Travel Insurance for Europe

Insurance requirements and recommendations for European travel.

Mandatory for Schengen visa applicants. Minimum coverage: €30,000 medical + repatriation. Must be valid for all Schengen countries. Recommended for everyone — even visa-free travelers.

Visa Applicants: Mandatory
Min Coverage: €30,000
Coverage Area: All Schengen countries
Recommended: For all travelers

Read the fine print before you fly

Travel insurance is one of those purchases everyone defers — until the moment they need it. For a Schengen visa it's a hard requirement (€30,000 minimum medical, valid across all 30 countries). For everyone else it's optional, but emergency healthcare and repatriation costs in Europe can run into five figures fast. Worth the half-hour of comparing policies before you board.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants (€30,000 minimum coverage). Even for visa-free travelers, it is strongly recommended — healthcare costs and emergencies in Europe can be expensive without coverage.

Insurance at a Glance

Minimum Coverage: €30,000
Must Cover: Medical + Repatriation
Territory: All Schengen
Duration: Entire Trip

Who Needs Insurance?

Schengen Visa Applicants — MANDATORY. €30,000 minimum medical coverage required. Your application will be rejected without it.
ETIAS Travelers — RECOMMENDED. Not required for ETIAS, but strongly advised for medical emergencies and trip protection.
EU Citizens — OPTIONAL. EHIC/GHIC provides some coverage, but travel insurance offers more comprehensive protection.

What Good Travel Insurance Covers

Emergency medical treatment — hospital stays, doctor visits, medications
Medical repatriation — transport back home if needed
Emergency dental care — urgent dental treatment
Trip cancellation — reimbursement if you cannot travel
Trip interruption — coverage if you need to cut your trip short
Lost or delayed baggage — compensation for missing luggage
Personal liability — if you accidentally cause damage or injury

SafetyWing · Nomad Insurance

Insurance that meets the €30,000 Schengen visa requirement

SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers emergency medical care and repatriation across the Schengen area, and you can download a visa letter from your dashboard for your application.

$62.72 / 4 weeks for ages 18-39, in USD

Travel medical insurance

Emergency medical and hospital treatment abroad
Medical evacuation + repatriation included
Cancel anytime — pay per 4 weeks

See Essential pricing Plans & pricing by age

4.4/5 on Trustpilot

What works

Meets the €30,000 medical minimum, valid across all 30 Schengen countries
Emergency medical, hospital and repatriation included
Download a visa letter for your application in a couple of clicks

The trade-offs

A few consulates keep their own accepted-insurer lists, so check yours before you apply
Essential covers new emergencies, not routine or pre-existing care

SafetyWing Ambassador link — we may earn a commission when you sign up, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown for ages 18-39 in USD; rates rise with age.

Insurance Guides

For Schengen Visa

Mandatory insurance requirements for visa applicants

General Travel

Recommended coverage for all travelers

Requirements

Minimum coverage and policy conditions

Compare Plans

Compare travel insurance options

Insurance FAQs

How much does travel insurance cost?

Basic Schengen-compliant travel insurance typically costs €30-150 depending on trip duration, age, and coverage level. For a 2-week trip, expect to pay around €30-50 for basic coverage.

Can I buy insurance after my visa is approved?

For Schengen visa applications, you must have insurance at the time of application. You cannot submit your application without proof of coverage. Some policies allow you to adjust dates later.

Does my credit card include travel insurance?

Some premium credit cards include travel insurance, but it often does not meet Schengen visa requirements (minimum €30,000 medical coverage, repatriation, all Schengen countries). Check your card's specific coverage before relying on it.

What if I'm visiting multiple countries?

Your travel insurance must cover all Schengen countries you will visit. Most Schengen-compliant policies automatically cover the entire Schengen Area, so one policy works for multi-country trips.

Do I need insurance for ETIAS?

Travel insurance is not required for ETIAS applications. However, it is strongly recommended. Without insurance, you would be personally responsible for any medical costs, which can be very high in Europe.

Related Information

Schengen Visa Guide

Insurance is mandatory for visas

ETIAS Guide

Insurance recommended for ETIAS

Schengen Area Guide

Countries your insurance covers

Check Your Requirements

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