Insurance Requirements
Last verified: 3 min read
Minimum coverage requirements for European travel insurance.
Understanding the Requirements
Travel insurance requirements vary depending on how you are traveling to Europe. The strictest requirements apply to Schengen visa applicants, who must meet specific EU regulations. Even when not mandatory, understanding what good coverage looks like helps you choose the right policy.
Schengen Visa Minimum Requirements
Medical Coverage €30,000 Minimum required amount
Repatriation Included Medical evacuation required
Remains Included Repatriation of remains
Territory All Schengen 30 countries covered
Requirements by Traveler Type
| Feature | Schengen Visa | ETIAS | EU Citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance Required | Mandatory | Recommended | Optional |
| Minimum Coverage | €30,000 | No minimum | No minimum |
| Repatriation | Required | Recommended | Recommended |
| Proof Needed | At application | No | No |
| EHIC/GHIC Enough | No | Partial | Partial |
What Must Be Covered (Schengen Visa)
- Emergency medical treatment — hospitalization, surgery, doctor visits
- Emergency medical repatriation — transport home if medically necessary
- Repatriation of remains — in case of death during the trip
- Urgent dental care — emergency dental treatment (recommended)
- All Schengen countries — coverage throughout the entire Schengen Area
Recommended Additional Coverage
- Trip cancellation — reimbursement if you cannot travel
- Trip interruption — if you need to return home early
- Lost or delayed baggage — compensation for missing luggage
- Travel delay — expenses for extended delays
- Personal liability — if you cause damage or injury
- Legal assistance — help with legal issues abroad
Policy Conditions to Check
When choosing travel insurance, verify these details:
- Deductible/Excess: The amount you pay before insurance starts. Some consulates do not accept high deductibles.
- Pre-existing conditions: Many policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions. If you have relevant conditions, look for policies that cover them.
- Adventure activities: Standard policies may exclude skiing, hiking, water sports. Get additional coverage if needed.
- Geographic limits: Ensure your policy covers all countries you will visit.
- 24/7 assistance: Important for emergencies — verify contact numbers work from abroad.
Important: EHIC/GHIC Limitations
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK's GHIC only covers emergency treatment at state-run hospitals. It does NOT cover: medical repatriation, private hospitals, trip cancellation, lost luggage, or anything beyond emergency care. It is not enough for Schengen visa applications.
Coverage Levels Explained
| Feature | Medical Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | €30,000-50,000 | Schengen visa minimum, budget travelers |
| Standard | €100,000-250,000 | Most travelers, good protection |
| Comprehensive | €500,000-1,000,000 | Longer trips, older travelers, peace of mind |
| Premium | Unlimited | High-risk activities, maximum protection |
Recommended
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- Schengen-compliant
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Requirements FAQs
Why is €30,000 the minimum?
The €30,000 minimum is set by EU Regulation 810/2009. It is designed to cover the cost of medical emergencies and repatriation in Europe, where healthcare can be expensive for non-residents.
Is worldwide coverage better than Schengen-only?
For Schengen visa purposes, either works as long as it explicitly covers the Schengen Area. Worldwide coverage is useful if you are also visiting non-Schengen countries or want flexibility for future trips.
Do I need coverage for the exact visa dates?
Yes, your insurance must cover at least the dates on your visa (or your intended travel dates if the visa period is longer). Some consulates require coverage for the full visa validity period.
What is the difference between single-trip and annual policies?
Single-trip policies cover one specific trip. Annual (multi-trip) policies cover multiple trips within a year, typically with a per-trip duration limit (for example, 30 or 90 days per trip). Annual policies are cost-effective for frequent travelers.
Can my insurance be in a language other than English?
Check with your specific consulate. Many accept policies in English or the language of the Schengen country you are applying to. Some require translations. The key details (coverage amount, dates, territory) should be clearly stated.
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