Travel Insurance for Europe
What Canadians need to know before travelling to Europe
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At a glance
- World Nomads offers four travel insurance plans for your trip to Europe. Plans range from standard to higher-limit protections.
- Coverage may apply to popular activities in Europe like hiking, skiing and cycling.
- Policies for Canadians include protection for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage.
Europe brings together a wide range of cultures, landscapes and ways to explore in a relatively compact region – little wonder it’s such a popular destination for Canadians. From the iconic cities of Italy and France to the alpine scenery of Switzerland and Austria, and the coastlines of Spain, Portugal and Greece, each country offers an experience all its own. With well-connected transport and short distances between destinations, it’s easy to combine multiple countries in one trip. No one expects things to go wrong while they’re away – but if they do, it helps to know you’re covered.
Plan Comparisons
Choosing the right travel insurance coverage depends on your trip type and planned activities. We offer four plans – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different coverages or levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
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Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Covering the basics for your trip to Europe. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
Optional 'Cancel for Any Reason' available. Get a quote |
Ideal for: Coverage Includes:
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Travel insurance for adventure activities in Europe
If you’re all about outdoor adventures, Europe has you covered. Ski the slopes of Austria’s Alps or snowshoe in Chamonix, France. Hike dramatic trails through Switzerland or take on long-distance routes like Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Along the coast, surf in Portugal, kayak along Croatia’s Adriatic shoreline or sail between the Greek islands. Prefer two wheels? Cycle through Tuscany’s rolling hills or tackle mountain routes in the French Alps and feel like you’re riding the Tour de France. However you like to stay active, Europe offers plenty of ways to get out there.
Coverage for 250 activities you love + more
Common insurance considerations for Europe
Accidents and emergencies
No one likes imagining the worst, but if you do get seriously sick or have an accident that sends you to hospital, you’ll be thankful you purchased travel insurance before you left home. Hit by a car crossing the street in Rome? Took a tumble on the ski slopes of Austria and ended up in hospital? Went out for tapas in Madrid and ended up with food poisoning? Emergency assistance is a phone call away.
Trip Cancellation
The best trips are often the ones you’ve planned months in advance, but you can’t predict the future and unexpected situations can sometimes happen before you even set off. Trip cancellation coverage is included in all single-trip and annual travel insurance plans offered by World Nomads and gives you the opportunity to cancel your trip before you depart – but only for covered reasons. Optional Cancel For Any Reason coverage allows you to cancel for any reason that’s not otherwise covered by your plan. Broke up with your partner? You can cancel your trip. Sick dog? You can stay home to care for your fur baby. Change your mind about travelling? There’s no judgment here. Just make sure you purchase Cancel For Any Reason insurance cover within 15 days of making your first trip payment (like booking a hotel or flight).
Emergency evacuation
If you get seriously sick or injured but you’re far from appropriate medical facilities, emergency evacuation and repatriation insurance can help get you the care you need. It may cover, up to the policy limits, the cost to get you to the closest appropriate medical facility or to your home province for further treatment. Under your World Nomads plan, emergency evacuation may be covered if it’s recommended by the attending physician and pre-approved by our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. This benefit could include transportation costs and any related medical services or supplies. If you’re in hospital for three days or more, it may also include the transportation of a family member or companion to your bedside or the return of a dependent child back to your home.
Trip interruption
No matter how good of a time you’re having in Europe, things can happen that mean you have to finish your trip early or you’re unable to participate in your full planned itinerary. If you get severely injured or sick while you're travelling, or you get a call from back home and learn that an immediate family member has unexpectedly passed away, you may not be able to complete the rest of your planned trip. World Nomads offers trip interruption coverage that may help you get reimbursed for prepaid, non-refundable travel costs if your plans change for a covered reason.
Tips for travelling to Europe
- Spend longer in fewer places and build in plenty of free time to wander and explore – travel shouldn’t feel like a slog
- Travel by train – it’s an easy, affordable and efficient way to get around Europe
- Pack lightly and opt for a carry-on suitcase or backpack over a big suitcase on wheels. It will make life easier on cobblestones, trains and stairs
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and transport hubs. Take extra care around ATMs and tourist hotspots.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for Europe. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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Do Canadians need a visa to travel to Europe?
Canadians don’t need a visa for short stays in most European countries (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), but must apply for ETIAS authorisation before arrival. Check current requirements before you travel.
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Is Europe safe for tourists?
Europe is generally safe, with well-developed infrastructure and healthcare. Petty theft can occur in busy cities and tourist areas, so stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. Check for any Canadian government advisories before you travel and consider travel insurance.
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What is the best way to get around Europe?
Trains are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to travel between major cities and neighbouring countries. Budget airlines and car hire can also be useful depending on your itinerary.
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What is the best time to visit Europe?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but can be busy and expensive, especially in major cities and coastal areas.
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Can I drink tap water in Europe?
Tap water is safe to drink in most European countries, though standards can vary slightly by region. When in doubt, check locally, or drink bottled water to stay on the safe side.
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What currency is used in Europe?
Many countries use the euro (EUR), but not all. Some destinations, including the UK and Switzerland, have their own currencies, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
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Do I need travel insurance for Europe?
Travel insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended. Cover for accidents, medical emergencies, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can help protect you against unexpected costs. Whether you’re in a major city or off adventuring in a more remote location, it’s reassuring to know you can get the help you need – especially when it comes to an accident or sudden illness.
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How do I make a travel insurance claim?
You can make a claim online 24/7. Have your documents and receipts handy to upload, and get started. If you get stuck, you can call us collect on +1 416 646 3723 or send an email to worldnomads@travelguard.com and we will assist you with your claim.
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What do I do if I need emergency assistance?
No matter where you are in the world, our 24/7 Emergency Assistance partners at Travel Guard are ready to help – 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether it’s a medical emergency, stolen gear, missing bags, or a natural disaster, they’re the first call to make. Need a translator? They can help with that too.
When you call, you’ll be asked if you are experiencing a travel emergency. If you are having a medical emergency, you’ll be connected with Emergency Assistance right away. If your situation is not urgent and you are calling outside of normal business hours, you’ll be able to leave a message and be called back.
The contact information for medical emergency assistance is:
Phone: +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.); or
Phone: +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Insurance protection for your hard earned vacation in the event of unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- AMT Plan: $10,000
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $250,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $750,000
- Annual Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Gear & Baggage Protection
Coverage for the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $5,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
Protect your health
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Return of Remains
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
Protect your trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Exchange (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
- Rental Vehicle Damage (Explorer, Epic or AMT)
Protect your stuff
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services
- 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Medical Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Personal Security Assistance
- Adventure Traveller’s Hotline
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.