Travel paperwork and travel insurance solve different problems. Documents get you through borders and into public healthcare systems where agreements exist. Insurance is a private contract for medical costs, repatriation, baggage, and more — often beyond what a health card reimburses.
Core documents to verify
- Passport or national ID (as required by destination) with enough validity remaining.
- Visas, ETIAS/ESTA-style authorisations, or entry registrations where applicable.
- Return or onward ticket evidence if immigration asks.
- Vaccination certificates only when the destination or carrier requires them.
- Driving licence plus international permit if you will rent a car abroad.
EU / EEA health cards vs insurance
Schemes such as EHIC/GHIC (names and rules vary by country of residence) can reduce cost for medically necessary state healthcare while visiting participating countries. They typically do not cover mountain rescue helicopter bills, private clinics by default, trip cancellation, baggage, or flying you home for non-medical reasons.
- Carry a valid card if you are eligible — it is useful but incomplete as ‘travel cover’.
- Still check whether your insurer requires you to use public facilities first.
- Repatriation and high-cost emergencies are where dedicated travel policies usually matter most.
Europe-only vs worldwide policies
Many products sell a Europe (or Schengen-oriented) area cheaper than worldwide. Worldwide policies cost more and may still exclude specific countries. If your year includes the US, remote islands, or dual-continent itineraries, Europe-only cover will not stretch — read the territorial schedule, not only the brochure headline.
Practical rule of thumb
- Short EU city breaks: health card + travel insurance matched to Europe may be enough for many travellers.
- Multi-continent or long-haul years: look at annual worldwide cover and destination exclusions.
- Adventure or ski trips: confirm activity add-ons regardless of geography.