Orlando Harmon
While police are not mentioned in the sources, it is important to understand the role of medical insurance while travelling in Europe. Europe has a universal healthcare system, which means that everyone, including foreigners, is entitled to healthcare. However, this does not mean that healthcare is free, and travellers may have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment. Therefore, it is recommended that travellers purchase travel insurance to cover any potential healthcare costs. This is especially important for US citizens, as US-based health insurance providers often offer limited or no coverage abroad. Travel insurance can also provide financial protection against other unexpected events, such as trip cancellations or delays, and can cover personal belongings and liability. When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to consider factors such as the coverage type, destination, and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs to buy travel insurance for Europe? | US citizens, US residents, and non-EU citizens. |
| Who doesn't need to buy travel insurance for Europe? | EU citizens. |
| When is travel insurance not needed? | When the trip duration is less than 90 days. |
| What does travel insurance cover? | Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, trip delays, personal belongings, luggage, liability coverage, adventure and leisure activities, and repatriation costs. |
| What does travel insurance usually not cover? | Pre-existing medical conditions, hazardous activities, alcohol-related losses, cancellations due to government advice, travel warnings, and costs incurred due to loss of income while traveling. |
| What is the cost of travel insurance? | Depends on factors such as coverage type, trip destination, and total trip cost. Basic plans are more affordable, while comprehensive options tend to cost more. |
| What to do in case of a medical emergency in Europe? | Call 112 for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent. |
| What to do if you get sick in Europe? | Go to a pharmacy, clinic, or hospital. |
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What You'll Learn
EU citizens' rights to healthcare in Europe
As an EU citizen, you are entitled to use healthcare services in another EU or EEA country or in Switzerland. This means that if you fall unexpectedly ill during a temporary stay in another EU country, you are entitled to any medical treatment that can't wait until you get home. You will have the same rights to healthcare as people insured in the country you are staying in.
It is important to always carry your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you on all trips abroad. This card is proof that you are insured in an EU country. If you do not have an EHIC, or you cannot use it (for instance, for private healthcare), you cannot be refused treatment, but you might have to pay for your treatment upfront and claim reimbursement once you get home. In some countries, the EHIC is issued together with the national health card, while in others, you need to apply for it. It is worth noting that the EHIC does not cover private healthcare, rescue and repatriation, or planned treatment in another EU country.
Additionally, this directive promotes cross-border cooperation and recognition of prescriptions, and ensures the functioning of the European Reference Networks (ERNs). Patients are entitled to the assumption of costs for treatment abroad as though the treatment was provided in their home country. According to Directive 2011/24, patients can only access medical care that would also be available in their home country. Social Security Regulations (EC) 883/2204 and 987/2009 represent another route that patients can take to access medical care in a foreign EU country. These regulations state that patients are entitled to the assumption of costs for their treatment abroad as if they were insured under the social security system of that country. This means that patients may be offered the possibility of seeking treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland, even for diagnosis and treatments unavailable in the patient's home country.
While Europe's universal healthcare system means that everyone, including foreigners, is taken care of, it is still important to consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip. This will give you peace of mind that any extra financial costs can be covered, including medical care, trip cancellations or delays, personal belongings, and liability coverage. It is also important to understand what common exclusions your policy may have, such as coverage for any losses related to pre-existing medical conditions, hazardous activities, or alcohol-related losses.
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US citizens' travel insurance requirements for Europe
US citizens do not need a visa or travel insurance to enter Europe as a tourist. However, it is always recommended to have travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage.
While Europe has a universal healthcare system that provides treatment to everyone, including foreigners, you will likely have to pay out of pocket for any medical treatment, even if your insurance company provides international health care coverage. Therefore, it is essential to have travel medical insurance to cover these costs.
When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider factors such as your age, trip length, coverage limits, and trip costs. Make sure to review the common exclusions in policies, such as pre-existing medical conditions, hazardous activities, alcohol-related losses, and cancellations due to government advice. Additionally, check if your insurance covers emergency medical services and medical evacuation, which are crucial in case of unforeseen medical emergencies. The recommended amount of Emergency Medical coverage for European travel is $50,000.
It is also worth noting that some credit cards offer travel perks, such as flight insurance or car rental coverage, which can provide additional protection during your trip. However, always carefully review the terms and conditions of your existing insurance policies and credit card benefits to understand the extent of your coverage.
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Schengen visa requirements for medical insurance
Travel insurance is a necessary part of planning a trip to Europe. It is important to understand the common exclusions of the policy. Generally, policies may exclude coverage for any losses related to pre-existing medical conditions, hazardous activities such as skiing, alcohol-related losses, cancellations due to government advice or travel warnings, and costs incurred due to loss of income while travelling.
If you are a non-US national residing in the United States and applying for a Schengen visa, you are required to have travel insurance. To meet Schengen visa requirements, your insurance policy must adhere to the following guidelines: According to EU laws, Schengen visa insurance must meet the following requirements to be considered valid: Coverage of a minimum of €30,000 in medical costs. This includes coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
AXA offers three types of Schengen Area travel insurance options. All three meet all the requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa. The best option for you depends on your trip. They are: Low Cost, which starts from as little as €22/week. It covers you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries and offers coverage in case of hospitalization or repatriation. This policy is best for those who want basic coverage and/or are traveling on a budget. Europe Travel, which costs €33/week, covers expenses of up to €100,000, and can help with a number of emergencies (such as the loss of important documents or items, search and rescue costs, and so on). An added bonus of Europe Travel is that, along with the 27 Schengen states, it also covers EU countries not in the Schengen area, San Marino, the Principalities of Andorra and Monaco, Vatican City and the United Kingdom.
When choosing a Schengen visa insurance plan, ensure the provider is licensed and approved by Schengen Embassies and Consulates in the United States, and that the policy meets all specified requirements. Failure to do so may result in the denial of your visa application. In 2023, Schengen consulates worldwide rejected 1,632,984 visa applications, emphasizing the importance of meeting all requirements, including valid travel insurance, to avoid visa denial.
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When to pay out of pocket for medical treatment in Europe
If you are an EU citizen, you are entitled to any medical treatment that can't wait until you get home. You have the same rights to healthcare as people insured in the country you are staying in. You should always take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you on all trips abroad. This card is proof that you are insured in an EU country. If you don't have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or you can't use it (for example, for private healthcare), you can't be refused treatment, but you might have to pay for your treatment upfront and claim reimbursement once you get home. In some countries, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is issued together with the national health card. In other countries, you need to apply for it.
If you need medical treatment while in another EU country, presenting your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can simplify payment and reimbursement procedures. With your EHIC, you can get healthcare and claim reimbursement for the costs you incur on the same terms as nationals of the country you are in. If the treatment you need is free for local residents, you won't have to pay. If you have to pay for your treatment, you can either ask for reimbursement from the national institution while still in the country and get reimbursed directly there, or ask for reimbursement from your health insurer when you get home. Your expenses will be reimbursed according to the rules and rates of the country where the treatment was received. This means that you will either be reimbursed for the full cost of the treatment or will have to pay the patient's fee according to the rules of the country where you were treated.
If you don't have your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or you are not able to use it (for example, at a private hospital that is not covered by the EHIC scheme), you may be asked to pay for your treatment. In certain countries, without the EHIC, you might be treated as a private patient and charged private prices even in public establishments. You can then claim reimbursement from your health insurer when you get home. This applies to both public and private healthcare providers. However, the terms will be different: only treatments that you are entitled to receive at home will be reimbursed; you will be reimbursed only up to the cost of treatment in your home country, which may be less than you paid for the treatment. If you need urgent treatment, your local health insurance authority might be able to help by faxing or emailing you the Provisional Replacement Certificate.
If you purchased travel insurance to serve as your primary medical coverage, call the company as soon as possible to report the illness or injury. They can usually work directly with the hospital to get your bills paid. If you get sick on your trip, don't wait it out. Find help to get on the road to recovery as soon as possible. Throughout Europe, people with a health problem go first to the pharmacy, not to their doctor. European pharmacists can diagnose and prescribe remedies for many simple problems, such as sore throats, fevers, stomach issues, sinus problems, insomnia, blisters, rashes, urinary tract infections, or muscle, joint, and back pain. Most cities have at least a few 24-hour pharmacies. When it comes to medication, expect some differences between the way things are done in Europe and at home. Certain drugs that you need a prescription for in the US are available over the counter in Europe. Some drugs go by different names, and some European medications can be stronger than their counterparts in the US, so follow directions and dosages carefully.
A clinic is useful if you need to be checked for a non-emergency medical issue, get some tests done, or if your problem is beyond a pharmacist's scope. Clinics in Europe operate just like those in the US: You'll sign in with the receptionist, answer a few questions, then take a seat and wait for a nurse or doctor. A trip to a clinic may be free or come with a small fee. Expect to pay this fee upfront, whether you're covered through your health insurance company or a special travel policy. Make sure you get a copy of the bill so you can file a claim when you return home. If you're holed up sick in your hotel room and would rather not go out, the hotel receptionist may be able to call a doctor who will come to your room and check you out. This option is generally more expensive than going to a pharmacy or clinic. To locate a doctor, clinic, or hospital, ask at a pharmacy or at places that are accustomed to dealing with Americans on the road, such as tourist offices and large hotels.
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How to find a doctor or clinic in Europe
If you need to see a doctor or get hospital treatment during your stay in Europe, having your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you will make administration and reimbursement for public healthcare much easier. Nationals from non-EU countries cannot use their EHIC for medical treatment in Denmark, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, unless they are refugees residing in an EU member state or are covered as family members of an EU citizen. Your EHIC does not cover private healthcare, only healthcare from providers that are part of the public system.
If you don't have an EHIC or can't use it, you won't be refused treatment, but you might have to pay upfront and claim reimbursement once you get home. If you have purchased travel insurance to serve as your primary medical coverage, call the company as soon as possible to report the illness or injury. They can usually work directly with the hospital to get your bills paid.
If you have a non-emergency situation, people in Europe with a health problem usually go first to the pharmacy, not to their doctor. European pharmacists can diagnose and prescribe remedies for many simple problems, such as sore throats, fevers, stomach issues, sinus problems, insomnia, blisters, rashes, urinary tract infections, or muscle, joint, and back pain. Most cities have at least a few 24-hour pharmacies.
To locate a doctor, clinic, or hospital, ask at a pharmacy or at places that are accustomed to dealing with foreigners on the road, such as tourist offices and large hotels. Clinics in Europe operate similarly to those in the US: you'll sign in with the receptionist, answer a few questions, then take a seat and wait for a nurse or doctor. A trip to a clinic may be free or come with a small fee. Expect to pay this fee upfront, whether or not you're covered by your insurance company or a special travel policy. Make sure you get a copy of the bill so you can file a claim when you return home. If you're staying in a hotel room and would rather not go out, the hotel receptionist may be able to call a doctor who will come to your room, although this option is generally more expensive than going to a pharmacy or clinic.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended. Travel insurance offers financial protection against unexpected events, both before and during your trip.
Coverage typically includes items such as medical care, trip cancellations or delays, personal belongings and luggage, as well as liability coverage. Depending on the length and type of your trip to Europe, medical history, and age, you may want to consider investing in additional coverage.
If you purchased travel insurance to serve as your primary medical coverage, call the company as soon as possible to report the illness or injury. They can usually work directly with the hospital to get your bills paid. If you get sick, don't wait it out. Find help as soon as possible.
