Affordable travel insurance online is well within reach: market rates start at around €10-25 per week for Europe and €25-60 for long-haul destinations, depending on your profile and the cover you choose. With Yupwego, you sign up entirely online in just a few minutes, with no paper forms and no trip to a broker, paying only for what you genuinely need.
What budget travel insurance actually covers
A basic plan does not mean bare-bones protection, provided the essential guarantees are included in the policy.
- Medical expenses and hospital care abroad: a limit of at least €150,000 is recommended for trips outside Europe, where hospital costs can be extremely high, particularly in the United States or Japan.
- Medical repatriation: a medical evacuation flight can cost between €15,000 and €80,000, depending on the destination and your clinical situation. Without insurance, you foot the entire bill.
- 24/7 assistance: access to a round-the-clock helpline to organise care, locate a doctor or coordinate a repatriation.
These three elements form the minimum baseline. Everything else (cancellation, baggage, personal liability) depends on the nature of your trip and your personal circumstances.
To avoid paying twice for the same protection, read our article on the differences between travel insurance and health insurance: your health cover or bank card may already take care of some of these areas.
How much does online travel insurance cost in 2026?
Prices vary according to destination, length of stay, traveller ages and the cover included. Here are the ranges typically seen on the market:
| Destination | Indicative weekly range |
|---|---|
| Europe | €10 to €25 |
| Outside Europe (Asia, Latin America…) | €25 to €60 |
| USA, Canada, Japan | €50 to €100 |
If you want to add cancellation cover, budget around 4-6% of the total trip cost.
What brings your premium down:
- Signing up directly online, with no physical intermediary
- Choosing only the cover suited to your actual destination and length of stay
- Opting for a plan without cancellation if your tickets are non-refundable anyway
What pushes your premium up:
- A destination with high medical costs (North America leads the way)
- Older travellers (a surcharge applies depending on the policy)
- Sporting or high-risk activities that require specific cover
100% online sign-up: what it means in practice
With Yupwego, there is no need to visit a broker or print a single document. You enter your destination, trip length and traveller details, choose the right plan, and your policy is available immediately after payment.
This digital approach keeps prices competitive: without a network of physical branches, distribution costs stay low, and you benefit directly through a lower premium. Should you have any questions or need to make a claim, advisers with specialist knowledge of international travel are on hand to guide you quickly.
How cover differs by destination
Trips within Europe (EU and Schengen area)
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) offers partial cover under the local rules of the country you are visiting, but it is no substitute for repatriation insurance. Supplementary protection is still worth having, even for a short trip within Europe.
Trips outside Europe
Medical costs can reach very high levels, particularly in the United States or Canada. A medical expenses limit of at least €150,000 is generally recommended for these destinations. For longer trips or round-the-world travel, the stakes are even higher: find out how to get insured for a round-the-world trip and tailor your cover to this kind of adventure.
Destinations that require insurance for a visa
Some countries or regions require travel insurance with a minimum medical cover limit before they will issue an entry visa. Check the consular requirements before you book.
What to check before you sign
An attractive price should never hide gaps in coverage. Before confirming your policy, go through the following points:
- Exclusions: extreme sports, pre-existing conditions, alcohol consumption… every policy sets its own limits in the policy documentation. Read it before signing.
- Limits: a €30,000 medical expenses limit may sound generous, but it is often inadequate outside Europe. Match your level of cover to your destination.
- How claims are settled: some policies reimburse you on production of receipts after you return; others pay the medical facility directly. The difference can be crucial during a lengthy hospital stay abroad.
- When you sign up: for cancellation cover, take out your policy as soon as you book. You cannot insure a risk you are already aware of (a diagnosed illness, a travel warning already in force…).
To learn more about Yupwego’s commitment to fair protection for travellers, read the article on responsible travel insurance with Yupwego.
FAQ
Is travel insurance taken out online just as reliable as going through a broker?
Yes. Online sign-up is governed by exactly the same insurance regulations as in-person sales. It offers the same contractual guarantees, often at more competitive prices because intermediary costs are cut out. The policy documents and general terms and conditions are available immediately online, before you confirm anything.
Can I take out travel insurance at the last minute?
For medical cover and assistance, yes: most policies accept sign-up right up to the day of departure. Cancellation insurance, on the other hand, must be taken out as soon as you book your trip, to cover the full risk period.
Does my bank card already cover me for travel?
It depends on your card and your bank. Premium cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, American Express) include travel guarantees, but their medical expense limits may prove insufficient depending on your destination. Check your card’s terms and conditions and compare them against a dedicated policy before you travel.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
It is not compulsory for every trip, but some countries require it before they will issue an entry visa. And even where there is no legal obligation, it is strongly recommended whenever you travel outside your country of residence, to cover medical costs or repatriation expenses that few travellers could manage on their own.
What is the difference between travel insurance and cancellation insurance?
Travel insurance is a bundle of guarantees: medical expenses, repatriation, assistance, baggage cover and personal liability. Cancellation insurance is a specific, optional add-on that reimburses the cost of your trip if you are unable to travel for a covered reason (illness, bereavement…). It typically costs around 4-6% of the total trip price, depending on the policy.
