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The Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visas

Whether you’re heading to Paris, Rome, or exploring the hidden gems of other countries in the Schengen zone, understanding Schengen travel insurance is essential.

You may already know that proof of insurance is required when applying for your Schengen visa, but finding the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visas that’s both affordable and comprehensive can feel like a daunting task.

Don't worry!

We’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about finding the best travel insurance for Schengen visas – without breaking the bank.

Schengen insurance is mandatory

There are several Schengen visa requirements, and one of them is showing proof of adequate travel insurance. Officials want to make sure that you’re covered in the case of a serious accident or unforeseen illness while visiting their country, thus they require travelers to have adequate protection.

The Schengen travel insurance that you choose must cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies, including repatriation in case of serious injury or death. Whether or not you’d like other guarantees, such as protection for lost or stolen luggage or papers, for example, is up to you.

While that may sound intense, having insurance not only is required for visa approval but also ensures peace of mind during your trip. After all, who wants to be stranded abroad with unexpected medical bills?

Also, if you are wanting to extend a Schengen visa, you need to make sure that the policy you choose can also be extended.

The cheapest options

If you’re looking for the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visas, there are a few options. Europ Assistance Essential, AXA Silver, and Mutuaide Basic are three excellent options, as they are known for being affordable while still meeting all Schengen requirements when purchased through Insurte.

Plus, they offer varying levels of coverage, so you can pick the one that suits your needs without overpaying.

The best Schengen compliant insurance ➡️

Looking for affordable travel insurance? Look no further!

The total cost of your travel insurance premium will also depend on a few individual factors. Purchasing travel insurance for one person is typically less expensive than purchasing it for 4 people, for example. The more people who require coverage, the more you can expect to pay for your travel insurance.

The same is true with dates. The longer your trip is, the more you will pay because there are additional days to ensure you’re protected.

What should you look for in cheap Schengen visa insurance?

While price is an important factor, there are a few other things to keep in mind:

Schengen Compliance: The policy you choose must meet the Schengen visa insurance requirements, which are:

  • Minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical costs
  • Must include coverage for emergency hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation
  • Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
  • Must be valid in each of the 29 countries in the Schengen zone

All travel insurance purchased through Insurte is guaranteed Schengen-compliant.

Medical expenses coverage: Look for cheap travel medical insurance for Schengen visas that covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Travel duration: Some insurance providers offer better rates for longer stays, while others excel at short trips.

Customer support: It’s always good to know that you can reach your insurer 24/7 in case of an emergency abroad. Insurte offers 24/7 support.

View out of an airplane window of the sunrise and clouds while traveling to the Schengen zone.

Where to find cheap options

There are several platforms where you can compare and buy cheap insurance for Schengen visas online. One of the most trusted and affordable options is Insurte.

With 13+ years of experience in the industry, Insurte covers anyone from anywhere and works with Europe’s largest insurance providers to ensure a high-quality experience. These partners include:

Travelers can purchase policies quickly, easily, and securely online, ensuring that they get their insurance certificate in minutes – perfect for those last-minute planners or those who prefer to cross their t's and dot their i's ahead of time.

Note: You might find this guide useful: travel insurance vs medical insurance (which one do you need?)

The best insurance for Schengen visa

When deciding on the best travel insurance for Schengen visas, it’s all about finding a balance between cost and coverage.

For example, AXA offers both budget-friendly and premium plans, ensuring that every traveler’s needs are met.

It's about balance

When looking for cheap insurance for Schengen visas, the goal isn’t just to find the lowest price, but to ensure you’re adequately covered should you need it (and that the policy fulfills your Schengen visa requirements, of course).

The cheapest policy might save you a few dollars upfront, but could cost you more in the long run if it doesn’t provide the right coverage for your needs.

Here are some tips to get the perfect balance:

Compare insurance plans before purchasing: Look at what each insurer offers in terms of medical coverage and emergency support.

Consider your destination: If you're visiting countries with higher healthcare costs, it’s worth investing in more comprehensive coverage with higher coverage amounts.

Double-check the Schengen requirements: Make sure the insurance you choose is 100% Schengen compliant. Or, purchase a policy through Insurte, where Schengen compliance is 100% guaranteed.

What is the best Schengen visa travel insurance?

The best Schengen visa travel insurance for you depends on your specific needs. If you’re prioritizing price, AXA or Allianz might be ideal as their policies provide the basic necessary coverage at a low cost.

On the other hand, if you want extensive coverage that is more comprehensive and covers potential travel risks beyond the requirements of your Schengen visa application, Mutuaide Universal is a great option.

Two friends admiring the view of mountains while they travel abroad.

The best provideres

To make your decision easier, here’s a list of some top-rated providers that offer both the best Schengen visa insurance and budget-friendly options. Each of these providers is available to purchase through Insurte’s 100% online platform.

  • AXA Schengen – Affordable, reliable, and quick to purchase online.
  • Allianz Travel Serenity – Offers comprehensive plans, allowing you total serenity during your travels.
  • Mutuaide Insurance – Known for Schengen-compliant plans with great coverage.

Finding the cheapest travel medical insurance for Schengen visas doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re traveling for a week or several months, there are plenty of options that provide affordable, reliable coverage at a reasonable price.

By taking the time to compare plans and assess your needs, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protected…without spending a fortune.

Remember, having travel insurance is more than just ticking a box for your visa. It’s about safeguarding your journey, health, and well-being while you explore the beauty and culture of the Schengen zone.

Where to find cheap long-stay travel insurance

If you're heading abroad for a longer period of time, you can use tools like Insurte's travel insurance comparison tool.

Using a tool like this will allow you to look at policy options that specifically suit your needs and work with your trip, so you're looking at the most relevant pricing.

Nonetheless, a couple of insurers come to the top, and those are AXA and Mutuaide.

AXA is an excellent, affordable choice for travelers heading overseas for extended periods of time. Not only does it offer impressive medical emergency cost coverage (€100,000), but it also includes repatriation (including mortal remains), medical evacuation, and Covid-19.

On top of its vast medical backing, AXA offers coverage for legal fees abroad and advance of bail, search and rescue costs (for hikers or skiers, for example), assistance for lost/stolen passports, terrorism, personal liability, and more. It's truly a robust plan.

AXA is designed for long stay travelers to the Schengen area (plus the UK and Ireland) whose trips are shorter than 120 days in duration.

For travelers looking for worldwide coverage or coverage for a longer period than 120 days, Mutuaide is a great option that doesn't break the bank.

Mutuaide offers worldwide coverage, meaning you can go anywhere and know that you are protected (keep in mind that there are some exclusions, such as countries with active war zones.

Like AXA, Mutuaide's policies have high emergency medical cost limits. Unlike AXA, Mutuaide also offers coverage for all epidemics, not just Covid-19.

With search and rescue coverage, legal fees/bail, and assistance, and coverage for lost or stolen passports as well, Mutuaide offers a few different policies to suit the different needs of travelers.

While AXA has a 120-day limit, Mutuaide doesn't. Mutuaide offers 365 days of coverage.

Pro tip: Make sure that you pay attention to trip maximums. While a policy can have 365 days of coverage, there may be a maximum per trip that you can go on within those 365 days.

Sources & references

Internal Expertise & Review
For the past 15 years (and then some), we have been helping travelers feel confident and at-peace no matter where they're traveling to. Out team of travel and travel insurance experts are committed to providing relevant and accurate travel information.
The Travel Insurance Experts at Insurte:
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Written by:
Sarah Pardi - Staff Travel Advisor
Fact-check and reviewed by:
Clément Goubon
Last updated:
17 March 2026

Learn more about our editorial standards and review process in our Editorial Policy.

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