Essential Documentation & Travel Insurance Guide for Your European Holiday

Preparing the right travel documents is one of the most important steps before heading to Europe. Requirements can vary depending on your passport, where you’re travelling, and how long you plan to stay, so it’s essential to get everything organised early. This guide walks you through the key documents you may need — from passports and visas to travel insurance, international driving permits, and more — to help ensure your trip runs smoothly from the moment you leave home.

Passport Requirements for Australians Travelling to Europe

Everyone travelling needs a passport, and if you’re from Australia it must have at least six months’ validity from the day you return home. I checked mine and realised I was coming back two days short of the six‑month mark… so I had to get a new passport.

It’s also a good idea for everyone in your group to have photocopies of each other’s passports. Keep a copy in your luggage and an electronic version on your phone. If someone loses their passport, having a copy makes the whole replacement process so much easier with the consulate.

Lost Your Passport?

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re in Europe, the first thing you need to do is report it to the local police ASAP and get a written report. After that, go straight to your country’s embassy or consulate to organise a replacement. Make sure you take any other form of ID you have with you.

Travelling With Prescription Medication: What You Need to Carry

It’s important that if you’re travelling with prescription medication, you carry a letter from your doctor that lists all the medications you’re taking. It just makes things smoother if you’re ever questioned by customs or security.

Make sure your medication stays in its original packaging, with your name clearly printed on the pharmacy label. This should match the information in your doctor’s letter or any supporting documentation you’re carrying.

For travellers who use items like insulin pens, glucose monitors, or insulin pumps, having proper documentation is especially helpful. Most European countries are familiar with these medical devices, but every now and then you’ll come across a customs officer who isn’t, so having paperwork removes most confusion.

Always keep your medication in your carry‑on luggage. If you need to put anything in your checked bag, keep it to a minimum. It’s much safer to have essential medication with you at all times when flying.

Travel Insurance Guide for Europe (For Australian Travelers)

Why we always organise it the moment our flights are booked

When we start planning a trip—whether it be to Europe or anywhere, travel insurance is one of the first things we sort out. It’s not exciting and sometimes not cheap, but it’s essential. Think of it as your safety net and you hope you never need it, but you’ll be very glad it’s there if something does goes wrong.

Why Travel Insurance Matters

Travel is unpredictable. Even the best‑planned holiday can be disrupted by sickness, delays, lost luggage, or even an emergencies back home. By having a good policy protects both your trip and your budget.

What Travel Insurance Can Cover

Trip cancellations
Medical insurance
Emergency evacuation
Lost or delayed luggage
Flight delays or cancellations

Every policy is different, so it’s worth taking the time to compare what’s included.

Declaring Medical Conditions

If you have any type of medical condition, current or past that requires prescription medication, you must declare it when purchasing travel insurance. If the insurer you’re looking at doesn’t allow you to declare it, just look elsewhere.

Many common medical conditions are covered under standard comprehensive policies, but you still need to disclose them. Declaring a condition doesn’t automatically mean you’ll pay more; it simply means you’re properly covered.

Insurance companies will look for any reason to deny a claim. For example, if you take medication for vertigo and you fall down a set of stairs while travelling, you may not be covered if you didn’t disclose that condition.

The safest and best approach is simple: always read the PDS, declare everything, and if you’re unsure, call the insurer and ask. A quick phone call could save you thousands in the end.

About Credit Card Travel Insurance

Some premium credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance once you spend a certain amount in an international currency. It’s convenient, but it’s not always comprehensive. Personally, I don't trust them

Things to check carefully

Are all pre‑existing medical conditions covered?
Is rental car insurance included?
What are the coverage limits?
How do you activate the policy?

Credit card insurance might be for you if you're young and fit with no health issues but it’s not always enough for a long or multi‑country trip.

Why We Choose Comprehensive Cover

We always opt for comprehensive travel insurance. yes, we pay a little more for it, but it covers almost everything, and the only major differences between companies are the excess amounts and optional extras.

What we look for

High medical coverage limits
Trip cancellation protection
Lost luggage cover
Rental car excess cover (a must if we’re driving in Europe)
24/7 emergency assistance
Insurance Company Reviews

Comprehensive insurance gives us peace of mind, especially when travelling through multiple countries.

When to Buy Travel Insurance

Buy your travel insurance as soon as you start booking your trip or paying deposits. Purchasing early cover protects you if something happens before you leave—illness, family emergencies, or unexpected cancellations.

And of course: always read the PDS to make sure the policy suits your needs.

Want to Learn More?

Rick Steve's has an excellent explanation on travel insurance that’s well worth reading if you want a more comprehensive read

Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) for Australians in Europe

If you live in Australia and hold a valid Medicare card, you may be able to access essential or medically necessary healthcare in certain countries under Australia’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreements. These agreements help cover urgent treatment if you become sick or injured overseas, but they are not a replacement for travel insurance.

Australia currently has RHCA arrangements with 11 countries:

Belgium
Finland
Italy
Malta
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Republic of Ireland
Slovenia
Sweden
United Kingdom

These agreements allow Australians to receive urgent or medically necessary care in the public health system of the country they’re visiting. What’s covered varies by country, and you may still need to make co‑payments.

What RHCA does cover

Emergency or urgent medical treatment
Medically necessary care that can’t wait until you return home
Treatment in that country’s public healthcare system

Each country decides what they will subsidise or cover, and the treating doctor determines whether your condition is considered urgent.

What RHCA does NOT cover

Non‑urgent treatment
Private hospital care
Ambulance services in many countries
Repatriation to Australia
Lost luggage, cancellations, or travel disruptions
Most out‑of‑pocket costs

This is why travel insurance is still essential, even if you’re travelling to an RHCA country.

RHCA vs Travel Insurance

RHCA can reduce some medical costs, but it won’t protect you from the big expenses—like emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. Smartraveller is very clear: if you travel to a country without an agreement, you must pay the full cost of treatment yourself unless you have insurance.

RHCA is not a substitute for proper travel insurance.

FAQ: Documents and Travel Insurance

What documents do I need to travel to Europe?

Most travellers need a valid passport, travel insurance, and proof of onward or return travel. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a visa for the Schengen Area or for non‑Schengen countries.

How long does my passport need to be valid for Europe?

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date and have at least two blank pages. Many European countries enforce this strictly, so always check before travelling.

Do Australians need a visa to visit Europe?

Australians can enter the Schengen Area visa‑free for up to 90 days within a 180‑day period. Some non‑Schengen countries have different rules, so check each destination individually

What is the Schengen Area and how does the 90‑day rule work?

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries with shared border controls. You can stay a maximum of 90 days in any 180‑day period, regardless of how many Schengen countries you visit. Time resets only after enough days have passed outside the zone.

Do I need travel insurance for Europe?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and required by some countries. It should cover medical care, hospitalisation, and emergency evacuation. Many travellers also choose policies that cover cancellations, delays, and lost luggage.

Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) in Europe?

If you plan to drive, many European countries require an International Driving Permit in addition to your Australian licence. Even where it’s not mandatory, car‑rental companies often ask for one.

Do I need proof of accommodation or onward travel

Some border officers may ask for:

proof of accommodation
a return or onward ticket
evidence of sufficient funds

It’s rare, but it’s best to have these documents accessible.

What documents should I keep digital copies of?

Keep digital copies of:

passport
travel insurance policy
flight confirmations
accommodation bookings
rail or bus passes
driver’s licence and IDP

Store them in cloud storage and email them to yourself for easy access.

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Europe?

Most travellers do not need special vaccinations for Europe, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Requirements can change, so check official government travel advice before your trip.

What should I do if I lose my passport in Europe?

Contact your nearest Australian embassy or consulate immediately. They can issue an emergency passport so you can continue your trip or return home. Always keep a digital copy of your passport to speed up the process.