Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements: Travel Medical Coverage (2025)

Quick Answer: Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements

All Schengen visa applicants must have travel medical insurance that meets strict European Union requirements. Your visa application will be rejected if insurance doesn't meet these criteria.

Mandatory Coverage Requirements

This insurance must be purchased BEFORE submitting your visa application. The insurance certificate must be presented with your application.

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What Is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a zone of 27 European countries with abolished internal border controls:

Schengen Member States (27)

Western Europe:

• Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland

Southern Europe:

• Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain

Northern Europe:

• Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden

Eastern Europe:

• Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia

Note: Ireland and the UK are NOT part of Schengen. Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia are EU members working toward Schengen membership.

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Schengen Insurance Coverage Requirements

Minimum Coverage Amount: €30,000

Your insurance must provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage for:

Medical Expenses:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Emergency surgery
• Prescription medications
• Ambulance services

Repatriation:

• Medical evacuation to home country
• Transportation of remains in case of death

Emergency Dental: Some insurers include basic emergency dental care

Geographic Validity

Insurance must be valid in ALL Schengen states, not just the country you're visiting:

Example: Even if you're only visiting France, your insurance must cover medical emergencies in all 27 Schengen countries. You might transit through Germany or have a medical emergency in Belgium—coverage must apply everywhere.

Coverage Period

Insurance must cover:

• Entire duration of your planned stay
• Plus a buffer: Many consulates recommend 15 extra days
• From entry to exit: Starts the day you enter Schengen, ends the day you leave

Important: If you plan multiple trips, you can get annual multi-trip Schengen insurance instead of buying separate policies.

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What Schengen Insurance Must Include

Required Coverage Elements

✅ Emergency medical treatment (€30,000 minimum) ✅ Emergency hospitalization ✅ Medical evacuation/repatriation ✅ Repatriation of remains (in case of death) ✅ Valid in all Schengen states ✅ Coverage for entire trip duration ✅ Low or zero deductible

Optional But Recommended

• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Lost or stolen baggage
• Flight delays and missed connections
• Personal liability
• Emergency dental care
• COVID-19 medical coverage

Note: While only medical coverage is required for the visa, comprehensive travel insurance provides better protection.

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Schengen Insurance Policy Format

Your insurance documentation must include:

Required Information on Certificate

1. Policyholder name (matching passport exactly)
2. Passport number (some insurers require this)
3. Coverage amount (minimum €30,000 clearly stated)
4. Geographic coverage ("Schengen Area" or list of countries)
5. Coverage dates (start and end dates)
6. Repatriation included (explicitly mentioned)
7. Insurer contact information
8. Policy number

Language Requirements

Insurance certificate must be:

• In English OR the language of the consulate/embassy
• Original document (not photocopy)
• Stamped and signed by insurer (some consulates require)

Digital certificates are accepted by most consulates, but check specific embassy requirements.

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Common Reasons for Visa Rejection Due to Insurance

Top Rejection Reasons

How to Avoid Rejection

1. Buy from reputable Schengen insurance providers
2. Double-check coverage amount (€30,000 minimum)
3. Verify all 27 countries listed or "Schengen Area" mentioned
4. Ensure dates cover entire trip plus buffer days
5. Check name spelling matches passport exactly
6. Get certificate in correct language
7. Print clear, legible copy for visa application

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Where to Buy Schengen Visa Insurance

Reputable Schengen Insurance Providers

International Providers:

• AXA Schengen
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• World Nomads
• IMG Global
• Seven Corners
• GeoBlue

European Providers:

• DR-WALTER (Germany)
• Europ Assistance
• AXA Europe

Comparison Websites:

• VisitorsCoverage.com
• InsureMyTrip.com
• SquareMouth.com

What to Look For

✅ Explicitly states "Schengen visa compliant" ✅ Instant certificate issuance (for urgent applications) ✅ 24/7 emergency assistance in multiple languages ✅ Direct billing to hospitals (so you don't pay upfront) ✅ Good customer reviews for claim processing ✅ COVID-19 coverage (highly recommended)

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How Much Does Schengen Insurance Cost?

Pricing Factors

Annual multi-trip: $200-400 (for frequent travelers)

Cost Variables

• Age: 65+ pays significantly more
• Trip duration: Longer trips cost more
• Coverage amount: €30k vs €50k vs €100k
• Pre-existing conditions: May increase cost or require exclusions
• Activities: Adventure sports increase premiums
• Deductible: Higher deductible = lower premium

Money-Saving Tips

1. Buy only what you need: Basic €30k policy is cheapest
2. Increase deductible: If allowed by consulate
3. Compare multiple providers: Prices vary 30-50%
4. Annual policy for multiple trips: Cheaper than separate policies
5. Book early: Last-minute insurance costs more

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Special Cases and Exceptions

Long-Stay Visas (90+ Days)

For student visas, work visas, or stays over 90 days:

• Standard travel insurance may not apply
• May need local health insurance from destination country
• Requirements vary by country and visa type
• Check with specific consulate

Transit Visas

Airport transit visas (Type A) usually require:

• Same €30,000 coverage
• Coverage for transit period only
• Valid in transit country

Cruise Passengers

If visiting Schengen ports on a cruise:

• Still need Schengen insurance if leaving ship
• Coverage must include port visit dates
• Cruise ship medical facilities don't satisfy requirement

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Most Schengen insurance excludes pre-existing conditions:

• May need specialized provider
• Costs significantly more
• Some conditions may be uninsurable
• Disclose all conditions honestly

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Making a Claim on Schengen Insurance

If You Need Medical Care

1. Contact insurer's 24/7 emergency line before seeking treatment (if possible)
2. Go to nearest hospital or clinic
3. Show insurance certificate to medical staff
4. Keep all receipts and medical reports
5. Get itemized bills in English if possible
6. File claim within specified timeframe (usually 30-90 days)

Documents Needed for Claims

• Completed claim form
• Original receipts and invoices
• Medical reports and diagnoses
• Proof of payment
• Police report (if accident involved)
• Proof of travel dates

Direct Billing vs. Reimbursement

Direct Billing:

• Insurer pays hospital directly
• You don't pay upfront
• Not available at all facilities
• Requires pre-authorization

Reimbursement:

• You pay medical costs upfront
• Submit claim after return
• Get reimbursed later (2-8 weeks)
• Keep all documentation

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COVID-19 and Schengen Insurance

Current COVID Requirements (2025)

As of 2025, most Schengen countries have lifted COVID-specific entry requirements, but:

Insurance Considerations:

• Many policies now include COVID coverage as standard
• Some exclude COVID as "pre-existing condition" if traveling against medical advice
• Confirm policy covers COVID-related medical expenses
• Check quarantine coverage (trip interruption)

Recommended COVID Coverage:

• Emergency medical treatment for COVID
• COVID-related hospitalization
• Trip interruption if you test positive
• Quarantine accommodation costs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Schengen insurance after arriving in Europe?

No. Insurance must be purchased before your visa application and must be valid from the day you enter the Schengen Area. Buying insurance after arrival doesn't satisfy visa requirements.

Does my US health insurance cover me in Europe?

Most US health insurance does NOT cover international travel. Even if it does, it won't meet Schengen visa requirements unless it specifically covers all Schengen states with €30,000 minimum and includes repatriation.

Can I use travel insurance from my credit card?

Only if it meets ALL Schengen requirements (€30,000, all Schengen states, repatriation). Most credit card insurance provides only limited coverage and won't satisfy visa requirements. You'll need a certificate proving coverage.

What if I'm visiting non-Schengen countries too?

Buy insurance covering entire trip including non-Schengen countries. Many "worldwide" travel insurance policies cover Schengen requirements plus other destinations.

Do children need separate insurance?

Yes, each visa applicant needs their own insurance certificate. Some insurers offer family plans at discounted rates. Coverage requirements are the same regardless of age.

Can I cancel and get a refund if my visa is denied?

Depends on the insurer. Many Schengen insurance policies are non-refundable once issued. Some offer refunds if visa denied (with proof). Check refund policy before purchasing.

How long does it take to get insurance certificate?

Most online Schengen insurance providers issue certificates instantly after payment. You can download and print immediately. Some require 24-48 hours for processing.

Does insurance need to cover activities like skiing?

Standard Schengen insurance covers everyday activities. Adventure sports (skiing, diving, mountaineering) may require additional coverage or sport-specific riders. Disclose planned activities when purchasing.

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Key Takeaways

• Mandatory for all Schengen visas - no exceptions
• €30,000 minimum coverage for medical and repatriation
• Must cover all 27 Schengen states - not just destination country
• Coverage for entire trip plus recommended buffer
• Costs $15-$200 depending on age and duration
• Buy from reputable providers explicitly stating "Schengen compliant"
• Certificate required with visa application - rejection possible without proper insurance
• Check consulate requirements - some have additional specifications

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Schengen visa insurance requirements. Requirements can change, and individual consulates may have additional specifications. This is not legal advice.

Always verify current requirements with the specific embassy or consulate where you're applying. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice on your specific travel situation.

Last verified: December 2025

Sources: European Commission, Schengen Visa Code, European consulates, insurance provider documentation