Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies
Austria is an incredible travel destination for a European vacation. Because it is one of the safest countries in the world, you might wonder why you should buy travel insurance before you visit. The answer is, while you’re probably going to have a crime-free vacation, there are other reasons to have insurance for your trip. You could lose money because of travel delays or unexpected cancellations. You could fall ill or cancel your trip after a loved one gets sick. You could have a medical issue mid-vacation.
There are several good reasons to have a robust insurance policy for any destination vacation.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
Compare Austria Travel Insurance Companies
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
| Company | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage | COVID-19 Coverage | BBB Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$256
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
Not Rated
|
||
|
$202
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
A+
|
||
|
$206
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes, limited
|
A+
|
||
|
$206
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
A+
|
||
|
$180
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
B
|
||
|
$201
|
Yes, up to 60%
|
Yes
|
A+
|
||
|
$137
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes, limited
|
A+
|
||
|
$212
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes, limited
|
A-
|
| Company | BBB Rating | Average Plan Cost | CFAR Coverage | COVID-19 Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Not Rated
|
$256
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
||
|
A+
|
$202
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
||
|
A+
|
$206
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes, limited
|
||
|
A+
|
$206
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
||
|
B
|
$180
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes
|
||
|
A+
|
$201
|
Yes, up to 60%
|
Yes
|
||
|
A+
|
$137
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes, limited
|
||
|
A-
|
$212
|
Yes, up to 75%
|
Yes, limited
|
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Austria?
U.S. citizens don’t have to have travel insurance for a trip to Austria because Austria is part of the Schengen area. This is a collection of countries that allow the free movement of people between their borders. Other Schengen countries include Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Depending on your country of residence, you may need to hold a Schengen visa and Schengen travel insurance with certain minimum coverage. (If you have a Schengen visa, you must have travel insurance for border-to-border travel.) You can find details about Schengen visa requirements and the visa application process on the Schengen visa website.
But you should still consider buying insurance for an Austrian vacation even if you don’t need Schengen visa insurance. Having a travel insurance plan will cover you should you face problems on your trip, like lost baggage, trip cancellations and travel interruptions.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses from your trip if you need to access healthcare, which can be expensive in Austria. This is especially relevant if your trip will include high-risk activities like snow sports.
Having the best travel insurance is vital for any international travel. The following sections provide an overview of different coverage options you might want to consider for your travel insurance policy.
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
Cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) is typically an optional benefit with travel insurance. It allows travelers to cancel their trip for any reason. Otherwise, standard cancellation insurance is subject to certain exclusions.
This can give you peace of mind in the lead-up to your trip, as you will be reimbursed for any non-refundable deposits made before your departure date. CFAR is subject to certain conditions, and you should review them carefully when purchasing coverage. Limitations can include:
- You must cancel your trip within two to three weeks of the departure date.
- You may only receive part of your insured trip cost, which can be as low as 50%.
- CFAR may only be an option in more premium insurance plans.
- Depending on where you live (state or country), you may not be eligible for CFAR coverage.
Gear Theft Protection
Gear theft protection insurance provides reimbursement should your belongings get stolen or damaged on your trip. This extends to all types of gear: skiing equipment, computers, smartphones, other high-tech gadgets and other valuables.
Insurance policies may only offer protection that is as low as $500, which may not cover the cost of replacing multiple expensive items. Likewise, your protection may contain a deductible, a set amount you must pay before the coverage kicks in.
Consider what items are essential for your trip and whether losing them without any financial backing would cause you stress. But: if you purchased any gear on a credit card, it may already have insurance protection. Check with your credit card provider to ask what insurance is already in place.
Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation
Medical emergency insurance is sometimes referred to as travel health insurance, or travel medical insurance. It’s an aspect of a travel insurance plan designed to cover you if you need medical care while traveling. Travel health insurance will cover:
- Hospitalization
- Medical treatments (tests, scans and surgeries)
- Prescriptions
- Emergency medical transport
Emergency medical evacuation, also called medical repatriation, is also part of a travel insurance plan. It takes care of the costs of medical transport should you need to return to your home country for medical treatment. It provides a much higher maximum payout because coverage includes travel and accommodation costs for your return, rather than just coverage for specific medical treatment.
Rental Car Protection
Your travel insurance plan may incorporate coverage for rental vehicles, or it can be an optional benefit. Rental car protection covers you for any loss or damage you experience with your rental during your vacation. Often rental car coverage is less expensive with added to existing travel insurance than when you buy protection directly from a rental car agency.
When buying rental car insurance, consider the following coverage:
- Collision Damage Waiver: This prevents you from being liable for any costs incurred from damage to the vehicle.
- Personal Accident Insurance: This coverage will provide more medical coverage should you get hurt in an accident while in the rental car.
- Personal effects coverage: Some providers will extend the insurance coverage to include any belongings that may be lost or damaged while in the rental car.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Travel insurance plans will offer trip cancellation insurance that will reimburse you for any prepaid deposits made for your vacation, should you need to cancel your trip. Most providers reimburse you for 100% of your trip costs, but premium plans may offer more.
Unlike CFAR, trip cancellation is subject to certain terms and conditions, and not all reasons for canceling your trip will be covered. Valid grounds for cancellation may include:
- Military or jury service
- Unforeseen adverse weather preventing you from traveling
- Death of a traveling companion or family member
- Unforeseen illness or injury
Check the details of your insurance policy to see what constitutes a valid cancellation. It’s also wise to assess claim procedures and coverage limits in your policy before you travel.
How Much Does Austria Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of travel insurance differs significantly based on what provider you use, how much coverage you require and the cost of your trip. If you’re looking for cheap travel insurance, there are providers who specialize in affordable plans.
We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Austria. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Austria for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.
| Company | Most Affordable Plan | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Faye | Travel Protection | $188.89 |
| Seven Corners | Trip Protection Basic | $115.00 |
| Nationwide | Essential | $120.13 |
| Berkshire Hathaway | ExactCare Value | $108.00 |
| Travelex | Basic | $121.00 |
| AIG Travel Guard | Essential | $95.80 |
| Trawick | Safe Travels Protect | $85.85 |
| Generali | Standard | $135.43 |
| Travel Insured International | Worldwide Trip Protector | $141.00 |
| Allianz | Basic | $156.00 |
| Average | $126.71 | |
These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.
The price ranges of the selected plans offer varied amounts of coverage. Every plan provides 100% of the insured trip cost in their cancellation coverage.
Travel Guard and Nationwide offer $750 and $600 in personal effects insurance, respectively, whereas the other plans offer $500. World Trips and Allianz offer the least medical coverage, $10,000, which may not be sufficient for an active traveler.
However, World Trips and Nationwide have the highest medical evacuation insurance at $250,000, but Nationwide offers significantly higher medical coverage ($75,000).
How Do I Get Travel Insurance for Austria?
To shop for travel insurance for a trip to Austria, consider what activities you will do on the trip and what coverage you need for them. Most insurers have an online tool that helps you shop for the specialized coverage you want. There are also helpful third-party websites that will compare plans for you.
You may want to talk to your bank or other insurance providers to see if they offer travel insurance. If so, you might be eligible for one or more discounts. If you book your trip through a travel agency, your agent will have access to multiple travel insurance providers.
Austria Safety Tips
Austria is one of the safest countries in the world, making it an excellent destination for the cautious traveler. Crime rates have decreased in Austria for many years, and petty crime is uncommon. Should you need emergency assistance, the U.S. consulate should be your first call for help.
The following sections will give you some insight into how to stay safe during your Austrian vacation.
Crime and Safety
Crime rates across Austria are low. Travel advisories don’t highlight any risks or threats, but travelers should still exercise caution. Pickpockets may still target tourists, so only carry necessities with you when you leave your hotel or room. Whatever money and valuables you take, keep them securely on your person.
Day Trips, Tours and Excursions
With its access to the Alps, Austria is one of Europe’s top skiing destinations, and travelers from across the globe flock to its slopes. If you’re planning a ski trip, make sure your insurance covers action sports as you could get injured. Be sure that you book any skiing lessons with a credible company — and only attempt runs within your skill level.
One way to explore Austria is with city tours of Salzburg and Vienna. Guides can show you the highlights of each city and will ensure your safety. If you book any tours or excursions, make sure the company is well-reviewed and trustworthy. Your accommodation provider may be able to help you and give recommendations.
COVID-19
As of March 2023, there are no COVID-19 restrictions when entering Austria. Travelers will no longer need to provide their vaccination certificate or a negative COVID-19 test. Many travel insurance providers include COVID-19 in their medical coverage unless there is a disclaimer, so you can still receive treatment if you fall ill on your trip.
If you are concerned about Coronavirus, adhere to standard precautions such as hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a face covering if you feel unwell.
The Bottom Line: Is Travel Insurance for an Austria Vacation Worth It?
If you’re traveling to Austria, owning a good travel insurance plan is worth it. Although Austria is a safe country, having protection for your trip can save you money if something unfortunate happens. Interruptions and delays are hard to predict, so having the best travel insurance can alleviate stress and let you focus on enjoying your vacation.
The listings that appear are from companies from which this website may receive compensation, which may impact how, where and in what order products appear. Not all companies, products or offers were reviewed in connection with this listing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance in Austria
You can claim reimbursement for any cancellations or delays that occur on your trip. This extends to flights, accommodation and baggage delays. Be sure to check with your provider about the details for claiming reimbursement and where exclusions apply.
More information about trip cancellation compensation can be found here.
Even if you have a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) you should still get a comprehensive travel insurance plan to protect yourself from sunken costs that can occur from trip interruptions. Travel insurance can also protect your personal belongings and provide more coverage than health insurance.
You must have health insurance if you have or need a Schengen visa. By law, if you stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you must have health insurance.
It’s recommended that your insurance plan covers you for the entire time you travel. Still, many providers let you purchase a policy even if you’ve already embarked on your trip. This can be helpful if you need to extend your stay and still want to be covered. Beware that there could be a short delay before the insurance will come into effect, so purchasing your policy in advance is the best option.