Quick answer: To get a Schengen visa you need travel medical insurance with a minimum cover of EUR 30,000 that is valid in all Schengen countries, covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation (including repatriation of remains), and lasts for the entire duration of your stay. Without it, your visa application can be refused.
Key Takeaways
- Minimum medical cover: EUR 30,000 (about USD 32,000 to 35,000 depending on the exchange rate).
- The policy must cover the whole Schengen Area, not just your main destination.
- Dates must match your full trip, and multiple-entry visa holders need cover for the first trip at least.
- Many consulates prefer policies with no deductible.
- Visa-exempt travellers (such as US, UK and Canadian citizens) are not legally required to buy it, but it is strongly recommended.
Who Needs Schengen Travel Insurance?
Citizens of countries that need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) must show travel medical insurance when applying. This includes travellers from India, China, South Africa, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan and many others.
Travellers from visa-exempt countries, such as the US, UK, Canada and Australia, do not have to show insurance at the border. ETIAS, the EU travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers, does not require insurance either. However, medical treatment in Europe can be expensive, so a policy is still wise.
Official Schengen Insurance Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | EUR 30,000 |
| Territory | All Schengen member states |
| Duration | Entire stay in the Schengen Area |
| Medical cover | Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation |
| Repatriation | Medical repatriation and repatriation of remains |
| Insurer | Must be accepted by the consulate (many have approved lists) |
Which Countries Are in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area has 29 members: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Your policy should cover all of them.
How to Buy the Right Policy: Step by Step
- Confirm your exact travel dates, including the day you enter and leave.
- Check your consulate’s website for any list of accepted insurers or extra rules.
- Choose a policy with at least EUR 30,000 of medical cover. Higher limits such as EUR 50,000 or EUR 100,000 give more protection for a small extra cost.
- Prefer zero deductible to avoid problems with strict consulates.
- Download the insurance certificate in English or the language of the destination country, showing coverage amount, dates and territory.
- Attach it to your visa application.
What Does Schengen Insurance Usually Not Cover?
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and accepted)
- Injuries from extreme sports without an add-on
- Incidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Routine or planned medical treatment
- Trip cancellation or lost baggage on basic medical-only plans
Medical-Only vs Comprehensive Travel Insurance
A basic Schengen policy covers medical emergencies only, which is enough for the visa. A comprehensive plan adds trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays and personal liability. If your flights and hotels are non-refundable, comprehensive cover is worth comparing.
Does a Credit Card’s Travel Insurance Count?
Sometimes, but it is risky. Credit card cover often has conditions, such as paying for the trip with the card, and may not issue a certificate that meets consulate rules. A standalone policy is the safest choice for a visa application.
What If My Visa Is Refused?
Many insurers that specialise in Schengen cover offer a full refund if your visa is refused, provided you send the refusal letter. Check this before buying.
Bottom Line
Schengen insurance is simple once you know the rules: EUR 30,000 minimum, all member states, full trip dates, and repatriation included. Buy from a reputable insurer, keep a printed and digital copy, and carry the emergency phone number with you while travelling.
Requirements can change and some consulates have extra rules. Always check the official website of the embassy or consulate handling your application.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
The policy must provide at least EUR 30,000 of medical cover, be valid in all Schengen countries for the full stay, and include emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
Do US or UK citizens need travel insurance for Europe?
It is not legally required for visa-exempt travellers such as US and UK citizens, but it is strongly recommended because medical costs abroad can be high.
Can I use any insurance company for a Schengen visa?
The insurer must be acceptable to the consulate. Some consulates publish approved lists, so check before buying.
Does Schengen travel insurance get refunded if my visa is refused?
Many specialist insurers refund the premium if you provide the official visa refusal letter. Check the policy terms before purchase.
Does my insurance need to cover the whole trip?
Yes. It must cover every day you are in the Schengen Area, from entry to exit.