Travel Insurance for Europe

Europe, with 46 different countries offering stunning landscapes, unique adventures, vibrant nightlife and rich culture and history, is a dream travel destination for many Indian travellers. Out of the 46 countries, 29 countries make up the Schengen region. The Schengen Zone allows travellers to enjoy convenient entry and exit to all 29 countries with a single Schengen visa.

If you are planning to travel to Europe for your next adventure with a financial safety net, Europe travel insurance is all you need. With a travel insurance policy in place, you secure your trip from many unforeseen circumstances and comply with certain country-specific visa requirements.

Reliance Travel Insurance's Europe plans provide you with the confidence to explore European destinations with ample peace of mind and comprehensive financial coverage in times of need.

Why Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe?

In Europe, the countries are divided into two categories. Schengen and non-Schengen countries. To understand the requirement of a Europe trip insurance policy for each of these countries, let us look at the table below.

For a Schengen country, you need to submit proof of a Schengen travel insurance policy with a minimum medical coverage of €30,000. For the non-Schengen countries that require travel insurance, international travel insurance is necessary.

However, even if you are travelling to a non-Schengen European country with no insurance mandate, you must still purchase travel insurance.

Here are the benefits of securing your trip with a Travel Insurance for Europe -

• Coverage for medical expenses due to an accidental injury or illness

• Coverage for third-party liabilities

• Coverage for trip delays, interruptions, and cancellations

• Coverage for hijack inconvenience

• Coverage for total loss of checked-in baggage

• Coverage for loss of passport

• Coverage for transportation of mortal remains from Europe to India

• Coverage for financial assistance in emergencies

Types of Travel Insurance for Europe from India

Europe Travel Insurance Benefits

Medical Emergencies Cover

When you buy travel insurance for Europe, you benefit from extensive financial protection for any unexpected medical emergencies during your trip. This ensures you are well-protected financially when facing an unplanned medical situation without compromising on quality treatment.

Third-Party Liabilities Cover

With Europe travel insurance plans, you get coverage for unexpected third-party liabilities, which can otherwise leave you with hefty out-of-pocket expenses in the event of unintentional damage to a third party while in Europe.

Journey Mishaps Cover

Unexpected trip delays and interruptions can result in hefty financial losses due to non-refundable bookings. However, in such situations, travel insurance for Europe trips reimburses you for these non-refundable bookings to ensure a minimum loss of savings.

Loss of Baggage or Passport Cover

Losing your personal belongings or passport in a new country can be overwhelming, especially if you have limited support to get back to India. Travel insurance for Europe is an excellent investment to ensure you receive the required assistance for the loss of baggage or passport.

Peace of Mind

Another advantage of Europe travel insurance is the added peace of mind and convenience of easy policy extension if you decide to extend your European adventure. This ensures you are complying with the visa requirements and securing your savings from unforeseen circumstances.

Reliance Europe Travel Insurance

Reliance General Insurance is your one-stop solution for finding the best travel insurance in Europe.

Our carefully curated tourist insurance Europe plans offer comprehensive financial coverage and additional benefits such as compassionate visits, dental coverage and cashless hospitalisation to ensure a memorable trip without hassle.

With over 5 crore+ happy customers* and years of customer service, we offer complete online convenience. With just a few clicks, you can buy or extend your choice of travel insurance and file claim requests.

Let's look at the standard features of our Europe travel insurance plans below.

Features of Reliance Europe Insurance

Reliance Europe Insurance: Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Cover for accidental injuries

• Cover for medical illnesses requiring treatment and doctor intervention

• Compensation for total loss of checked-in baggage

• Medical evacuation support

• Coverage of expenses incurred for the transportation of mortal remains from Europe to India

• Coverage for acute anaesthetic dental treatment in case of an accidental injury when in Europe

• Compensation for permanent disability or death

• Reimbursement of flight ticket expenses for a family member travelling to Europe when you are hospitalised for more than seven days

• Coverage for a new or duplicate passport

• Coverage for compensatory and legal expenses in case of third-party liabilities

Exclusions

• Travelling against the advice of a medical practitioner

• Partial loss of baggage

• Theft of passport due to carelessness

• Travelling for the sole purpose of medical treatment

• War or nuclear attacks

• Self-inflicted injuries

• Mental health issues

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Undeclared pre-existing conditions

How to Buy Travel Insurance for Europe from Reliance General Insurance?

To buy travel insurance for Europe, follow these simple steps.

1. Step 1 - Go to our website > Explore Products > Travel Insurance

2. Step 2 - On the next page, select the type of policy between individual, family, student and annual multi-trip, and click on "Next".

3. Step 3 - Select the plan applicable to your needs and enter your personal information as requested.

4. Step 4 - Select "Click Quote" to get the premium quote for your chosen plan.

5. Step 5 - If satisfactory, pay the premium using one of the available payment options.

6. Step 6 - Receive your Europe trip insurance on your registered email address.

Benefits of Buying Europe Travel Insurance Online

• The online process is quick and convenient.

• The online procedure requires no physical document submission and appointments.

• You can explore various discounts when buying Europe travel insurance online.

• It allows you to compare different policy premiums to make an informed decision based on your coverage needs and budget.

• As opposed to the traditional offline process, the online process ensures instant policy issuance.

• If you are under 45 years old, you do not need a medical screening to buy a travel insurance policy for Europe online.

Process to Claim Travel Insurance Europe

1. Step 1: Inform Us - The first step is to notify us about the incident within 24 hours of its occurrence. You can do so by calling any of our Helpline numbers.

2. Step 2: Gather Documents - Once you have informed us, start collecting the necessary documents for claim submission. This includes claim category-specific documents along with personal documents, such as medical bills, invoices, treatment receipts, FIRs, etc. After collecting the documents, download and fill out the claim form and submit it to us along with the documents for evaluation.

3. Step 3: Submit Claim - After collecting the documents, download and fill out the claim form and submit it to us along with the documents for evaluation.

4. Step 4: Claim Settlement - Once the evaluation is completed, your travel insurance Europe claim request will be approved or rejected. If approved, the applicable financial benefits will be reimbursed to your registered bank account or settled directly with the hospital in Europe.

Also Read - 4 Reasons Why Your Travel Insurance Claim Gets Rejected

Cost Range for Europe Travel Insurance

Required Sum Insured

Your requirement of the sum insured has a direct impact on your Europe travel insurance cost. A higher sum insured value attracts a higher premium and vice versa. Thus, you must carefully consider your requirements and choose the sum insured value for coverage.

Type of Europe Trip Insurance

Depending on the type of plan you choose between individual, family, student and annual multi-trip, the price for travel insurance will vary. For instance, when comparing individual and family plans, you can enjoy low-cost travel insurance in Europe with family plans if you are travelling with your family to enjoy coverage for all members under a single policy.

Trip Duration

Your trip duration also impacts the price of your Europe trip insurance. For longer trips, the premium will be higher than for shorter trips that require less coverage and financial support.

Additional Medical Requirements

If you have specific pre-existing medical conditions, you will need additional coverage for medical expenses. For such requirements, your policy premium will increase, resulting in a higher cost range for your Europe travel insurance.

Tips to Buy Travel Insurance for Europe?

Assess your Needs

To buy travel insurance for Europe based on your coverage needs and requirements, you must carefully assess your requirements. This includes determining the extent of coverage you need, travel companions, pre-existing medical conditions, and so on.

Compare Policies

Once you have determined your coverage needs, you must compare different plans to assess which best suits your needs and budget. Be careful when comparing premiums to ensure the policy inclusions align with your requirements.

Check Online Convenience

Another important aspect to consider when finding affordable Europe tourist insurance is the availability of online processes for policy purchases and claims offered by an insurer. This is crucial as it helps reduce the risk of hidden costs and reduces the overall effort and time required to buy a plan or file a claim. 

Read Policy Document

You must carefully read the fine print on your travel insurance policy document to cross-check the terms, conditions, and exclusions included in a policy to avoid unnecessary claim rejections and hefty out-of-pocket expenses in times of need.

Review Insurer Performance

Along with the choice of travel insurance policy, you need to assess the insurer and its performance before making the final decision. Check the insurer's claim settlement ratio to assess the efficiency of claim settlements for customers.

To enjoy a satisfactory claim experience with the chosen insurer, you must also review online testimonials and check for customer support availability. 

Europe Visa and Entry Information

Types of Visas for Europe

 
New Update - On 18 April 2024, a new visa regime for Schengen countries was introduced for Indian citizens. Under this regime, Indians can opt for a 2-year multiple-entry visa to visit any of the Schengen countries without any hassle. This visa can also be extended for five years, depending on specific terms and conditions.

To be eligible for this regime, you need to have at least two previous visas for the Schengen region issued in the last five years.

Application Process for Europe Visa

Choose the Right Type of Visa

The first step is to assess and choose the right kind of visa you require for your visit to any European country. This depends on the trip duration, destination, itinerary, and travel companions.

Collect All Documents

For the chosen visa category, collect all the necessary documents for your visa application. Ensure all the documents are translated into English before applying to avoid visa delays and rejections.

Submit Application

You can submit the visa application via the respective country's Embassy or Consulate or their online application portals, such as VFS Global.

• For the Embassy or Consulate, you need to download the form, book an appointment at the Embassy or Consulate, and submit the completed application form and documents in person. You also need to give your biometric information and pay the applicable visa fee on the spot.

• For VFS Global or other online portals, you need to visit the respective portal, submit the application form either online or at one of the Visa Application Centres, provide your biometric information and pay the Europe visa fee.

Await Visa Approval

For the final step, you need to wait for an update on your visa application and then collect your passport upon approval of the visa application.

Visa Application Links for European Countries

Schengen Countries

Non-Schengen Countries

Documents Required for Europe Visa

1. A duly filled and signed visa application form for the respective country of travel.

2. Two clear passport-sized photographs.

3. Flight tickets to and from your travel destination.

4. Valid proof of Europe travel insurance.

5. Proof of Europe visa fee payment.

6. Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings, Airbnb invoice, etc.

7. Proof of funds.

8. Your biometric information.

9. A cover letter clearly stating the purpose and duration of the visit along with the trip itinerary.

10. An Indian passport with a validity of at least three months from the date of departure.

Tips to Avoid Europe Visa Rejections

1. Submit the correct documents along with your visa application form.

2. Provide accurate information on your visa application form.

3. Invest in a travel insurance plan that meets the necessary medical coverage criteria of €30,000.

4. Ensure ample funds in your bank account.

5. Book your accommodation and flight tickets prior to submission of your visa application.

6. Maintain information uniformity on the visa application form and submitted documents.

7. Ensure complete transparency on the visa application form.

Also Read -How to Avoid Schengen Visa Rejections?

Interesting Facts About Europe

1. In Europe, Iceland is the only country where you will find no mosquitoes.

2. Europe is home to the smallest country in the world, Vatican City.

3. The Brussels airport sells the most chocolates in a year compared to any other country's airport in Europe.

4. Europe is also known as the second-smallest continent in the world.

5. The largest church in Europe is called the St. Peter's Basilica.

6. There are 200 different languages in Europe.

7. Bulgaria is the only European country that has kept the same name since its inception in 681 AD.

8. Europe is home to over 400 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

9. The longest coastline of Europe is found in Norway.

10. Everyone's favourite snack, French Fries, was invested in Belgium.

11. The most popular tourist attraction in Europe is The Louvre.

12. The biggest religion in Europe is Christianity.

Best Time to Visit Europe

Also Read -How Much a Europe Trip Costs from India - Travel Guide

Money-Saving Europe Trip Tips

1. Flexible Travel Dates - The first and most effective way to save money is to be flexible with your travel dates. Avoid travelling during the peak season as much as possible to enjoy affordable deals on flight bookings and accommodation.

2. Public Transportation - When exploring different European destinations, make use of public transportation in Europe. From the Global Eurail Pass and Eurostar Trains to well-connected buses and underground metros, you can save money with discounted ticket prices.

3. Free Tourist Attractions - Europe is home to various tourist attractions that permit free entry during certain hours or days of the week. Research well and plan your itinerary accordingly to enjoy free visits. Some attractions even have discounted deals when purchased online, so plan well.

4. City Passes - Buy city passes for different European countries, such as the Paris Pass, Barcelona Card, Budapest Card, Amsterdam City Card, and so on, to explore the cities and enjoy free and discounted entry to various attractions.

5. Alternative Accommodation Options - Avoid staying in luxury hotels in the city centre. Instead, opt for alternative accommodation options like Airbnb, hostels, guesthouses, service apartments, etc. This will help you save money without compromising on comfort and convenience. 

6. Food and Shopping - Explore the local markets and street vendors for your food and shopping needs to enjoy authentic dishes at reasonable prices. Shopping from local street vendors or flea markets will also help you save money while fulfilling your needs.

Also Read - Best Mode of Transport To Travel Around Europe

Year-Round Travel Checklist Europe

• Adapter - Different European countries have different types of plugs. Thus, you must purchase and carry a universal adapter with you at all times to charge your electronics.

• Essential Packing List for Europe - For clothes, pack clothes according to the predicted temperature for the country you are visiting. However, pack light and no matter the weather conditions, carry a lightweight jacket for chilly evenings.

• Reusable Water Bottle - Buying water multiple times a day can be expensive. Instead, you can buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up at different spots to keep yourself hydrated without draining your savings.

• Document Copies - To ensure the maximum safety of your personal documents, carry copies of the necessary documents with you at all times to avoid unnecessary hassle in times of need.

• Walking Shoes - There are multiple self-paced and guided walking tours in Europe. To avoid foot blisters, carry comfortable walking shoes and other footwear so you can enjoy and create memories without any discomfort.

• Sunscreen - No matter the weather, never skip sunscreen. Sun damage is a big concern, and thus, to avoid it, apply sunscreen every day when stepping out.

Also Read - How to Plan a Multi-City European Itinerary?

Europe Safety and Precautions

• Memorise and save the emergency contact number 112 on your phone.

• Avoid going out alone in the night, especially in isolated areas.

• To ensure maximum safety in Europe when drinking, guard your drinks and food.

• Avoid carrying too much currency in cash to reduce the risk of theft.

• Research and familiarise yourself with the country-specific rules and regulations to avoid fines.

• Opt for reputable public transportation options.

Popular Destinations in Europe

1. Berlin in Germany

2. Vienna in Austria

3. Paris in France

4. London in England

5. Prague in the Czech Republic

6. Costa Del Sol

7. Amalfi Coast

8. Greece

9. Swiss Alps

10. Budapest

11. Estonia

12. Rome

Best Things to Do/Experience in Europe

• Explore Iconic Landmarks - Visit iconic tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Colosseum, Acropolis of Athens, Tower of Pisa, Palace of Versailles, and more.

• Learn about History - To learn about the history of different European countries, visit the Anne Frank House in the Netherlands, the Berlin Wall Memorial in Germany, Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, and others.

• Eat Local Cuisine - Indulge in the local cuisine of different European countries, from the famous croissants, baklava and moussaka to the authentic Italian pizza and gelato.

• Book a Wine Tour - Europe has many vineyards. If you are a wine enthusiast, book a wine tour in Tuscany, Rhone Valley, or Bordeaux. You can learn about wine history and culture from experts while sipping on different wines.

• Go on Hikes - Explore the various hiking trails in Europe, including the Swiss Alps, the West Highland Way, and the Plitvice Lakes National Park, to capture stunning photographs of picturesque landscapes and views.

Also Read - Best Credit Cards to Travel Europe -2024

Frequently Asked Questions On Europe Travel Insurance

What are the cheapest countries to visit in Europe?

Some of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe include Estonia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Austria, and Slovakia.

Is there any eligibility or mandatory requirement for travel insurance for Europe?

Your travel insurance policy must include at least €30,000 in medical coverage. In addition, your chosen plan must be valid for the entirety of your trip and applicable to all countries you plan to visit.

Will my travel insurance cover injuries post-alcohol consumption?

No, if you file a claim for medical coverage for an injury that was caused by negligence on your end, your claim request will most likely be rejected. This is because drinking and injuring yourself after is a common exclusion for all travel insurance policies.

Disclaimer: *T&C apply. Details mentioned here are for Reliance Travel Care Policy, UIN: RELTIOP08002V010708. Sum Insured: The mentioned Sum insured amount is applicable only under Reliance Travel Care Policy– Platinum Plan. Total loss of checked baggage: The maximum amount payable per checked-in baggage in case more than one bag has been checked in, is 50% (100% for only one checked-in baggage) of the applicable Sum Insured and per item in baggage max 10%. Customer Count: The total no. of customers insured data is for FY24 and has been picked up from the internal source that highlights the number of lives insured column available in the Premium Register for Health, Personal Accident, Overseas Travel, Domestic Travel, Workmen Compensation, Crop Insurance, Weather LOB, Fire LOB and other LOBs.