Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements: What You Need to Understand

If you’re planning a trip to Europe and will be applying for a Schengen visa, one essential step in the process is making sure you meet the Schengen visa travel insurance requirements – and there are a few.

You may have learned by now that Schengen travel insurance is a required document you must provide when applying for a Schengen visa, whether you’re visiting a member country for 3 days or 30.

This article will walk you through what those requirements are so you can feel confident knowing exactly what type of insurance you need, how much coverage is required, and how to get the policy perfect for your specific needs.

What type of insurance is required for a Schengen visa?

If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, one of the required documents you’ll need is travel insurance. However, not just any travel insurance will do. The Schengen area has specific criteria that must be met when it comes to the policy that covers you during your time in the zone.

What are the Schengen visa insurance requirements?

• Your policy must include emergency medical coverage. This includes sudden unforeseen illnesses, accidents, or injuries that require emergency medical attention while you're abroad.
• Your policy must include hospitalization as part of its emergency medical coverage.
• There is a minimum coverage requirement of €30,000. Your policy must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This amount is the minimum standard, but you can choose higher coverage for more protection, and it’s generally a good idea.
• Your policy must include emergency medical evacuation.
• Repatriation of remains is required. While it’s never pleasant to consider, repatriation of mortal remains is mandatory in the unfortunate event of severe illness, or even death abroad.
• Coverage across all Schengen countries. Even if you are only visiting one Schengen country, your policy must be valid in every single Schengen country, regardless of whether or not you step foot in it.
• Coverage for the entire duration of your stay is mandatory.

💡 Pro tip: Make sure you purchase your Schengen travel insurance before your visa appointment. At your appointment, you’ll be required to show proof of purchase to submit your visa application.

All of Insurte’s insurance policies are guaranteed Schengen compliant and can be obtained 100% online.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visas?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa in almost every single case. In fact, you won't be able to submit your visa application without proof of compliant insurance. If you are able to submit it, it will be denied.

This requirement is non-negotiable because Schengen authorities want to ensure that tourists can handle potential medical emergencies without being a burden on the local healthcare system.

There can be exceptions though. Some long-stay national visas, where the traveler will be applying for residency, paying taxes in the Schengen area, and enrolling in the local healthcare system may not require Schengen travel insurance. Your visa processor or consulate will provide you with a list of the exact requirements about your situation.

Additionally, holders of diplomatic passports are exempt from obtaining Schengen visa insurance too (according to regulations set by the EU).

How much travel insurance do I need for Europe?

If you’re heading to Europe on a Schengen visa, the required minimum amount of travel insurance coverage is €30,000 for emergency medical costs.

If you’re traveling to a European country that is outside of the Schengen area, travel insurance may not be a requirement, but it is always highly recommended. Always check with the relevant embassy to ensure you’re meeting the latest requirements.

While the minimum coverage amount for the Schengen area is €30,000, it’s a good idea to purchase more coverage if you can. Healthcare costs in Europe can be high, especially in countries like France and Germany. Higher coverage will give you added peace of mind in case something goes wrong.

For example, if you were to be hospitalized for an extended period or need specialized medical transport, the expenses could quickly exceed the minimum.

Do US citizens need Schengen travel insurance?

Even though US citizens do not need a visa for short stays in the Schengen area (up to 90 days), travel insurance is highly recommended.

While it may not be required, it is still a good idea to have coverage in case of accidents or emergencies. Healthcare costs can be expensive if you're not insured, and medical emergencies abroad are stressful enough without the added worry of large medical bills.

For those staying longer than 90 days, a visa may be required, and at that point, travel insurance becomes mandatory, just like for other nationalities.

It’s also important to understand that being a citizen and living in the US are not the same thing. US citizens have US passports. If you reside in the US but do not have a US passport, you may need to apply for a visa (if you are an Indian or Chinese citizen, for example).

Do UK citizens need Schengen travel insurance?

UK citizens can enjoy short stays in the Schengen area without requiring a Schengen visa. Because of this, travel insurance isn’t a strict requirement.

With that being said, healthcare costs can be high in the Schengen zone, so obtaining travel insurance is strongly recommended in case of an injury or serious illness while abroad.

Medical costs can be very high in some Schengen countries. Travel insurance will allow you to rest easy knowing that you’re covered in case of emergency.

Key takeaways for Schengen visa insurance requirements

• Travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa and must meet specific requirements.
• The insurance must cover at least €30,000 in emergency medical expenses.
• Repatriation and coverage for all 29 Schengen countries is required.
• The policy must cover the entire duration of your trip.
• The policy must include hospitalization for medical emergencies.
• Your insurance certificate is a required document to be included in your visa application, which means you must purchase your policy before you apply.
• US citizens don't need a Schengen visa for short stays, but travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• Comparing policies and ensuring they are Schengen-compliant is essential for a successful visa application.