Best Travel Insurance for Europe 2024
As post-pandemic “revenge travel” sparks a boom in tourism, European destinations are picking up fast, with almost one in two nations having recovered more than 80% of their pre-pandemic foreign tourists arrivals according to the European Travel Commission. If you’re dreaming of spectacular vineyards, castles and monuments of rich heritage, or breathtaking sceneries of nature, Europe beckons countless adventures to over 40 alluring and enchanting countries. But before you go wanderlusting, do remember to get all your travel essentials ready and compare travel insurance coverage to be protected against any unexpected natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis or trip disruptions.
Travel Requirements To Enter Europe
Ever since Europe reopened its borders and welcome tourists in 2022, most COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed and most travellers visiting European countries no longer have to abide by a long list of regulations that include certified COVID-19 vaccination, the purchase of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
Travel insurance
Healthcare expenses in the EU can get expensive for foreigners travelling there, as overseas medical expenses are usually not subsidised by the government for travellers from outside the EU and Schengen Area.
VISA or ETIAS authorisation application
ETIAS authorisation online, unless you’re from one of the countries which require a VISA application. Currently, there are 30 European countries that require ETIAS for travellers from countries on a visa-free agreement with Europe.
As ETIAS is a new travel requirement introduced by the European Commission, here are some important things to note when you’re eligible to apply for one:
- You’ll need a passport valid for more than 3 months, an email address which is needed to fill up an online form
- There will be a fee of EUR 7 that is payable when you do the ETIAS authorisation application
- You’ll be able to stay in any of the 30 European countries for 90 days in any 180-day period with an ETIAS
- Your ETIAS has a validity for three years or until the passport you used in the application expires, whichever comes first
- You can use your ETIAS for multiple entries
- The ETIAS application system is not yet operational and no applications are collected at this point. It will only be launched sometime in 2024, thus the exact timeline of the launch of ETIAS will be announced by the European Commission.
- Currently, you’ll have to apply for a VISA as a traveller visiting Europe if you’re not from a country with a visa-free agreement with that particular European country you’re visiting. Please refer to the respective travel authority websites for each European country you’ll be visiting, such as the Swiss Confederation, Migrationsverket, Embassy of Belgium, just to name a few.
Top 10 Things To Do In Europe
Visit ancient marvels including the Colosseum where gladiators once battled, the Vatican City which was home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, boasting exquisite art and religious significance, offering a profound historical journey through time.
The Louvre showcases masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, while Musée d'Orsay boasts Impressionist treasures, while Centre Pompidou's modern art and Picasso Museum's collection are must-sees. Don’t miss the vibrant street art in Belleville and Montmartre's bohemian charm which are inspired by local and contemporary works.
Head to renowned areas like Zermatt and Verbier for some exciting snowboarding, ice climbing, and snowshoeing activities and try challenging slopes. Relax with some après-ski activities such as dancing, live music, or dipping in hot tubs at luxury resorts, and cosy chalets which can complement your snow sports experience.
Admire Gaudi's architectural marvels like Park Güell and Casa Batlló and take in the vibrant atmosphere at La Rambla, Gothic Quarter's history, and the lively markets, while savouring the essence of Catalonia's rich heritage and modern flair.
Embark on a journey via cruises or yachts that include mesmerising vistas of the azure seas, onshore trips to historic sites and villages, as well as iconic landmarks like thenAthens' Acropolis, Rome's Colosseum, and the Amalfi Coast. Santorini's stunning sunsets, tantalising local delicacies in Sicily, the medieval streets of Dubrovnik are not to be missed as well.
Berlin's nightlife pulses with energy in its eclectic clubs and bars. Amidst historical sites like the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, delve into the city's diverse cultural scene, from street art to innovative galleries. The city's vibrant spirit fuses its past with an avant-garde present, creating an unparalleled party experience.
Tuscany's culinary journey entwines with rolling vineyards and olive groves. If you also love wine, the wine tours there will be something to look out for besides the local markets, where fresh produce and regional delicacies reign supreme. Indulge in traditional Italian fare ranging from hearty pastas to succulent meats.
Norway presents spectacular natural wonders like the Geiranger fjords, the majestic landscapes of Trolltunga which are great for hiking, and the Northern Lights in Tromsø. If you’re not into indoor activities like those at the Viking Ship Museum, there are a variety of outdoor activities available like skiing, dog sledding, and discovering charming towns like Bergen.
Another place to spot the Northern Lights would be the Abisko National Park in Sweden. Besides that, Sweden is known for Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan and modern Djurgården, Gothenburg's Liseberg and canals, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Drottningholm Palace, Kiruna's Ice Festival, and of course Swedish cuisine such as their famous meatballs and fika.
If you have not visited Istanbul, which is the largest city in Turkey and the fifth-largest city in the world by population, you’ll be awed by how this city is considered European with Eastern influences. Must-visit spots include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the bustling Grand Bazaar, the Bosphorus with its panoramic views, the Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
How travel insurance can help you out in natural disasters or unexpected trip disruptions
Lost or damaged personal baggage and belongings claims
Certain travel insurance schemes may not extend coverage to trip interruptions caused by natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, or unforeseeable events (Acts of God), but others such as Etiqa and DirectAsia do offer policies that compensate for lost or damaged luggage. Even in the event of a disrupted journey to Europe, these policies can aid in recuperating expenses incurred from lost or damaged belongings. Typically, these policies impose maximum reimbursement limits per item or category of belongings, which vary among providers.
Trip disruptions coverage
Should your journey to Europe be abruptly cut short or cancelled due to a delay, select travel insurance plans offer coverage encompassing reimbursement for prepaid expenses like flights and accommodations, along with other associated, irrecoverable prepaid costs, minus any administrative charges, provided the cancellation occurs within 30 days of your scheduled departure. It's important to note that there are restrictions on what is covered.
Medical expenses claims
If an injury occurs due to an accident indirectly or directly linked to a natural disaster, specific travel insurance plans like those provided by Etiqa and DirectAsia might cover medical expenses abroad or even costs upon returning to Singapore. Compensation can be allocated to the medical facility where treatment was administered, whether abroad or in Singapore, or to assigned beneficiaries. Treatment must start within a set timeframe from the return date to Singapore and is bound by predetermined limits detailed in the travel insurance plan, which should be carefully reviewed with the insurer.
Best Travel Insurance Benefits Coverage For Travelling To Europe
| Best for | Travel insurance provider | Estimated premium rates |
|---|---|---|
| Overall good value | Bubblegum travel insurance plans | From $193 |
| Budget travel | FWD Premium plan | From $84 |
| Flight diversion/cancellation/postponement | Singlife Travel Plus and Prestige plans | From $173 (Singlife Travel Lite is from $119) |
| Overseas medical coverage | Allianz travel insurance plans | From $199 |
| Pre-existing conditions | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $181 |
| Family | DirectAsia travel insurance plans | From $97 |
| Elderly | Tiq Pre-Ex travel insurance plans by Etiqa | From $230 |
| Travelling while pregnant | MSIG TravelEasy Pre-Ex plans | From $181 |
| Extreme sports | Starr TraveLead Comprehensive plans | From $81 |
| Annual multi-trip | The Wise Traveller Secure and Premium plans | From $350 |
| *Estimated premium rates are based on a 14-day single trip plan to Europe, data last updated in November 2023. |
What Is The Average Cost Of A Travel Insurance For Europe?
| Travel insurance provider/plan | Medical expenses | Personal accident | Overseas hospital allowance | Trip cancellation | Estimated total premium* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubblegum | Up to $150,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $193 |
| Singlife | Up to $250,000 | Up to $10,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $119 |
| Allianz | Up to $250,000 | N.A. | Up to $1,500 | Up to $5,000 | $199 |
| Starr | Up to $200,000 | Up to $15,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $5,000 | $81 |
| DirectAsia | Up to $150,000 | Up to $5,000 | Up to $1,000 | Up to $3,000 | $97 |
| FWD | Up to $200,000 | Up to $6,000 | Up to $3,000 | Up to $7,500 | $84 |
| *Estimated premium rates are based on a 14-day single trip plan to Europe in July November 2023. |
When comparing the key features and price points of MoneySmart’s round-up of the best 5 travel insurance plans with flight cancellation coverage, we can easily spot the differences and similarities. The average cost of a travel insurance plan for a 14-day single trip plan to Europe is about $129, assuming that we consider the most basic plan offered by each travel insurance provider.
Estimated average cost of a travel insurance plan:
$193 + $119 + $199 + $81 + $97 + $84 = $773
$773 ÷ 6 = $128.83
Those offering lower premiums would be Starr and FWD, which makes them more affordable for most travellers looking for wallet-friendly and more hassle-free travel insurance options. When it comes to flight cancellation benefits, FWD provides higher coverage of up to $7,500, which comes in handy in the situation you’re diagnosed with a virus like COVID-19 during a pandemic outbreak.
However, how much you can claim for flight cancellation really depends on when you submit your trip cancellation request and the departure date of your trip. Most travel insurance companies will accept your claim if your request and the valid reason for cancellation is submitted within 30 days of your departure.
For more extensive coverage for medical expenses in the event that you or your travel companion meet with any medical-related mishaps during the trip, Singlife’s Prestige plan will be really useful with the highest coverage of an unlimited claim limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get travel insurance coverage for my Europe trip?
- The quickest way to get travel insurance is through your preferred travel insurance mobile app. Other ways include purchasing your travel insurance via an airline or travel insurance company’s website or by contacting your insurance agent. If you prefer to do it yourself via a comparison platform like MoneySmart, you’ll be able to do a quick comparison of the best rates available for you.
Do I need a visa to enter Europe?
- Yes and no, it depends on what nationality and passport you hold. Currently, you’ll have to apply for a VISA as a traveller visiting Europe if you’re not from a country with a visa-free agreement with that particular European country you’re visiting. Please refer to the respective travel authority websites for each European country you’ll be visiting. From 2024 onwards, for travellers coming from a visa-free country, you’ll need to apply for an ETIAS authorisation online, unless you’re from one of the countries which require a VISA application.
What is an ETIAS?
- ETIAS is a new travel requirement introduced by the European Commission which will officially launch in 2024. It is only valid for applications for travellers coming from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Europe. With effect from 2024, there will be about 30 European countries that require ETIAS for travellers from countries on a visa-free agreement with Europe.
My trip is cancelled after I have purchased my travel insurance. Will I be able to get a refund?
- Yes and no, this depends on when you submit your trip cancellation request and the departure date of your trip. Most travel insurance companies will accept your claim if your request and the valid reason for cancellation is submitted within 30 days of your departure.