If you’re excited about a European trip, booking flights and hotels is just the beginning. You also need solid travel insurance. It may not sound exciting, but it can save you lakhs if something goes wrong, like visa rejection, a flight getting cancelled, or health issues abroad. Many travellers face losses simply because they skip this step.
Let’s understand how travel insurance helps and what type of cover you need when visiting Europe.
Visa Got Rejected? You Can Still Recover Your Money
A major reason to buy travel insurance before applying for a Europe visa is this: your visa can get rejected, and airlines or hotels may not return your money. Some insurance plans now offer coverage for visa rejection. If your visa is denied, you can get a refund for prepaid bookings like flights and hotels.
But this benefit only applies if you buy the insurance before applying for the visa. So don’t delay it until the last minute.
Medical Emergencies Can Drain Your Budget in Europe
Healthcare in European countries is very costly. Even a small injury or fever may need hospital care, and that can cost hundreds or even thousands of euros.
According to Hale Meet Kapadia from Policy Market, the minimum travel insurance needed for a Schengen visa is around ₹27 lakh (30,000 euros). A basic plan may not be enough. It’s better to spend a bit more and get high-cover insurance that can handle such emergencies properly.
Example: If someone needs a one-day stay in a hospital due to a fever or injury, it could cost thousands of euros. Without good insurance, you’ll end up paying out of your pocket.
Strikes Are Common in Europe: Flights and Trains May Stop
Strikes in Europe’s airports and railway stations are not unusual. If there’s a transport strike during your trip, your schedule can be ruined. Good travel insurance covers extra hotel stays, new flights, or other added expenses caused due to strikes.
So, if your return flight is canceled or delayed due to a strike, the right insurance plan will pay for a new ticket or hotel until you leave.
What If the Airline Loses Your Bag?
Imagine you land in Paris, but your luggage is still in another city. You’ll need to buy new clothes and daily use items. Some advanced travel insurance plans cover such cases, helping you claim the money spent on essentials.
This is quite common when travellers take connecting flights across cities. So, a plan that covers baggage delay or loss becomes very helpful.
Theft and Pickpocketing Are Real Problems in European Cities
Cities like Paris, Prague, and Rome are famous tourist spots, but they also have many pickpockets. If your phone, camera, or laptop gets stolen, it can ruin the trip. High-cover travel insurance includes theft of gadgets and valuables.
Even if you lose something valuable, you can file a claim and recover your money.
One example is a couple, Aniket and Priya, who went to Italy for their honeymoon. Their return flight was canceled due to bad weather. But since they had taken a good travel insurance plan earlier, they got full compensation for new flight tickets and extended hotel stays.
What Does a Good Plan Cost?
You can buy a basic travel insurance plan for just ₹800–1,000. However, if you spend around ₹1,300–1,500, you get a much better cover. This small amount can save you from lakhs of losses later.
Think of it as a small part of your total travel budget, but with a huge return on safety and peace of mind.
Key Features to Look for in a European Travel Insurance Plan
Here’s what to check before you buy:
- Minimum Cover: At least Rs.2.5 lakh or Rs.30,000 is a must for visa approval.
- Medical Emergency Coverage: Should cover hospital stays, accidents, and basic health needs.
- Trip Cancellation or Delay: Must cover flight or hotel booking losses due to strikes, weather, or health issues.
- Baggage Delay or Loss: Helps when your luggage is lost or arrives late.
- Gadget Theft Cover: If your phone or laptop is stolen, you should get the amount back.
- Visa Rejection Refund: Only available if you buy the insurance before visa application.
Where to Buy the Best Plan?
You can compare travel insurance policies on online platforms like Policybazaar, Coverfox, or bank websites. Check what’s covered and what’s not. Don’t just pick the cheapest one. Look at claim success rates, coverage amount, and add-on benefits.
Final Tips Before You Travel
- Always buy your insurance before applying for the visa.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your insurance policy while traveling.
- Understand how to file a claim if something happens during the trip.
- Read all terms and conditions carefully before buying.
