How to choose travel insurance for travelling in Europe?

Traveling around Europe is becoming increasingly popular among Ukrainians every year. One of the main conditions for a safe trip that will leave unforgettable impressions is having an insurance policy. Find out why you should purchase travel insurance for Europe, what coverage it should have, and what nuances to pay attention to when applying for it

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside Ukraine

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Many Ukrainian travellers are concerned about whether travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa. The situation is quite complicated, as it is not regulated by the current visa-free regulations. On the one hand, according to the law, medical insurance for travel in Europe is not defined as a mandatory requirement. On the other hand, the same laws do not prohibit checking for a policy at the border. This means that there is a high probability that you will be asked to show proof of insurance when entering any European country. And the internal regulations of some countries prohibit entry without the appropriate policy. So, for your own safety and peace of mind, it is worth reviewing the available service packages and choosing insurance for travelling abroad.

At the same time, checks by border guards are not the only reason to purchase travel insurance from Ukraine in 2025. Unforeseen circumstances can happen to anyone at any time, and medical services in Europe are quite expensive. We will tell you where to find cheap travel insurance from Ukraine to Europe and what details to pay attention to when purchasing a policy in this article.

Planning a trip abroad? Get reliable medical insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Why is travel insurance mandatory for travelling in Europe?

Travel insurance is a key requirement for entry and stay in most European countries. Medical insurance is an official requirement for obtaining a visa to Schengen countries. It is also important to note that without a valid policy, border guards have the right to refuse you entry.

The insurance policy must meet strict EU minimum requirements:

1. Insurance amount – at least €30,000 for the entire period of travel.

2. Territory of validity – the policy must cover the entire territory of the Schengen Agreement countries.

3. Insurance period – must cover the entire period of the planned trip, and in some cases (for visas) – have an additional ‘corridor’ of 15 days.

The absence of a policy or its non-compliance with the minimum requirements may result in refusal of entry into the country. In addition, in the event of injury, illness or the need for hospitalisation, the cost of medical services in Europe can reach tens of thousands of euros, which you will have to pay yourself.

What should quality travel insurance cover?

When choosing a policy, it is worth focusing not on the minimum but on the maximum coverage standards to ensure real financial protection. Quality insurance coverage for travel in Europe should include:

1. Medical expenses (emergency hospitalisation, necessary operations, outpatient or inpatient care, provision of necessary medication).

2. Emergency dental care in case of acute pain.

3. COVID-19 and other infectious diseases (coverage of diagnostic and treatment costs if you fall ill during your trip).

4. Evacuation or repatriation (costs of medical evacuation to Ukraine or repatriation of the body in the event of death).

Important! Although it is not mandatory for a visa, it is worth choosing packages that cover risks associated with lost luggage, trip cancellation or flight delays.

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How to choose the right policy for travelling to Europe?

To choose the ideal insurance policy for your trip, follow these simple but critical steps:

1. Check the coverage amount: Make sure your policy has coverage of at least €30,000. However, it is recommended to choose policies with a higher amount, which guarantees coverage even for the most expensive cases.

2. Clarify the territory of coverage: The policy must clearly state that it is valid throughout the Schengen area.

3. Choose a reliable insurance company: It is worth trusting proven companies that have a well-established assistance system (round-the-clock support) and fast payouts.

4. Ensure that the insurance meets the requirements: If you are applying for a visa, agree on the policy requirements with the specific consulate. For visa-free travel, adhere to Schengen standards.

5. Take out a policy online: The fastest and most convenient way is to take out travel insurance for Europe online and receive a PDF contract instantly by email.

Read also: Rules for entering Schengen countries with a non-biometric passport from Ukraine or other European countries.

Common mistakes when buying insurance

Even having a policy does not guarantee protection if it was chosen incorrectly. Avoid common mistakes:

1. Buying a ‘cheap’ policy with minimal coverage: An excessively low price often means a large deductible (the amount you pay yourself) or the exclusion of important risks (e.g., complex operations).

2. Incorrect travel dates: The dates of insurance coverage must exactly match the period of your stay abroad. Remember, the insurance contract takes effect from the moment you cross the border.

3. No COVID or evacuation coverage: In today's reality, a policy without coverage for infectious diseases and repatriation is risky.

4. No copy of the policy during the trip: Always carry an electronic or printed copy of the contract with you, as well as the contact numbers of the insurance company's assistance service.

We discussed the mistakes that most often lead to the refusal of a Schengen visa in our previous article.

How to purchase travel insurance online on Visit Ukraine?

The Visit Ukraine portal offers a convenient and reliable service for quickly purchasing travel insurance policies that meet all the requirements of the Schengen area.

Simple registration in a few minutes: The procedure is as simple as possible. You just need to select an insurance package, enter the validity period and your date of birth.

Policies that meet Schengen requirements: The platform only offers policies from trusted insurance companies that guarantee coverage of risks in the amount of €30,000 throughout the EU.

Instant policy delivery: After filling out the form and making the payment, you will immediately receive a ready-made policy in PDF format to your email. You can use it right away to cross the border.

Extensive coverage: You can compare different insurance packages and choose the best option that includes medical assistance, COVID-19 treatment, and other unforeseen expenses.

Planning a trip to Europe? Take care of your safety — get reliable travel insurance with medical and COVID-19 coverage at Visit Ukraine online in 5 minutes!

Reminder! If you are travelling in your own car, a ‘Green Card’ insurance policy is mandatory. It will reimburse third parties in the event of an accident abroad. For more information about travelling through Europe by car from Ukraine, follow the link.

Photo: Freepik

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card – compulsory car insurance for travelling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – book tickets for buses, trains, and planes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service – professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch – purchase patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

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