When you’re heading off on a trip to Europe, it’s important to know you’re properly protected should anything go wrong. We’re here to provide answers to the most important questions about travel insurance for holidays to Europe.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Even if you’re only hopping across the Channel, travel insurance is definitely worth considering. As with any holiday, things can go wrong, from lost baggage to cancelled flights or stolen valuables. Insurance can help to cover unexpected costs or problems even if you’re still close to home.

It’s also important protection against medical costs should you fall ill or get injured while you’re abroad, as these can become very expensive.

Do I still need travel insurance with an EHIC card?

A European Health Insurance Card covers you for emergency medical care in the local health service of the EU country you’re visiting (not private hospitals), but it’s not a replacement for travel insurance. For UK travellers, EHIC cards issued before the end of 2020 will be valid until their expiry date (on the front of your card), entitling you to reduced cost or Free State healthcare within the EU countries that you visit. From 2021, the EHIC will be replaced by the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). Visit gov.uk for the most up-to-date information on the EHIC.

An EHIC or GHIC only covers you for certain essential medical treatment, but bills can become very expensive for certain procedures or extra help such as air ambulances. Travel insurance (Europe) provides more comprehensive medical cover for travelling in Europe, as well as covering things like your belongings and travel disruption, depending on your policy.

Which European countries are covered by travel insurance?

The countries covered by your travel insurance depends on your provider. You should always check your policy covers your destination even if you’re only travelling within Europe or travelling to destinations nearby.

Our Asda Travel Insurance policies cover all the countries of Europe as well as a few adjacent destinations such as Egypt and Morocco. See below the full list of countries our European Travel Insurance covers:

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Azores, Balearics, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

If you’re travelling as a tourist, then UK passport holders can visit the EU visa-free and stay for up to 90 days in any 180 day period. At the border, you may need to show an onward ticket, and to demonstrate that you have enough money for your stay. You should always check the latest advice before you travel - visit gov.uk for the most up-to-date information on travelling in the EU.

How much is travel insurance to Europe?

In general, travel insurance to Europe will be amongst the least expensive destinations as it’s seen as lower risk by insurers. The actual cost you pay for your travel insurance policy for taking a trip to Europe will depend on your choice of provider, cover level, and your personal circumstances. Getting insurance for just one county in Europe rather than the whole region may also affect the cost.

Is Bulgaria included in Europe for travel insurance?

Bulgaria is part of the European Union and the continent of Europe, so is normally included in any travel insurance policy that covers travel within Europe. If you’re buying annual multi-trip cover, Asda Money travel insurance includes Bulgaria in its European cover. Always check the policy carefully to make sure your chosen destination is covered when you’re comparing insurance providers.

Is Turkey included in Europe for travel insurance?

Turkey is generally considered part of Europe geographically, but travel insurance providers sometimes include it only as part of worldwide cover instead of Europe cover. If you’re buying annual multi-trip cover, Asda Money travel insurance includes Turkey in its European cover. Always check the policy carefully to make sure your chosen destination is covered when you’re comparing insurance providers.

Is Gran Canaria in Europe for travel insurance?

The Canary Islands are part of Spain, and so are part of Europe and the European Union. This means insurers usually include Gran Canaria and the rest of the Canary Islands in any Europe-wide policy. If you’re buying annual multi-trip cover, Asda Money travel insurance includes Gran Canaria in its European cover. Always check the policy carefully to make sure your chosen destination is covered when you’re comparing insurance providers.