Travel insurance for US citizens visiting Europe

Good news! At present, the US dollar is very strong against other currencies, even the Euro! Hopefully, this will mean that more of us can make the jump over the pond for some new foods, culture, and adventure! If you are planning such a getaway and think you want to spend some significant time over there, you should know that you need to have travel insurance for US citizens traveling to Europe.

Other than it being a requirement for long term stay in Europe, it is prudent to buy insurance even for short stays in Europe since health care is expensive. While many US citizens think that they have excellent health coverage and may not need to purchase anything separate for Europe, you must be aware that domestic US insurance plans have very little or no coverage outside US national borders. US travelers can be in for a shock if they are depending on an US domestic insurance plan to get coverage for a medical emergency outside the US.

For stays longer than 90 days, US citizens will need to apply for a visa and will need proof of travel health insurance for Europe from USA that meets requirements. Other nationalities need international insurance coverage even if they intend to stay fewer days.

The requirements for the visa while not particularly strict (we have many international policies which can meet and/or exceed their requirements) can be cumbersome to find.The requirements by European Schengen country state consulates that can be difficult to meet are the following:

1. Insurance company must have an office in the EU
2. You need coverage for repatriation (return of mortal remains)
3. Coverage for emergency medical evacuation, and finally
4. You need a letter from your insurance company spelling out your coverage. (The requirement for maximum (€30,000) is generally not a problem with US policies).

Believe it or not, most often, US insurance companies refuse to provide the letter needed (#4) even though they may actually meet other requirements. Many policies, however, do NOT cover for repatriation and emergency medical evacuation nor have a foreign office in Europe. Also, our US customers may be surprised to find out that Medicare will not pay for services rendered outside the US (except under extremely limited circumstances).

However, don’t worry too much about getting this travel insurance for US residents visiting Europe. The requirements US citizens for the long term European visa are exactly like those for the Schengen visa for non US citizens, so any plans we sell for Schengen visa will work for you. Furthermore, they are very economically priced and are guaranteed (no medical tests or questions). Best medical insurance for European travel can be purchased with a credit card and you will immediately (or within the hour) have access to the required Schengen visa letter (unless you are purchasing from the lovely state of Maryland, in which case we will need at least 2 business days to get your letter).

Furthermore, we have many clients who purchase even short term best travel insurance for Europe from USA because our international policies will pay directly to foreign hospitals and doctors without the insured having to pay out of pocket and get reimbursed after their trip is over. The health insurance for travel to Europe we recommend for this coverage have many additional travel benefits (lost baggage, trip interruption, concierge service) so that you can feel safe and secure knowing that should anything happen, you will have someone who understands international health situations and you will get through the process and back home as well cared for as may be!

Travel to Europe has never been easier and possibly cheaper! Now is the perfect time to plan that nice long trip you’ve been hoping to take! Don’t let vacation health insurance for Europe requirements set you back! Fill the travel health insurance Europe form and get immediate quotes from multiple insurers to find the best deal for travel insurance for US citizens visiting Europe!

As ever, we wish you safe and happy travels!