Quick answer: Yes — unless you're an EU/EEA citizen using the EHIC/GHIC card, travel insurance is strongly recommended. The EHIC covers emergency healthcare but not repatriation, trip cancellation, or lost baggage. A week of European travel insurance costs €20-60.
| Requirement | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical emergency | YES | EHIC covers EU citizens only; US/UK/AU need full coverage |
| Medical evacuation | YES | €20,000-100,000 cost without insurance — critical to have |
| Trip cancellation | YES | Airlines and hotels rarely refund without insurance |
| Lost/stolen luggage | YES | Airlines compensate max €1,500 under Montreal Convention |
| Adventure activities | ADD-ON | Skiing, scuba, paragliding often excluded from base policy |
| Pre-existing conditions | ADD-ON | Declare all conditions — undisclosed claims are rejected |
| COVID-19 cover | CHECK | Most policies now include COVID — read the fine print |
For EU/EEA citizens travelling within the EU, the EHIC (or UK's GHIC) covers emergency and necessary medical treatment at the same cost as local patients. It does NOT cover repatriation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or travel delays. You need a separate travel insurance policy for comprehensive protection.
A 7-day Europe travel insurance policy costs $30-60 for a US citizen, €20-45 for a UK citizen, and varies by age and coverage level. Annual multi-trip policies (€80-150/year) are cost-effective if you travel 3+ times per year.
Schengen visa applications require proof of travel insurance with minimum €30,000 medical coverage valid in all Schengen countries for the duration of your stay. Single-trip or annual policies from EKTA, Allianz, or AXA are widely accepted.