Traveling to Europe is a dream, but an unexpected medical event like COVID-19 can turn it into a financial nightmare. Having travel insurance that specifically covers coronavirus is not only a smart decision…
Traveling to Europe is a dream, but an unexpected medical event like COVID-19 can turn it into a financial nightmare. Having travel insurance that specifically covers coronavirus is not only a smart decision, but an indispensable requirement to enter the Schengen Area. In this guide, we explain why you need this coverage and how to choose the perfect Baraglo plan for your European adventure.
⚠️ Important: The Basic Plan (USD 20K) is not valid for travel to Europe/Schengen. The Schengen Agreement requires a minimum coverage of €30,000. For this destination, choose the Standard Plan (USD 35K) or higher.
Travel Insurance to Europe with COVID Coverage: Your Essential Guide
Is COVID coverage still necessary for traveling to Europe?
Although pandemic news no longer dominates headlines and most travel restrictions have been lifted, COVID-19 remains a global reality. From the perspective of European insurers and healthcare systems, the virus is now treated like any other infectious disease. This has a direct and crucial implication for you as a traveler: if you get infected, you will need medical attention and will be responsible for all associated costs.
The big difference lies in the cost of that care. A healthcare system you are not affiliated with can generate astronomical bills for services that might be affordable in your home country. We're talking hundreds of euros for a simple consultation and tests, and thousands for hospitalization. While COVID-19 travel restrictions have relaxed, an unexpected positive test in Europe is treated like any other medical emergency, with costs that can exceed 1,000 euros per day of hospitalization.
Therefore, COVID coverage in your travel insurance for Europe is no longer so much a response to a pandemic regulation, but an essential part of comprehensive medical protection. It's the guarantee that if bad luck leads you to test positive, you won't have to add a financial crisis to your health problem. You'll be able to access the best available care without worrying about the impact on your wallet. It is, in essence, buying peace of mind and security to enjoy your trip with one less concern.
- Current status: European borders are open without the strict health controls of the past (such as mandatory PCR tests or vaccination certificates for most countries).
- Medical treatment: COVID-19 is considered another illness. If you show symptoms and require a diagnosis or treatment, you will be attended to within the local public or private health system.
- High costs: Without insurance, the costs of medical care in Europe are prohibitive for a tourist. A visit to the emergency room can cost from €300, and a single day of hospitalization can easily exceed €1,000, not counting medications or specialized treatments.
- Peace of mind: Beyond the migratory requirement, the true value of travel insurance with COVID coverage is the peace of mind of knowing that, in the event of any medical emergency, you have complete financial and logistical support.
Key coverages of travel insurance to Europe with COVID
When looking for travel insurance for Europe that protects you against COVID-19, it's not enough to just see that the policy mentions the virus. It is essential to understand what specific coverages it includes and how they protect you in different scenarios. A good plan not only covers the doctor's bill; it offers a safety net for the multiple complications that a positive diagnosis can entail far from home. Below, we break down the indispensable coverages you should check.
Medical assistance due to illness
This is the main and most important coverage. Make sure your plan explicitly includes assistance for illness, covering COVID-19 like any other pathology. This implies that, if during your trip you present symptoms and a doctor diagnoses you with coronavirus, the insurance will cover the derived expenses up to the maximum limit of your plan.
- Medical consultations: Coverage for visits to general practitioners or specialists.
- Tests and diagnostics: Includes the costs of PCR or antigen tests if they are medically necessary and prescribed by a doctor.
- Medications: Reimbursement or coverage for prescribed drugs to treat symptoms.
- Outpatient treatments: Any procedure that does not require hospitalization.
Hospitalization expenses
In more serious cases, COVID-19 may require hospitalization. This is one of the most expensive situations you can face abroad. Robust insurance must cover all aspects of hospitalization. At Baraglo, plans like Essential Plus or Premium offer high limits (USD 50,000 and USD 100,000 respectively) that provide solid protection against these scenarios.
- Admission and hospital stay: Covers the daily cost of the room in the hospital.
- Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Coverage for ICU hospitalization costs, which are significantly higher.
- Medical and surgical fees: Pays for the services of doctors, surgeons, and specialists who treat you during hospitalization.
- Exams and therapies: Covers all tests and treatments performed during your stay in the hospital.
Medical repatriation
Medical repatriation is a critical coverage that is often overlooked. If your medical condition is severe and does not allow you to return to your country on a regular commercial flight, this coverage is activated. It covers the cost of medically supervised transport, which may include an "air ambulance" if necessary, so you can continue your recovery in your home country, close to your family and your healthcare system. The cost of repatriation can amount to tens of thousands of dollars, so this coverage is invaluable.
Extension of stay due to quarantine
What happens if you test positive just before your return flight and a doctor prescribes mandatory isolation? You cannot fly and are forced to extend your stay. Some Baraglo plans include coverage for "Convalescence Hotel Expenses". This means that the insurance can cover additional accommodation costs and, in some cases, food, up to a specific limit, so you can comply with isolation without it ruining your budget.
Trip cancellation or interruption
This coverage, generally included in high-end plans like Premium, protects you financially even before you start your trip. If you, your travel companion, or a direct family member test positive for COVID-19 and this prevents you from traveling, "Trip Cancellation" coverage can reimburse you for non-recoverable expenses, such as flights, hotels, or tours you had already paid for. Similarly, if you must interrupt your trip and return home early due to an emergency related to the virus, "Trip Interruption" covers associated costs.
Schengen Requirement: The insurance you need to enter Europe
Beyond personal protection, travel insurance is an unavoidable bureaucratic requirement for any Latin American traveling to the Schengen Area. This block of 27 European countries has a common migratory policy that requires all foreign visitors to have travel assistance. It doesn't matter if your nationality requires a visa or not; upon arrival at passport control, the immigration officer has the power to request proof of your insurance.
The Schengen Area requires all international travelers, without exception, to have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. This rule is not a suggestion; it is a condition for entry. Failure to comply can result in denial of entry and being sent back to your country on the next flight. Therefore, purchasing travel insurance for the Schengen Area is not optional, it is mandatory.
For your policy to be valid, it must meet three key conditions:
- Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 (or its equivalent in USD): Your plan must have a medical assistance limit equal to or greater than this figure. This ensures you have the resources to cover a significant medical emergency.
- Valid throughout the Schengen Area: The policy must specify that it offers coverage in all member countries, not just your main destination.
- Repatriation coverage: The insurance must explicitly include coverage for medical and remains repatriation.
It is vital to emphasize that not all travel insurance plans are suitable. For example, Baraglo's Basic Plan, with USD 20,000 coverage, is NOT valid for Europe because it does not meet the minimum required. You should always opt for a higher plan. This is one of the reasons why it is crucial to know the requirements for traveling to Europe from Latin America before purchasing your assistance.
Which Baraglo plan to choose for your trip to Europe?
At Baraglo, we understand that every traveler is different. That's why we have designed specific plans that adapt both to migratory requirements and to your protection and budget needs. The choice of the correct plan mainly depends on two factors: whether your nationality requires a Schengen visa to enter and the level of peace of mind you want to have during your trip.
For travelers who need a Schengen Visa (Dominicans, Ecuadorians, Bolivians)
If you are a citizen of a country that requires processing a Schengen visa before traveling, your main goal is to comply with the embassy or consulate requirements accurately and economically. For citizens of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Bolivia, having the Schengen Visa Plan (USD 30,000 coverage) is a crucial and mandatory step to apply for their visa. This plan is specifically designed for this purpose:
- Schengen Visa Plan: With USD 30,000 in medical coverage (approximately EUR 30,000) and a cost of only $2.99 per day, this plan exactly meets what the consulate asks for. It is the most economical and direct option to obtain your visa without complications.
For visa-exempt travelers (Mexicans, Colombians, Argentinians, Chileans, Peruvians, etc.)
If your nationality allows you to enter Europe without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, you still need insurance as an entry requirement. In this case, you have more flexibility. While you could opt for the minimum plan, we recommend a little more protection.
- Standard Plan: A plan like Baraglo's Standard, with USD 35,000 coverage, not only meets the €30,000 requirement but offers an additional margin of protection for only $4.99 per day. This extra gives you a safety net against high European medical costs, representing the smartest choice in terms of cost-benefit.
For maximum peace of mind and extended coverage
If you travel with family, seniors, or simply prefer to leave nothing to chance, investing in a plan with greater coverage is the best decision. These plans not only increase the medical limit but also add valuable benefits such as lost luggage coverage, trip cancellation, and more.
- Essential Plus Plan: With robust coverage of USD 50,000 for only $5.29 per day, this plan offers significantly greater peace of mind for a minimal price difference compared to the Standard.
- Premium Plan: For total protection, the Premium plan offers USD 100,000 in medical assistance for $8.99 per day, in addition to the highest limits on complementary coverages such as trip cancellation, luggage location, and legal assistance.
Comparative table of plans for Europe
To help you visualize the options, here is a quick comparison of the recommended plans for your trip to Europe:
| Baraglo Plan |
Medical Coverage |
Price (USD per day) |
Ideal for... |
| Visa Schengen |
USD 30,000 |
$2.99 |
Schengen visa application (mandatory for Dominicans, Ecuadorians, Bolivians). |
| Standard |
USD 35,000 |
$4.99 |
Visa-exempt travelers seeking the best cost-benefit ratio. |
| Essential Plus |
USD 50,000 |
$5.29 |
Travelers seeking greater peace of mind and ample safety cushion. |
| Premium |
USD 100,000 |
$8.99 |
Maximum protection, long trips, families, and cancellation coverage. |
*Prices per person, per day. A 50% surcharge may apply for travelers over 75 years old.
How to purchase your insurance to Europe with COVID coverage
Purchasing your travel assistance with Baraglo is a quick, simple, and 100% online process. In less than five minutes, you'll have your policy in your email, ready to travel with complete peace of mind. Follow these simple steps:
- Go to Baraglo.com: Head to our home page. Indicate your country of origin, your destination (you can put "Spain" or any Schengen Area country), and the exact start and end dates of your trip. Then, indicate the number of passengers and their ages.
- Compare and choose your plan: The system will show you the available plans suitable for your trip. You will clearly see options like the Schengen Visa Plan, Standard, and Essential Plus. Use the comparison table and the information in this guide to compare our travel insurance plans and select the one that best suits your needs.
- Fill in your details: Complete the personal information for each traveler. It is very important that the names and dates of birth match those on their passports to ensure the validity of the policy.
- Make the payment: Pay securely through our online platform with your credit or debit card. Our system is encrypted to guarantee the security of your information.
- Receive your policy instantly: Once the payment is confirmed, you will immediately receive the complete policy and assistance certificate in your email. This document is what you should print and carry with you to present at immigration or the consulate. It's that easy!
Ready to travel to Europe 100% protected and meeting all requirements? Don't leave your safety to chance. Quote your travel insurance for Europe now with Baraglo and get your policy in minutes. Your peace of mind is our priority!
Frequently asked questions
Does Baraglo's travel insurance to Europe cover COVID-19?
Yes, our recommended plans for Europe like the Standard, Essential Plus, and Schengen Visa include medical assistance for illness up to the coverage limit, which covers diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19.
What insurance do I need for a Schengen Visa if I am from Ecuador, Bolivia, or the Dominican Republic?
You must present insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Our Schengen Visa Plan is specifically designed for this process, meeting all embassy requirements at a very competitive price.
Is 30,000 euro coverage enough for Europe?
It is the mandatory minimum, but medical costs in Europe are high. We recommend considering a plan with higher coverage such as our Standard Plan (USD 35,000) or Essential Plus (USD 50,000) for greater peace of mind.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Spain or Italy if I am from Mexico?
Yes. Although Mexicans do not need a visa for short stays, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is a mandatory entry requirement for the entire Schengen Area, which includes Spain and Italy.
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