Schengen Visa Travel Insurance

Required coverage and how to choose a policy

Travel insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory for Schengen Visa applications. The policy must cover the entire duration of your trip.

Minimum: €30,000
Coverage: All Schengen states
Duration: Entire trip
Medical: Required

Insurance is Mandatory

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all Schengen visa applications. Without valid insurance that meets the requirements, your visa application will be rejected.

The policy must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation during your entire stay in the Schengen Area.

Insurance Requirements

Minimum coverage: €30,000
Valid in: All 30 countries
Must cover: Full stay
Typical cost: €15-50

What Your Policy Must Include

Medical coverage: At least €30,000 for emergency medical treatment
Hospitalization: Coverage for hospital stays if needed
Repatriation: Coverage to return you home if medically necessary
Emergency medical evacuation: Transport to appropriate medical facilities
Coverage of remains: Repatriation in case of death (some embassies require this)
Valid dates: Must cover your entire trip plus a few days buffer

SafetyWing · Nomad Insurance

A policy that ticks every box on this page

SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance clears the €30,000 medical minimum, includes repatriation across all 30 Schengen countries, and gives you a downloadable visa letter for your appointment.

$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

€30,000+ medical, valid across all 30 Schengen countries
Emergency medical, hospital and repatriation included
Download a visa letter in your name for the embassy

The trade-offs

A few consulates keep their own accepted-insurer lists, so check yours first
Covers new emergencies on the trip, not pre-existing conditions

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.

Policy Duration Requirements

Your insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the Schengen Area. Many embassies recommend:

Coverage should start from your planned entry date
Coverage should extend to your planned exit date (or later)
Some recommend adding 1-2 extra days as a buffer

If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, you typically only need insurance covering your first trip. However, requirements vary — check with your specific embassy.

Accepted Insurance Providers

Embassies do not typically mandate specific providers, but your insurance must be:

From a reputable company: Major insurers or specialized travel insurance providers
Recognized internationally: Must be valid and enforceable in the Schengen Area
Not from the destination country: Must be issued by a company in your home country or internationally

Popular travel insurance options include World Nomads, Allianz, AXA, and Generali, among others. Many specialized Schengen visa insurance providers exist as well.

What Your Insurance Certificate Should Show

Your full name: Matching your passport exactly
Coverage dates: Covering your entire trip
Coverage amount: At least €30,000
Geographic coverage: "Schengen Area" or "Worldwide" or list of countries
What's covered: Medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation
Policy number: For verification

How to Submit Insurance Documents

Include the following with your visa application:

Insurance certificate/policy document: The official document showing your coverage
Proof of payment: Some embassies want to see the policy is paid (not just a quote)

Documents should be in English or the language of the embassy. If in another language, you may need a certified translation.

Related Guides

Documents Checklist

All required documents

How to Apply

Full application process

Visa Cost

Fees and expenses

Insurance FAQs

Can I get insurance after my visa is approved?

No. You must have insurance at the time of application. Insurance is a mandatory document, and applications without it will be rejected. Some companies offer policies that allow cancellation if your visa is denied.

Is my credit card travel insurance enough?

Sometimes, but often not. Credit card insurance may not meet the €30,000 minimum, may have high deductibles, or may not cover all required elements. Check the specifics carefully. Most applicants find it easier to buy a dedicated Schengen travel insurance policy.

What if I'm visiting multiple times (multiple-entry visa)?

For multiple-entry visa applications, you typically need insurance covering only your first planned trip. You will need to get insurance for subsequent trips separately. Some embassies may require a letter stating you will get insurance for future trips.

Can I use travel insurance from my home country?

Yes, as long as it meets all requirements (€30,000 minimum, covers the Schengen Area, includes repatriation, and more). The policy does not have to be from a European company.

What if my visa is denied — can I get a refund on insurance?

Many insurance providers offer refundable policies if your visa is denied. Look for this feature when purchasing. Some offer partial refunds, others full refunds with proof of the visa denial.

Related Information

Travel Insurance Hub

Complete insurance guide

ETIAS Guide

Insurance recommended, not required

Schengen Area Guide

Where your insurance applies

Check Your Requirements

Find out what you need

Complete your Schengen Visa application

Insurance is one piece. See the full step-by-step application guide, with documents, appointments, and timelines.

Apply for Schengen Visa