Whether you’re planning a trip to the beaches of Greece, the vineyards of France, or an exciting business conference, traveling to Europe is nothing short of memorable.
While a trip to look forward to, it also requires some preparation – especially when it comes to securing a Schengen visa.
One of the key requirements for your visa application is Schengen travel insurance. It might seem daunting at first, but purchasing travel insurance for your Schengen visa is easier than you think!
In this guide, we’ll share exactly how to buy travel insurance for a Schengen visa and where to find the best options, including a simple and trustworthy way to purchase it through Insurte, an easy-to-use online platform.
Understand what Schengen visa insurance you need
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand the basics of Schengen visa travel insurance. The Schengen area includes 29 European countries, and if you're visiting any of them, you need a visa unless your country has visa-free access.
One of the visa requirements is travel insurance that meets specific criteria.
Your Schengen travel insurance must:
- Cover at least €30,000 in emergency medical expenses
- Include coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation (including transport of remains)
- Be valid in all 29 Schengen countries
- Cover the entire duration of your stay
Without meeting these requirements, your visa application will be rejected. Fortunately, many insurance providers offer policies specifically tailored to Schengen visa needs.
Use a travel insurance online comparison tool
With so many insurance providers out there, it can be overwhelming to find the right policy.
Luckily, you don’t have to go from one website to another comparing prices and coverage. Instead, you can use a travel insurance comparison tool to make the process much easier.
Insurte is the best platform for purchasing Schengen visa travel insurance because it allows you to compare different Schengen policies online – all in one place. With Insurte, you can:
- Enter your travel details, such as the destination, duration of stay, and a few personal details.
- Get an instant comparison of various insurance providers that meet Schengen visa requirements.
- Filter options based on your preferences, like budget or additional coverage for things like COVID-19 or baggage loss.
This streamlined process saves you time and ensures you get the best deal.
Pro tip: You must have your travel insurance secured and purchased before your visa appointment, as it must be included in your visa application.
Select the Schengen insurance policy that suits your needs
Once you’ve used the Insurte comparison tool to browse through your options, it’s time to select the policy that fits your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider when making your choice:
- Coverage: All Insurte policies cover the Schengen minimum of 30,000 euros in emergency medical expenses. Some policies offer higher coverage limits too, which is a good idea if you want extra peace of mind during your time abroad.
- Duration: Ensure that the policy covers your entire stay in the Schengen area. Make sure that the coverage dates are the same as your accommodation dates and travel dates (they must match in your visa application).
- Additional coverage: While medical coverage is mandatory, you might want to add optional coverage for things like lost luggage, COVID-19, etc. This can give you added peace of mind during your journey abroad.
- Price: Compare prices, but remember that the cheapest option might not always be the best. Make sure the policy meets all Schengen visa requirements and provides sufficient coverage for your needs. (Don't worry, they all do when purchased through Insurte).
At Insurte, you can quickly see what’s included in each plan and make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Get Your Schengen travel insurance online and download your certificate
Once you’ve selected your policy, the next step is to finalize your purchase and obtain your instant insurance certificate. Insurte makes this step incredibly straightforward:
- Purchase the policy: After reviewing the policy details and ensuring it's aligned with your other document dates, you can purchase it securely online. Rest assured that all Insurte policies are Schengen compliant.
- Instant confirmation: Upon completing the purchase, you'll receive an instant confirmation via email with all of your policy details and a certificate that is guaranteed valid for your upcoming visa appointment.
- Download your insurance certificate: The certificate, which is mandatory for your visa application, will also be available for download immediately. Make sure to keep a digital copy on your phone and print out a hard copy to submit with your visa application
Since the Schengen visa application process requires this document, having the certificate in hand early is a huge advantage, and Insurte delivers it instantly – 100% digitally.
After you've purchased your travel insurance and received your certificate, you're almost ready to submit your Schengen visa application.
Here’s what to do next:
- Include the certificate in your visa application: Print the insurance certificate and include it in your Schengen visa application documents. The consulate will need to see proof that your insurance meets all the requirements.
- Double-check your insurance coverage period: Ensure the coverage period on your certificate aligns with all of your travel dates. If your trip dates change after purchasing the insurance, contact your insurance provider immediately to update the policy.
- Prepare for your trip!: Now that your insurance is sorted, you can focus on the more fun parts of travel! Having travel insurance gives you peace of mind that you’re covered in case of any medical emergencies during your trip, and allows you to meet one of the requirements for your visa application.
Insurte offers several benefits for travelers looking to buy travel insurance for their Schengen visa:
- Convenience: The entire process – from comparison to purchase to receiving your certificate – is 100% online, making it quick and hassle-free.
- Transparency: You can easily compare different plans based on price, coverage, and extra benefits, so you know exactly what you're getting.
- Unique terms: At Insurte, you’ll find unique policy terms that you won’t find anywhere else, allowing you to have customized, high-quality insurance that fits your unique needs
- Instant certificate: You don’t have to wait for your insurance certificate – it’s available as soon as you purchase your policy and will be sent directly to your email inbox.
- Reliable customer support: If you have any questions or need assistance, Insurte offers dedicated customer service to help you through the process.
- Schengen compliant: All of Insurte’s policies are guaranteed Schengen compliant.
- Refunds: Insurte offers refunds in the event of visa refusal.
Buying travel insurance for your Schengen visa doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With platforms like Insurte, you can quickly and easily compare different policies, purchase your insurance online, and receive your certificate instantly.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you prepare for your European adventure.
With the right insurance in hand, you can enjoy your trip knowing you’re well protected.
- Understand the Schengen requirements: €30,000 minimum coverage for emergency medical (must include hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation), valid in all 29 Schengen countries, valid for the entire duration of your Schengen stay.
- Compare and contrast policies with an online travel insurance comparison tool, like Insurte’s.
- Make sure the dates of your travel insurance validity are the same as your travel and accommodation dates.
- Choose your policy and purchase it online.
- Download your instant insurance certificate and print it out for your visa appointment.
- Bring your insurance certificate to your visa appointment.