VizaWhat Schengen travel insurance must cover, which providers are accepted, and how to choose the right policy.
Why Travel Insurance Is Mandatory for Schengen Visas
Travel medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Schengen visa applicants, not an optional add-on. The Schengen Visa Code (Article 15) requires applicants to present proof of adequate travel medical insurance before their visa application can be accepted. Without valid insurance, your application will be rejected at submission.
The requirement exists because healthcare in the Schengen Area is expensive, and without insurance, a medical emergency could leave you with unpayable bills or force the host country's public health system to absorb the costs. The insurance requirement protects both the visitor and the member states.
Minimum Requirements
Schengen travel insurance must meet a set of minimum requirements established by the Visa Code. These are non-negotiable — a policy that does not meet all requirements will not be accepted, even if it is issued by a reputable provider.
The minimum coverage amount is €30,000 for emergency medical treatment and repatriation. The policy must cover all 27 Schengen Area member states. Coverage must apply for the entire duration of your planned stay, including the entry and exit dates.
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage
- Covers all 27 Schengen member states (not just the main destination country)
- Covers the full duration of stay from first entry to last exit date
- Includes emergency medical repatriation to home country
- Must be valid from the start date of your visa
- Must be purchased from an insurer authorised in an EU/EEA country OR globally recognised
What Good Schengen Insurance Covers
Beyond the mandatory minimum, a comprehensive Schengen insurance policy should include coverage for hospitalisation and surgery, outpatient treatment, prescription medications, emergency dental care, repatriation of remains in case of death, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
Many applicants purchase the minimum compliant policy to satisfy the visa requirement and then wonder if they are adequately protected. For most short trips, a policy providing €30,000–€50,000 of medical coverage is sufficient. For longer trips or if you have pre-existing medical conditions, higher coverage limits (€100,000+) and specific condition coverage are advisable.
Accepted Insurance Providers
Most international travel insurance providers offer Schengen-compliant policies. Some embassies have lists of preferred or commonly accepted providers, but in general, any reputable insurer that issues a policy meeting the minimum requirements will be accepted.
Popular providers that are widely accepted for Schengen visa applications include AXA, Allianz, Generali, Europ Assistance, ERGO, and specialist travel insurance brands. When purchasing, explicitly check that the policy confirms Schengen Area coverage on the certificate — the word "Schengen" should appear on the insurance certificate or policy confirmation document.
- AXA Travel Insurance — widely accepted, multiple coverage levels
- Allianz Travel — globally recognised, competitive pricing
- Generali Global Assistance — popular in Europe
- ERGO — German insurer, strong in Schengen territory
- Europ Assistance — dedicated travel insurer
- Many local insurers in applicants' home countries also offer valid Schengen policies
How Much Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cost?
The cost of Schengen travel insurance depends primarily on the duration of your stay, your age, and the level of coverage. For a typical 2-week trip with €30,000 coverage, expect to pay between €10 and €30 per person. Longer stays, older travelers, and higher coverage limits increase the premium.
For frequent Schengen travelers, annual multi-trip policies are available. These cover unlimited trips to the Schengen Area (and often worldwide) within a 12-month period for a single annual premium, which can work out significantly cheaper than purchasing individual policies for each trip.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Age
Standard Schengen insurance policies typically exclude pre-existing medical conditions from coverage. If you have a chronic health condition, you need to specifically purchase a policy that either covers pre-existing conditions or at minimum covers emergency exacerbations of pre-existing conditions.
Age is a significant factor in both premium cost and policy availability. Travelers over 70 will find fewer policy options and higher premiums. Some insurers stop offering travel insurance above age 75 or 80, though specialist providers do exist. Always declare your age accurately — providing false information to obtain a lower premium can void your policy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Purchasing insurance that starts after your entry date is a common mistake. Your policy must be valid from the very first day of your trip — the date you first enter the Schengen Area.
Buying insurance that covers only one country and not the full Schengen Area is another frequent error. If your policy says "Europe" without explicitly mentioning the Schengen Area, verify with the insurer which countries are included. Some "Europe" policies exclude specific Schengen member states.
- Do not buy insurance with a start date after your travel start date
- Verify "Schengen Area" appears explicitly on the certificate
- Check the policy end date covers your full return journey
- Do not rely on credit card travel insurance without verifying it meets Schengen requirements
- Keep the insurance certificate in English or with a certified translation
- Read the exclusions — adventure sports and pre-existing conditions are common exclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much travel insurance do I need for a Schengen visa?
The mandatory minimum is €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, but €50,000–€100,000 is recommended for adequate protection.
Can I use credit card travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Possibly, but you must verify it explicitly meets all Schengen requirements (€30,000 coverage, all 27 countries, full trip duration). Many credit card policies fall short. Get written confirmation from your card provider.
Does travel insurance need to be purchased before applying for the visa?
Yes. You must have the insurance policy in place and submit the certificate with your visa application.
Does Schengen travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Many policies now include COVID-related medical treatment as standard, but this varies by provider. Check the specific policy terms for COVID coverage before purchasing.
Can I get a refund on my travel insurance if my visa is denied?
Many travel insurance providers offer a refund or cancellation option if your visa application is unsuccessful. Check the specific provider's cancellation policy before purchasing.
Disclaimer: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify requirements with the official embassy or consulate before travel. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
VizaHunt Editorial Team
Visa & Travel Research
The VizaHunt editorial team researches visa policies, passport rankings, and travel regulations across 195 countries. Our data is sourced from official government immigration portals, bilateral treaty records, and embassy publications, cross-referenced for accuracy before publication.