Understanding Schengen Visa Insurance Costs: An In-Depth Guide

When planning a trip to Europe, specifically to any of the 29 countries in the Schengen area, securing travel insurance is essential – and not just for your peace of mind. 

Having travel insurance is a requirement when applying for a Schengen visa. 

This leads many travelers to ask: What is the cost of travel insurance for a Schengen visa? 

In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about Schengen insurance costs, as well as introduce reputable providers to find a policy that fits your budget and needs.

Why do you need Schengen travel insurance?

Before diving into how much you can expect to pay, it's important to understand why Schengen travel insurance is mandatory. To get approved for a Schengen visa, you have to provide proof of travel insurance that meets these specific requirements:

• A minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency ˆmedical expenses
• Coverage for emergency medical situations, including hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation
• Validity for all Schengen countries and the entire duration of your stay

No matter which country in the Schengen area you’re applying for, you’ll have the same insurance requirement for each. 

This requirement was set to ensure you’re covered if a medical emergency happens while you’re on foreign soil. Having this coverage protects both you and the country you're visiting, enabling you to be able to pay for any medical emergencies, should they happen, and that your travel destination doesn’t end up having to foot the bill. 

Factors affecting Schengen visa insurance costs

Several factors influence the cost of travel insurance for a Schengen visa:

• Duration of your stay: The length of your trip will affect the price. A shorter stay usually results in a lower premium, whereas longer stays naturally incur higher costs.
• Coverage options: Less comprehensive policies that meet the minimum visa requirements tend to cost less, while more comprehensive plans covering additional travel-related risks, like lost baggage and Covid-19, may be more expensive.
• Number of travelers: The more people that need coverage, the higher the cost will likely be. If you’re traveling alone, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re traveling with your spouse and children, the price of your Insurance plan will increase with the more people you add, for example.
• Provider of choice: Different providers or insurance brands have different pricing. Some providers might have higher premiums than others and vice versa.

With all of that in mind, let’s examine some of the most trusted providers of Schengen travel insurance today.

Trusted Schengen travel insurance providers

When choosing a Schengen visa insurance plan, it’s crucial to pick a provider with a strong reputation for reliability, coverage, and customer service. Below are four well-known insurance providers (and partners of Insurte) offering policies that meet Schengen visa requirements. 

1. AXA Schengen visa insurance

AXA is a trusted name in the insurance industry, offering a variety of Schengen travel insurance plans tailored to different needs. 

Their policies cover the mandatory €30,000 in medical expenses and offer additional benefits such as coverage for lost baggage, Covid-19, and even legal assistance should you need it. AXA Schengen is a convenient choice for travelers seeking dependable protection at a competitive price. 

You can purchase AXA Schengen travel insurance through Insurte’s 100% online process. 

2. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz is another well-established insurer that provides extensive coverage options for those applying for a Schengen visa. 

Whether you’re looking for bare minimum coverage or a more comprehensive plan that includes other guarantees, like lost passports or luggage, Allianz is a reliable option. Their international presence ensures that you’ll receive timely assistance no matter where you are.

Allianz is available on Insurte and you can get your digital certificate in minutes. 

3. Europ Assistance Schengen visa insurance

Europ Assistance specializes in travel and health insurance services. Their Schengen travel insurance plans are designed to offer peace of mind for travelers, with emergency medical coverage that meets visa requirements, there are also options with higher coverage amounts that give you even more protection. Europ Assistance is ideal for those looking for flexible plans that allow for both short-term and longer-term travel within the Schengen Area.

Europ Assistance is one of the insurance providers available through Insurte.

4. Mutuaide Schengen travel insurance

Mutuaide is a respected name in the world of travel insurance, known for its customer-focused approach and wide range of coverage options. 

Their policies for Schengen visa applicants are affordable and provide robust medical coverage, ensuring that you’re protected in case of emergencies during your trip. For travelers on a budget, Mutuaide also offers low-cost Schengen visa insurance without compromising on quality.

You can purchase Mutuaide coverage with Insurte.

Low-cost Schengen visa insurance

If you're looking for low-cost Schengen visa insurance, all of the providers mentioned – AXA Schengen, Allianz, Europ Assistance, and Mutuaide – offer affordable plans that meet visa requirements. 

While some travelers may be tempted to go for the cheapest option right off the bat, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. A low-cost policy may not provide the same peace of mind or range of benefits as a slightly more expensive plan. 

For those who prioritize cost without compromising on essential coverage, we recommend comparing policies across different providers to ensure you get the best deal. You can do that with Insurte’s free online comparison tool. 

The cost of medical insurance for Schengen visas

One of the most crucial aspects of Schengen travel insurance is medical coverage – in fact, it’s at the core of your visa application’s requirements. 

As mentioned earlier, all policies must include at least €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, but how much does this typically cost?

In general, the price of less comprehensive medical-only plans ranges from around $22 to multiple hundreds of dollars, depending on the length of your stay, how comprehensive the plan is, how many travelers the policy covers, and more.

Why purchase Schengen visa insurance through Insurte?

When shopping for Schengen travel insurance, it’s important to choose an option that not only offers great coverage but also makes the buying process easy and hassle-free. That’s where Insurte comes in. 

By purchasing your policy through Insurte, you can:

• Easily compare plans in one place
• Rest assured that you’ll only be recommended plans from high-quality providers, such as AXA Schengen, Allianz, Europ Assistance, and Mutuaide
• Get support when you need it (24/7)
• Enjoy a 100% online insurance purchasing experience
• Receive your digital insurance certificate instantly
• Know that your policy is guaranteed Schengen visa-compliant
• Be able to request a refund should your Schengen visa be denied

Insurte ensures that you’ll find the most competitive rates from esteemed and recognized providers without needing to spend hours researching.

In addition, Insurte makes the entire process of purchasing Schengen visa insurance simple, with instant policy issuance and coverage confirmation - 100% online. 

Whether you're traveling for a short vacation or an extended stay, Insurte has you covered with a variety of affordable plans to choose from.

Key Takeaways 

• Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa, requiring at least €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, including emergency medical care and repatriation.
• The cost of Schengen visa insurance varies depending on factors such as the duration of your stay, your age, and the coverage options you choose. 
• Less comprehensive policies are more affordable, while comprehensive plans covering non-medical emergencies such as legal assistance and lost baggage are more expensive.
• Trusted providers like AXA Schengen, Allianz, Europ Assistance, and Mutuaide offer various Schengen visa insurance plans that meet the required coverage standards.
• Purchasing insurance through Insurte allows for easy comparison of multiple providers and a 100% digital process - ensuring the best price and coverage in one convenient platform.
• Low-cost Schengen visa insurance options are available from these providers (and through Insurte), but it’s essential to balance affordability with sufficient coverage for peace of mind.