With the implementation of the new entry/exit system (EES), and the imminent arrival of the ETIAS travel authorization, you’ll need to take new steps before crossing the borders of the Schengen area.
The aim of these measures is to reinforce security and better control the stays of non-European travelers. However, one essential question remains: do you need travel insurance in Europe?
Whether you’re going away for a few weeks on vacation, to study or to work, international health insurance is your best guarantee of rapid access to care and avoiding high medical costs.
At Mondassur, we explain what the EES and ETIAS mean for you. We’ll also show you how to choose the most appropriate health cover for your stay in Europe.
What is ETIAS and the SSE?
The EES (Entry/Exit System) records the entry and exit of non-European travelers at the Schengen area’s external borders. It replaces the manual stamping of passports and collects data :
- The date
- The place to be
- Biometric information (fingerprints and facial photo)
The aim is to better control the length of stays and more easily identify travelers exceeding the authorized 90-day limit.
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will complete this system in a second phase. This simple, fast procedure will enable the European authorities to
What are the ETIAS criteria?
Do you need insurance for ETIAS? No, to obtain ETIAS, you need to be a national of a Schengen visa-exempt country, such as the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, Chile or Singapore. This authorization is only valid for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It also applies to travel for tourism, business or family reasons. You won’t need one if you’re in transit, but you must remain within the international transit zone. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
To obtain the ETIAS, you need to fill in the online form before your departure. You can do this via the official website or application :
- enter your personal details (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)
your contact details, - your passport details
- the first planned country of entry into the Schengen area.
- pay a fee of 20 euros (free for under-18s and over-70s).
Once you have met all these criteria, your ETIAS will be valid for 3 years or until your passport expires.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Europe?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Europe with an ETIAS. However, it is strongly recommended. Indeed, even if the authorities don’t require it for short stays, traveling without health cover can quickly become risky. Medical costs in Europe can be high, and hospitalization or repatriation can often cost several thousand euros.
Taking out international health insurance doesn’t just mean you’ll be reimbursed in an emergency. It also gives you access to the private sector, where waiting times are shorter and care is often of better quality.
This means you can travel to Europe with complete peace of mind, with the guarantee of rapid treatment and a worry-free stay.
Our tips for coming to Europe
Before you leave, make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and apply for ETIAS online. Keep a digital copy of your essential documents (passport, insurance, tickets, accommodation) in your phone or mailbox.
Don’t forget to take out travel insurance before you leave. It will enable you to
On the practical side, take public transport or the train to get around: Europe is well connected, and journeys are often more ecological and economical than by plane. Don’t forget to buy a local SIM card or eSIM to stay in touch at no extra cost. And don’t forget to check the currency used in the country where you’re traveling – some countries like Denmark or Poland, for example.
