Travel Assistance for Europe

Is health insurance mandatory to travel to Europe?

Europe is one of the continents that receives the most tourists each year and boasts some of the most iconic and famous places in the world. Some of the most visited cities are Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, and Berlin, among others.

Since 2001, 28 European countries have required mandatory travel assistance with a minimum medical coverage of at least 30,000 euros to enter all the countries that make up the Schengen area.

This requirement ensures that travelers have adequate coverage for emergency medical expenses, repatriation, and urgent medical care during their stay.

The following countries, part of the Schengen area (not to be confused with the European Union countries), require tourists from certain countries to purchase travel insurance or travel assistance:

• Germany
• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands (Holland)
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Switzerland

In addition to these countries, there are some special territories that are also part of the Schengen area, such as the Faroe Islands and Greenland (dependent on Denmark), as well as the Channel Islands (dependent on the United Kingdom).

What type of travel insurance or travel assistance is mandatory to travel to Europe?

Some of the most important aspects that travel assistance must cover to enter the Schengen area include:

• Minimum coverage: The insurance must provide a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for emergency medical expenses and medical repatriation for medical reasons, illness, or accident.
• Geographical validity: The insurance coverage must be valid in all Schengen area countries.
• Temporal validity: The insurance must have a minimum validity for the entire duration of the planned stay in the area, covering from the day of arrival to the day of departure from the area.
• Extensive coverage: In addition to the minimum medical coverage, it is recommended that the insurance also includes coverage for non-medical repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost luggage, although these are not mandatory requirements.

What is the best travel insurance or travel assistance for Europe?

Travel assistance is more than just travel insurance. While travel insurance focuses on providing financial compensation for losses suffered during the trip, travel assistance focuses on providing assistance and coordination services in emergency situations.

The coverage of Pax Assistance travel assistance can vary depending on the plan purchased, but generally includes medical assistance, sanitary repatriation, legal assistance, lost luggage, flight cancellations, and other emergency services. It's not just about traveling with peace of mind, but about having the security of a team that takes care of you in any eventuality.

From the simplest cases to the most complex ones, at Pax we work daily to take care of our travelers and, with empathy and immediacy, resolve their needs. That's why we have assistance channels available 24 hours a day, no matter where in the world you are. We provide emotional support for our travelers and their families.

How much does travel assistance or travel insurance for Europe cost?

Pax Assistance has travel assistance plans for traveling to Europe from Argentina for all kinds of travelers: seniors, athletes, professionals, adventurers engaging in risky activities, pregnant women, those making long trips, or those traveling multiple times a year. The price of the plans starts from USD 50 and can be paid in interest-free installments from Argentina.

How to get travel assistance for Europe?

Travel assistance will cover medical assistance expenses abroad, depending on the coverage amount of the plan you choose. Getting a quote is very simple: enter our quote calculator, specify your country of residence, entry and exit dates, the region of the world you are traveling to, and the ages of the passengers. That's it! In just a few steps, you will know your options.

Depending on the type of trip you are taking, we have different services designed to meet your travel needs. More info at the following link: Which Pax service to hire depending on the trip you take.

What does travel assistance for Europe cover?

Beyond the requirements requested by some European countries, travel assistance is important because, in the event of any unforeseen event, very few countries provide free medical care for tourists. And, in case you need care in hospitals or clinics, the costs are usually very high. Moreover, there are many destinations that currently require travel assistance as a migratory requirement and demand it upon entering the country.

In Europe, suffering a fracture requiring hospitalization can cost between USD 2,500 and USD 6,000. On the other hand, pneumonia with a two-day hospitalization can cost between USD 3,000 and USD 8,500. A sanitary repatriation, for example, can cost between USD 130,000 and USD 150,000 from a European country to Argentina.

Traveling with Pax Assistance's travel assistance means you will be taken care of 24 hours a day, to resolve any inconvenience that arises while abroad. This is crucial because our assistance plans offer coverage that includes other non-medical events and can help you in an emergency, such as:

• Lost or canceled flight.
• Lost or stolen luggage (in addition to help locating it).
• Lost or stolen documents.
• Problems requiring legal assistance.
• Early return, among others.

Additionally, we have transformed the way travelers can access medication during their trips. That's why we have devised Pax Cash, an innovative solution that completely eliminates paperwork and unnecessary waits.

Pax Cash is our revolutionary answer to the need to buy prescription medications during a trip. Instead of having to pay out of pocket and wait for a reimbursement, we will send you a link to your email or phone number. By clicking on the link, the amount needed for the purchase will be instantly credited to your virtual wallet, compatible with Apple or Android devices.

This process is simple, direct, and most importantly, instant. You no longer have to worry about keeping receipts, filling out reimbursement forms, or waiting weeks to get your money back. With Pax Cash, you will have immediate access to the funds needed to buy your medications, without hassle or delays. Learn more about Pax Cash in this note on our blog.

Five tips for traveling to Europe

Here are some useful tips to keep in mind if you are planning to travel to Europe:

• Documentation and visas: Make sure you have a valid passport with enough remaining validity time and check if you need to obtain a visa for the countries you plan to visit.
• Travel assistance: Consider purchasing a type of travel insurance that provides adequate coverage for your needs, including medical care, repatriation, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events.
• Budget: Set a realistic budget for your trip and consider the costs of transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and unforeseen expenses. Europe can be expensive in some cities, so plan accordingly.
• Climate and season: Research the climate and season in the destinations you plan to visit to pack appropriate clothing and avoid excessive crowds. Remember that the seasons in the northern hemisphere are opposite to those in the southern hemisphere.
• Accommodation: Book accommodation in advance, especially during high season, to ensure you find options that fit your budget and preferences. You can choose from hotels, hostels, rental apartments, and shared accommodation options.

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By considering all this information, you will be better prepared to enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Europe. Have a great trip!