Travel & Leisure
Travel health insurance
European travel insurance
Europe Travel Insurance: Optimise comprehensive protection for your journeys across Europe
Planning a trip within Europe and wondering if your regular health insurance is sufficient? A dedicated Europe travel insurance often provides crucial benefits that go beyond basic coverage and protect against unexpected costs. Find out how you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind with the right insurance coverage.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A European travel insurance policy is essential even when traveling within the EU, as the EHIC does not cover all costs (e.g., medical repatriation, private treatment).
When finalizing, pay attention to important benefits such as unlimited coverage amounts for medical costs, the inclusion of medically reasonable repatriation, and low or no deductibles.
Carefully compare different offers as costs and services can vary significantly; an annual policy is often available from just a few euros.
Quick Facts: Key Information on European Travel Insurance at a Glance
A European travel insurance is often available for just a few euros per year and protects against high costs. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) only covers medically necessary services within the public system of the destination country, often only up to the level of German statutory health insurance rates. A medically necessary repatriation is generally not covered by the EHIC and can incur costs of several tens of thousands of euros. Many policies offer a worldwide emergency hotline, accessible 24/7. A good European travel insurance includes more than just basic travel health insurance; it may also include trip cancellation or interruption insurance. The scope of 'Europe' is defined differently by insurers, but usually includes EU and EFTA countries and often Mediterranean states.
Practical Section: Why the EHIC is often insufficient and additional coverage is invaluable
Many travellers rely on their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but the reality in the event of a claim can be sobering. Imagine suffering a complicated leg fracture during your hiking holiday in the Austrian Alps. The nearest hospital is a private clinic, and the treatment costs amount to ten thousand euros. Your statutory insurance may only reimburse the amount that would have been incurred for comparable treatment in Germany – often just a fraction. Without private travel insurance for Europe, you could be left covering a difference of several thousand euros. Another example: A gastrointestinal infection on a Mediterranean cruise requires medical treatment on board, which can quickly cost several hundred euros. The EHIC often does not apply here. A good annual travel health insurance policy usually covers these costs in full. Also consider the case of a medically necessary repatriation: After a serious accident in Portugal, an air ambulance flight to Germany could cost fifty thousand euros – a sum that can be existentially threatening without private coverage. These examples show how quickly a dream holiday can turn into a financial nightmare.
Typical Cost Traps Without Sufficient European Travel Insurance
Without adequate European travel insurance, various cost traps can lurk, here are some examples:
Treatment by private doctors or in private clinics: The EHIC often only covers services within the public health system, which can lead to co-payments of up to eighty percent.
Dental treatments: Often only pain-relieving treatments and simple fillings are covered, while high-quality dentures usually have to be paid for in full out of pocket.
Medications and aids: Not all medications or necessary aids such as walking aids prescribed abroad are reimbursed by the statutory health insurance.
Medical repatriation: The costs can, depending on distance and medical necessity, quickly reach five-figure amounts and are not covered by the statutory health insurance.
Service services: Organisation of medical appointments, interpreter services or notification of relatives are often only included in private policies.
Excesses and administrative costs: Even for services that are theoretically covered by the EHIC, higher excesses or administrative fees may apply abroad, which the traveller must bear.
Comprehensive European travel insurance closes these gaps and provides financial security. The next section delves deeper into the specific benefits and what you should pay attention to when choosing one.
Scope of benefits in detail: What a good European travel insurance should cover
A powerful European travel insurance goes far beyond basic protection. Core benefits include the coverage of costs for outpatient and inpatient medical treatments, including doctor, hospital, and surgical expenses, often also in private clinics. Crucial is the full coverage of costs for medication, bandages, and therapeutic aids. An indispensable component is the medically appropriate and justifiable repatriation to the home country, which can quickly incur costs exceeding twenty thousand euros. Ensure that search, rescue, and recovery costs after an accident are covered up to a reasonable amount, such as five thousand euros. Many policies also include pain-relieving dental treatments and repairs of dental prostheses. A travel cancellation insurance can be sensible to cover cancellation costs if you cannot undertake the trip due to insured events, such as illness or accident. A travel interruption insurance covers costs if a trip that's already underway needs to be terminated prematurely. These components offer comprehensive protection.
Checklist: Important criteria when choosing your European travel insurance
When selecting your European travel insurance, pay attention to several important points:
Scope of coverage: Clarify exactly which countries are defined as "Europe"; this can vary and may include non-European Mediterranean countries.
Insurance sum: For medical services, the coverage amount should be unlimited or at least one million euros.
Repatriation: Ensure that not only "medically necessary" but also "medically appropriate and justifiable" repatriation is insured.
Deductible: Check if and at what amount a deductible applies in the event of a claim; tariffs without a deductible are often only slightly more expensive.
Coverage during pandemics: Clarify the insurance coverage in the event of a pandemic like COVID-19, especially regarding treatment costs and possible quarantine measures.
Duration of coverage: For individual trips or as an annual policy for all trips up to a certain duration (e.g., six or eight weeks per trip).
Exclusion clauses: Read the conditions carefully regarding exclusions, such as for pre-existing conditions or certain risky sports.
Services: Does the insurer offer a 24-hour emergency hotline and support in organizing medical assistance locally?
These criteria help you make an informed decision for your optimal protection. Below, we examine the legal aspects and provide expert tips.
Expert Depth: Legal Foundations and Current Guidance for Optimal Protection
The legal basis for health insurance coverage within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland is set by EU Regulation 883/2004, which governs the coordination of social security systems. This regulation ensures that you are entitled to medically necessary services under the same conditions and costs as locals of the host country. Our expert tip: Always carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This is usually found on the reverse of your national health card. Despite this regulation, issues frequently arise in practice, as not all doctors or hospitals accept the EHIC or provide services beyond the German insurance rates. Consumer advice centres regularly highlight the urgent recommendation of having private health insurance for travel within Europe to cover potential gaps. Recent court rulings often confirm insurers' obligation to pay in clearly defined insurance cases but also emphasize the importance of carefully reviewing the insurance terms, especially concerning exclusions for pre-existing conditions or gross negligence. Therefore, travel health insurance is an important supplement. Thorough knowledge of the contract details is crucial.
Costs and Comparison: Finding the Right European Travel Insurance
The cost of travel insurance for Europe varies significantly depending on the provider, scope of services, duration of the trip, and age of the insured person. A simple annual international health insurance for an individual is often available for under ten euros. Family plans start at about twenty to thirty euros per year. For single trips, costs can be around one euro per travel day. A thorough comparison of different offers is essential to find the best price-performance ratio. Pay attention not only to the price but especially to the included services and coverage amounts. Use online comparison portals, but always check the details directly in the policy conditions. Ask yourself, how much an international health insurance should cost and which services are indispensable for you personally. A careful selection protects you from unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim. Remember that the cheapest policy is not always the best if important services are missing.
Emergency Action: How to Act Appropriately During Illness or Accident Abroad
Should a medical emergency occur during your European trip, remain calm and immediately contact the emergency number of your travel insurance. This is usually available 24 hours a day and can provide you with initial instructions as well as assist in finding a suitable doctor or hospital. Keep your insurance number handy. For minor illnesses, you can visit a doctor directly; carefully keep all invoices and receipts to submit them to your insurance later. In the case of hospital stays or expensive treatments, the clinic should contact the insurance directly to obtain a cost-covering guarantee. Document everything as precisely as possible: medical reports, prescriptions, and proof of payment are essential for smooth reimbursement. Also, inform your insurance of any necessary trip interruption or subsequently completed trip cancellation insurance, should this become relevant. Good preparation and knowledge of your policy's emergency procedures can save a lot of stress and ensure quick assistance in case of an emergency.
Your next step towards worry-free travel in Europe
An extensive European travel insurance is an important component for carefree journeys. It protects you from unforeseen costs and provides valuable support in emergencies. At nextsure, we understand that every traveler has individual needs. Therefore, we offer you a free assessment of your current insurance situation and specific optimization suggestions. This way, you can be sure to have the appropriate protection for your next European trip. Get in touch now and have our experts advise you. Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation assessed for free and receive specific optimization proposals.
More useful links
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides data and statistics on tourism regions in Germany and Europe.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) includes press releases that may encompass relevant data on tourism.
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) offers information and political guidelines on tourism in Germany.
Auswärtiges Amt provides up-to-date travel and security advice for various countries.
Auswärtiges Amt offers important information on travel health and vaccination recommendations.
Bundesministerium für Gesundheit informs about health insurance abroad and the services of the statutory health insurance funds.
Verbraucherzentrale gives consumer tips on necessary insurance coverage for travel abroad.
Verbraucherzentrale explains the importance of international travel health insurance.
Europäische Kommission provides detailed information on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Wikipedia offers a general overview of the topic of travel insurance.
FAQ
Why do I need European travel insurance despite having an EHIC?
The EHIC only covers medically necessary treatments within the public healthcare system of the travel destination and often only up to the rates applicable in Germany. Costs for private treatments, higher overseas medical expenses, personal contributions, or medical repatriation are usually not covered. European travel insurance addresses these coverage gaps.
What benefits are particularly important in a European travel insurance policy?
Key benefits include: coverage of doctor and hospital costs (including private), costs for medications, medically advisable repatriation, 24-hour emergency hotline, ideally no or low excess, and coverage for pandemics. Depending on your needs, travel cancellation and interruption cover can also be important.
What is the difference between travel health insurance and travel cancellation insurance for Europe?
Travel health insurance covers medical expenses during your trip. Travel cancellation insurance reimburses cancellation fees if you cannot start your trip for insured reasons (e.g., illness). Both are relevant for European travel.
Does European travel insurance also cover cruises in European waters?
Yes, coverage generally includes cruises, provided the ports visited and the itinerary fall within the insured 'Europe' region. It's advisable to check the policy conditions, especially for shore excursions in unspecified areas.
Are pre-existing conditions covered by European travel insurance?
This depends on the policy. Acute, unforeseen deteriorations of chronic conditions may be covered if the ability to travel existed beforehand. Targeted treatment for pre-existing conditions is usually excluded. Read the conditions carefully or check with the insurer.
How soon should I take out European travel insurance?
Travel health insurance can often be taken out shortly before departure. Travel cancellation insurance should ideally be arranged at or shortly after booking the trip to ensure immediate cover against cancellation fees.
