The Expert Guide to Schengen Travel Insurance

A friendly guide by experts in the Schengen area

Traveling to France, Spain, or any other country in the Schengen zone is an unforgettable experience – whether studying abroad, visiting a loved one, or embarking on a business trip.

Millions of travelers visit the Schengen area every year, and many of them take out Schengen travel insurance to do so.

But what is Schengen travel insurance? For starters, it’s more than just a safety net; it’s a mandatory requirement if you need a Schengen visa, which, millions of travelers do. Without it, entry into any of the 29 Schengen countries could be denied.

Beyond requirements, this type of insurance offers protection and peace of mind. In this comprehensive guide, and with our 13+ years of experience in Schengen insurance and travel, we’ll break down everything you need to know – from the basics to the intricacies of Schengen travel.

What exactly is Schengen travel insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is a specific type of coverage required for individuals applying for a visa to enter the Schengen zone. However, anyone (visa applicant or not) can purchase Schengen coverage... and should consider it!

The Schengen zone consists of 29 European countries that have abolished internal border checks, allowing unrestricted travel through each of its member states. However, while movement may be free, the requirements to enter the zone are not.

There are a variety of requirements to enter the Schengen area, travel insurance being only one of them (and only one of the costs as well).

What are the Schengen travel insurance requirements?

To apply for a Schengen visa, Schengen travel insurance is mandatory. However, not just any insurance plan will do. The policy that you select must meet minimum requirements that are set by the Schengen zone.

These requirements are:

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical costs, including hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
• The insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries.
• It must be valid for the entire duration of the stay. This means if you extend your stay for any reason, you will need to extend your visa coverage.

This type of insurance is not just recommended – it’s a necessity for all Schengen visa holders. This policy ensures that visitors do not become a financial burden on the host country’s healthcare system. It’s also for the benefit of the traveler, so they don’t accrue hefty medical bills in the event of a medical emergency abroad.

According to the European Union, failure to provide proof of travel insurance is grounds for your visa application being rejected.

What does Schengen travel insurance cover?

Along with the minimum requirements listed above, Schengen travel insurance can cover a variety of common travel risks, depending on the policy you select and how comprehensive you want it to be.

Some additional types of coverage can include:

• Higher medical coverage amounts (€30,000 is the minimum, but you can get €50,000 or even more depending on the policy)
• COVID-19 coverage
• Loss, theft, or delay of personal belongings (such as luggage)
• Sports (search and rescue costs)
• Epidemics
• Legal fees abroad (which can include advance of bail)
• Accompanying minor children
• Assistance in the loss or theft of papers (like your passport)
• Medical information and advice
• Assistance of domestic animals
• Transmission of urgent messages
• Psychological assistance
• Terrorism
• More

Whether or not each of these events is covered will depend on your particular policy, which is why it’s important to carefully read all of the terms and the IPID before you make your final selection.

What doesn’t Schengen travel insurance cover?

What is covered depends on the policy you’ve purchased. This is why it’s so important to review the terms and conditions of each policy before making your final decision.

With that, there are a few things that Schengen travel insurance through Insurte does not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions are not covered
• Routine exams, appointments, and treatments are not covered.

If a medical emergency occurs related to a pre-existing condition, your Schengen travel insurance will not provide coverage or assistance. Additionally, if you receive regular treatments or need a teeth cleaning or routine eye examination, you won’t be able to use your Schengen travel insurance for it.

Travel medical insurance (including Schengen travel insurance) is not the same thing as health insurance.

Minimum Schengen travel insurance coverage

As a quick note, you may have noticed that the minimum coverage for Schengen insurance is in euros (€30,000). While the euro isn’t the currency of every single country in the Schengen area, it is used in the majority of Schengen countries.

If your destination is a country that hasn’t adopted the euro (such as Denmark or Iceland), the requirement remains 30,000, still in euros.

Why do you need Schengen visa insurance?

You might wonder, "Is it really necessary?" The answer is a resounding yes, for several reasons:

It’s a requirement for Schengen visa applicants

If you're applying for a Schengen visa, travel insurance is one of the key requirements. (There may be some exceptions depending on specific visa types.)

Schengen embassies and consulates have strict guidelines and won’t approve your Schengen visa application without proof of adequate coverage.

It protects you from unexpected medical expenses

Europe boasts some of the world’s best healthcare systems, but without insurance, medical expenses can be astronomical.

Whether it's an accident or a serious illness, travel insurance ensures you won’t face financial strain due to hospital bills. According to Frontex, unexpected situations like medical emergencies are among the top issues that travelers face.

Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory for all travelers?

If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, it is mandatory. If you are from a visa-exempt country (such as the US, UK, or Canada), and are traveling to the Schengen area without a visa, it isn’t compulsory. With that being said, it’s still strongly encouraged as emergencies happen at the most unexpected times.

Choosing the best Schengen travel insurance

There are a variety of providers who offer Schengen-compliant insurance, but a few stand out due to their strong global presence and comprehensive coverage. Each option below, when purchased through Insurte, is 100% Schengen compliant, guaranteed.

💡Keep in mind that insurance isn't the only cost when applying for a Schengen visa! Learn more here.

Allianz Schengen Insurance

One of the most recognized names in the travel insurance industry, Allianz, offers a range of policies that meet Schengen visa requirements. With quick, easy, and secure online applications, Allianz policies are favored for their extensive coverage and affordable premiums. Allianz Travel Serenity, a Schengen-compliant insurance, is available 100% online through Insurte.

AXA Schengen Insurance

AXA provides Schengen-specific insurance plans. With low-cost policies that are particularly popular among budget-conscious travelers, AXA offers just the right amount of coverage at a competitive rate. Some popular options include AXA Silver, AXA Gold, and AXA Platinum, depending on how comprehensive you’d like your coverage to be.

Europ Assistance

With Europ Assistance, you get more than just basic medical coverage. Their insurance includes 24/7 global assistance, making them an ideal option for those traveling extensively through Europe. Both Europ Assistance Essential and Essential Plus (through Insurte) are great options for securing your Schengen trip.

Mutuaide

Mutuaide, another notable provider, offers policies designed specifically for Schengen visa applicants. Their policies often include broader coverage areas beyond the Schengen zone, which is perfect for those planning on extended travel beyond the Schengen countries. Mutuaide also has an annual option for frequent travelers, which can save you money down the road. There are a variety of Mutuaide policies available through Insurte, 100% online.

Whether you need insurance for your visa application, or you're simply traveling abroad, the peace of mind that travel insurance provides is well worth the costs.

Where can you buy Schengen travel insurance?

Schengen travel insurance can be purchased 100% online through Insurte’s trusted digital platform. When purchased through Insurte, you’ll:

• Enjoy a quick and easy, fully online process.
• Get a quote in a couple of minutes.
• Be able to compare policies apples-to-apples.
• Be rest assured that all policies are guaranteed Schengen-compliant.
• Purchase a policy entirely online.
• Receive a digital proof of insurance certificate immediately.
• Be able to request a refund in the event of visa refusal.

Studying abroad in Europe? Schengen travel insurance is non-negotiable

If you’re a student planning to study in the Schengen area (such as France, Italy, or Spain), having the right insurance isn’t just helpful – it’s mandatory. To get your Schengen study abroad visa, you’ll be required to have adequate coverage.

This coverage ensures that any unexpected medical needs or emergencies are addressed, giving both students and their parents peace of mind.

Why student travelers should opt for comprehensive coverage

Accidents and health emergencies are unpredictable, especially when studying abroad. Whether you're studying in Spain, Germany, or France, having a policy that covers emergency medical costs, hospitalization, and repatriation is important.

Opting for a more comprehensive plan that also provides coverage for things like lost luggage, loss of papers (such as your passport), or even legal assistance can be priceless in the event of an emergency abroad.

Keep in mind, however, that travel insurance isn’t the same thing as health insurance. Travel insurance is for unexpected emergencies, and can’t be used for routine or preventative care. If you need a teeth cleaning, a routine eye exam, or an annual physical, these appointments won’t be covered by travel insurance.

Learn about how long you can stay insured by travel insurance here.

How Schengen travel insurance fits into broader European security

While travel insurance is often seen as a personal safeguard, it actually plays a role in protecting the Schengen zone itself.

The European Union and Frontex (the European Border and Coast Guard Agency) are stringent about who enters and exits this secure area.

Ensuring that travelers are financially covered for medical emergencies reduces the potential burden on local resources, which ultimately supports economic stability and growth for the countries that make up the Schengen space.

Each advancement helps to keep the zone secure, which is the foundation for continuing the allowance of free movement and the absence of internal border checks.

The role of Frontex and EES

Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, plays a significant role in monitoring Europe’s external borders. Along with the newly created EES (Entry and Exit System), which tracks entry and exit records, travelers face tighter scrutiny when going in and out of the Schengen zone.

If you’re heading to a member country, while there may be new security measures and processes in place, they aim to make the process more efficient and streamlined for travelers from all around the world and throughout the Schengen zone.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)

Another reinforcement for the integrity of the Schengen area is the introduction of ETIAS. ETIAS is a digital authorization system that gives citizens from visa-exempt countries permission to enter the Schengen area.

It isn’t a visa; ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization. This system will allow Schengen border control and authorities more visibility into who enters and exits the area. Many travelers will be affected by this change from 2025 on, including US, UK, and Canadian citizens.

Post-Brexit considerations for UK citizens

With Brexit reshaping the relationship between the UK and the EU, British citizens also benefit from Schengen-compliant travel insurance when visiting the Schengen area. If they need a visa for specific purposes, it's a requirement.

UK citizens no longer benefit from the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), making private travel insurance indispensable for any trip to the Schengen zone. Whether you need a visa or not (which in most cases, if you’re from the UK you don’t), Schengen insurance is a good idea – just in case.

Requirements when applying for a Schengen visa

Whether you’re applying through a visa processor, such as VFS Global, or directly through a consulate/embassy, it’s essential to have the right insurance in place.

Compliant Schengen visa insurance isn’t the only requirement, however. To travel into the Schengen space, there are a variety of other necessary prerequisites for visa applicants.

Additional requirements include:

• A completed Schengen visa application for the relevant country.
• A valid passport (that doesn’t expire for more than 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area).
• Recent, passport-sized photos.
• Proof of accommodation (such as a hotel booking or an invitation from a family member or friend).
• Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements).
• Travel itinerary (your confirmed plans to enter and leave the Schengen area, such as plane tickets).
• Proof of Schengen travel insurance that meets the minimum requirements set by the Schengen area.
• An in-person appointment at an embassy, consulate, or visa center to submit your visa application and biometric data (fingerprints).

Each country in the Schengen area has its own methods as well. Some countries may require translated copies of specific documents and notaries. Other countries may need photocopies. The visa center or consulate you’re applying through will provide you with a list of necessary documents to include in your Schengen visa application.

The requirements listed above are standard requirements. When applying for long-stay visas for the Schengen area, or specialized ones such as study visas or work visas, additional documents will likely be required to prove the validity of your stay.

These supplementary documents can include anything from proof of enrollment in a European educational institute to work contracts, birth certificates, and more. It depends on the specific visa you're applying for.

Across the board, however, Schengen travel insurance requirements remain the same, no matter which member country you’re heading to.

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa?

Typically, you can apply for a Schengen visa at a trusted visa application center. Visa application centers are legitimate, authorized partners of Embassies around the globe. Which visa processor you use depends on your location of residence and your destination. Visa processors include:

• VFS Global
• TLS Contact
• Capago
• VisaMetric
• iDATA International
• Global Visa Center World (GVCW)
• Almaviva
• BLS Global
• IVS Global

What if there isn’t a visa processor nearby?

It isn’t uncommon to travel to visit a visa application center, which are typically in larger cities. If there isn’t a visa application center in your country of residence at all, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa at a consulate or through an Embassy.

What if there isn’t a Schengen consulate or embassy in my country of residence?

In this case, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa through a visa center, consulate, or embassy of another Schengen country that has agreed to assist in visa applications.

Does a Schengen visa allow me to travel anywhere in Europe?

No. A Schengen visa only allows you movement between Schengen countries. The vast majority of European countries are, in fact, in the Schengen area, but not all of them are. For example, Ireland is a member of the EU, but is not a member of the Schengen zone.

Are the Schengen area and the European Union the same thing?

No, this is a common misconception. The European Union can be seen more as a governing force that creates guidelines and systems for the greater good of Europe. The Schengen area, on the other hand, is a collection of countries that have agreed to abolish internal border checks for the easier flow of people and goods.

There is often confusion because the EU sets many of the guidelines for the Schengen area. There’s also a lot of overlap when it comes to which countries participate.

However, not all Schengen countries are in the EU and not all EU members are in the Schengen area.

Why do I have to show proof of funds in my visa application?

It can be expensive to travel to the Schengen area and with a Schengen visa for tourism or visits, which is the most popular visa, you aren’t permitted to work during your stay.

Because you won’t be working, the local government needs to ensure that you will have the funds to support yourself during your stay. This protects both you and local services from financial strain.

How the Schengen area is evolving

The integrity and security of the Schengen area is an important topic for the European Union.

With growing challenges in terms of security, safety, and migration flows, keeping the zone as safe as possible is front of mind. To mitigate issues before they arise, the EU continues to introduce new ways to support the free movement between member states.

Recent changes include the introduction of EES (Entry/Exit System) and ETIAS, both mentioned above. Another update is the EU VAP (the European Union Visa Application Portal).

What is EU VAP?

In short, the EU VAP will digitize the Schengen visa application process, bringing it from a manual process to an online one. Currently, in-person appointments are required, but this will change with the launch of EU VAP.

The conception of EU VAP is a huge, innovative step for the European Union that will ease the application process for millions of travelers each year. Not only will this system streamline the process, but it will also make it safer and more secure through its cutting-edge technologies and its secure, digital transfer of sensitive traveler data (which currently occurs on paper and through traditional mail).

This online system is expected to become fully operational by 2030, though some countries may adopt the technology before that.

Key Takeaways:

• Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants.
• Schengen travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travelers to the Schengen area.
• Allianz, AXA, Europ Assistance, and Mutuaide are top providers offering Schengen-compliant insurance through Insurte.
• New security systems like ETIAS and the EES will enhance the security of the Schengen area.
• EU VAP will be launched in the coming years, bringing the Schengen visa application process online.
• British travelers are no longer covered by the EHIC.
• There are a variety of requirements when applying for a Schengen visa, insurance being only one of them.
• Schengen travel insurance must include a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical emergency costs, repatriation, hospitalization, and evacuation, and be valid in every Schengen country for the entire duration of your trip.