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Setting foot into the world to explore new destinations, meticulous planning and preparation are key components of enjoying every travel adventure. Along the way, ensuring safety and financial protection becomes equally vital. That’s where travel insurance steps into the spotlight, often accompanied by a myriad of questions.
In this article, we delve into the most commonly asked questions about travel insurance, providing comprehensive answers and invaluable insights. As you embark on your journey, this resource will empower you to make informed choices and select the travel insurance that best suits your needs. With detailed information and practical advice, you can travel with confidence, knowing that you’re well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
How Far in Advance Should I Purchase Travel Insurance for My European Trip?
You should purchase your travel insurance plan as soon as you book your trip or you pay the first instalment towards your trip. Some insurance policies are more likely to include pre-existing conditions if you purchase your policy within a specific time frame; usually at least 14 days from the day you made your first trip payment. But this changes from provider to provider, so check carefully.
Is Turkey in Europe for Travel Insurance?
Turkey is usually not included in Europe travel insurance policies. In most cases, insurance policies for Europe only cover the countries in the EU/EEA and Switzerland; this means to have protection in Turkey, you may have to obtain worldwide travel insurance.
Tourists travelling to Turkey as well as to the EU have the following travel insurance options:
- Purchase two separate policies: one for the EU and one for Turkey
- Purchase a worldwide travel insurance policy
- Check if your Europe insurance provider allows you to add Turkey to your existing coverage
Some great worldwide travel insurance plans include Universal by Mutuaide, (with plans starting from £24 per person for a one-week trip), and World Travel Insurance by Mondial Care (with plans starting from £27 per person for a one-week trip).
Travel Insurance for Seniors Travelling to Europe
If you want to buy travel insurance for seniors, read our article “European Travel Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide to Safeguarding Your Journey“.
Can I Purchase Travel Insurance After I’ve Already Left for Europe?
You can purchase travel insurance after leaving for Europe or arriving in Europe. But know that your policy won’t cover any incident that may have happened when you were uninsured.
Can I Buy Travel Insurance For Just a Portion of My Trip to Europe?
You can buy travel insurance for only a part of your trip; for example, you’re travelling to Europe for a month, but you buy insurance for only the first two weeks of your journey. However, you cannot keep certain benefits with this kind of partial insurance.
For instance, if you want trip cancellation or pre-existing conditions coverage, you must buy insurance for the whole trip duration, not just a portion. Discuss this option with your provider before you purchase your insurance to see which option suits you better.
What Countries Are Included in Europe Travel Insurance?
Most travel insurance will include all the countries that are a part of the EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden, in addition to Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
The list of countries where travel insurance is valid depends on your provider and policy, as some providers will include UK and Turkey, while others don’t.
If you plan on visiting European countries that are not either in the EU or the Schengen Area (Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Monaco, Kosovo, etc.), you need to adjust your policy to have those countries included as well.
Can I Extend My Travel Insurance Coverage While in Europe?
You can extend your travel insurance coverage, but the extension process changes from provider to provider. Some insurance companies may allow you an extension by simply purchasing additional days of coverage, while others may ask you to buy a new policy altogether.
Additionally, some providers may not allow you to extend your policy if certain conditions apply to you, e.g., you already filed an insurance claim on your policy or have exceeded the maximum length of coverage your policy allows.
To extend your policy, you must contact your insurance provider in due time to let them know you need an extension. Also, please note that for travel insurance extensions, extra fees apply.
What if I Need to Make a Claim While Traveling in Europe?
If you need to make an insurance claim while travelling in Europe, you need to keep in mind the following steps:
- Contact your provider. Contact your insurance provider immediately if you are aware there is a situation where you need to file an insurance claim. Most insurance providers have 24/7 emergency assistance, so make use of that benefit, as sometimes providers have specific timeframes for an insurance claim. If you don’t file your claim as soon as possible, your provider may consider it invalid.
- Describe the details of your incident. Describe the event to your provider in detail, including information such as did you call the police or an emergency contact immediately, did you rapport the event to someone else in higher authority, whether you were required to visit a hospital in case of a medical emergency, who was involved in the incident, and so on.
- Provide necessary documents. Keep any important documents you may need to submit to your provider; this includes hospital admission papers, receipts, a doctor’s note, a police statement, etc.
- Fill out the claim forms. Your insurance provider will provide you with the required forms to complete to make a successful claim. Make sure to fill out the form correctly and entirely with all the required information.
- Pay the excess. This is an agreed amount between you and the provider, which you pay by yourself before you can file a claim. The amount of your excess is detailed in your insurance policy, so make sure to check that carefully. In most cases, you cannot file a claim without paying the excess first.
- Submit your claim. After filling out the claim form and preparing the required documents, submit them to your insurance providers. Depending on your provider, you may submit your claim online or via email. Then, wait while your request for an insurance claim is processed.
- Receive your reimbursement. If your claim is successful, you will receive a reimbursement from your insurance provider regarding all the expenses you paid for the specific incident while in Europe.
Please note that each provider and policy works differently regarding insurance claims. Make sure to contact your provider for detailed guidelines on how to file a travel insurance claim.
Reasons Why Your Travel Insurance Claim Was Denied
Some of the most common reasons why your travel insurance claim can be denied include:
- The incident occurred in a European country where your insurance does not cover you.
- You did not report the incident (theft or trip cancellation) according to a specific timeframe set out by your insurance provider.
- You are requesting a claim for something your insurance does not cover, e.g., coverage for an injury due to a sports activity when your insurance does not include adventurous activities.
- You did not enclose certain health conditions about yourself when you bought your policy, e.g., pre-existing conditions.
- You are missing the correct documents for your insurance claim.
In the world of travel, where unpredictability can be a companion, having your travel insurance questions answered is like having a trusty map for your journey. We’ve navigated through the queries and provided you with clarity on travel insurance, so you can venture forth with confidence.
As you plan your next adventure, remember that the right travel insurance is more than just a safeguard; it’s your partner in making memories and embracing the unknown. It’s your assurance that, no matter what twists and turns the road may bring, you have the support and protection you need to turn every moment into a cherished experience.
So, whether you’re exploring new cultures, savoring exotic cuisines, or immersing yourself in breathtaking landscapes, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance knowledge along with your bags. With your questions answered, your journey ahead is filled with excitement and the promise of unforgettable adventures, all while knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Safe travels!
