Home » Forum » Topics

Is basic travel insurance enough for a 3-week Schengen trip?

traveleuropeinsuranceadvice
avatar
Milen_22
Joined:
17.09.2024
Posts: 2380
Topic Starter
18.01.2025 02:46
I'm planning a three-week trip through France, Italy, and Switzerland this summer and I'm currently looking at insurance options. Most of the budget policies seem to cover the mandatory medical requirements for the Schengen visa, but I'm worried about the 'what ifs' like trip cancellation or lost luggage. Is it worth paying the extra premium for a comprehensive plan, or am I just overthinking the risks? I'd love to hear from anyone who has had to file a claim while traveling in Europe. Any advice on reputable providers would be greatly appreciated as well.
16 replies in this topic
avatar
Oliviya_T
Joined:
30.09.2020
Posts: 1074
19.01.2025 02:39
Honestly, for a 3-week trip, I would never settle for just the bare minimum. You're visiting three expensive countries; if something goes wrong, a cheap policy won't cover nearly enough.
avatar
Brayan_Z
Joined:
13.11.2021
Posts: 882
20.02.2025 18:13
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the previous comment. I had to go to a clinic in Italy once and the paperwork was a nightmare. Having a comprehensive plan made the reimbursement process so much smoother.
avatar
Stasi_B
Joined:
01.05.2021
Posts: 293
24.02.2025 19:58
It depends on how much you value peace of mind. If you're carrying expensive camera gear or electronics, definitely go for the comprehensive coverage.
avatar
Fabi_W
Joined:
26.11.2024
Posts: 1722
02.05.2025 13:56
In reply to a previous post
I'm with you on that. I always get the extra coverage just in case my flight gets canceled. Airlines are a mess right now.
avatar
Toni_M
Joined:
24.10.2023
Posts: 2500
04.05.2025 22:25
Does anyone have recommendations for specific providers? I'm looking at World Nomads, but I'm not sure if they are worth the price.
avatar
otgovor_BG
Joined:
13.05.2022
Posts: 2061
19.05.2025 01:22
In reply to a previous post
World Nomads is solid, but check out Allianz too. They have a good reputation for handling claims quickly in Europe.
avatar
Lori_N
Joined:
04.11.2022
Posts: 936
28.05.2025 06:43
I've traveled to the Schengen area five times and have only ever used the basic insurance. Never had an issue, but I guess it's a gamble.
avatar
grigor_b
Joined:
30.05.2023
Posts: 2054
18.09.2025 12:05
In reply to a previous post
You're definitely playing with fire there. All it takes is one emergency surgery or a missed connection to wipe out your entire travel budget.
avatar
nov_tuk
Joined:
22.11.2024
Posts: 2412
21.09.2025 22:16
Don't forget to check if your current credit card offers travel insurance. I found out mine covers lost luggage and trip delays automatically.
avatar
Zhivko_D
Joined:
25.11.2023
Posts: 95
04.12.2025 20:26
In reply to a previous post
That's a great tip! I second checking your credit card benefits before buying a separate policy.
avatar
kris_1982
Joined:
13.11.2022
Posts: 690
09.12.2025 14:01
In reply to a previous post
I think you're overthinking it, but honestly, it's better to be safe than sorry. The price difference for three weeks isn't usually that massive.
avatar
Fari_P
Joined:
27.06.2025
Posts: 287
12.12.2025 13:45
Three weeks is a long time to be exposed to risks. I'd pay the extra premium just for the trip cancellation benefit alone.
avatar
Roman_88
Joined:
03.07.2022
Posts: 1674
18.12.2025 18:48
In reply to a previous post
Exactly, especially with how often strikes happen in France during the summer. You really don't want to be stuck paying for hotels out of pocket.
avatar
Alisa_K
Joined:
30.01.2025
Posts: 1190
14.01.2026 04:05
I used SafetyWing for my last trip through Switzerland. It was cheap and very easy to manage through their app.
avatar
Oskar_Z
Joined:
07.10.2023
Posts: 218
11.02.2026 01:16
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for the SafetyWing suggestion! I'll look into them today.
avatar
Roman_88
Joined:
24.06.2021
Posts: 822
15.03.2026 11:04
Whatever you decide, just make sure the policy explicitly states it meets the 30,000 EUR medical minimum for the visa. That's the most important part.

Want to join the discussion?

Log in to your account to post a reply in this thread.