Insurance for US Citizens when Traveling to Europe - ETIASEU.com (2024)
According to the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office, in 2016, nearly 12 million Americans traveled to Europe that year. Europe continues to be a favorite destination for many Americans, who make about 5% of international tourist arrivals. Europe draws many people for its history, architecture, gastronomy, diverse cultures, and lively cities.
While travel is usually packed with excitement and curiosity, some people might worry about what could happen if they sick while on holiday in Europe. Most European countries offer high-quality medical care and a great number of doctors and nurses speak some English. Nearly all European nations have a universal health-care system and run at a national level. The systems are mostly publicly funded through taxation.
The European Union does not have a major administrative responsibility in the area of healthcare. However, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Consumers do seek to align national laws on food safety and other products.
An essential benefit of the universal healthcare is that everyone should be taken care of in an emergency or in case of sickness. Foreigners will receive proper assistance if they’re injured or get sick.
What Happens If I Get Sick While Traveling in Europe?
There are a few options available if you get sick while traveling in Europe. Depending on your symptoms or your injury, there are pharmacies that can diagnose and prescribe remedies for stomach problems, insomnia, blisters, headaches, muscle pain, cold symptoms, etc. The majority of cities have a 24-hour pharmacy. You can always check online for the nearest one to your accommodation.
For accidents or an emergency go to a hospital. The European Union’s universal emergency number is 112. If you are not experiencing an emergency but would like to see a doctor you can go to a clinic and talk to a receptionist about your issues and why you’d like to see a doctor. You will likely have to wait but will be seen by a doctor or physician.
Healthcare costs in Europe are not as extreme as they are in the United States. This is due to the set up of their system and the contributions of each member of society. With that said, it is advised that you purchase travel insurance or some sort of insurance that will cover your expenses in case you need medical attention.
If you need to pay for the attention received, you’re likely to be asked to pay out of pocket. In other cases, you might be asked to provide a billing address. Get a copy of your bill and all information given to you so that you can file a claim when you return to the U.S.
When traveling to Europe it is essential you have a valid passport. U.S. citizens can travel to European countries without applying for a visa. The EU will soon launch a travel authorization program, ETIAS, in order to screen travelers that wish to visit the Schengen Area. It is likely that from 2025, U.S. citizens will have to enroll online to obtain an ETIAS travel authorization for Europe.
Travel health insurance is not mandatory for U.S. citizens traveling with ETIAS
ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned electronic authorisation system of the European Union for visa-exempt visitors travelling to the Schengen Area (including EFTA countries), as well as Cyprus.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › European_Travel_Informatio...
. However, insurance is advised in case of unexpected medical costs. If you need a visa for your trip to Iceland, you may need to provide proof of medical insurance. Check the conditions of the visa you're applying for.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Europe? Travel insurance is not required for U.S. citizens to enter Europe. Tourists traveling to countries that are part of the Schengen Agreement can enter with a U.S. passport. However, if you plan to stay in certain countries for more than 90 days, you may require a visa.
While travel insurance for Europe isn't a legal requirement, it's still a good idea. It can ensure you're financially covered for things like cancelled flights, lost luggage or illness and injury while abroad.
Almost all the countries in Europe have a universal healthcare system. There are people who call it a “free healthcare” system but it is actually not free. Each nation has its own variation; however, a common feature is that everyone has to pay for healthcare as a society.
Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance. If you want, they can inform your family and friends.
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
Allianz is a popular choice among business travelers due to its AllTrips Executive travel insurance policy with coverage for lost, stolen or damaged business equipment and rental car insurance. Earning 4.1 out of 5 stars, our expert reviewers think Allianz is a great choice for international travel insurance.
Some travel insurers insist you have a GHIC – or they won't cover medical costs in Europe. Either way, a GHIC only covers medical treatment, so you still need insurance to cover things like repatriation or extra accommodation for you – and family members – if you were in hospital for a time and could not travel home.
On average, travel insurance for a US citizen visiting Europe can range from $50 to $200 for a week-long trip, which is between 5% to 8% of the trip cost. It is recommended to obtain quotes from different insurance providers on American Visitor Insurance to compare prices and coverage options.
When a U.S. citizen becomes ill in Italy and requires assistance to fly back to the US, he/she could hire a medical escort. Generally, when a medical escort is hired, a physician with basic medical equipment accompanies the patient on board a commercial airline flight.
If you do not feel well and you are not sure about the need for hospitalization, you can call a doctor to your home or hotel. The doctor will make a medical check-up and advise to do next. This service is available in almost all French cities and is provided by an organization called SOS Médecins.
Countries with universal healthcare include Austria, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
In the European Union, for serious conditions (stroke, heart attack, bad car accident), summon an ambulance by calling 112, the universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well; for instance, in the United Kingdom you'd dial 999.
Carry your insurance card and a claim form if your policy covers you outside the United States. Medicare does not cover medical care when you travel the United States. Visit Medicare.gov for more information. Some health insurance companies pay for “customary and reasonable” hospital costs abroad.
In most situations, Medicare won't pay for health care or supplies you get outside the U.S. The term “outside the U.S.” means anywhere other than the 50 states of the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Make sure you have a plan to get care overseas, in case you need it. Consider buying additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas. Enroll with the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment ProgramExternal Link (STEP).
Before you go, consider your insurance options in case you need care while traveling. Travel health insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding.
Any international should mean a purchase of travel medical insurance. While traveling in Europe, your U.S. health plan (including Medicare) likely does pay for medical expenses like hospital bills, ambulance costs or doctor visits if you require medical attention.
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