European Travel Insurance

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. Visit gov.uk for the most up-to-date information on the EHIC.

The EHIC 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.*

*Please note – information correct at time of publication, January 2021

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, Austria, The Azores, The Balearic Islands, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, The Canary Islands, The Channel Islands, Corsica, Crete, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kosovo, Lapland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madeira, Malta, Moldavia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Sardinia, Serbia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine and the Vatican City.

Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?

While the UK is still in the transition period leaving the EU, UK passport holders can travel through the Schengen Zone without a visa*. This could change once the UK Transition period ends at the end of 2020, so you should always check the latest travel advice to make sure you’re prepared. Visit gov.uk for the most up-to-date information on travelling in the EU.

*Please note – information correct at time of publication, September 2020