Travel Insurance Guide for European Travellers (2025)
Travel insurance is one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of any trip outside Europe.
Medical care in Asia and the Middle East is excellent, but very expensive for foreigners without coverage.
This guide explains exactly what Europeans need, how much it costs, what is included, and which companies offer the best value.
🏥 1. Why Travel Insurance Is Essential (Especially Outside Europe)
Outside the EU your European health card is not valid.
Without travel insurance, you pay the full price for:
- emergencies
- hospital stays
- doctor visits
- medication
- ambulance
- missed connections
- lost luggage
Examples of real prices:
- ER doctor visit in Singapore: €150–300
- Hospital night in Bangkok: €200–500
- MRI scan in Dubai: €350–600
- Motorbike accident treatment in Thailand: €700–2500
💡 One accident without insurance can cost more than the entire trip.
🛡 2. What Good Travel Insurance Should Cover
✔ Medical care (at least €100,000 — ideally €300,000+)
✔ Emergency hospital treatment
✔ Repatriation (return to Europe if needed)
✔ Lost luggage
✔ Delayed luggage compensation
✔ Trip cancellation (optional)
✔ Missed connection coverage
✔ 24/7 assistance hotline
Optional addons:
- Adventure sports (scooters, diving, hiking)
- Electronics coverage (phones, laptops, cameras)
🌍 3. Best Travel Insurance Options for Europeans (2025)
Here are the most reliable and widely used plans:
⭐ Allianz Travel Insurance
- Good coverage
- Strong customer service
- Worldwide protection
- Excellent for long trips
⭐ World Nomads
- Popular with backpackers
- Covers many sports and activities
- Flexible plans
⭐ SafetyWing
- Great for digital nomads & long stays
- Cheap monthly prices
- Worldwide coverage
⭐ European bank insurance (Depends on your card)
Some premium cards include insurance:
- Revolut Metal
- N26 Metal
- HSBC Premier
- Some Swiss banks (UBS/CS premium accounts)
Always check limits — some bank insurances cover only €10k–€50k.
📌 4. Typical Price for Travel Insurance (2025)
For a 2–3 week trip outside the EU:
- Basic plan: €15–25
- Standard plan: €25–45
- Premium plan: €45–70
- Annual multi-trip plan: €60–120
Annual insurance is often worth it if you travel 2+ times per year.
🛵 5. IMPORTANT for Thailand / Bali / Vietnam
If you plan to rent a scooter:
- You MUST have motorbike coverage
- You MUST have an International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Without IDP = insurance can refuse payout
- Hospitals will ask for insurance documents immediately
💡 Many European travelers learn this too late.
🌐 6. Tips for Buying Travel Insurance
- Buy insurance before departure
- Screenshot your policy
- Keep hotline number saved in your phone
- Print the insurance card (many Asian hospitals ask for it)
- Check exclusions (alcohol, risky activities etc.)
🚨 7. What To Do in an Emergency (Step-by-Step)
- Contact your insurer’s emergency hotline
- Provide your policy number
- They will guide you to approved hospitals
- Most good insurers pay directly to the hospital
- Keep receipts for all expenses
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Travel Insurance Guide for European Travellers 2025 — Medical, Luggage & Safety
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Complete 2025 travel insurance guide for European travellers going outside the EU. Medical coverage, lost luggage, missed connections, scooter rules, prices and best companies.