Medical insurance in the EU for Indians: the complete guide

The European healthcare system is undoubtedly top-notch, but it comes at a steep cost for non-residents. Whether travelling short-term or staying longer, ensuring you will get the treatment for a bearable price is essential. This guide will walk you through the process of obtaining medical insurance for travel to Europe, especially for those planning to travel to Europe from India.

Why medical insurance for European travel is non-negotiable

Europe—it’s a dream destination for Indians. Whether exploring historic castles in Germany, basking under the Tuscan sun, or trying to pronounce “Reykjavik” correctly, Europe has something for everyone. But as magical as it sounds, there’s one reality check you can’t ignore: medical emergencies. Imagine slipping on cobblestones in Venice or catching a cold on your Swiss Alps hike, and finding yourself without the right medical insurance for European travel is not something you want to experience.

Sudden emergencies can strike anyone, anytime. While you might think, “I’ll just be careful,” life doesn’t always play fair. Europe’s hospitals are state-of-the-art, but their bills might give you a heart attack faster than the problem you went in for. So why medical insurance for European travel and, especially, everyday life is crucial:

It’s a visa requirement

If you're travelling to Europe from India on a Schengen visa, you’re legally required to have travel insurance from India to Europe with medical coverage of at least €30,000. Without it, you’re not going to get a visa because no country wants to have problems with foreigners' health issues. This reason is itself enough to dive deeper into the insurance world. Now is a good moment to remind you to read the visa requirements carefully; you don't want to spend a fortune and get rejected.

Are you interested in obtaining a digital nomad visa? Read about countries that issue it in our article.

Without insurance, chances to pay for the treatment are low

The painful truth is that health services costs are unreasonably high. For instance, an overnight hospital stay in Germany can cost upwards of €500. And a minor surgery? More than you could imagine. Having health insurance for travel to Europe ensures you don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Yep, having European travel insurance is a must.

Peace of mind

Instead of being nervous and constantly asking yourself, "How to go to Europe from India safely?" enjoy your trip or settle into your new life in Europe, knowing you’re covered. Mental health is our priority, so get the best European travel insurance that you can find to help you sleep well.

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Types of travel health insurance in Europe

Short-term travel insurance

Speaking about short-term trips, you usually only need simple travel insurance. This is ideal for vacations or short business trips. Under travel insurance for Europe, you can generally cover accidents and emergencies, such as sickness or car accidents.

Long-term medical insurance

You'll need long-term health insurance if you're staying longer—for university, work, or love (we see you, Bollywood romantics). Options are the following: Public insurance: Mandatory for many long-term residents, it’s affordable but may have limited access to private care. Europe travel private insurance: A good match for expats, offering shorter wait times and premium services. However, the comfort and quality come with the price.

Specialised plans

Planning high-adrenaline activities like skiing in the Alps? Look for specialised coverage that includes high-risk activities or remote areas. As an example, AXA provides health insurance for people living on the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, who may need to move urgently from the islands for better care.

Student insurance

Being a student in Europe is a blessing—you can travel, enjoy the parties and sometimes study (joking, you should be a good student and enjoy all the benefits of European universities). However, you must also deal with the documents—health insurance is on the list. Sometimes, scholarship holders can get travel and health insurance for Europe without paying for it; read the scholarship agreement or reach your international department office so they can explain everything to you.

How to get medical insurance in Europe

If you’ve already arrived in Europe and need health insurance, here’s a playbook:

Step 1: Know the local requirements

Each country in Europe has its own healthcare rules. For example, Germany mandates public health insurance for residents. Spain allows a mix of public and private options. Research the healthcare system of the country you’re in.

Step 2: Research providers

Public health insurance is often state-mandated, but for private insurance, make a comprehensive analysis of companies like Cigna or AXA. Look for reviews, limits, and costs.

Step 3: Gather documents for your health or travel insurance from India to Europe

You’ll likely need:

• Your passport and visa;
• Proof of residence;
• Proof of your job position or student status (if applicable);
• Local bank account details.

Step 4: Choose the right plan

Public plans are comprehensive but may have cons like longer waiting times. Private plans are flexible and faster services but can be pricier. Options for medical insurance for travel in Europe are pretty flexible, so take the time needed to explore them and choose the one that suits you.

Step 5: Register

You can register on the website or visit an insurance office. After registration, you’ll receive a health card or certificate, which you’ll have to bring with you during doctor visits.

Step 6: Keep emergency contacts handy

Most providers offer 24/7 helplines. Save their numbers to contact them immediately in case of an emergency.

EHIC and Indians

You might have heard about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). It's a card only for EU residents, which gives them the right to receive medical treatment everywhere in the EU, no matter which country they are from. Unfortunately, Indian travellers are not eligible for EHIC. You can get it only when you become an EU resident. Instead, securing comprehensive travel health insurance in Europe is essential to cover all medical contingencies.

How medical insurance differs from travel insurance

While the two terms are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes:

• Medical insurance for Europe travel: Focuses on healthcare-related expenses, such as doctor visits, hospitalisation, and prescription medications.
• Travel insurance from India to Europe: Includes medical coverage but also covers things like trip cancellations, lost baggage, and flight delays.

If your priority is healthcare, go for medical insurance for travel to Europe. If you’re on a short trip, comprehensive European travel insurance can be a more suitable choice.

A step-by-step guide to buying insurance in India

If you’re planning how to go to Europe from India, pick the best EU city to move to for Indians in our article.

For those who prefer sorting your insurance needs before you travel to Europe from India, follow these steps:

Step 1: Compare Indian providers

Look for trusted names like ICICI Lombard, HDFC ERGO, or Tata AIG. These companies offer plans that fulfil Schengen visa requirements.

Step 2: Review coverage

Ensure the plan of your travel insurance from India to Europe includes emergency medical coverage, hospitalisation, and repatriation. It should meet the €30,000 requirement for Schengen visas.

Step 3: Apply online for European medical or travel insurance

Most providers have user-friendly online portals. Submit your documents and pay the premium online to get instant policy issuance.

Step 4: Keep policy details handy

Print out your policy documents and keep a digital copy accessible during your trip.

What happens in a medical emergency?

In case of a medical emergency in Europe, follow these steps:

1. Stay calm

Panicking doesn’t help—focus on resolving the issue.

1. Contact your insurance provider

Use the emergency hotline provided in your policy to notify your insurer.

1. Visit a network hospital

Many insurance providers have tie-ups with specific hospitals for cashless treatment.

1. Save all documentation

If you pay out of pocket, keep receipts and medical reports for reimbursement later.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring coverage details: Don’t assume everything is covered. Read the fine print for exclusions.
• Delaying insurance purchase: If you wait too long, you might miss the opportunity to buy insurance that meets visa requirements.
• Forgetting to extend: If your stay in Europe gets extended, update your insurance accordingly.

Choosing the best provider

The best European travel insurance or medical insurance depends on your needs. Top providers like Allianz, AXA, and Cigna offer comprehensive plans for long-term stays, while Indian providers like ICICI Lombard are ideal for short trips.

We know it all sounds complicated, but believe us—your efforts will pay off. Hopefully, you won’t need to use the insurance, but being prepared is the key.

Final thoughts

Travelling to Europe from India is an exciting adventure, but don’t let avoidable medical emergencies ruin your holidays or new life. Whether it’s health insurance for travel to Europe or travel insurance from India to Europe, securing the right coverage is critical.

So, pack your bags, double-check your documents, and set out with peace of mind. Europe awaits—but make sure you’re prepared for anything, including those charming yet ankle-twisting cobblestone streets! And once you arrive, share your emotions with the people you love — send them some financial support with fast and secure Profee transfers.