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United States residents

Travel insurance for Europe from the USA

Start with overseas medical protection, then add the trip risks that match your bookings: evacuation, cancellation, interruption, delays, baggage and any activities that may be excluded.

Medical firstDo not assume a U.S. health plan pays abroad
Protect depositsInsure eligible non-refundable trip costs
Read exclusionsEspecially health conditions and activities
Reviewed October 2, 2026

What to check before buying a Europe policy

Travel insurance is sold under rules and eligibility conditions tied to where you live. A policy marketed to another country may not be available to a U.S. resident, so residence eligibility should be the first filter in any comparison.

Emergency medicalCompare the medical limit, deductible, exclusions and whether the provider can pay hospitals directly.
Medical evacuationCheck who decides that transport is medically necessary and where the policy can send you.
CancellationUse the real eligible non-refundable cost, not the total value of everything you plan to spend.
Interruption & delayRead waiting periods and how independently booked flights, trains, ferries or tours are treated.

Medicare and Europe: the point many older travelers miss

Medicare states that it usually does not cover health care while you are traveling outside the United States, with limited exceptions. Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits and some Medigap policies can include foreign travel emergency benefits. That means “I have Medicare” is not enough information to decide whether you need extra medical protection for Europe.

Before buying anything, check your exact plan documents and ask how overseas emergency treatment, urgent care, evacuation and reimbursement work. Then compare only the gaps you still have.

Medicare: travel outside the U.S. ↗Our Medicare guide →

When cancellation cover becomes more important

A flexible city break with refundable hotels is different from a €10,000 cruise, escorted tour or family trip with prepaid rail and apartment bookings. Focus on the amount you would actually lose if a covered event forces you to cancel.

  • Check the definition of a covered reason.
  • Check purchase deadlines for any pre-existing-condition waiver or optional benefits.
  • Understand whether airline credits reduce the amount that can be claimed.
  • Keep invoices, booking confirmations and cancellation terms.

Europe is not one itinerary

Country and activity details matter. A Spain rail trip raises different questions from Greek island hopping or an Alps ski holiday. Use the destination guides to refine the checklist around transport, activities and geography.

Start with the places you are actually visiting.

Browse Europe guides

Frequently asked questions

Does Medicare cover medical care in Europe?

Original Medicare generally does not cover health care outside the U.S. except in limited circumstances. Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap arrangements may differ, so verify your own plan.

Is travel insurance required for U.S. tourists visiting Europe?

For ordinary short visa-free tourism, it is generally a risk-management choice rather than a standard Schengen entry requirement for U.S. citizens. If your personal nationality or visa status requires a Schengen visa, use the visa-insurance rules instead.

How much medical coverage should I buy?

There is no single number that fits every traveler. Compare your existing health coverage, destination, age, trip length, provider network and the cost of medical evacuation. The policy wording matters as much as the headline limit.

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