Travel Insurance for Europe — what you actually need to know.
A Schengen visa requires a policy — but even without one, a hospital bill abroad can wipe out your entire trip budget. What to cover, where to buy, and why EKTA is our pick.
A Schengen visa requires a policy — but even without one, a hospital bill abroad can wipe out your entire trip budget. What to cover, where to buy, and why EKTA is our pick.
The simplest, fastest way to insure a European trip is a policy from EKTA: medical cover that meets Schengen requirements (minimum €30,000), COVID included, baggage and trip-cancellation options available — buy online in minutes, no paperwork, no office visits.
Get insured with EKTA →A Schengen visa formally requires travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 cover, valid for the entire stay — without an active policy, the consulate will reject the application. But insurance matters just as much for travellers who need no visa: a routine visit to a hospital emergency room in Western Europe can easily run to several thousand euros at a private clinic. The EHIC card (for EU citizens) only partially covers costs at public facilities — it does not cover repatriation, private hospitals, or many emergency procedures. A private policy fills that gap.
Even seasoned travellers occasionally skip this step and regret it. A broken leg on a mountain trail, acute food poisoning en route, or a stolen bag can cost more than the entire trip. A travel policy typically runs a few euros per day and is one of the cheapest decisions you make before leaving home.
Not all policies are equal. Check these points before buying:
EKTA is an insurer that has served European travellers and Schengen-bound tourists for years. You buy a policy in minutes online: choose your dates, destination country and level of cover — you instantly receive a PDF document ready to show at the border or consulate. Medical cover meets Schengen requirements, COVID is included as standard, and the price is transparent — no charges that appear only at checkout.
Another advantage is flexibility: you can take the medical package alone or extend it with baggage cover, trip cancellation, and extreme-sports riders. Customer support operates around the clock — important when you need help on the ground, not the next business morning.
| Option | Medical cover | COVID | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EKTA Our pick | up to €50,000 | Yes | Fast online purchase, Schengen |
| Bank / card — bundled cover | Often limited | Usually no | Premium cardholders |
| Local insurer | Variable | Variable | When you have an agent and time |
The policy must be active before you cross the border — an insurer cannot retroactively cover an event that has already happened. Do it a few days before your flight.
If you plan climbing, skiing, or other high-risk sports, make sure your policy covers them. A standard medical package may exclude extreme activities.
Save the policy document and the 24-hour emergency line to your phone — in an accident or urgent medical situation abroad you won't waste time searching for the details.
When making a claim, the insurer will ask for documentation: medical receipts, police reports for theft, proof of flight delay. Every piece of paper counts.
Yes, if you need a Schengen visa — the consulate requires a policy with at least €30,000 medical cover, valid for your entire stay. For EU citizens and visa-exempt travellers it is not formally required, but any doctor in Western Europe can present a bill that will shock you — it is well worth having.
A minimum of €30,000 for Schengen, but we recommend €50,000 or more — hospitalisation and repatriation costs can quickly exceed the lower threshold. EKTA offers transparent packages that meet and exceed these limits.
It depends on the insurer. With EKTA, COVID is included as standard — covering treatment costs and, depending on the plan, quarantine. Always check this point in the policy terms before purchasing.
Only partially. The EHIC lets you use public healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as a local — but it does not cover private clinics, repatriation, costs outside the EU, or many emergency situations. A private policy complements that cover and is essential outside the EU.
Not always in the basic package — these are often optional add-ons. With EKTA you can include them at purchase. If you are travelling with expensive equipment or the trip itself is costly, the extra premium is usually worth it.
Before you travel — the policy must be active from day one of your journey. If you are applying for a Schengen visa, the insurance document is part of the application. Buy a few days before your flight to leave time for any questions.
Standard medical policies often exclude high-risk sports (skiing, mountaineering, kitesurfing). EKTA offers activity riders for active travellers — check the scope when configuring your policy online.
Call the 24-hour emergency line listed in your EKTA policy. Gather your documents: medical receipts, police reports (for theft), confirmation of delay (for flight issues). You can also file a claim online via the EKTA website — decisions are typically made within a few working days.
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