Do You Need Travel Insurance for Your Trip?
For European travellers, the need for travel insurance depends on where you’re heading. Some countries require proof of insurance before allowing entry, while others simply recommend it. Since entry requirements can change quickly, it’s wise to double-check with your airline, tour operator, country’s foreign office, or the destination’s Ministry of Tourism before you go.
Even if insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s still worth considering. Travel insurance can offer some cover for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and unexpected disruptions - all of which could leave you out of pocket if things don’t go as planned.
Why do some countries require travel insurance?
Some destinations require proof of travel insurance to protect themselves and their visitors. Here’s why:
- Medical costs: in some countries, healthcare is expensive, and local authorities want to avoid unpaid bills. Requiring travel insurance makes sure visitors can pay for medical treatment if they get sick or injured.
- COVID-19 & health regulations: since the pandemic, many countries have introduced insurance requirements to cover quarantine costs, hospital stays, or emergency evacuations. This helps protect local health systems from financial strain.
- Adventure & high-risk travel: if you’re planning on trekking, diving, or other adventure sports, some countries want to make sure you’re covered if things go wrong. Requiring insurance means you’re prepared for accidents or medical emergencies, no matter how daring your plans are.
- Visa conditions: some countries won’t issue visas - particularly for long-term stays or working holidays - without proof of travel insurance. This ensures visitors have adequate cover during their time abroad.
What to check before you travel
For European travellers, entry requirements can vary widely depending on the destination. If travel insurance is mandatory, don’t just buy the first policy you see - make sure it meets the country’s specific requirements (as well as your own depending on what you have planned). Here’s what to look out for:
- Medical cover – some countries require a minimum of benefit threshold in medical coverage, including hospital stays and repatriation. Double-check that your policy meets these limits before you leave Europe.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation: Your policy should cover medical evacuation costs or transport back home if required to do so.
- Adventure cover: if you plan to surf in Bali, trek in Nepal, or ski in the Alps, make sure your policy covers adventure sports. Not all policies do, so read the fine print.
- Baggage and personal items: lost luggage is a hassle. Ensure your policy covers stolen, lost, or damaged baggage, including electronics, passports, and personal belongings.
How does World Nomads travel insurance compare?
Even if travel insurance isn’t compulsory, it’s worth considering. Travel mishaps don’t discriminate - flight delays, lost baggage, medical emergencies, or trip cancellations can happen anywhere. World Nomads keeps travel insurance simple, with two policies: Standard and Explorer. Here’s what’s covered:
Trip disruptions & cancellations
- Cancellation: You can cancel your trip for up to €10,000 (Explorer Plan) or €4,000 (Standard Plan) if it is cancelled for a covered reason.
- Trip Disruption: Missed departure from your country of residence (COR) is covered up to €1,500 under the Explorer Plan. Missed departures and connections from outside your COR are covered up to €1,000 under the Explorer Plan.
- Travel Delay: If a flight delay exceeds 12 hours, you could claim €50 per 12 hours (max €200 under the Explorer Plan).
Medical emergencies & repatriation
- Medical expenses: up to €10,000,000 (Explorer) or €5,000,000 (Standard) coverage for hospital stays, prescribed medicines, and treatment.
- Medical evacuation: if needed, your policy may cover emergency transport and repatriation home.
- Emergency dental: up to €600 (Explorer) or €350 (Standard) for sudden dental issues.
Baggage & personal belongings
- Lost, stolen, or damaged Items: Explorer Plan covers up to €3,000, with a single-item limit of €300 (€1,500 for Standard Plan with €150 single item limit).
- Lost travel documents: up to €700 (Explorer) or €350 (Standard) for replacing travel documents.
- Money theft: Explorer Plan covers up to €250 for stolen money.
Traveller’s tip: If a country requires a specific level of coverage, check your policy documents or contact our team—we may be able to issue a travel insurance confirmation letter for visa applications. Get in touch if you have any questions.
Is "Free" or "Compulsory" Insurance Enough?
Some countries and airlines now include "free" or "compulsory" insurance with their visa rules or travel packages. It sounds convenient, but is it enough? Before you rely on these policies, ask yourself:
- What’s actually covered? Does it include trip cancellation, lost baggage, and medical emergencies or just basic coverage?
- Are the coverage limits sufficient? Some free policies have low payout limits that might not fully cover you if something goes wrong.
- Does it cover your activities? If you plan to do adventure sports or high-risk activities, check to see if they’re included—most of the time, they’re not.
Bottom line? A tailored travel insurance policy - one that matches your itinerary, budget, and risk level - could potentially be the best way to protect your trip and your wallet. Wondering how much a World Nomads Insurance policy costs? Grab an online quote.