⚡ Key Takeaways
- Schengen visa requires €30,000 medical coverage minimum
- AXA Schengen: Approved for visa applications
- World Nomads: Best for extended European trips
- UK no longer requires travel insurance post-Brexit
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Europe travel insurance is complicated. Schengen visa requirements. UK post-Brexit rules. EHIC cards for EU citizens.
I've purchased European travel insurance for a dozen trips over five years. One medical emergency in Paris. The insurance covered €15,000 in hospital bills.
This guide answers the question that matters: What is the best travel insurance for Europe in 2026?
Quick Answer: Schengen visa applicants need insurance with at least €30,000 in medical coverage. AXA Schengen is approved for visa applications. World Nomads is best for extended European trips. UK travelers no longer need insurance for visa purposes post-Brexit, but medical coverage is still recommended.
Schengen Visa Requirements
Who Needs a Schengen Visa?
US citizens: No visa required for stays under 90 days
UK citizens: No visa required for stays under 90 days
Many Asian/African countries: Visa required
Insurance Requirements for Schengen Visa
Minimum coverage:
- Medical expenses: €30,000 minimum
- Emergency evacuation: Included
- Repatriation of remains: Included
- Coverage area: All Schengen countries
- Coverage duration: Entire stay
Approved providers:
- AXA Schengen
- Europ Assistance
- MondialCare
- Other approved providers
The reality: If you need a Schengen visa, you need approved insurance. Period. No exceptions. AXA Schengen is the easiest option — instant certificate for your visa application.
The Rankings
1. AXA Schengen
Best for: Schengen visa applications
Coverage highlights:
- Emergency medical: €30,000-100,000
- Emergency evacuation: Included
- Repatriation: Included
- Schengen visa approved: Yes
Pros:
- Approved for all Schengen visa applications
- Multiple coverage levels
- 24/7 assistance
- Instant certificate for visa application
Cons:
- Basic coverage on lower tiers
- Limited trip cancellation coverage
Best plans:
- Essential (€30,000 medical)
- Classic (€50,000 medical)
- Premium (€100,000 medical)
Typical cost: €1-2 per day of travel
The reality: This is the insurance I use for Schengen visa trips. The certificate is instant. No hassle. And it's approved everywhere.
2. World Nomads
Best for: Extended European trips
Coverage highlights:
- Emergency medical: Up to $5,000,000
- Emergency evacuation: Up to $500,000
- Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000
- Schengen visa approved: Yes (Explorer plan)
Pros:
- Covers 200+ adventure activities
- Purchase coverage while traveling
- Excellent for long-term travel
- Strong coverage for electronics
Cons:
- Higher premiums for older travelers
- No pre-existing condition coverage
Best plans:
- Standard Plan (basic coverage)
- Explorer Plan (Schengen visa approved)
Typical cost: $5-10 per day of travel
The reality: This is the insurance I use for long European trips. The coverage is comprehensive. And you can buy it while you're already traveling — perfect for extended trips.
3. Allianz Global Assistance
Best for: Comprehensive coverage
Coverage highlights:
- Emergency medical: Up to $50,000
- Emergency evacuation: Up to $500,000
- Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
- Schengen visa approved: Yes (with certificate)
Pros:
- Excellent claims processing
- Comprehensive coverage options
- 24/7 assistance hotline
- Strong financial ratings
Cons:
- Schengen certificate requires request
- Pre-existing condition waiver requires early purchase
Best plans:
- OneTrip Prime (comprehensive coverage)
- OneTrip Basic (budget option)
Typical cost: 4-8% of trip cost
4. Travel Guard (AIG)
Best for: Family trips to Europe
Coverage highlights:
- Emergency medical: Up to $50,000
- Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
- Schengen visa approved: Yes (with certificate)
Pros:
- Children travel free on family plans
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Strong financial ratings
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Schengen certificate requires request
- Pre-existing condition waiver has strict requirements
Best plans:
- Platinum Plan (comprehensive coverage)
- Gold Plan (mid-tier coverage)
Typical cost: 4-8% of trip cost
5. Seven Corners
Best for: Medical coverage in Europe
Coverage highlights:
- Emergency medical: Up to $1,000,000
- Emergency evacuation: Up to $1,000,000
- Trip cancellation: Up to $100,000
- Schengen visa approved: Yes (with certificate)
Pros:
- Highest medical coverage limits
- Pre-existing condition waiver available
- Good for international travelers
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Claims processing can be slow
- Schengen certificate requires request
Best plans:
- RoundTrip Choice (comprehensive coverage)
- Liaison Major Medical (medical-focused)
Typical cost: 4-9% of trip cost
UK Travel Insurance Post-Brexit
Current Requirements
US citizens:
- No visa required for stays under 6 months
- Travel insurance not required but recommended
- EHIC/GHIC cards not applicable
EU citizens:
- GHIC card provides basic coverage in UK
- Additional travel insurance recommended
- GHIC does not cover private care or repatriation
Recommended Coverage for UK
Minimum recommendations:
- Emergency medical: At least £1,000,000
- Emergency evacuation: Included
- Trip cancellation: Full trip cost
- Baggage loss: At least £1,500
The reality: The UK doesn't require travel insurance anymore. But healthcare for visitors isn't free. A hospital visit can cost thousands. Get insurance.
EHIC/GHIC Cards for EU Citizens
What Is EHIC/GHIC?
EHIC (European Health Insurance Card):
- For EU citizens
- Provides access to state healthcare in EU
- Does not cover private care or repatriation
- Not valid in UK post-Brexit
GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card):
- For UK citizens
- Provides access to state healthcare in EU
- Does not cover private care or repatriation
- Replaces EHIC for UK citizens
Limitations
EHIC/GHIC does NOT cover:
- Private healthcare
- Mountain rescue
- Repatriation to home country
- Lost/stolen property
- Trip cancellation
Recommendation: Always purchase additional travel insurance.
Schengen Countries List
Current members (27 countries):
- Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic
- Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France
- Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland
- Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania
- Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway
- Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia
- Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Not members:
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit)
- Ireland (opted out)
- Romania, Bulgaria (partial members)
Questions People Ask
"Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?"
No. US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. However, travel insurance is strongly recommended for medical coverage.
"What is the minimum coverage for Schengen visa?"
€30,000 in medical coverage including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
"Does my US health insurance cover me in Europe?"
Most US health insurance provides limited or no coverage outside the US. Check your policy before traveling.
"Do I need travel insurance for the UK?"
No. Travel insurance is not required for UK visits. However, medical coverage is strongly recommended.
"Can I buy travel insurance after arriving in Europe?"
Some providers (World Nomads) allow purchase while traveling. Most require purchase before departure.
The Bottom Line
European travel insurance depends on your citizenship and destination. Schengen visa applicants need €30,000+ in medical coverage. UK travelers do not need visa insurance but should purchase medical coverage. EU citizens should carry EHIC/GHIC cards plus additional insurance.
Best for Schengen visa: AXA Schengen (approved provider)
Best for extended trips: World Nomads (comprehensive coverage)
Best overall: Allianz Global Assistance (excellent claims processing)
Know your visa requirements. Know your medical coverage needs. Then choose the policy that best protects your European trip.
Final Verdict: AXA Schengen delivers the best travel insurance for Schengen visa applications with approved coverage and instant certificates. World Nomads delivers the best coverage for extended European trips. Allianz delivers the best overall coverage with excellent claims processing. UK travelers should purchase medical coverage even though it is not required for visa purposes.
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