Staying Healthy in Europe: Choosing the Right Travel Insurance and Medical Assistance

Traveling through Europe is an incredible experience, but a little planning goes a long way—especially when it comes to health insurance.

No one expects to get sick or injured while traveling, but it happens. Whether it’s a stomach bug, an allergic reaction, or something more serious, having the right coverage ensures you get the care you need without sky-high medical bills.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why travel health insurance is essential, what to look for in a policy, and how Altheum can help you get fast, hassle-free medical care while you’re abroad.

Do You Really Need Travel Health Insurance in Europe?

In many European countries—especially those in the Schengen Area—travel health insurance isn’t just a good idea, it’s required. Without it, you may not even be allowed to enter.

Beyond legal requirements, there’s another big reason to get covered: medical costs in Europe can be expensive. In places like Switzerland or Norway, a simple doctor’s visit can set you back hundreds of euros. And if you end up needing emergency care or hospitalization? The costs can be staggering.

A good travel health insurance policy helps you avoid unexpected expenses and ensures you can access quality healthcare without stress.

How to Choose the Best Travel Health Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. Before you buy, make sure you check for these key features:

✔ Minimum Coverage Requirements – To visit the Schengen Area, your policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses, including hospital stays and medical repatriation (transport back home if needed).

✔ Geographic Coverage – Some policies only cover certain regions. Double-check that your plan includes every country on your itinerary—especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations.

✔ Emergency Medical Care – Look for a plan that covers doctor visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, and medical transport. Make sure there’s 24/7 support so you can reach someone in an emergency.

✔ Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions – If you have a medical condition, don’t assume it’s covered. Some policies exclude pre-existing conditions or require extra fees, so read the fine print.

✔ Support in Your Language – If you don’t speak the local language, getting medical help can be stressful. Choose an insurer that offers assistance in your language to avoid communication issues in an emergency.

✔ Easy Claims Process – Some insurance companies make it a nightmare to get reimbursed. Look for a policy with a simple claims process and 24/7 customer support to make your life easier.

Travel Health Insurance vs. Medical Assistance – What’s the Difference?

Many travelers assume travel insurance means instant medical care, but that’s not always the case. Here’s the difference:

• Travel health insurance covers your expenses, but you often have to pay upfront and then go through a reimbursement process.

• Medical assistance services provide direct access to doctors, so you don’t have to worry about paying first and claiming later.

Both are useful, but if you want immediate care without the paperwork, having access to medical assistance is a game-changer.

How Altheum Makes Medical Care Easy for Travelers

This is where Altheum comes in. We provide fast, hassle-free medical assistance for travelers and immigrants in Europe—without the bureaucratic headache of traditional insurance.

Through our platform, you can:

✔ Connect with certified doctors for online consultations
✔ Get medical support in your language
✔ Access 24/7 assistance with no paperwork or delays
✔ Receive prescriptions for medications at local pharmacies
✔ Get referrals to hospitals or clinics if in-person care is needed

Our doctors understand local healthcare systems and regulations, so you’ll always get the right care, no matter where you are in Europe.

The Smart Way to Stay Safe While Traveling

Getting the right travel health insurance is an essential step in planning a stress-free trip. But having access to fast, reliable medical care—without long waits or confusing paperwork—makes all the difference.

With Altheum, you can travel with confidence, knowing that expert medical care is just a click away.

👉 Visit our platform to learn more and get the support you need—wherever your travels take you!