Many travelers planning a trip to Europe wonder whether travel insurance is required — or simply recommended. The answer depends on your citizenship, visa status, and how much financial risk you are willing to accept.
This guide focuses primarily on travelers visiting Europe from the United States and explains when travel insurance is required, when it is optional, and when it may still be a smart financial decision.
The Short Answer
Travel insurance is not required for most U.S. tourists visiting Europe for short trips. However, it may be mandatory for travelers who need a Schengen visa, and it is often recommended for trips involving significant prepaid expenses.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that share common border and visa rules, allowing travelers to move between countries without additional passport checks. Popular destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands are part of the Schengen system.
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
U.S. citizens traveling to Europe for tourism generally do not need a visa for stays under 90 days and therefore are not required to carry travel insurance.
However, travelers from countries that require a Schengen visa must typically provide proof of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuation and repatriation.
When Travel Insurance Is Still Recommended
Even when not required, travel insurance may be financially worthwhile in situations such as:
- Trips with non-refundable flights or hotels
- Multi-city or complex itineraries
- Winter travel or peak travel seasons
- Trips booked several months in advance
- Travelers concerned about medical coverage abroad
When You Might Skip Travel Insurance
Some travelers may reasonably choose to skip insurance if:
- The trip is short and inexpensive
- Bookings are fully refundable
- You have strong travel protections through a credit card
- You could comfortably absorb the financial loss
A Simple Cost Example
Consider a $1,800 trip to Europe:
- Travel insurance cost: approximately $70–$120
- Potential cancellation loss: $800 or more
In this case, insurance functions as protection against a large unexpected loss rather than an added travel expense.
Final Verdict
Travel insurance is usually not required for U.S. tourists visiting Europe, but it can still be a practical financial safeguard. The decision should depend less on rules and more on how much prepaid risk your trip involves.