, it’s important to also buy travel insurance for your European trip. A GHIC card won’t cover all medical costs or repatriation to the UK. It doesn’t help with issues such as loss of your belongings or cancellation of your holiday. Plus, it won’t work in some European countries, such as Norway . 

The ABI found that a holidaymaker in the Canary Islands with a GHIC card still ended up with a medical bill of £67,000 . Costs included private treatment and medical repatriation back to the UK. Luckily they had travel insurance which covered these expensive medical costs.

Our policies are quick and easy to set up: 

• Get protection for the situations a GHIC card doesn’t cover: While it’s important to carry a GHIC card , it’s recommended that you have travel insurance too. This will cover you for medical repatriation, as well as cancellation and loss of personal belongings
• The right cover for your trip: InsureandGo Europe policies already cover over 100 sports and activities and we have a wide variety of add on options. Whether you’re planning a European cruise , golf holiday or some time on the slopes . 
• Cover your medical conditions : We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions  
• Save time and money with a multi-trip policy: If you’re going away more than once this year, it may be cheaper to buy an annual policy . Remember, our European annual policies even include some countries outside of Europe.  Morocco, Egypt, Madeira and the Azores are all included
• Get a quote in just a few clicks: Get your quote online today , just answer a few questions about your trip and who you want to cover. Once you’ve bought your policy, manage it easily online or give our team a call

Cover and excess levels will vary. Have a look at our policy wording to see the full terms and conditions for any policy you are interested in.

Guide to travel insurance for Europe

Guide to Travel Insurance for Europe

Why do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Europe-travel Insurance covers you for travel to a European country. This type of insurance covers you for medical emergencies while abroad, which is vital to prevent unexpected medical bills and unnecessary complications that could arise when you’re away. Emergency medical assistance in some areas of Europe can exceed £250,000.

What’s covered with Europe travel insurance?

• Emergency medical expenses cover.
• Cancellation cover.
• 24/7 Emergency medical helpline.
• Repatriation cover to bring you back home.
• Cover for your belongings and baggage.

But I already have the GHIC?

You should carry your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) when travelling in the EU. This will entitle you to free, or reduced cost medical treatment, but it’s important to still have travel insurance to cover costs that the cards don’t cover, as well as repatriation back to the UK.

What countries are included in European travel insurance?

InsureandGo’s European holiday insurance policies cover all European countries. You’ll be covered for all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, plus Madeira and The Azores

Is Turkey included in holiday insurance for Europe?

Yes, you can travel to Turkey with InsureandGo’s European policies!

Are Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia covered by Europe travel insurance?

We include these countries in our Europe travel insurance, so our customers don’t have to buy more expensive worldwide cover if visiting these countries.

How to get travel insurance for Europe

Getting a quote is as easy as 1, 2, 3

1. Start your quote for your European holiday.

2. Declare any medical conditions. Select and tailor your cover.

3. Buy your cover and relax. we’ll take care of the rest.

Go without the doubt. Get your European travel insurance at insureandgo.com or call FREE on 0800 072 6810.

What does InsureandGo’s European travel insurance cover?

What’s covered.

Our travel insurance for Europe includes:

• Emergency medical expenses cover
• Cover for cancellation of your trip
• Over 100 sports and activities covered (see your policy wording for a full list of activities)
• Personal belongings and baggage cover
• Personal money, passports and travel documents cover
• Legal expenses cover
• Delayed departure cover
• Personal accident cover
• Our 24-hour emergency assistance team , available to call, day or night
• Plus our annual European holiday insurance even includes some countries outside of Europe! You’ll be covered for countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Madeira , The Azores and more.

Find out about our optional add ons for activities like extreme sports , winter sports , cruises and golf . 

We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions, find out more about medical travel insurance . 

The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of Europe travel insurance you buy. Check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.

What’s not covered?

We aim to provide as much cover as we can on our policies. However, there are some situations no travel insurance will cover. For example:

• You cannot cover events or reasons to claim which took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
• Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
• All of our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go

To check the policy exclusions and what is and isn’t included, take a look at our policy wording .

The best travel insurance for your Europe trip

Looking for the best European travel insurance? From policies covering the whole family , to cruise cover and annual travel insurance , find the right policy for you:

• Cruise cover : Get covered while at sea and for problems such as cabin confinement and missed port departure
• Sports and activity cover : Our policies already include over 100 sports and activities at no extra cost. Add on optional cover for things like extreme sports , winter sports , cruises and golf
• Travel insurance Europe single trip policies : Whether you’re planning the perfect city break or a long leisurely holiday. Tell us where you’re planning on going and we will send you a quote 
• Annual trip travel insurance for Europe : If you’re hoping for more than one European break this year, you may save time and money with an annual policy . Plus, our European annual travel insurance includes some countries outside of the region. Including those bordering the Mediterranean sea.
• Family travel insurance for Europe : Get every member of the family covered, fast. One quote and one policy for your whole group 

Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs

Which destinations are covered by our european travel insurance.

Our cover for European trips includes all of Europe, plus even more! Our annual policies cover countries to the west of the Ural mountains and those surrounding the Mediterranean, such as Morocco , Tunisia and Egypt .

If you buy an annual multi-trip policy for Europe, you’ll be covered to travel as often as you want in:

How to book our travel insurance for Europe

We know you just want to get on with looking forward to your holiday, so we make European travel insurance simple:

1. Tell us about you and your trip

Let us know dates, where you’re going and who you want to cover, as well as information about any pre-existing medical conditions .

Do it today online or by calling our team:

2. Get your quote

We’ll give you your quote and you can either choose to buy a policy or save the details for later.

“Europe is the perfect destination, right on our doorstep but filled to the brim with possibilities for your next holiday! You can even cover some countries outside of the region on our annual European policies, including Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.” Lydia Crispin – Travel insurance expert

Our reviews speak for themselves

With over 60,000 5 star reviews, don’t just take our word for it…

“ We renewed our travel policy today, an annual multi-trip for Europe. Prianka was the lady who dealt with us and she was wonderful, calm, patient as we went through a list of medical conditions. She put my wife and I at our ease and we were very pleased with the resulting policy. “ Allan – Date of experience:  08 February 2024

Europe travel insurance with pre-existing medical condition cover

At InsureandGo, we’ll consider all medical conditions. Our online medical screening process is simple, and we’ll quickly be able to give you a quote. 

You must declare your pre-existing medical conditions when you buy European travel insurance. Otherwise, you won’t be covered if you have an emergency that’s related to your condition while you’re away. 

For more information, have a look at our page on travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions or read our policy documents .

Frequently asked questions on travel insurance for Europe

Do you need travel insurance for europe.

You’re not legally required to have travel insurance in Europe, but unexpected events can occur on your trip. Travel insurance means you’re covered for a range of issues, including:

• Medical and hospital expenses 
• Cancellation of your trip
• Any activities you plan to do  
• Personal belongings and baggage
• Personal money, passports and travel documents 
• Accommodation 
• Delayed departure 
• Personal accident

Do you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) and travel insurance?

It’s important to buy travel insurance as well as carrying your GHIC (also know as EHIC) card when travelling in Europe. Although the GHIC Card will give you some free or reduced healthcare in EU countries, it won’t cover all costs such as medical repatriation. It’s also worth noting that since Brexit, the card will not work in some European countries. Always check the FCDO advice before you travel.

Our Europe travel insurance also covers issues such as delayed departure and cancellation, which won’t be covered by a GHIC card.

How much is travel insurance for Europe?

European travel insurance tends to be cheaper than insurance for trips further afield. However, it will be impacted by where you’re going. For instance, Spain tends to have higher medical costs than the rest of Europe. Other factors that may affect price include: 

• The level of policy cover you go for
• Whether you want an annual or single trip policy
• Any policy add-ons you need 
• Any pre-existing medical conditions

Call our team on 0808 281 0594 or get a quick and easy quote online now .

Does travel insurance cover both the European Union and Schengen area?

Yes. Our European policies cover countries within the EU and the Schengen area . We also include some other countries under an annual European policy, such as Morocco , Tunisia and Egypt .

Is Turkey included in Europe holiday insurance?

Yes, you can travel to Turkey with InsureandGo’s European policies.

Why are Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia covered by Europe travel insurance?

As well as being near to Europe geographically, countries such as Egypt , Morocco and Tunisia are close to Europe in terms of claims costs. This means we can include these countries in our annual Europe travel insurance, so our customers don’t have to pay out for more expensive cover.

Do I need a visa to travel in Europe?

Currently, British passport holders are allowed to travel through the EU and Schengen zone * without visas for a maximum of 90 days.

Make sure you check out the latest travel advice for trips to Europe to ensure you have the correct cover for your trip.

*The countries which are part of the Schengen zone are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Can you help if I need medical treatment while in Europe?

Our 24-hour emergency assistance team is available with all of our policies. Ring us night or day if you become ill or are injured while abroad.

Please note: These 24-hour lines are for medical emergencies only.

Who can buy an InsureandGo European travel insurance policy?

All our Europe travel insurance policies are available to UK residents. This means:

• Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
• They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
• All trips must start and end in the UK

Get a quote online or browse our policy documents for more information.

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve got more questions about how our European travel insurance works, or more general travel insurance queries, have a read through our FAQs .

Travel advice

Our travel advice section offers handy tips and guides to specific countries, from what documents you need to what you might visit while you’re there.

Travel insurance reviews

If you want to know what our customers think of us, and why they rate us so highly, have a read through some of the reviews they’ve left us.

• Unlimited emergency medical expenses available on Black level policies.
• InsureandGo’s Gold achieved a Which? Best Buy.

United Kingdom Travel Insurance

What should your travel insurance cover for a trip to the united kingdom, how does travel insurance work in the uk, do i need travel insurance for the united kingdom, how much does travel insurance cost for the united kingdom, our suggested axa travel protection plan , traveling with pre-existing medical conditions , does the uk have any covid-19 restrictions for u.s. visitors, do you need car insurance to drive in the uk, are there any other requirements for traveling to the uk.

At a minimum, your travel insurance should cover trip cancellation, trip interruption and emergency medical expenses. When it comes to international travel, the US Department of State outlines key components that should be included in your travel insurance coverage.  AXA Travel Protection plans are designed with these minimum recommended coverages in mind. 

• Medical Coverage   – The top priority is making sure your health is in order. With AXA Travel Protection, you can have access to quality healthcare during your trip overseas in the event of unexpected medical emergencies.    
• Trip Cancellation & Interruptions  – Assistance against unexpected trip disruptions can dampen the mood, AXA Travel Protection offers coverage against unforeseen events.   
• Emergency Evacuations and Repatriation   – In situations where transportation is dire, AXA Travel Protection offers provisions for emergency evacuation and repatriation.   
• Coverage for Personal Belongings  – AXA offers coverage for your belongings with assistance against lost or delayed baggage.   
• Optional Cancel for Any Reason  – For added flexibility, AXA offers optional Cancel for Any Reason coverage, allowing you to cancel your trip for non-traditional reasons.  Exclusive to Platinum Plan holders. 

In just a few seconds, you can get a free quote and purchase the best travel insurance for the United Kingdom.

Picture this: You've planned a scenic road trip through the Scottish Highlands, a land of misty glens and ancient castles. You stumble upon the enchanting Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye. Imagine, a misstep on the slippery terrain, and suddenly you've got a sprained ankle, not the souvenir you had in mind. With AXA Travel Protection, you receive access to our 24/7 emergency hotline.  Speak to a licensed multilingual travel assistance agent, they can help assist and direct emergency transportation if necessary to your location. With an AXA Travel Protection plan, we are here to assist and support you whenever and wherever you may be. Here’s the entire list of benefits travelers can have access to with an AXA Travel Protection Plan:

Medical Benefits: 

• Emergency Medical Expenses: Should you fall ill or have an accident during your trip, your policy may offer coverage for medical expenses, including hospital stays and doctor's fees. 
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation: In case of a serious medical emergency, your policy may include provisions for evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation. 
• Non-Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation : In non-medical crises (e.g., political unrest), your policy may cover evacuation or repatriation, subject to policy terms. 

Baggage Benefits: 

• Luggage Delay: If the airline delays your checked baggage, your policy might offer reimbursement for essential items like clothing and toiletries. 
• Lost or Stolen Luggage: In the unfortunate event of permanent loss or theft of your luggage, your policy may offer reimbursement for its value, assisting you in replacing your belongings. 

Pre-Departure Travel Benefits: 

• Trip Cancellation: You may be eligible for reimbursement if you cancel your trip due to a sudden illness or injury. 
• COVID-19 Travel Insurance: Coverage is available for trip cancellation and medical expenses related to COVID-19, subject to policy terms and conditions. 
• Trip Delay: If your flight faces delays due to unforeseen circumstances, you may have coverage for additional expenses such as meals and accommodations. 

Post-Departure Travel Benefits

• Trip Interruption: In case of an unexpected event, you could be eligible for reimbursement for the unused portion of your trip.
• Missed Connection: If you miss a connecting flight due to delays or cancellations, this coverage may help with expenses like rebooking fees and accommodations.

Additional Optional Travel Benefits:  

• Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver): Exclusive to Gold & Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit gives travelers extra coverage on their rental car against damage and theft. 
• Cancel for Any Reason: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders; this optional benefit gives travelers more flexibility to cancel their trip for any reason outside of their standard policy. 
• Loss Skier Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate some costs associated with pre-paid ski tickets that you or your traveling companion cannot use due to specified slope closures. 
• Loss Golf Days: Exclusive to Platinum plan policy holders, this optional benefit offers reimbursement to mitigate the expenses linked to prepaid golf arrangements that you or your travel companion are unable to utilize due to specified golf closures. 

Americans aren't required to purchase domestic or international travel insurance to visit the United Kingdom. But it’s still highly recommended that you have a travel insurance plan before embarking on your next trip. 

Why? There are several reasons:

Medical Emergencies: Your health is a top priority. If you face a sudden illness or injury in New York, travel insurance offers the means to receive prompt and quality medical care.

Lost Baggage: Airlines sometimes mishandle baggage, and the last thing you want is to be without your essentials in an unfamiliar place. Travel insurance offers to cover the cost of replacing necessary items, allowing you to continue on.

Flight Delays: Travel disruptions like flight delays can happen. If you miss a connecting flight or incur additional expenses due to delays, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

In general, travel insurance to the United Kingdom costs about 3 – 10% of your total prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses. The cost of travel insurance depends on two factors for AXA Travel Protection plans: 

• Total Trip cost:  The total non-prepaid and non-refundable costs you have already paid for your upcoming trip. This includes prepaid excursions, plane tickets, cruise costs, etc. 
• Age:  Like any other insurance type, the correlation is rooted in increased health risks associated with older individuals. It's important to note that this doesn't make travel insurance unattainable for older individuals. 

With AXA Travel Protection, travelers to the United Kingdom will be offered three tiers of insurance:  Silver,   Gold  and  Platinum . Each provides varying levels of coverage to cater to individual's preferences and travel needs. 

AXA presents travelers with three travel plans – the  Silver Plan ,  Gold Plan , and  Platinum Plan , each offering different levels of coverage to suit individual needs. Given that United Kingdom hospitals often do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare, we genuinely recommend travelers consider purchasing any of these plans, particularly for the crucial coverage they offer for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses.  

The Platinum Plan  is your go-to choice if you're looking for extra coverage aligned with the United Kingdom experience. " Cancel for Any Reason " offers greater flexibility for those unexpected twists in your travel plans and the " Rental Car (Collision Damage Waiver) " offers assistance when you're out exploring the United Kingdom's stunning landscapes in a rental car. 

Additionally, part of the Platinum Plan is the " Lost Skier Days " benefit, offering potential reimbursement if ski resorts unexpectedly close due to ever-changing snow conditions. These perks make the Platinum Plan an excellent option for anyone seeking comprehensive protection during their exciting United Kingdom adventures. 

Traveling with pre-existing medical conditions can complicate your plans, but with AXA Travel Protection, we're here to support you during your trip.   Our Gold and Platinum  plans offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.  The Platinum plan, in particular, is our highest-offered choice for travelers who want our highest coverage limits and optional add-ons, 

What does this mean for you? If you've got a medical condition hanging around, you can qualify for coverage under our Gold and Platinum plan with a pre-existing medical condition , so long as it’s within 14 days of placing your initial trip deposit and in our 60-day look-back period. We're here to ensure you travel easily, no matter your health situation. 

American visitors can breathe a sigh of relief that the UK no longer has any COVID-19 restrictions for visitors coming from the United States. You do not need to fret over getting a COVID test or submit proof of vaccination upon arrival in the UK. 

It’s illegal to drive in the UK without vehicle insurance. This also applies to those driving on an international license, even if it’s only for a brief period. If you are renting a car, however, we strongly recommend you purchase rental car insurance. AXA Travel Protection can help you with that by offering Rental Car Insurance (Collision Damage Waiver.)  This coverage provides extra coverage for your rental car against damage and theft.

American citizens are considered non-visa nationals in the UK. Therefore, they neither require a visa (for short-term travel) nor need to fulfill any other conditions to visit and travel across the UK.

UK Travel Insurance FAQs

1. can you buy travel insurance after booking a flight.

It's advisable to purchase travel insurance for your trip as soon as you have made your initial trip deposit (prepaid and non-refundable trip costs.) 

AXA Travel Protection offers coverage as soon as you purchase your protection plan. We can give coverage against unforeseen events before you leave for your trip. Additionally, our policies offer coverage for preexisting medical conditions and Cancel for Any Reason if you purchase your protection within 14 days of making your initial trip deposit.

2. Do Americans need travel insurance for the UK?

UK law doesn’t require U.S. citizens visiting the UK for a short time (up to six months) to carry travel insurance. However, carrying international travel insurance for the United Kingdom for unforeseen events is a good idea.

3. What is needed to visit the United Kingdom from the USA?

U.S. citizens only need a passport and a ticket to travel to the UK. The passport must have at least one empty page and validity for the duration of your trip.

4. What happens if a tourist gets sick in the United Kingdom?

The UK has a National Health System (NHS) that provides medical care nationwide.  If a tourist gets sick in the UK, they can get medical care from an NHS center.  However, it’s important to note that while the NHS services are free for the locals, tourists are charged about 150 percent of the cost of their treatment.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that Destination articles are for editorial purposes only and are not intended to replace the advice of a qualified professional. Specifics of travel coverage for your destination will depend on the plan selected, the date of purchase, and the state of residency. Customers are advised to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy. Contact AXA Travel Insurance if you have any questions.  AXA Assistance USA, Inc.© 2023 All Rights Reserved.  

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too

Get AXA Travel Insurance and travel worry free!

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Speak with one of our licensed representatives or our 24/7 multilingual insurance advisors to find the coverage you need for your next trip.

The Best Travel Health Insurance Companies for Europe

If you’re traveling to Europe this summer, you will definitely want travel insurance to supplement your trip in case anything goes wrong. These are six of the best travel insurance companies for coverage in Europe.

Photo: Pexels.com

When you’re planning a trip to Europe, half of the fun is working out the details of your itinerary, creating a bucket list of attractions to visit, and mapping out the route you want to take.

It’s easy to forget about the finer details, like travel insurance.

That’s just human nature. Who wants to think about the bad stuff when there’s so much to look forward to?

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind while you’re exploring. It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a relaxing wine tour through Italy or a more adventurous jaunt through Switzerland – being insured means you’ll come home with only awesome memories and not outrageous medical bills.

But there are different types of travel insurance for Europe and the Schengen zone. Here’s how to pick the best one for your needs.

Why You Need Travel Insurance for Europe

So why do you even need travel insurance for Europe, anyway?

It all comes down to a very blunt truth: literally anything could happen while you’re on the road, and you need to protect yourself. It’s truly no different than having health insurance in your home country.

Travelers don’t like thinking about worst-case scenarios, but it’s the responsible thing to do. And a good travel insurance policy covers everything from the smallest stuff – like lost and stolen luggage – to all the big picture items, like natural disasters or broken bones. Yes, even death.

In countries where you’re not a resident, the cost of things like medical bills and emergency evacuation are drastically higher than in your home country (even compared to the US, where those bills are crazy high already). So while you might not like the idea of dishing out money for insurance, you definitely don’t want to return from your trip with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses.

Note: Depending on your home country, you might need to apply for a Schengen visa. Furthermore, countries outside the Europe Schengen zone may have different visa and travel insurance requirements than member states inside the Schengen zone, including the UK. When in doubt, talk to an agent!

BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR EUROPE 

If you take away just one important thing from this article, let it be this: Europe travel insurance is necessary. Just because these countries are developed and modern doesn’t mean you’re immune to accidents or illness on your travels.

Have a look at the different Europe travel insurance companies and their travel insurance plans.

1. Seven Corners: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Students

So you’ve got your visa application sent off and you’re planning on studying for a semester in Europe. Welcome to one of the best experiences of your life!

It’s likely that you’ll be required to have Europe travel insurance as part of your visa requirements to study abroad (and you may even need to present proof of insurance with your visa application and your visa letter). Regardless, travel health insurance is a must—and Seven Corners is the best.

Seven Corners has three different travel insurance plans specifically designed for international students. Each one is customizable so that you can even change the amount of medical coverage (up to $250,000) as well as the deductible. When you visit the student health center at your school, it’ll only cost you a $5 copay. Trip cancellation and interruption are also covered.

There are tons of options to add as well. For example, if you want to visit family back home while on your holidays, you can add coverage for when you return to the US (or wherever home may be). That means if you get into an accident while you’re at home, you’ll have health insurance coverage.

Get a quote

2. SafetyWing: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Expats & Long-Term Travelers

SafetyWing has incredibly unique travel insurance offerings for long-term travelers/expats.

SafetyWing is a rare gem of a travel insurance company because their plans allow you to have coverage for as long as you want. It works like a subscription, and your plan renews every four weeks automatically (until you cancel).

You’ll get coverage up to $100,000 for travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage in 180+ countries. Trip interruption and trip delay coverage is also included (up to $100/day), but trip cancellations are not.

There’s one downside: SafetyWing’s insurance policies will not cover your gear. For digital nomads traveling with laptops, cameras, and other items of high value, this may be a dealbreaker. The good news is that you can add supplemental insurance like InsureMyEquipment to make sure you’ve got complete coverage.

More information

3. World Nomads: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Adventure Travelers

World Nomads is an all-around awesome insurance provider, but especially if you’re an adventurous type. They cover over 300 sports and activities, and their Explorer Plan is catered specifically to those interested in higher-risk activities.

Snowboarding in Switzerland? Diving in the Mediterranean? Competing in an air guitar competition (seriously) in Finland? This is the policy for you.

World Nomads’ plans include up to $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, medical evacuation and repatriation, and coverage for stolen or lost luggage. Bonus: their policies have always provided coverage for pandemics/epidemics, so you’re well covered up to $100,000 in emergency medical for COVID-19 too.

The user experience and customer service with World Nomads is also top-notch. If you’re not completely sure if your activity is covered, definitely speak with an insurance agent about your case.

4. Tin Leg: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Seniors

If you’re a senior ready to leave behind the US and make your dream of Europe travels come true, Tin Leg is the travel health insurance company for you.

Travel insurance requirements can be stringent for seniors, especially if you have pre-existing conditions (or if you’re over a certain age). Tin Leg is unique in that it offers travel insurance for people up to age 90!

Tin Leg has a few different plans, including the Tin Leg Economy policy with basic trip cancellations and medical coverage up to $20,000. That’s a bit low compared to other plans, but the Tin Leg Luxury policy covers people up to $100,000 for emergency medical and $250,000 for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Pre-Existing Condition coverage is also included if your policy is purchased within 15 days of booking your Europe trip.

5. Travelex: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Families

Taking the whole fam on a country-hopping tour of Europe? Travel insurance coverage is a must for the whole gang.

One of the best things about Travelex is that they provide free coverage for all children age 17 and under, as long as they’re traveling with you under a single policy. It doesn’t matter if you have one kid or five…they’re all covered for travel health insurance!

Travelex is a heavy-duty insurer, and although they only have two main plans they also tons of add-on options. The Basic plan covers $15,000 in emergency medical expenses, $100,000 for emergency medical evacuation, and $500 for lost and damaged baggage.

But with their Travel Select plan, your coverage skyrockets: you’ll get $50,000 in emergency medical, $1,000 for lost or damaged luggage, and $500,000 in medical evacuation coverage. You’ll also get 150 percent of your insured trip cost reimbursed if your trip is interrupted.

6. AXA: Best Travel Insurance Policy for Multiple Trips

If you’re addicted to Europe travel, getting covered by Ama’s Multi-Trip Schengen visa travel insurance is a must.

Multi-Trip is an AXA Schengen visa insurance for frequent travelers who plan on making several trips to Europe over one year. That means if, for example, you’re traveling between the US and France all year on business, you don’t have to purchase travel insurance more than once.

AXA offers medical insurance for expenses up to €100,000 ($111,000) for both the Schengen zone as well as other countries outside of Schengen. If your Europe travel takes you to places like Monaco and Liechtenstein, the AXA Multi-Trip Schengen travel insurance is a great option for you.

But before you plan multiple trips all over Europe, make sure you’re aware of the Schengen visa requirements. Citizens of certain countries may need to apply for a visa depending on the country (if you’re a traveler from the US, you likely won’t have to). Visa refusal is never a fun experience, so make sure to include your AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate with your visa application.

If you’re unsure about anything, AXA has some great customer service. When in doubt, give them a call.

EUROPE TRAVEL INSURANCE FAQs 

Now that you’re aware of the different Europe travel insurance options and their different travel insurance policies, let’s make sure you’re clear on everything else travel insurance related.

Is travel insurance necessary in Europe? 

Yes, as soon as you leave the US (or your home country) to visit Europe and the Schengen area, travel insurance is necessary. Travel medical insurance is by far the most important asset for any traveler because those medical expenses will skyrocket if you get sick or injured abroad.

Plus your Schengen travel insurance should also cover things like trip cancellations and interruption. No matter what country you’re visiting, you need to be prepared.

Does travel insurance for Europe also cover the United Kingdom?

It’s important to understand that not all countries are part of the European Schengen area, including the United Kingdom. Your Schengen visa will not apply here, and your European travel insurance may not apply.

Some insurances, like World Nomads, will take into account that you’re traveling all over the European region and that you don’t just need Schengen travel insurance. When you’re requesting a quote online, you can select each destination you’ll be visiting.

You need to check with your travel insurance plan to make sure you’re covered for all your medical expenses and emergency evacuation (as well as anything else you want).

Talk to some travel insurance agents for greater clarity on your options. Europe travel awaits!

How much travel insurance do I need for Europe? 

The amount of travel insurance coverage you need for Europe/the Schengen area really depends on what you’re planning to do. In any case, your insurance plan should at least cover you for up to $100,000 in medical expenses and emergency evacuation.

You’ll also want to consider what kind of expenses you’ll incur if you’re not covered for things like trip interruption, cancellations, and lost/damaged luggage. You can’t often make corrections to your travel health insurance plan after you’ve begun traveling, so make sure you get it right!

Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?

Yes, US citizens absolutely need travel medical insurance for Europe, including the Schengen area.

If you’re a US citizen and you get sick or if you’re seriously hurt while in Europe or the Schengen area, you could face crazy high medical expenses. That could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt.

Europe travel insurance is a must for any traveler, and that means US citizens too.

What countries are included in Europe travel insurance?

Generally, Europe/Schengen travel insurance will cover all European countries. As mentioned above, insurers know that you’re likely to visit more than one country on your trip.

But do your homework. Some popular European countries aren’t part of the Schengen area, including the likes of Bulgaria, Croatia, and even the United Kingdom. When it comes to insurance coverage, make sure you read the fine print and make any corrections to your policy as needed.

Residents from certain countries other than the US may require a visa as well, and applicants will want to apply well in advance. Bottom line: your travel medical insurance (just like your Schengen visa requirements) may differ depending on where you’re going.

Does my health insurance cover me in Europe?

Depending on the health insurance coverage you have at home, you may have travel coverage for Europe travel too. Keep in mind this is still travel insurance though—you won’t be able to claim expenses for things like cosmetic surgery abroad.

But in general, residents of the US (and residents of other places, for that matter) shouldn’t assume they’re covered.

Pro-tip: review your policy in great detail before you leave, in case you need to make any corrections.

Do I need Schengen visa insurance for Europe?

Many citizens do not need a Schengen visa before traveling to Europe. You’ll need to figure out what the Schengen visa requirements are for your country first. If you’re a US citizen, for example, you do not need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Applying for a visa can be a daunting experience for some citizens, but the online process for applicants is pretty straightforward. Absolutely make sure you have proof of your Schengen visa travel insurance secured beforehand (like the AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate mentioned earlier), and include it with your visa letter and visa application.

Once you’ve received your Schengen visa, you’re good to go.

Now it’s time—are you ready to see Europe?

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Travel Insurance For European Vacations

Last Updated: May 10, 2024 May 10, 2024

Europe has always been a popular vacation hotspot for Americans. Even as prices continue to rise, Squaremouth data reveals that European destinations account for roughly 40% of international travel insurance sales. 

If you’re taking a European trip in the near future, you may be wondering if travel insurance is a worthy investment.

Do You Need Travel Insurance to Visit Europe?

Travel insurance is not a requirement for U.S. citizens visiting Europe. In most cases, you will be able to enter just fine with a valid passport. However, if you are planning to stay in certain countries for more than 90 days, you may be required to secure a visa prior to your trip.

Even though it’s not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended when heading abroad. Insuring your trip can protect you from unexpected expenses if your trip is disrupted by delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, and more.

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements

The Schengen Area is an alliance between 27 countries throughout Europe that allows border-free travel. Many of the most popular European destinations are part of this alliance, including Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.

If you are planning a trip to the Schengen Area that exceeds 90 days, you will be required to obtain a Schengen visa . Part of the application process involves getting travel medical insurance that last the duration of your trip that meets the following requirements:

• At least €30,000 in Emergency Medical coverage
• Medical Evacuation coverage
• Repatriation coverage in the event of serious injury or death
• Policy must last for the entire length of your stay

Since most single-trip plans won’t cover trips that exceed three months, an Annual policy , also known as a multi-trip plan, may be your best bet. This type of policy will cover you for a 12-month period regardless of how many trips you take.

Europe Travel Insurance Coverage Recommendations

Let us start off by explaining that no two trips are identical. The type of insurance you need for your upcoming trip will depend on a variety of factors, such as your destination, your trip costs, your itinerary, and the amount of time you’ll be away.

With that said, there are important travel insurance benefits that all travelers should consider when traveling overseas.

Cancellation Coverage

Let’s face it, traveling to Europe is getting increasingly expensive. The average trip cost of a European vacation has risen 30% from 2022 to 2024. If you need to cancel your trip or cut it short, you run the risk of losing out on all your prepaid, non-refundable expenses.

For peace of mind, many travelers opt for a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes cancellation and interruption coverage. The two main benefits to consider are:

• Trip Cancellation : Reimburses up to 100% of your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason.
• Trip Interruption : Reimburses your unused trip costs if you are forced to end your trip early and return home for a covered reason.
• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) : An optional add-on that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason not covered by Trip Cancellation and receive partial reimbursement.

Common covered reasons to cancel or interrupt a trip include an unforeseen illness, injury, or death in the family. Other covered reasons may include terrorism , natural disasters , and inclement weather.

Medical Coverage

The main reason why travelers purchase insurance is for medical coverage. Since most primary healthcare plans don’t offer coverage overseas, receiving medical treatment abroad can be a costly, and stressful, experience.

Luckily, the majority of travel insurance policies offer coverage for unexpected medical expenses you may encounter during your trip. If you’re traveling to Europe, you should consider plans that include the following overseas health insurance coverage:

• Emergency Medical (at least $50,000): Covers the cost of ambulance rides, x-rays, doctor visits, hospital stays, and other medical bills that stem from an unexpected medical emergency. Exclusions apply.
• Medical Evacuation (at least $100,000): Covers the cost of emergency evacuation to an adequate medical facility if deemed necessary by a treating physician.
• Pre-Existing Condition : Most travel insurance providers exclude pre-existing medical condition flare ups from coverage. Click here for a list of providers that extend medical benefits to cover pre-existing conditions.

Delay Coverage

According to the Department of Transportation , roughly a quarter of all flights in the U.S. are either delayed or canceled. These changes to your travel schedule not only take away from your vacation time, but can also take away from your budget.

Most travel insurance companies provide specific benefits that cover out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a significant delay:

• Travel Delay : Offers reimbursement for meals and accommodations if your flight is significantly delayed, typically 3-12 hours depending on the policy.
• Missed Connection : Reimburses the cost to rebook transportation if you miss a connecting flight as a result of a covered delay.

Luggage Protection

Millions of bags are mishandled by airlines every year. Even if your luggage makes it to your destination in time, keeping your belongings safe during your trip can also be a tough battle.

International travel insurance covers your personal belongings from the moment you leave your home to the moment you return. A couple key benefits to look for when comparing policies include:

• Baggage Delay : If your bags are delayed in transit, usually for at least 24 hours, your policy may reimburse you for toiletries, clothes, and other travel essentials up to a specified amount.
• Baggage & Personal Item Loss : If your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged at any point during your trip, your plan may reimburse you for the items up to a specified amount.

Adventure Sports Coverage

From hiking volcanoes in Iceland to alpine skiing in Norway, there are year-round outdoor adventures to enjoy throughout Europe. If you plan on participating in any thrill-seeking activities during your trip, it’s important you have the proper coverage.

Be on the lookout for Adventure & Sports Travel Insurance policies. These plans are specifically designed to extend relevant medical benefits to activities that are typically excluded from coverage, and also provide coverage for any sports equipment you choose to bring.

Cost of Travel Insurance by European Country

According to Squaremouth data, the average cost of travel insurance to Europe is approximately $359. 

When calculating insurance premiums, providers will consider a wide-range of factors, including your age, trip length, coverage limits, and trip costs. 

The following chart displays the average premium and trip cost for popular European destinations:  

Is European Travel Insurance Worth It?

Travel insurance is not for everyone. However, for many travelers, purchasing travel insurance is worth the cost alone simply for peace of mind. There’s no such thing as a stress-free trip, and having a policy can protect you financially in the event your European vacation takes a turn for the worse.

The best travel insurance plans aren’t always the most expensive. Some tips to lower the cost of your travel insurance premium include:

• Take Inventory of Existing Coverage: If you have a travel credit card, you may already have coverage against common travel disruptions.
• Compare Policies: Travel insurance providers calculate premiums differently. We suggest getting quotes from 2-3 insurance companies before making a decision.
• Travel Without Cancellation Coverage: You can choose to forgo cancellation and interruption coverage for a cheaper premium.

See more tips to lower the cost of your premium here .

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All medical conditions considered

Includes Medical Assistance Plus 

Kids go free on family policies (1) 

A choice of travel insurance to suit you

We have different types of cover for whatever you have planned. And we consider all medical conditions.

Offering cover for anything from a short UK break to a year of travelling around the world

• Covers you for a one-off trip up to 365 days (2)
• Perfect for short or long trips for anywhere in the UK or abroad 
• No age limit

Travelling more than once this year? An annual multi-trip policy could save you time and money

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
• 31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years

Looking for a gap year, career break or to travel the world? We could have the cover you're after

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions
• Available for those aged 18 – 60

Medical Assistance Plus: 24/7 holiday health support

Have peace of mind when you travel knowing that health professionals are just one click away.

Medical Assistance Plus (3), powered by Air Doctor, comes free with all our travel insurance policies. It gives you access to outpatient medical support while you’re abroad.

Through the service you can book an in-person or video consultation with a doctor. You can also get prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.

We’ll send you an SMS reminder about the service the day before you travel (for single-trip and backpacker cover) or the day before your policy begins (for annual multi-trip cover).

Living with a medical condition shouldn’t stop you seeing the world. And, with the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy peace of mind on your adventures – just in case something unfortunate happens.

At Post Office, we cover most pre-existing conditions. Contact us for a quote to see if we can cover you. It’s important to declare upfront all your medical conditions and any medication you're taking.

If we can’t help and yours is a serious pre-existing medical condition, check the Money and Pensions Scheme (MaPS) directory. It lists companies that may be able to help you. Or call 0800 138 7777.

Choose a travel insurance cover level

We can offer you a choice of economy, standard and premier cover levels.

Policy wording

Upgrade your cover with ease

Need cover for your policy that's not included as standard? Just pay a little more to add these upgrades – optional or mandatory depending on the trip type.

This optional extra helps protect you from the impact of airspace disruption, natural catastrophes, terrorist acts or Covid-19 (5)

If you’re happy with the cover offered, but worried about excess fees, you can opt for an excess waiver. For an additional premium, you can add it to any Post Office level of cover for zero excess fees (5)

Insure all your devices with our easy-to-add gadget cover. It’s perfect to protect all your smartphones, tablets, laptops and consoles (5)

Specialist cover is mandatory for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There’s greater risk of emergency costs. Make sure you’re protected on the pistes (5)

If you're going on a cruise, specialist cover is both important and mandatory. It covers missed departure due to breakdown, falling ill on board, being confined to your cabin, lost baggage and more (5)

Trip extensions are available up to 45 or 60 days, increasing from the standard 31 days (5)

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance may be able to protect you against a range of unexpected events. From losing valuables to medical emergencies, and anything else that could spoil your holiday. Take a look at our policy documents to make sure that you’re getting the cover that meets your needs.

Cancellation and cutting short your trip

• Emergency medical expenses
• Missed departure
• Delayed departure

Personal liability and legal costs

We'll repay you for any non-refundable, unused travel and accommodation costs if you have to cancel or cut short a trip due to reasons set out in the policy. This includes pre-booked activities and excursions, car hire, cattery and kennel fees, up to the limits shown

We may be able to help if you need emergency medical treatment, return to the UK (getting you back home) and more while you’re abroad 

Missed departure (6)

We’ll also cover any extra travel and accommodation costs you're charged if you arrive too late to travel on your booked transport. As long as they match the reasons set out in the policy

Delayed departure (6)

You’re covered if your first outbound or final inbound international departure is delayed by 4 or more hours. As long as it matches certain reasons set out in the policy wording

Items that are usually carried or worn during a trip are covered if they get lost, stolen or damaged 

You'll also get protection for any unexpected legal costs you might be charged while you're away 

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

An award-winning provider

Best travel insurance provider.

Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2023

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our travel insurance policies with premier level cover are Defaqto 5-star rated

Cover you can count on. We’ve paid out over £177 million in travel insurance claims since 2007

Common travel insurance questions, what does travel insurance cover.

Post Office Travel Insurance can cover you for a single trip of up to 365 days(2), or multiple trips in a single year. This applies to trips taken anywhere in the UK and abroad too. We also offer backpacker cover(7) for a single trip of up to 18 months.

The type and level of cover provided depends on the insurance policy type and options you choose. It can include cover for:

• Cancellation
• Cutting your trip short and abandonment of your trip
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage
• Lost, stolen or damaged passports
• Lost, stolen or damaged personal money
• Personal accidents and liability
• Legal protection

You can add additional cover to your policy. Options include:

• Gadget cover
• Excess waiver
• Trip disruption
• 45- or 60-day trip extensions (on  annual multi-trip  only)

Winter sports cover  is compulsory for winter sports trips and  cruise cover  is mandatory if you’re going on a cruise. It’s important to check the different travel insurances available, and their various options and add-ons you can buy. This way, you’re sure to be fully covered for your trip and all you’ll do on it.

Why is it important to have travel insurance?

Having travel insurance is a worthwhile purchase for anyone going abroad for their holidays. Even in relatively safe locations such as central Europe, a number of things can go wrong.

Flights can be delayed. Airlines can lose your luggage. Tourist areas may be prone to opportunist thieves who may target your belongings. And you could fall ill anywhere in the world, to the detriment of your holiday plans.

We hope that none of these events happen to you. But, if they do, you could be out of pocket. And with emergency medical problems it could be by tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Holiday insurance may be able to help avoid some of this risk. It’s a way to insure for travel you, those travelling with you and your belongings.

If your luggage is lost, holiday insurance may not be able to replace it, but the payout from a claim can help recover any costs that you have had to pay to get replacements.

In particular, the medical cover outside of the EU offered by insurance is a necessity.

Within the EU, you may think that an  European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) or its replacement, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic), can cover all your medical needs. This isn’t true. Some of the most expensive medical services, such as repatriation, aren’t covered by the Ehic or Ghic. They're limited to health cover and won’t help at all with things like cancellation, loss or theft. And the Ehic no longer provides access to healthcare for UK nationals travelling to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Even if you’re staying in the UK for your break , having holiday insurance will provide cover for lost, damaged or stolen possessions such as baggage, and cancellation, cutting your trip short or delay to your trip in some circumstances.

To qualify for cover on our annual multi-trip policies, UK trips must consist of:

• At least one night's pre-booked and paid-for accommodation, or
• A stay at least 100 miles from your home, or
• At least one sea crossing

Why choose Post Office?

You’re in safe hands with Post Office. We won Best Travel Insurance Provider at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We also won bronze for Best Travel Insurance Provider at the British Travel Awards 2023, voted for by the UK public.

Our premier cover is 5 Star Defaqto Rated. Defaqto is a financial information business, helping financial institutions and consumers make better informed decisions.

We have a range of cover options available to suit lots of different holidays, so you can choose the cover that suits you best. We’re there for our customers when they need us the most; since we launched travel insurance in 2007, we’ve paid out over £177 million in claims.

What cover is there for Covid-19 as standard?

Policies purchased from the 31 March 2022 onwards provide cover if:

• you test positive for Covid-19 within 14 days of your trip and are required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, the NHS or any UK government body 
• a medical practitioner certifies you as too ill to travel due to Covid-19 
• you, someone you’re travelling with, or someone you’re staying with is required to self-isolate by a medical practitioner, UK government body or health authority 
• you, an immediate relative (8) or someone you plan to travel or stay with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19 

If an insured trip has to be cut short, the unused portion of it can be claimed for if:

• you test positive for Covid-19 after you’ve left the UK and have to self-isolate
• you test positive on arrival in your destination and are not allowed to continue your trip
• you, an immediate relative (8) or someone you’re travelling or staying with dies or is hospitalised due to Covid-19

There’s also cover for medical and repatriation costs if you fall ill with Covid-19 while away. Call our emergency assistance line and we’ll help you seek treatment or, if needed, arrange to bring you back to the UK.

There’s no other coronavirus cover on our policies, but for extra reassurance you can add our  trip disruption cover upgrade option. This gives you added protection against missed departures and expenses incurred due to change of testing or quarantine requirements. Add it to your preferred policy for an extra premium.

For policies sold on or after the 31 March 2022

Should the FCDO advise against all travel to your destination, there's no cover under any section of the policy if you decide to travel. 

If the FCDO have advised to only undertake essential travel to a destination and your trip's not essential and you choose to travel, we'll only cover a claim if the cause is not linked to the reason for the FCDO advice. This limitation applies even if you've purchased an optional trip disruption cover upgrade. You may be able to travel with full cover if we authorise in writing that your trip's essential before you depart. Should you like to request this, please email  [email protected]

Please make sure you’re clear what’s covered and what’s not. Check the answers to common questions about coronavirus cover and the full policy wording for more details.

Does Post Office Travel Insurance cover medical expenses?

Yes, our travel insurance covers you for unexpected medical expenses. This includes emergency treatment and hospitalisation, plus repatriation if you need it. Cover's provided up to the limit specified in the policy wording for the specific cover level you choose.

Emergency medical assistance

If you need emergency medical assistance, you can call our dedicated team. They're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get you the help you need. Check the correct contact details for your policy on our travel insurance help and support page .

Non-emergency medical support

If it’s not an emergency but you still need to see a medical professional, you can use our Medical Assistance Plus (3) service. This outpatient service is included free with all new Post Office Travel Insurance policies.

Get easy access to medical experts such as doctors, dentists and gastroenterologists. The single online platform can be used wherever you are abroad.

Choose whether you’re seen at a clinic, in your hotel or via an online video consultation. All sessions are in your own language. They even have prescriptions delivered to your nearest pharmacy.

This takes away the stress of finding medical help, so you can kick back and enjoy your holiday to the full.

Do I need travel insurance for UK trips?

We provide cover whether you’re taking a break in the UK or going on holiday overseas. You’re covered if your luggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged while you’re staying away from home in Britain. And if you have to cancel or cut short your trip in some circumstances, we can cover that too. As long as it matches the reasons set out in your policy.

Our annual multi-trip travel insurance can cover you for UK trips too. The minimum requirements are one night’s pre-booked and paid accommodation. Or your stay must be at least 100 miles from your home. Or you must have at least one sea crossing.

Where can I go on holiday in the UK or overseas?

The UK Government provides guidance on travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for the latest travel information. It lists if it's safe to visit your chosen country. This information can change at short notice. So it's a good idea to check the FCDO page regularly.

Remember, your cover won’t be valid if you travel against the FDCO advice of all travel, and local government advice. Check the latest on the FCDO site or read our  where can I go on holiday guide .

Does travel insurance include gadget cover?

Our standard travel insurance policies will only provide limited cover for electronic items such as mobile/smart phones, camcorders and their accessories, all photographic/ digital/ optical/ audio/ video media and equipment, iPods, MP3/4 players or similar and/or accessories, E-book readers, and satellite navigation systems up to the single article limit. The single article limit depends on the cover you’ve taken out. For economy it’s £150, for standard it’s £250, and for premier it’s £400.

Gadget cover  is an optional add on you can buy at any time to add protection for your devices. Check the  policy wording for full terms.

Do you offer a student discount?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Student Beans to offer a discount to students. To claim it, you’ll need to either  register for a Student Beans account (to verify your student status) or  log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

Do you offer a discount for graduates?

Yes, we do. We’ve partnered with Grad Beans to offer a discount to graduates. To claim it, you’ll need to either register for a Grad Beans account (to verify your graduate status) or log in with your existing account . You’ll be given a unique code, which you’ll need to enter in the promotion code box that appears when getting your travel insurance quote. The discount will be taken off your quote total.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

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(1) Kids (under 18s) can be covered at no extra cost on our single-trip and annual multi-trip policies provided they have no medical conditions.

(2) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to: 365 days for those aged up to and including 70 years 90 days for those aged between 71 and 75 31 days for those aged 76 years and above.

(3) Medical Assistance Plus is not available for trips taken in the UK, only for international travel. The service allows up to 3 separate medical events per person, per policy and for each medical event up to 3 appointments per person listed on the policy. All appointment charges are covered by your travel insurance policy. You will not need to pay any excess fees for this service.

For any online appointments or where the appointment was held at your accommodation, where a prescription is issued, you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home. No excess will be applied for any prescription charges. If your appointment takes place at a clinic and they have a dispensing chemist, you will not need to pay for your prescription and all charges will be covered by your policy at the point of appointment. If there is no dispensing chemist at the clinic, you will either be given a prescription, or the prescription will be sent to a chemist by the treating doctor, and you will need to pay for any medication and claim upon your return home.

If your medical situation needs to be handed over from an outpatient case to an inpatient case and requires hospital admission, you will be handed over to our emergency medical assistance team in the UK. For any inpatient cases, no excess will be applicable.

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To ensure your complete security, we only work with insurers who have a global presence and the expertise to provide our policyholders with the highest levels of protection and service. All of our travel insurance policies are underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. UK Branch, which is part of the AXA Group, with worldwide medical and emergency services provided by AXA Travel Insurance Ltd, who have offices located around the world to ensure you can get the help you need, wherever you may be.

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Planning a stopover? If you’re in a country for less than 72 hours, you do not need to list it as a destination.

Don’t currently know all the countries you’ll be visiting? You can select a region to obtain cover for all countries within that region, or you can select “Anywhere in the world”. Important: If selecting “Anywhere in the world”, your policy will not provide cover for claims arising in countries that are subject to sanctions. Your safety is paramount, so please read and familiarise yourself with the “ Standing Travel Alert for High Risk and Sanctioned Countries ” when undertaking worldwide travel – and before making any side trips to neighbouring countries – to ensure you have adequate cover.

Going on a cruise? If your cruise is in inland Australia (e.g. on the Murray River) or in Australian coastal water (e.g. the Kimberley), enter or select “Australia”. If your cruise embarks and disembarks from Australia ports only without any stopover at a port outside of Australia (e.g. a “Sampler Cruise” or cruise from Sydney to Brisbane), enter or select “Domestic Cruise”. If your cruise is overseas (e.g. a European river cruise, a Caribbean cruise, or a cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong), enter or select the country or region you will spend the most time in during your trip.

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Travel Insurance for Europe and the UK

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Find our best travel insurance for your trip to Europe or the UK

Aussies have a hard time staying away from Europe and the United Kingdom – and it’s easy to understand why: Europe is jam-packed with beautiful old towns and delicious food, while the UK has stunning countryside and character-filled pubs.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if you’re visiting the UK or Europe on a honeymoon, family holiday, backpacking trip or for a cruise, things can go wrong when you least expect it. From lost luggage and missed flights to terrorist attacks and stolen smartphones, it helps to have travel insurance that’s by your side when you need it most.

At Cover-More, we can help support you should the unexpected occur. With over 30 years’ experience protecting Aussies travelling abroad and a 24/7 Emergency Assistance team, our travel insurance can help you feel safer when you travel overseas.

Want to learn more about our travel insurance cover for Europe and the UK? Keep reading.

Ready to get a quote? You can get one online right now.

Skip ahead to read:

Do i need travel insurance for europe and the uk.

• Does Cover-More offer for travel insurance in Europe and the UK?
• What benefits do Cover-More’s international travel insurance plans include?
• Should I buy a Cover-More Annual Multi-Trip Policy for Europe and the UK?
• Does Cover-More travel insurance cover European cruise holidays?
• Does Cover-More travel insurance cover snow sports?
• Does Cover-More travel insurance cover riding a motorcycle or moped?

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover terrorism?

Who do i call in an emergency in europe and the uk.

• Travel tips for Europe and the UK

Whether you’re backpacking between cities, exploring quaint villages, soaking up history or soaking up the sun on glorious Mediterranean beaches, it’s important to consider safeguarding your trip to Europe and the UK from Australia with travel insurance.

Sadly, incidents can – and do – occur while you’re travelling, and the right travel insurance policy for your trip can help protect you financially when the worst does occur.

If your UK and European holiday is protected by travel insurance, you’ll likely have cover for several important benefits, including lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, missed flights, travel delays, emergency overseas medical expenses, rental vehicle insurance excess cover, and much more.

This means you’ll have financial help and assistance support should you slip on rocks at the beach in St Tropez and break your wrist, miss your train from London to Edinburgh for reasons outside your control, or damage your rental car in Paris.

Does Cover-More offer travel insurance for Europe and the UK?

We know that every traveller – and every holiday – to Europe and the UK is different, so we offer three different international travel insurance plans to suit various trip styles and budgets.

Once you’ve chosen the best travel insurance plan for your Europe and UK trip, you can also choose to customise your policy by varying your cover to include activities not already included in your policy for an extra premium.

Our travel insurance plans for the UK and Europe:

International  Basic

International  Comprehensive

International  Comprehensive+

Cover to help you tailor your travel insurance policy to suit your holiday:

• Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover
• Snow Sports Cover
• Adventure Activities Cover

For more information on international travel insurance plans for Europe and the UK, visit our compare plans page or get a quote online now.

What benefits do Cover-More travel insurance plans include?

Our international travel insurance plans provide many useful benefits for you to consider for protecting your trip to Europe and the UK. Our benefits and coverage levels vary across our three plans – all you need to do is find the best level of travel insurance cover for your trip.

Compare our travel insurance plans and benefit levels for trips to Europe and the UK:

*Sub-limits apply. Please refer to the PDS for full policy conditions.   ~Cover will not exceed 12 months from onset of the illness, condition, or injury.   ^ Cover chosen applies per policy.   ^^Conditions apply if you are aware of the pregnancy at the relevant time. For a single trip policy, relevant time means the time of issue of the policy and for an annual multi-trip policy it means the first time at which any part of the relevant trip is paid for or the time at which the policy is issued, whichever occurs last.   †Liability collectively for Loss of Income, Disability and Accidental Death is $45,000 on the Comprehensive+ Plan and $30,000 on the Comprehensive Plan.  •Item limit applies for any one item, set or pair of items including attached and unattached accessories. You may increase these items limits if You wish. See PDS for full details.

For full details of terms and conditions, limits, sub-limits, and exclusions that apply, please read the PDS before purchasing our travel insurance for your trip to the UK or Europe.

Ready to get a quote? You can generate a quote online now.

Should I buy an Annual Multi-Trip policy for Europe and the UK?

Are you a frequent traveller? If you regularly travel to the UK from Australia – or to other parts of Europe and around the world – you may wish to consider purchasing one of our  Annual Multi-Trip (AMT) Plans .

Available on both our Comprehensive and Comprehensive+ Plans , an AMT policy can be an ideal choice for travellers who have multiple holidays planned over a 12-month period and want all their trips (up to a selected duration) to be covered under one policy. For more information – including and limits on trip lengths – visit our Annual Multi-Trip page  and Annual Multi-Trip FAQs page before your trip to the UK and Europe.

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover European cruises?

Are you planning on seeing some of Europe’s most scenic cities from aboard a cruise? We don’t blame you – European cruise holidays are a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations across the continent with greater ease.

Plus, with so many wonderful options to choose from – such as cruising the Greek Islands in the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords, or the British Isles – there’s a European cruise holiday for everyone.

At Cover-More, it doesn’t matter if you’ve opted to choose our Basic, Comprehensive, or Comprehensive+ travel insurance for your European trip, if you advise us during the purchase process that you are travelling on a cruise of two or more nights, Cruise Cover will be included on your policy for an extra premium.

So, whether you’re taking a short cruise during your European adventure or wish to cruise throughout your entire trip, you’ll need to declare you’re travelling on a cruise for cover to be applied to your policy.

For more information on what cover is provided – including unexpected onboard medical costs and cabin confinement – visit our Cruise Cover  and Cruise Cover FAQs page, plus read the PDS .

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover snow sports in Europe?

Winter is a magical time for Australians to visit the UK and Europe. From snow-dusted villages and vibrant Christmas markets to outstanding ski resorts with lively après ski scenes, a European winter holiday is often like a fairy tale for Aussie travellers.

If you plan on hitting the slopes during your time in Europe, you can add our Snow Sports Cover option to your travel insurance policy for an additional premium.

Our Snow Sports Cover can provide cover for any accidents or injuries that are sustained when skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, or snowmobiling, possibly helping you avoid any unexpected medical bills and get you the help you need, fast.

For more information, visit our Snow Sports Cover and Snow Sports Cover FAQs page. We recommend you read the PDS before purchasing our travel insurance for European snow trips to ensure it’s the best fit for you.

Does Cover-More travel insurance cover riding a moped or motorcycle?

If you’re planning on zipping through the bustling streets of Rome on a moped or exploring the Greek Islands on a motorcycle, you may want to consider adding our Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover to your travel insurance policy for an extra premium. Cover for riding mopeds or motorbikes is not automatically includes in our plans.

At Cover-More, we offer two levels of cover for riding motorcycles or moped during your European or British holiday:

• Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover : for engine capacity 250cc or less
• Motorcycle/Moped Riding+ Cover : engine capacity unlimited (conditions apply)

For in-depth information on each level to help you understand if our cover is suitable for your trip to Europe and the UK, visit our  Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover  page.

Planning on only being a passenger on a moped or motorcycle? You’ll still need to include this option in your policy for cover to apply.

We recommend you read the PDS before purchasing our travel insurance cover for your European trip, as several terms, conditions and exclusions apply to our Motorcycle/Moped Riding Cover.

Want to generate a quote? Get a quote online  to see how affordable protection for Europe and the United Kingdom can be.

Sadly, even though Europe and Britain are beautiful places to visit, terrorist attacks can – and do – occur in this part of the world. 

If you plan to travel to the UK or Europe from Australia, our international travel insurance plans can help provide support related to acts of terrorism. All three plans provide cover for emergency overseas medical expenses and additional expenses if you are a victim of a terrorist attack, plus access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team.

If you are travelling on either of our Comprehensive or Comprehensive+ Plans and have included cancellation cover in your policy, we can also provide financial support if your UK or European holiday needs to be cancelled because of an act of terrorism.

To understand if any terrorism-related or general travel alerts may affect your trip or your travel insurance policy, we recommend you check our Travel Alerts section prior to and during travel to the UK and Europe.

If you require immediate medical attention or have been a victim of crime, please contact the relevant local emergency services:

• In Europe, the emergency services number is 112
• In United Kingdom, the emergency services number is 999

If you need our support, you can contact our  Emergency Assistance team 24/7  on +612 8907 5619. If you’re in the UK, you can also use this local number: 0800 892 014.

Our expert  Emergency Assistance team can help you in several ways, including if you need hospitalisation like our Cover-More customer Steve.

Steve needed our team’s help when he slipped on black ice while in London, which caused irreparable damage to his hip. He required a full hip replacement in the UK, and then business class flights home once he was “fit to fly”.

His travel insurance claim totalled over $20,000, but thankfully we were there to take care of the bill so Steve could focus on recovering.

“Cover-More was so helpful from the time of Steve’s accident right through to when we arrived home. They were just so calm and in control throughout the whole process, which was a huge comfort to us.” – Kathryn, wife of our customer Steve.

To protect your European and UK trip, get a travel insurance quote online now.

Looking for Europe and UK travel tips?

There is so much to see and do in Europe and the United Kingdom – it can be hard figuring out where to start.

To make it easier for Australians travelling to the UK and Europe, we’ve put together a helpful travel guide for your upcoming trip.  Read our travel tips here.

Want us to protect your European holiday?

Find our best travel insurance cover for Europe and the UK trips today.

Material on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects may not apply to you as an individual and is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical care or advice. The words and other content provided on this website, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, they should consult with an appropriately licensed physician or other health care worker. Nothing contained on the website is intended to establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and opinions expressed on this website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other institution with which the authors are affiliated. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Cover-More Insurance Services Pty Ltd.  Never disregard medical advice or delay seeking medical care because of something you have read on or accessed through this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.

Europe’s ‘best budget city break’ destination has £8 meals and £3.20 beer

The city of Warsaw, Poland, is known for its stunning historic architecture, but it's also a surprisingly affordable city break destination in Europe for holidaymakers

• 10:26, 15 May 2024
• Updated 11:04, 15 May 2024

Poland's capital has been named the best European city for a budget break.

On the banks of the Vistula River is Poland's biggest city, Warsaw, a destination steeped in history and one that is fantastic for a bargain weekend away.

Dubbed the Phoenix City, it's a metropolis known for having risen from the ashes of WW2 . Visitors can expect beautiful, old architecture at every turn, but with plenty of modern additions that are now a part of the city's cultural tapestry. According to experts from travel insurance firm Quotezone, it's also the best budget-friendly city break destination in Europe.

Experts looked at the twelve most visited capital cities across Europe including Paris, Berlin, Madrid and Rome, and analysed the cost of tourist tax, hotels, dining and drinking and public transport. Warsaw came out on top, with the researchers highlighting that there is no tourist tax in place for visitors, reports the Express .

The city was also found to have the cheapest hotel prices starting at €45.60 (approximately £39.20) per night, and one-day public transport tickets costing just €1.02 (approximately £0.88).

When it comes to food and drink, a meal in Warsaw can be enjoyed for just €9.30 (around £8) and a beer to accompany your dinner will set you back only €3.72 (roughly £3.20). Compared to London, where the average pint costs a hefty £5.90, Warsaw's brews are certainly more wallet-friendly.

The city is also a mere 14.36 km from the airport, and with such budget-friendly public transport, travelling to and from the city centre won't break the bank.

Warsaw is a city where historical architecture and modern living coexist seamlessly, with its skyline a mix of Gothic churches, medieval structures, Soviet-era flats, modern skyscrapers and picturesque parks. The Vistula River, which bisects the city, also divides the old city from some of Warsaw's newer developments.

On the left bank, you'll discover the historic heart of Warsaw, a must-see destination that was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1980. Buildings in the Old Town Square have been reconstructed to mirror their original 15th and 16th Century designs. Azienki Park, one of Warsaw's main attractions, boasts expansive green gardens and houses the Royal Lazienki Museum.

Across the river, you'll find the Palace of Culture and Science, a striking high-rise building that accommodates theatres, cinemas, libraries and university faculties.

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Six Travel Mistakes to Avoid

No travel medical insurance? Unnecessary luggage and hotel fees? Here are the biggest travel mistakes people make and how you can avoid them.

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Even the most seasoned tourists can make travel mistakes when planning a vacation. Some blunders can be minor infractions, but others can cost travelers a lot of money and heartache. 

But there are steps you can take to avoid travel mistakes. Here are six slip ups that travelers may make this year, plus tips on how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking travel medical insurance

Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and founder of the nonprofit Elliott Advocacy , says many people don’t consider purchasing travel medical insurance . “People often think nothing bad will happen before or on their vacation, but then they get injured overseas and need to go to the hospital, and the next thing they’re looking at is a $10,000 hospital bill.” Indeed, nearly one in four Americans report they’ve experienced a medical issue while traveling abroad, according to a 2023 survey sponsored by GeoBlue, an international health insurance company. 

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Unfortunately, most U.S. healthcare plans — including employer group plans, Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans — offer limited or no medical coverage outside the U.S. 

How to avoid: One solution is to purchase a travel medical insurance policy, a type of insurance that provides coverage for a range of medical emergencies while traveling abroad, from minor injuries to major events like heart attacks and strokes, to medical evacuation and emergency transport in the case of severe emergencies. 

The average travel medical insurance plan costs $89, according to Squaremouth , a travel insurance comparison website. Squaremouth advises international travelers to obtain a policy that provides a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage and at least $100,000 in medical evacuation coverage. 

Note: Some travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage and medical evacuation coverage up to certain limits.

2. Getting hit with unnecessary luggage fees

You may have heard that a number of airlines — including American Airlines , Delta , and JetBlue Airways — recently raised their prices for checked bags. But one thing a lot of travelers aren’t aware of, Elliott says, is that some are now charging customers more if they check a bag at the airport versus paying to check a bag in advance. For instance, JetBlue customers flying within the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada can save up to $20 on their first two checked bags ($10 savings per bag) when they add them to their flight reservation at least 24 hours before departure.

How to avoid: Make sure to pay ahead of time for any bags that you plan to check.

3. Incurring hidden hotel fees

Wi-Fi fees, early check-in fees, gym fees—hotels today charge guests no shortage of extra fees and surcharges . It’s a widespread problem: In an April 2023 survey by Consumer Reports , nearly four out of 10 (37%) U.S. adults said they had experienced a hidden or unexpected hotel fee in the previous two years.

How to avoid: Many hotels offer to reduce or, in some cases, waive certain fees to guests who join their loyalty program, which is free in most cases. Also, sometimes simply asking an employee at check-in to waive certain fees could do the trick.

4. Not utilizing a key search feature on Airbnb

Like hotels, Airbnb rental property owners often tack on extra fees, such as cleaning fees, fees for additional guests beyond a certain number, and service fees. These additional costs can add hundreds of dollars to your bill.

How to avoid: Elliott praised Airbnb for introducing a feature in December 2022 that allows guests to view a stay’s total costs, before taxes, when searching for rental properties. But he says there’s a caveat: “If you’re in the U.S., you need to change a setting in order to see the full rate when you search for rentals.”

To enable the feature, click the slider on the upper right of the search page that says, “Display total before taxes.”

5. Paying full price for a rental car

First, the good news: “The rental vehicle shortage has improved,” Elliott says. That’s resulted in a stabilization of rates, with rental car prices recently averaging $42 a day, up only 3% from last year, according to a report from the travel search company Hopper. The bad news? Renting a car is still more expensive than it was before the pandemic, especially for travelers who pay full freight.

How to avoid: There are several ways you can avoid paying full price. Big-box stores such as Costco , BJ’s and Sam’s Club provide their members discounts on certain rental cars. AARP and AAA also offer their members discounted rates. ( AARP members save up to 30% on base rates at Avis and Budget Rent A Car; AAA members save up to 20% on Hertz rentals). In addition, a number of credit card companies offer certain cardholders rental car discounts when they book a vehicle from specific rental car companies.

You may also be able to nab a lower rate by prepaying when you book a reservation. And, some rental car companies offer limited-mileage plans at a lower cost, which could be a good option if you’re planning to take just a short trip.

Tip: See if your credit card offers rental car insurance before you pay for insurance from a rental car company.

6. Encountering sky-high hotel rates because of Taylor Swift’s European tour

When Taylor Swift performs a concert, sometimes tens of thousands of out-of-town fans descend on the city, causing hotel prices to spike. Consider: the median rate for a standard hotel room during an Eras Tour date in Europe this year is projected to jump by 44%, with average hotel room prices in Warsaw surging a staggering 154% during her tour date there, according to a recent study by Lighthouse , a travel and hospitality research company.

How to avoid: The simplest approach for Europe-bound travelers in 2024, Elliott says, is to avoid traveling to a destination during a Taylor Swift tour date in that city. “When Taylor Swift comes to town all of the hotels sell out, and it becomes very difficult to find a reasonably priced hotel,” he says.

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Daniel Bortz is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Va. His work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, Consumer Reports, Newsweek, and Money magazine, among others.  

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Lead channel, bunq to to bundle travel insurance into premium plans in tandem with qover.

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Easyjet passenger furious after travel insurance says 'no' to valid claim

A n Easyjet passenger has been left fuming after their travel insurance said "no" to a valid claim. The passenger says her daughter was taken ill with an unforeseen infection after our booking and couldn’t make the trip to Europe.

"I booked a half-term holiday trip for my family to Portugal. I bought the flight with easyJet and, at the same time, bought the airline’s travel insurance provided by Collinson," they wrote in a letter to the Guardian newspaper consumer affairs section.

"A week before we were due to fly, while visiting family in the Netherlands, my four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia and given oral antibiotics. These were not effective and she was rushed to hospital."

READ MORE UK set for three day heatwave next week and it'll be 'hotter than California'

They went on: "The next day I received a short, generic email saying my claim had been denied. The reason stated is: “I can see from the details provided that the person giving rise to your claim was not considered stable at the time of booking your trip … we cannot consider these circumstances as unforeseen.”

"This was ludicrous. A pneumonia infection cannot be foreseen." A reader replied: "Ticked the wrong box on the phone call?" A second wrote: "Not quite the same point, but I took SNCF's own Trip Insurance for a Eurostar from Paris to London and back (we live in France); it's administered by Allianz.

"We had to cancel because of an illness (short....) - Allianz refuse to accept the cancellation and exchange documentation provided to us by SNCF. Yep - SNCF's documentation is seemingly inadequate for their own insurance policy......."

Another raged: "Only time we tried to claim on travel insurance the company kept asking for original documents serially (and returned none of them), with considerable delay between each request. And then told us that the claim was too late. Didn't use that company again for any form of insurance."

Money blog: 10 wealthiest cities in the world revealed; bank launches £175 switch offer

Taylor Swift is coming to the UK - and bringing her massive economic influence with her. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Wednesday 15 May 2024 17:39, UK

• Burberry suffers massive profits fall as figures 'leave a lot to be desired'
• Santander launches £175 switching offer
• Vinted forced to apologise to sellers for payment issues
• Taylor Swift to bring nearly £1bn boost to economy
• UK economy in safe hands 'whoever wins' election, top bank chief tells Sky News

Essential reads

• The 'fast food' trend hitting Michelin starred restaurants
• Basically...  What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• Cheap Eats:  Michelin-star chef reveals his top steals in London - including an unbeatable sub sandwich
• Money Problem: My workplace wants to pay us by the minute - what can I do?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Feel like you've been on hold to the taxman for hours? You're not alone.

Customers spent around seven million hours collectively waiting to speak to HMRC in 2022/23, the spending watchdog has revealed.

That's more than double the time spent waiting in 2019/20, which was around 3.2 million hours.

It's the equivalent of 798 years.

Once answered, calls more than doubled to over 23 minutes in 20022/23, up from just over 11 minutes.

Advisers also answered 22% fewer calls.

HMRC's strategy is to encourage customers to turn to its digital services first - but it is not clear how far and fast digital services will reduce demand for telephone and correspondence services, the National Audit Office said.

And the move to digital services has not eased pressure on traditional services as much as HMRC expected.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "HMRC's telephone and correspondence services have been below its target service levels for too long.

"While many of its digital services work well, they have not made enough of a difference to customers, some of whom have been caught in a declining spiral of service pressures and cuts. HMRC has also not achieved planned efficiencies.

"HMRC must allow more time for these services to bed in and understand the difference they make before adjusting staffing levels."

New York has topped the list when it comes to the world's wealthiest cities, with 349,500 millionaires and 60 billionaires. 

In its latest report,  Henley & Partners  found the Big Apple's millionaire population has surged by 48% in the past decade.

And San Francisco came in second place, with 305,700 millionaires and 68 billionaires.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has seen its millionaire population declining by 5% to 298,300 people.

Joe Biden has confirmed he is going to raise the special tariff on electric vehicles coming from China. 

The standard US tariff (the amount you have to pay to get goods into a given country) on cars used to stand at 2.5% but then Donald Trump levied an extra 25% tariff on China in 2018. 

Now, Mr Biden has gone further and is quadrupling the tariff to 102.5%.

Why is the US doing this?

Our economics and date editor Ed Conway  describes the latest move as "one of the biggest issues in economics right now".

He says the move "is partly because the US is worried about competition from China".

China in the past few years has become dominant when it comes to electric cars and their manufacture of the components that go into the vehicles.

But they are not dominant when it comes to electric car imports into the US.

"The US is trying to increase its share but it is going to be difficult," Conway says

"It's only the beginning of a very big saga here and the next question is what about the EU and UK?"

Will it have an impact?

Conway says the new electric vehicle rate "won't affect many goods at all" because the "vast majority of Chinese electric vehicles are going not to America but to Europe and elsewhere", including the UK.

"We're buying loads," he says.

You can watch Conway's analysis here...

Santander has become the latest bank to offer a £175 switching offer on their current accounts, joining First Direct, which relaunched its incentive this month.

The Santander switch is open to both new and existing Santander customers and those eligible will get the payment within 90 days of starting the switch process.

To qualify you must:

• Complete the full switch within 60 days of requesting the switch process;
• Pay in at least £1,500 within 60 days of requesting the switch;
• Set up two active direct debits within 60 days;
• Continue to hold the qualifying current account on the day the payment is made.

New customers can switch to a current account online through the Santander website or in branch. 

But existing Santander customers must visit a branch to take advantage of this offer .

To qualify for the First Direct incentive you must: 

• Go through the full Current Account Switch Service (Cass) process;
• Transfer a £1,000 balance into the account;
• Switch at least two regular payments;
• Use their debit card at least five times within 30 days of the account opening.

 The chairman and chief executive of JPMorgan has told Sky News he is confident the UK economy will be in safe hands "whoever wins" the election.

Jamie Dimon told Sky's Wilfred Frost that he had met with both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer and liked that they were both "pro-business".

"Growing the economy is a good thing, and that should benefit everybody," he said.

"Everyone I heard in the Labour and Conservative government are talking about growing the economy, technology, research and development, simplifying regulations and making it easier for people to start and grow businesses.

"Those policies work."

Asked if he was confident the UK economy would be in safe hands no matter who won the election, he replied: "Yeah, I certainly hope so, and we would help whoever wins."

Mr Dimon also said the world "had been through a difficult and weird time".

On the UK specifically, he said: "It's a great country and partner and friend of America."

He said he was "optimistic" about the UK, and said the government should keep investing in "education, work skills and technology".

Here's Mr Dimon's interview in full:

By James Sillars , business news reporter 

A solid start to the day for the FTSE 100 despite one of its well known constituents posting a big drop in profits.

The index rose by 0.5% in early dealing to stand at 8,469.

Leading the gainers were industrial and mining stocks. 

Among the big names reporting its progress this morning was Burberry.

Its annual results to the end of March showed a 34% fall in operating profits as demand for luxury slowed in the second half.

The company's chief executive, who is in the process of taking the firm more upmarket, said he expected the current year to remain challenging but with a pick-up in sales weighted to the final six months.

Burberry, nevertheless, awarded a 61p per share dividend which was flat on the previous financial year.

Its shares were down by more than 3%.

Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Burberry's latest figures leave a lot to be desired, amid slowing demand for luxury... Not only does this highlight the extent of consumer caution across the globe, it also puts a spotlight on some Burberry-specific issues. 

"Refreshing the store estate is all well and good, but only if those costs and charges can be recouped by selling the clothes they hold. While Burberry's brand repositioning has come a long way, it’s not yet sharp enough to slice through to the core of the even more resilient end of the luxury market."

She added: "Slowing trends are being seen across the board in the sector, so these weaker results aren't a total bolt from the blue. The question now will be how quickly demand picks up, and that of course is in the hands of the economy... Burberry faces challenges, but it remains a strong heritage brand, with a lot of the right strategic ideas."

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been predicted to provide a £997m boost to the UK economy. 

Fans are expected to fork out an average of £848 to see the star on one of her 15 tour dates. 

That's according to data from Barclays, which has added up the total spending of the Swifties lucky enough to get a ticket.

After tickets, fans will spend the most on accommodation at around £121, with other notable costs including £111 on travel and £56 on an outfit. 

Those visiting London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff for the concert are expected to spend £79 each on official merchandise, as well as £59 on a pre-show meal. 

The average amount spent on an Eras Tour ticket is £206, yet for 14% of fans, including those who purchased VIP ticket packages with premium seating and exclusive merchandise, the total exceeds £400.

Dr Peter Brooks, chief behavioural scientist at Barclays, said fans of "cultural icons" like Swift have a "powerful" spending power. 

"Whoever came up with the phrase 'money can't buy happiness' clearly wasn't a Swiftie," he said. 

"When it comes to cultural icons like Taylor Swift - like we saw with Elvis and Beatlemania in the 50s and 60s - supporters have such a strong connection to the artist and to the rest of the fandom that the desire to spend becomes even more powerful.

"For non-fans, £848 may seem like an enormous amount to splash out on a concert - but for Eras Tour ticketholders, every pound they spend is an investment in the memories they'll create."

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in London - which was awarded a Michelin star after being open for just 20 days. 

Hi  Andy, c an you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

I love Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel. It's family run and I've been going there for about 15 years. I used to go with my dad - we'd get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu. 

You can't beat a "That Spicy D" from Dom's Subs . There's just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It's my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess. 

Umut 2000 in Dalston is my go-to for a kebab fix. They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

I don't cook at home often, but when I do it's usually a big pot of spicy daal. It's super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge or the freezer. My secret ingredient for making the perfect daal is condensed milk - simply add a spoonful at the end to balance all of the spice.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

Vinted has apologised for a tech issue that has left its sellers facing long delays to withdraw their cash. 

Users have been complaining over the past few weeks about their balance not updating quickly enough after being told they had been paid... 

We reached out to platform about the issue - it said its payment service provider Mangopay was aware of the problem and was "in the process of resolving" affected cases. 

It said a "very small number" of Vinted members have experienced an issue with funds being received by banks after payouts had been initiated. 

"The large majority of payouts are successfully completed every day," it added. 

"Vinted is in constant contact with Mangopay to resolve any cases brought to our attention, however, there may be a further delay as a result, for which we apologise.

"Many cases have already been resolved and we are working as quickly as we can to help resolve the remaining cases." 

Mangopay processes and stores transactions made through Vinted and then pays the cash into users' bank accounts. 

It told us part of its legal obligations require it to verify users' identities for the payment process to be successful.

"Our team works to carry out this verification process as quickly as possible so that users can continue using their accounts as normal," it said. 

"Marketplaces and platforms often have complex payment needs and as a regulated financial institution, we take our compliance, due diligence processes and regulatory obligations very seriously." 

However, it added that from "time to time" the process can be delayed, which means it needs to withhold funds for a certain amount of time, or it "may experience issues with the payout process".

"We apologise for any delays in receiving payments caused as a result of this and are working with Vinted to resolve each case as quickly as possible," it added. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation has been labelled "delinquent" in the US for failing to submit annual records.

A letter was sent to the charity on 3 May by by California's Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, saying it has been "listed as delinquent" for "failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees".

The letter said an organisation listed as delinquent is banned from "soliciting or disbursing charitable funds" and its registration may be "suspended or revoked".

It is understood that a physical cheque was sent by Archewell Foundation but not received, and a new one has been sent to resolve the issue.

It is believed the charity was only made aware of this when the delinquency notice was published.

Read more on this story below...

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