Travel insurance in Europe: why it's essential even for European citizens

If you're traveling within Europe, and you're a European citizen, you might think you don't need travel insurance. After all, you have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), right? The truth is that this card only covers basic medical care - and there are many unforeseen events that can happen on a trip. In this article I explain why travel insurance is still essential, even between European countries, and give you practical tips for choosing the right one.

Traveling within the European Union makes a lot of things easier - there are no physical borders, the currency is the same in many countries, and you feel safer knowing that you have access to the public health system. But that doesn't mean you're protected against everything that can go wrong on a trip. And that's precisely where travel insurance comes in.

What the European Health Insurance Card covers (and what it doesn't)

The European Health Insurance Card is useful and should always be carried with you, but it has important limitations:

• Only covers urgent medical care in public services in the country visited
• Does not cover care in private clinics or non-accredited hospitals
• Does not include repatriation, theft, losses, cancellations or legal support
• The care provided follows the rules of the local health system (and may involve costs)

Real example: if you need to be transported back to your country for medical reasons, the European Health Insurance Card will not cover this expense. If you are hospitalized in a country where the health system requires co-payments, you will have to pay them.

What's more, the European Health Insurance Card is not a substitute for travel insurance - it's a complement. It only works for health issues and only in public services, which leaves many risks open.

Real situations where travel insurance makes a difference

Even on a weekend getaway, things can happen. And the more confident we feel about being "close by", the more we forget that the unexpected can come knocking. Here are some real-life situations where travel insurance becomes indispensable:

• Flight cancellations or airport strikes that require rebooking
• Loss or theft of luggage, documents or electronic equipment (and with them, the entire travel plan)
• Accident or medical emergency involving hospitalization or medical intervention
• Need to return early for family, professional or health reasons
• Problems with accommodation, transportation or non-refundable reservations

Having insurance means having someone to help you 24/7, with a helpline in Portuguese, cover for unexpected costs and support in solving problems - which is worth gold when you're abroad.

Because it's worth it even on a short trip

Travel insurance can cost less than €15 for a three-day getaway - less than dinner in Paris, Rome or Barcelona. But it can save you hundreds (or thousands) of euros if something goes wrong. And more than money, it offers peace of mind.

• Travel with fewer worries and more freedom
• Avoid unexpected medical expenses
• Protect your investment in flights, accommodation and activities
• You have real support when you need it - in Portuguese, by phone or via app

Even if you're one of those people who has "never had a problem", an unforeseen event doesn't warn you. And when it does, response time and the right support can make all the difference.

What to look for in good travel insurance

Not all insurances are the same. There are very basic insurances, others that don't cover cancellations, and many that have high deductibles. Here's a list of what to look out for:

• Extended medical cover (ideally over €100,000)
• Repatriation included, especially important for more serious cases
• Coverage for baggage, cancellations, delays and last-minute expenses
• Legal assistance and 24-hour telephone support
• Coverage for COVID-19 or other emergencies
• Option to add cover for specific activities (sports, cruises, etc.)

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Conclusion: traveling with protection is traveling with freedom

Even for trips within Europe, travel insurance is an essential bonus - and can be the difference between a mishap and a serious problem. The freedom to travel also includes the security of knowing that if something happens, you're not alone.

Protected travel isn't a luxury - it's a smart and responsible choice that allows you to make the most of every moment.

Plan ahead, compare options and always include insurance on your list of essentials. Even if you never use it, you'll appreciate having it.

Read also – Travel Insurance - Is it important to take out? - Heymondo