Do Australians need travel insurance for Europe?

For those going on holiday, travel insurance isn't mandatory. If you're going and are getting a visa, you should check what other forms of insurance are mandatory to have alongside that visa.

Do I have to get insurance for long stays in Europe?

For countries that are part of the Schengen Zone , a visa is required by its individual member countries for stays over 90 days. An accompanying travel insurance policy with at least EUR€30,000 in medical cover and medical repatriation back to Australia is a typical requirement of such visas. If you stay beyond the date stated on your initial travel insurance policy, you can usually extend your policy if you include the reasons you are extending your trip, where and when you will be travelling to and a disclosure of existing health condition and any changes.

Are any countries in Europe excluded from travel insurance?

Countries will be excluded if there is a severe travel warning for the area. These will be listed as 'do not travel' countries on the Smarttraveller website.