Insurance for Schengen Visa
Mandatory travel insurance requirements for Schengen visa applicants.
Insurance is Mandatory
You cannot apply for a Schengen visa without valid travel insurance. Your application will be rejected if your insurance doesn't meet the minimum requirements. This is required by EU Regulation 810/2009 (Article 15).
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
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Minimum Coverage €30,000 For medical expenses
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Repatriation Required Medical evacuation home
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Territory All Schengen Must cover all 30 countries
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Duration Entire Trip Plus extra days recommended
Your Policy Must Cover
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage — covers emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Medical repatriation — transport back to your home country if medically necessary
- Repatriation of remains — in case of death abroad
- All Schengen countries — valid throughout the entire Schengen Area
- Entire trip duration — from your entry date to your exit date
Policy Must NOT Have
- Deductibles or excess higher than €100 (some consulates)
- Coverage gaps during your trip dates
- Territory limitations (must cover ALL Schengen countries)
- Exclusions for pre-existing conditions (if you have relevant conditions)
- Waiting periods that extend beyond your travel dates
What Proof Do You Need?
When submitting your Schengen visa application, you'll need to provide:
- Insurance certificate or policy document showing coverage details
- Coverage amount clearly stated (minimum €30,000)
- Validity dates matching or exceeding your travel dates
- Territory showing Schengen Area or worldwide coverage
- Policy holder name matching your passport name
Most Schengen-compliant insurance providers issue a visa letter specifically formatted for embassy submission.
Tip: Add Extra Days
Buy insurance for a few extra days beyond your planned travel dates. If your visa covers a longer period than your trip, your insurance should match the visa validity dates, not just your itinerary. Some consulates require this.
Insurance Cost by Trip Duration
| Feature | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | €15-30 | Basic coverage |
| 2 weeks | €25-50 | Most common |
| 1 month | €40-80 | Extended travel |
| 3 months (90 days) | €80-150 | Maximum Schengen stay |
| Annual multi-trip | €100-200/year | Frequent travelers |
Accepted Insurance Providers
Consulates generally accept insurance from:
- Established insurance companies in your country or internationally
- Specialized Schengen insurance providers like AXA Schengen, Europ Assistance, Allianz
- Some credit card travel insurance if it meets all requirements (verify carefully)
Check with your specific consulate — some have lists of recommended or required providers.
Schengen Visa Insurance FAQs
Can I use free insurance from my credit card?
Sometimes, but verify it meets ALL requirements: €30,000 minimum, repatriation coverage, all Schengen countries, and the full trip duration. Many credit card policies don't meet these standards. Get a coverage letter from your card issuer to confirm.
What if my insurance is refused by the consulate?
If your insurance doesn't meet requirements, your visa application may be rejected or you'll be asked to provide compliant insurance. Always check requirements before your appointment and buy from a reputable Schengen-compliant provider.
Do I need insurance for each trip?
Yes, you need valid insurance for each Schengen visa application. For frequent travelers, annual multi-trip policies can be more economical and convenient.
What if I extend my trip?
You must extend your insurance to cover the additional days. Contact your insurance provider before your original policy expires. Traveling without valid insurance can cause problems if you need to make a claim.
Does insurance cover COVID-19?
Most current travel insurance policies include COVID-19 coverage. However, verify this with your provider, as coverage details vary. Some consulates specifically ask about pandemic coverage.
Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?
Many insurance providers offer refunds if your visa is denied (with proof of rejection). Check the refund policy before purchasing. Some providers offer 'visa denial' coverage specifically.
Related Information
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