Schengen Insurance Coverage: An Expert Guide for European Travel

Making sure you have the right travel insurance coverage is an important part of your journey into one of the beautiful countries of the Schengen zone.

Before you pack your bags, and before you even submit your visa application, you’ll need to make sure that the insurance you choose has the right coverage. The Schengen area has a few requirements that all policies must meet.

This guide will walk you through:

• What Schengen insurance covers
• Why you need it
• The bare minimum coverage you’ll need to meet your visa requirements
• How to make sure you’re fully protected for your European adventure

Schengen insurance coverage: what does it include?

Schengen travel insurance isn’t just a formality – it’s a requirement when applying for a Schengen visa.

This specific type of travel insurance ensures that visitors are financially covered in case of unexpected medical issues or specific travel mishaps. Whether you're visiting Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, or somewhere else in the Schengen area, it’s essential to understand what your policy must include.

Schengen visa insurance must:

• Cover a minimum of €30,000 for emergency medical expenses.
• Include repatriation/evacuation in case of extreme illness or death.
• Be valid in all 29 Schengen area countries.
• Cover hospitalization in the event of a medical emergency.
• Be valid for the entire duration of your stay.

This coverage is the minimum required to apply for a Schengen visa. Without it, your visa application will be denied.

Does Schengen travel insurance cover emergency medical?

Yes, emergency medical coverage is a key component of Schengen travel insurance.

Your Schengen insurance includes treatment for serious illnesses or injuries during your trip, meaning you won’t be left facing huge hospital bills if you get gravely sick or hurt while abroad.

From emergency room visits to unforeseen hospital stays, emergency medical services are covered, as long as the total cost doesn't exceed the policy’s maximum payout of €30,000. With that being said, it’s possible to get Schengen travel insurance policies with higher limits (especially through Insurte, specialists in Schengen visa insurance).

One thing that’s important to remember is that routine doctor’s appointments, pre-existing conditions, and expected treatments won’t be covered, so plan accordingly. Always review your policy’s terms to understand the limits of your medical coverage.

Does Schengen travel insurance cover COVID-19?

As the COVID-19 pandemic changed global travel, many insurers updated their Schengen policies to include COVID-19-related coverage. When purchased through Insurte, AXA Silver, Gold, and Platinum all cover COVID-19, as does Mutuaide Universal (including their annual plan).

Not all policies automatically cover COVID-19, so make sure you carefully read policy details before purchasing a policy if you’d like to be covered for this.

What all can be covered by Schengen travel insurance?

In addition to emergency medical and sometimes COVID-19 coverage, Schengen travel insurance can cover a range of other unexpected events. It’s possible to get policies that also cover:

• Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
• Epidemics, including epidemic quarantine costs
• Legal fees abroad (including advance of bail)
• Sports (search & rescue costs)
• Assistance for lost or stolen papers abroad (such as passports)
• 24/7 assistance
• And more

Each of these coverages may be subject to conditions and limits, and not all policies include them, so always check the specifics of your policy before you travel.

Which Schengen insurance coverage is compliant?

All travel insurance policies through Insurte are Schengen compliant, but some provide more coverage than others.

Depending on the policy, some may offer additional protection for things like COVID-19 and lost luggage, but all meet the requirements set by the Schengen zone. This includes policies by AXA, Allianz, Mutuaide, and Europ Assistance, some of Europe's largest insurance providers.

Why do I need to be covered by Schengen visa insurance?

One, because it’s required for your visa, but it also offers you peace of mind and confidence while you’re traveling. Emergencies happen when you least expect them, and medical expenses in Europe can be costly if you’re not insured.

The Schengen area has agreed, collectively, that all travelers who require a visa must be insured before entering the zone. This protects them from the possibility of unpaid hospital bills, but it also protects you from costly medical bills, so it’s a win-win.

If you don’t obtain Schengen insurance before traveling

• Your visa application may be rejected
• You could face high out-of-pocket costs if you need medical care
• In the event of an emergency, you may struggle with evacuation, hospitalization, or repatriation costs

Insurance provides a financial safety net, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about what could go wrong.

When all is said and done, it’s better to have coverage and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Key takeaways for Schengen insurance coverage

• Schengen insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000 in emergency medical expenses.
• Policies must include coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
• Policies must include coverage for hospitalization costs in the event of a medical emergency.
• Policies must be valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
• Policies must be valid for the entire length of your stay in the Schengen zone.
• COVID-19 coverage is included in some policies but isn’t guaranteed – make sure you read policy details carefully.
• Additional benefits may include coverage for baggage loss, epidemics, legal assistance, and more, depending on the policy.
• Schengen insurance is mandatory for obtaining a visa and gives you peace of mind during your travels
• If you don’t obtain Schengen visa insurance, your application will likely be denied (except for specific circumstances like for diplomats or some long stay visas).