Do you need travel insurance for a Europe trip?

Travel insurance isn't legally required for US visitors to most of Europe, but it's worth strongly considering given how expensive last-minute medical care or trip cancellations can get abroad. A basic policy typically covers emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost or delayed baggage.

If you're booking connecting flights with a tight layover, or traveling during a season prone to weather disruptions, a policy with cancellation and delay coverage can offset a lot of financial risk for a relatively small upfront cost. Compare a few providers directly — coverage limits and exclusions vary significantly between policies.