Have you got travel insurance for Europe?

By Web Editor

You may already have insurance with your home policy that will cover you for some of your travels across Europe, but be sure your have adequate travel insurance for your Europe holiday.

A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while you're in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland. The card gives access to state-provided medical treatment only, and you'll be treated on the same basis as an 'insured' person living in the country you're visiting. Remember, this might not cover all the things you'd expect to get free of charge from the NHS in the UK. You may have to make a contribution to the cost of your care.

You are advised to take out comprehensive private travel insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC. Private travel insurance will cover any contribution which is not reimbursable, as well as other eventualities not covered by the EHIC.

Watch that budget! Existing insurers may offer a cheap rate

Contact your existing insurers to see if they provide gap year travel insurance for Europe. If you have any other type of insurance policy that you are happy with, contact your provider and ask if they also offer travel insurance for Europe. Many companies offering one kind of policy (such as motor or home insurance) offer other types, and because you are an existing customer you may receive a good discount.

Check the small print of any travel insurance policy

Know what the travel insurance for Europe policy covers. This involves looking through the small print of the travel insurance for Europe policy before buying it, and asking yourself the following questions: 1) Will the gap year travel insurance policy cover you for the entire duration of your gap year? 2) Will the gap year travel insurance policy cover you in every country you intend to visit? 3) Will the travel insurance policy cover the cost of potentially very expensive medical treatment in the case of sickness or accident? 4) Will the gap year travel insurance policy cover stolen possessions? 5) Will the travel insurance policy cover the cost of you being transported back to your home country should you become incapacitated? 6) Will the travel insurance policy cover missed flights or cancelled accommodation due to sickness or ill health? If the answer to every one of these questions isn’t positive, you need to look for another policy.

Extreme activity may not be covered

Be aware of extreme exceptions in gap year travel insurance for Europe policies. If you intend to participate in anything that could be considered an “extreme sport” or “dangerous activity” whilst on your gap year (this usually includes things like bungee jumping, skiing or mountain climbing) then you will probably have to take out additional cover. Check with your Europe travel insurance provider rather than assuming you will be covered no matter what you get up to.

Shop around for bargain travel insurance

Shop around for your travel insurance for Europe. The travel insurance industry is hugely competitive, so you should never buy the first suitable travel insurance policy you find. We suggest getting quotes on similar travel insurance for Europe policies from at least three companies (including any existing insurance companies you use) so that you get an idea of the kind of value you are getting.

Know how to make a claim

Know how to claim on your gap year travel insurance for Europe. As we said earlier, none of us want to have to actually use our travel insurance policy, but it is important that you know how to make a claim should the need arise. Familiarise yourself with the travel insurance claims procedure of the company you use before starting out.

Take copies of your travel insurance policy with you

Take the details of your gap year travel insurance for Europe policy with you. It’s no good having a perfectly good travel insurance for Europe policy in your home country if you will need to refer to it abroad. Take whatever evidence of travel insurance you need with you so that you have it handy should the need arise. It is usually a good idea to photocopy your main travel insurance policy document and to pack this with your passport and visa, but check with the instructions provided by your provider to confirm exactly what you should be taking on your trip.

See the Gapwork Insurance section for travel insurance companies who can help you.

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