Traveling to Europe is a dream for many, but ensuring that this experience is smooth requires careful preparation, especially regarding travel insurance. International travel insurance is essential to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. To help you choose the best travel insurance for Europe, we analyzed the top 5 options available globally. In this article, we’ll explore their coverage, how they work, and how to contact each one.
1. Allianz Global Assistance
Insurer’s History:
Allianz Global Assistance is one of the largest and most respected travel insurance companies in the world, with over 100 years of experience. Founded in Germany, Allianz is present in over 70 countries and offers a wide range of products and services. The company is recognized for its reliability and 24/7 customer support service.
Coverage:
- International medical assistance: Up to $1,000,000, covering hospital expenses, surgeries, and medical consultations.
- Trip cancellation coverage: Reimbursement of non-refundable expenses in case of cancellation due to covered reasons, such as illness or family emergencies.
- Baggage coverage: Compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
- Emergency medical evacuation: Coverage of costs for necessary medical evacuations.
- Personal liability: In case of damage to third parties during the trip.
How It Works:
Allianz allows policy customization based on destination, type of trip, and duration. The contracting process can be done online quickly and securely. Coverage is immediate from the moment the insurance is purchased. The company offers a customer support platform available 24/7 in multiple languages to ensure assistance anywhere in the world.
Contact:
- Website: www.allianz-assistance.com
- Global Support: +49 89 3800 9800 (available 24/7)
2. World Nomads
Insurer’s History:
World Nomads was created in 2002 by and for adventurous travelers. It is known for offering flexible and easily accessible travel insurance for those seeking more adventurous tourism experiences. Based in Australia, World Nomads has expanded globally, offering coverage to more than 150 countries.
Coverage:
- Emergency medical expenses: Covers hospital treatments and medical consultations.
- Medical evacuation: Emergency transport to hospitals in case of severe accidents or illnesses.
- Adventure sports coverage: Includes activities such as diving, trekking, and snowboarding, which many other insurers exclude.
- Trip cancellation: Reimbursement of cancellation expenses due to unforeseen reasons, such as illness, accidents, or family emergencies.
- Baggage coverage: For lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
How It Works:
World Nomads stands out for its simple online contracting process, which can be done even when the traveler is already abroad. The website offers personalized quotes, and the insurance is valid worldwide, with support available in several languages. Ideal for travelers seeking flexibility and wanting to include extreme sports in their itineraries.
Contact:
- Website: www.worldnomads.com
- Global Support: +61 2 8263 0400 (available 24/7)
3. AXA Assistance
Insurer’s History:
AXA Assistance is a division of the AXA Group, one of the largest insurance companies in the world, originating in France. The company is present in over 50 countries and offers a wide range of travel insurance, health, and life solutions.
Coverage:
- Emergency medical expenses: Covers medical costs up to €100,000 across Europe.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Emergency transport and body repatriation in case of death.
- Trip cancellation coverage: Reimbursement of non-refundable expenses.
- Trip interruption: Reimbursement of expenses in case of early return.
- Legal assistance abroad: Covers costs related to legal proceedings during the trip.
How It Works:
AXA offers various levels of policies to meet different types of trips. Packages range from basic to premium coverage, which includes additional services such as flight cancellations and travel delays. Contracting can be done online, and customer support is available 24/7, ensuring quick assistance in case of emergencies.
Contact:
- Website: www.axa-assistance.com
- Global Support: +33 1 55 92 40 00 (available 24/7)
4. AIG Travel Guard
Insurer’s History:
AIG (American International Group) is a global insurance company with a long history, founded in 1919. AIG Travel Guard is its travel insurance division, offering comprehensive travel coverage worldwide. AIG is known for its vast experience and a solid reputation in providing both personal and business insurance services.
Coverage:
- Emergency medical expenses: Covers up to $1,000,000 for medical treatments and hospital stays abroad.
- Medical evacuation: Transportation to appropriate medical facilities or repatriation back to the home country.
- Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimbursement of non-refundable costs if the trip is canceled or interrupted for covered reasons, such as illness or injury.
- Baggage protection: Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, up to $2,500.
- Coverage for extreme sports: An optional upgrade that covers adventurous activities like skiing, scuba diving, and more.
How It Works:
AIG Travel Guard offers customizable insurance policies tailored to individual needs. Coverage includes everything from basic medical and trip cancellation to more comprehensive packages that include emergency evacuation and travel delay. AIG’s global reach ensures that you have access to their support wherever you are, with multilingual assistance available 24/7.
Contact:
- Website: www.travelguard.com
- Global Support: +1 800 826 1300 (available 24/7)
5. Generali Global Assistance
Insurer’s History:
Generali is an Italian insurance company, founded in 1831, and is one of the oldest and most respected insurance companies in the world. Generali Global Assistance offers comprehensive travel insurance services, with a presence in over 60 countries.
Coverage:
- Emergency medical expenses: Up to $1,000,000 in medical expenses abroad.
- Medical evacuation: Emergency transport and repatriation.
- Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimbursement of expenses due to cancellations for covered reasons.
- Baggage coverage: Up to $2,500 for lost or stolen luggage.
- Sports and adventure activity coverage: Ideal for travelers planning to engage in sports activities.
How It Works:
Generali offers several policy options that can be customized to the traveler’s needs. Customer support is available 24/7, with a team of specialists ready to help in emergencies anywhere in the world. The insurance acquisition process is quick and efficient, conducted online.
Contact:
- Website: www.generalitravelinsurance.com
- Global Support: +1 800 874 2442 (available 24/7)
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal travel insurance for Europe depends on the specific needs of each traveler. Some insurers, such as Allianz and Generali, offer robust coverage, while others, like World Nomads, are perfect for adventurers. AIG Travel Guard provides a comprehensive solution for travelers who want high coverage limits and options for sports coverage.
Regardless of the choice, having travel insurance is essential to ensure a safe and smooth trip across Europe, avoiding unexpected complications.
.