There are always many risks involved with traveling outside your own country and travel insurance for Europe is essential, despite the fact that you may think it is not a very “exotic” location. You may always fall ill, suffer an accident, or have a sudden change of plans, no matter where you are in the world. The peace of mind that you purchase with travel insurance for Europe is, in my mind, absolutely priceless. Just think about it: when you are on holidays, you simply want to be able to have a carefree time without needing to worry in the back of your mind. Of course, should anything detrimental actually occur, it may spoil your vacation regardless. However, the degree to which it may affect you will be determined by your travel insurance coverage.

There are many types of coverage for travel insurance to Europe. There is medical coverage for illness and accidents, trip cancellation/interruption coverage for unforeseen circumstances that alter your plans and baggage insurance for your possessions. You must determine what you may require for yourself because the combinations of coverage are many. In general, it is always a good idea to purchase some form of medical insurance, even if it is the most basic coverage. You do not want to have to pay out of pocket for hospital and medical bills if you become sick abroad. If you have chronic conditions or are of a certain age (over 50) then it is smart to purchase further protection with a more comprehensive medical plan.

People think that they do not need it, but the twist of irony is that it covers “unforeseen” circumstances. Hence, you are unlikely to predict that you will require this coverage. If you need to get home, of course you will forfeit the rest of your trip because of family priorities. But, it is best to protect yourself beforehand and to be able to recover your costs later with travel insurance to Europe that has trip cancellation/interruption coverage. Baggage insurance is an iffy one. The airlines usually cover you for a certain amount, ranging from $600-3000; they are liable to give you some sort of compensation if they lose your bag. That being said, certain travelers carry very expensive items around like top-of-the-line cameras. If this is you, then you need to consider taking out additional travel insurance for Europe to cover your particularly dear luggage.

Germany and France have been named as the most expensive places to have a motorway mishap, emphasising the need for drivers to ensure they have suitable car insurance in place for European travel. Research from Aviva found that the average bill if you cause a crash in Germany is £2,940, which is more than 50 percent higher than if you crash a car anywhere else in Europe. There is a need to be wary of French drivers too, as personal injury claims in France average nearly £10,000. It’s not just in these two countries where Brits must be cautious, however. Across the whole of the continent third party claims have risen by 10 per cent and personal injury claims have increased by 20 per cent.

Many drivers mistakenly believe that they will receive the same level of cover on the continent as they do in the UK. In fact, the majority of car insurance providers only offer the most basic form of car insurance in Europe even if you have a comprehensive policy at home. To check whether you will have the same level of cover in Europe as at home you should contact your insurer and ask. It may be that you need to take out additional cover – which will typically cost around £20.

Even if it’s European cover matches what you have at home, check the length of time that this applies for. Some insurers offer 90 days of cover for continental travel, but with other insurers only a handful of days will be covered. If adding European cover seems like an expense you could do without then see if there are other ways to reduce your car insurance premiums. For example, have you informed your insurer if you have security devices on your car or if you park in a garage overnight? Both could earn you discounts.