Travel Insurance for Europe: 12 Questions

Europe is the most sought destination by travelers—and the only continent where travel insurance is formally required by visa. This guide answers the doubts the consulate doesn't clearly explain.

Is travel insurance for Europe mandatory?

Yes. To obtain the Schengen visa, you must present travel insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid in all 27 Schengen member countries throughout your stay. Without insurance, the visa is not granted. At some consulates, absence of insurance at boarding can result in entry denial.

What's the minimum coverage for the Schengen visa?

EUR 30,000—this is the legal minimum. But it's insufficient for a serious emergency. A 25-day hospitalization in Italy (EUR 1,200/day) consumes the entire limit. Medical evacuation from Europe to Brazil costs EUR 20,000-50,000 alone. Asteroid recommends USD 100,000 minimum to safely cover serious emergencies.

Is EUR 30,000 enough for Europe?

No—for serious emergencies. It's enough for the visa. It's not enough for: medical evacuation to Brazil, extended ICU hospitalization, heart attack or stroke treatment in a European hospital. The legal minimum was set decades ago and doesn't reflect current medical costs. The price difference between a plan with EUR 30,000 and one with USD 100,000+ is USD 7-15 for a week of travel.

How do I get the Schengen certificate?

When you buy travel insurance with Schengen coverage (like Asteroid plans), the certificate is generated automatically after purchase. The document must contain: full name matching passport, trip dates, coverage amount (minimum EUR 30,000), declaration of validity in all Schengen countries, insurer name and contact. Present it at the consulate with your visa application.

Does travel insurance cover all European countries?

Depends on the plan. Plans with "Europe Schengen" coverage cover the 27 member countries. For destinations outside Schengen—UK, Ireland, Croatia (recently added), Serbia, Albania, Montenegro—verify if the plan includes or if additional coverage is needed. Broad "Europe" plans typically cover the entire continent.

What's NOT covered by travel insurance in Europe?

Common exclusions: treatment of pre-existing conditions not declared, extreme sports without specific rider, elective dental care (emergency only), routine check-ups and consultations, war and terrorist acts (varies). In Europe specifically: EU citizens have EHIC for public coverage—Brazilians don't have this benefit.

What does a medical emergency cost in Portugal, France, and Italy?

Portugal: public hospital hospitalization ~EUR 300-600/day for non-Europeans; private EUR 800-1,500/day

Does travel insurance cover cancellation due to volcano or strike?

Airline strike: generally not covered as trip cancellation by insurance—it's the airline's responsibility. General strike/shutdown: depends on the plan—some cover as "force majeure." Volcano (like Etna, Vesuvius, or Iceland): coverage varies—some plans include volcanic eruptions as force majeure. Check specifically in your policy.

General strikes/walkouts: depends on the plan — some cover it as a "force majeure event." Volcanoes (like Etna, Vesuvius, or Iceland): coverage varies — some plans include volcanic eruptions as force majeure. Check your policy specifically.

Do I need separate insurance for the UK?

The UK left Schengen (Brexit). Your Schengen visa doesn't cover the UK—you need a separate visa. Travel insurance for UK is not mandatory for the visa, but highly recommended: the NHS charges tourists, consultations cost GBP 100-300, and hospitalization can be expensive. Many "Europe" plans cover the UK—confirm before purchase.

Which travel insurance is best for Europe?

The best plan for Europe: (1) covers all 27 Schengen countries, (2) generates consulate-valid certificate immediately, (3) has USD 100,000+ coverage (not just the legal minimum), (4) includes medical evacuation to Brazil, (5) TPA with experience in European hospitals and 24/7 Portuguese support. Asteroid meets all these criteria.

Does Asteroid cover all 27 Schengen countries?

Yes. All Asteroid plans for Europe cover all 27 Schengen member countries. The certificate is issued automatically after purchase, in Portuguese and English, with explicit Schengen compliance declaration.

What should I do in a medical emergency in Europe?

1. Call 112 (universal emergency number in the EU)
2. Contact MDabroad 24/7 as soon as possible
3. Provide the hospital name and your policy number
4. Our team coordinates with the hospital and issues the payment guarantee
5. Keep all medical documents
6. If needed, we activate medical repatriation to Brazil

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