Travel Insurance for a Netherlands Vacation (2024) (2024)

The Netherlands is part of Europe’s Schengen area, formed after an agreement between countries in the European Union that allow people to move freely from country to country without passport checks at mutual borders. Some travelers must have a Schengen visa to enter Schengen countries, and they must prove that they have insurance. U.S. citizens don’t need a Schengen visa for a short-term stay (less than 90 days), and there are no travel insurance requirements for short-term visits.

Check the Dutch consular website to see what specific visa requirements apply to you. Travel insurance is mandatory if you have a Schengen visa.

But even if you aren’t required to have travel insurance, you should consider it when you take a trip there. International travel always has its quirks, whether from flight cancellations, baggage delays or an unforeseen emergency.

Having sound personal effects coverage and quality medical coverage for any trip are good moves. You may also want cancellation and interruption coverage to protect from losing money should you need to cancel your trip.

Use the table below to compare costs, CFAR coverages and COVID-19 coverages for our top travel insurance companies that will cover trip to the Netherlands.

The sections below provide an overview of the different types of coverage available in travel insurance policies.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is an add-on feature offered by many travel insurance companies. This insurance rider lets you cancel your trip for any reason, even if it’s not included in the standard trip cancellation reasons.

While CFAR coverage offers peace of mind should you need to postpone or reschedule your vacation, it typically comes with specific requirements and limitations. These vary by insurance provider, but limitations usually include:

• That you need to cancel your trip within a certain time frame of your first trip deposit, typically 14-21 days
• That you may not be eligible for CFAR insurance based on your country or state of residence
• That CFAR may only cover a percentage of your insured trip cost rather than the full amount

If you’re interested in buying cancel for any reason coverage, check with your provider about specific requirements.

Gear Theft Protection

Gear theft protection insurance protects you against the theft or loss of valuable gear, equipment or tools. It’s relevant for travelers who take expensive equipment on trips: high-end cameras, sporting gear, laptops, etc.

Gear theft protection insurance typically covers the cost of replacing or repairing your gear if it gets stolen, lost or damaged. Specific coverage and terms vary by policy and provider. It’s important to review the fine print of the rider before buying it.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical emergency insurance covers medical expenses that you incur while on a trip. Medical care in the Netherlands can be expensive, so we recommend travel health insurance with a high medical maximum.

Travel medical insurance covers:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Medical transportation and repatriation to your home country
• Prescriptions
• Interruptions resulting from illness or injury

Travel health insurance won’t cover costs associated with pre-existing conditions. If you have a health condition that you may need treatment for while traveling, declare the condition to your provider ahead of time. The company may include your condition(s) in your travel insurance plan, although the price of the add-on is likely to rise.

Rental Car Protection

You can also add rental car protection to your travel insurance policy. It supplies financial protection for vehicles you rent during your trip, usually at a lower price than what you can get from your rental agency. It reimburses costs related to damage or theft associated with a rental car. Many travel insurance companies have rental car protection as an optional add-on to your policy.

Rental car protection within travel insurance typically offers coverage for the following:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): This reimburses you for the cost of repairs or the replacement value of a rental car if it gets damaged or stolen. It includes coverage for accidents, vandalism, theft and other unforeseen events that damage the vehicle.

• Personal Effects Coverage: Some rental car protection policies also cover the loss or theft of personal belongings that are inside the rental car. It typically has certain limits and may exclude high-value items such as electronics or jewelry.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Trip cancellation insurance allows you to claim back any nonrefundable deposits made for your trip should you need to cancel your plans. Usually, you get reimbursed for 100% of your insured trip cost.

Cancellation coverage is subject to certain terms and conditions. Unlike CFAR, cancellation insurance will only reimburse you for unforeseen incidents that are covered in your insurance policy. These include:

• Death of a loved one or travel companion
• Military or jury service
• Adverse weather and natural disasters
• The traveler is made redundant and can no longer afford their trip

The cost of travel insurance can vary greatly between providers, as they will offer different levels of coverage. The below table compares the prices of the cheapest travel insurance plans available from five insurance companies.

These quotes are based on a 30-year-old solo traveler from California going to the Netherlands for one week. The trip costs $2,000.

Quotes pulled on June 6, 2023.

Most plans cost about the same. USI Affinity’s Basic policy costs significantly more than others. This plan offers $150,000 in medical coverage (not the highest maximum), as World Trips’ Basic policy offers up to $260,000.

All of the above plans include 100% cancellation coverage. Tin Leg, Seven Corners and USI Affinity have $500 in coverage for baggage loss/damage. Nationwide provides $600, and World Trips offers up to $1,000. Either may be more suitable for travelers taking expensive equipment.

Seven Corners provides CFAR as optional coverage, but the other plans don’t include it unless the policy is upgraded. Tin Leg and Seven Corners also include COVID-19 in their medical coverage. If this is a concern for you, these plans are recommended.

A good place to start shopping for travel insurance is to ask your bank or credit card provider if they offer coverage. You may already be entitled to extra benefits through either entity.

Also, compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Most have more than one policy available. Some insurance companies may offer cheaper insurance plans, but these will likely have fewer benefits.

When purchasing travel insurance, always check with your insurance company for details about claim procedures, exclusions, and additional benefits.

The Netherlands remains one of the safest travel destinations on the globe, ranking 20th on the 2022 Global Peace Index. However, travel advisories highlight some dangers related to terror attacks, which have increased across some European countries. Google for more updated information about incidents, any attacks or violence that could impact your trip.

Crime and Safety

Travelers are unlikely to encounter petty crimes while visiting cities like Rotterdam or the Hague. Pickpockets are uncommon but remain cautious and keep any valuables you take in a secure location, like a hotel safe.

Amsterdam is known for its “coffee shops,” not to be confused with regular cafes because they’re licensed to sell cannabis. Even though it’s legal, marijuana regulations remain strict in Holland and other provinces. Cities closer to bordering countries like Belgium have already introduced legislation that prevents store owners from selling cannabis to non-residents.

If you plan to partake, only consume it in licensed venues.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

The Netherlands offers travelers a range of activities to fill up an itinerary. From seeing tulips in April to exploring the iconic Dutch windmills, there are many sights to see.

If you want to check out the famous Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums, book in advance: wait times can be long. If you plan to visit multiple museums, consider purchasing the Museumkaart. For just 60 euros, you can enter more than 400 museums across the country and not have to pay admission, although booking fees may still apply.

The Netherlands is known for its cycling, and many cities and towns have dedicated cycling paths. Cyclists have the right of way, so pay attention when crossing roads or paths to avoid any accidents. If you are planning a cycling trip, wear a helmet and don’t ride recklessly.

COVID-19

The Dutch government lifted all restrictions related to COVID-19 for visitors entering the country. Travelers don’t need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test when they arrive. If you have concerns about COVID-19, be sure that your travel insurance plan includes coronavirus in your medical coverage. More information about COVID-19 can be found on the U.S. consulate website.

If you’re going on vacation to the Netherlands, we highly recommend travel insurance. Having a good travel insurance plan protects you from paying medical costs or replacing your belongings out of pocket.

Although the risks of traveling in the Netherlands are minimal, interruptions and travel delays are impossible to predict. Having quality travel insurance provides a safety net should you need it.

For more information about what Netherlands travel insurance covers, read through the FAQs below.