We’re working really hard to keep you in the loop as much as possible in the fast-changing circumstances.
We want to help you wherever we can during these challenging times. If you’re struggling financially as a result of Coronavirus and are worried about the payments for your policy, or if you have a policy that you don’t think you’ll need now, such as an annual travel policy, please get in touch. We’ll discuss your options with you and work out how we can provide support.
Our call centres are very busy at the moment and we are trying to answer your questions as quickly as we can. If your query is non-urgent and you are not due to travel in the next two weeks, please don’t contact us yet, so we can prioritise people in need of urgent help or who are due to travel sooner.
In the meantime, we are regularly monitoring the situation and updating our Coronavirus single trip/backpacker and annual multi-trip FAQ pages. To find out more about the impact the outbreak is having on our travel insurance policies, please check the relevant FAQ before calling or emailing us.
We’d also like to highlight that travel insurance only protects against unforeseen circumstances getting in the way of your travel plans, so any policy you buy now will have very limited insurance coverage. While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised against all but essential travel indefinitely, you will not be covered under our travel insurance policies if you decide to go ahead with your trip.
Whether you’re planning a Parisian city break or beach holiday in the Canary Islands, Europe offers a diverse range of destinations for every type of traveller.
While holidays to France are all about culture and great food, trips to Iceland allow you to see Europe’s wilderness and wildlife at its best – you can even witness the majestic beauty of the Northern Lights! Alternatively, you can take a trip as far away as Russia, and learn more about the country’s history, or be mesmerised by the grandeur of the Red Square. If you’d rather shop until you drop, try Milan’s gorgeous designer boutiques.
With so much choice, it can be hard to pick just one destination, which is why interrailing has become so popular. You can leave with your backpack and explore everything this beautiful continent has to offer on one trip. If you’re taking an extended break in Europe, then our Backpacker insurance could be a good fit.
Below is some more information about our insurance products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.
Why do you need travel insurance for Europe?
You may think that travel insurance isn’t as important when you’re staying closer to home, but the truth is, things can still go wrong.
For example, your flight might be cancelled, your luggage may be lost, or your valuables could be stolen by pickpockets at busy tourist attractions. Thankfully, travel insurance can help protect you against these risks and more. Accidents can happen wherever you are but, with European travel insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected if something doesn’t go to plan.
What does our European travel insurance cover?
At Allianz, we offer a level of insurance that’s appropriate for most travellers. You can choose either a Single Trip, Annual or Backpacker policy, depending on how you travel. You can also choose between our Bronze, Silver or Gold levels of cover.
Depending on which policy you choose, you’ll be protected against:
- *Not available with Bronze cover
- **Only available with Gold cover
- Terms and Conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries are included in European travel insurance?
If you’re staying close to home, then you can choose ‘UK/Ireland’ as your area of cover. This will provide you with cover if you’re travelling to somewhere else in the Republic of Ireland, the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
*Please note that you will not be covered if you travel to a country or region that the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all travel, or against all but essential travel.
Do I need travel insurance if I have an EHIC card?
If you’re travelling within the European Economic Area (EEA), then an EHIC card is an important document to have. However, it is not a replacement for European travel insurance.
The card entitles you to cheaper (or sometimes free) emergency treatment in a number of EEA countries. Although the card entitles you to the same treatment as local citizens, you should be aware that many countries will not pay the full cost of healthcare for people who have a card, so you may still have to pay for some parts of your treatment. Similarly, the EHIC does not cover any medical treatment in a private hospital or clinic, the cost of additional accommodation or the cost of bringing you back home.
For this reason, you should still take out travel insurance for Europe. This way, your medical bills will be included in your cover, and you’ll also be covered for things like cancellations, delayed flights and delayed personal possessions.
I'm holidaying in Ireland; do I still need to buy travel insurance?
I'll be driving in Europe; is there anything I should be aware of?
If you’re travelling around Europe by car, then you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in some European countries. This will allow you to drive a private motor vehicle abroad when accompanied by a valid driving licence. It is valid for one year from the date of issue and you can apply online. You should also notify your vehicle insurer that you’ll be taking your vehicle out of the Republic of Ireland, and ensure you’re adequately covered for your trip.
Before you travel, you should also purchase our European Breakdown Cover. This way, if you’re unfortunate enough to breakdown on your journey, we’ll get you back on the road as quickly as possible. If we can’t fix your car within 4 hours, we’ll do all we can to get you back on your journey with a courtesy car, onward rail fare or overnight accommodation.
Before you set off, you should also check what extra equipment you may require in the countries you’re driving in. This may include items like a breathalyser, a reflective jacket, a warning triangle or snow chains and winter tyres. These can vary depending on the country you’re driving in, and the time of year you’re travelling.
While you’re away, you should always carry your driving licence, IDP (if required), original vehicle registration document and passport. You should also display the IRL national identification letters on your vehicle (and any caravan or trailer you are towing) when travelling outside the EU. Depending on where you’re travelling to, you may also need to display an emissions sticker on your windscreen.
Check the rules and regulations for the countries you’re visiting carefully before you travel to make sure you have everything you need.