Schengen Visa Travel Insurance (2024 Guide) (2024)

Use the table below to compare the top recommended choice for travel insurance for a Schengen visa.

With a few exceptions, travelers from the U.S. do not need a visa for the Schengen area if staying for 90 days or less. Americans visiting for over three months, permanent residents without citizenship and foreign nationals traveling from the U.S. will need a Schengen visa if they are citizens of a country without a visa-free arrangement with Schengen countries.

The countries in the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland and Romania are currently not Schengen countries.

Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and other visa-exempt countries only have to go through immigration and customs in the first country they visit in the Schengen zone. After that, they can travel to any other nation in the alliance without taking out their passport. For instance, you can fly, drive or take a train from Sweden all the way to Spain on the same visa.

Citizens from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. don’t need a visa or travel insurance to visit Europe. However, because of the high price of healthcare in Europe, travel insurance is still a good idea for visa-free travelers. But note that if you have to visit with a Schengen visa, you need to meet specific health insurance mandates.

Schengen visa holders must have comprehensive health insurance coverage. It should last for the length of their stay in the area (but does not need to cover the duration of the visa).

When you apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit first or spend most of your time in, they will explain the specifics of the travel insurance requirements. You will need proof of a travel insurance plan for visa approval.

Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance. However, the policy must have specific features and minimum limits for medical coverage and medical evacuation.

Here is a closer look at the requirements for Schengen visa eligibility.

• Medical emergency insurance
• Repatriation coverage for death
• Medical evacuation insurance if you need long-term care in your home country
• Coverage limits of at least €30,000 (US$32,000)
• Coverage lasting for the entire length of your stay in the Schengen area

The purpose of these requirements is to ensure you can pay for medical treatment without requiring assistance from your host country’s healthcare system.

You need a document from your travel insurance company as proof that you have a visa-compliant policy. This insurance certificate shows that you have met the minimum requirements. It is a vital part of your visa application, and you won’t gain approval without it.

Schengen visa insurance plans focus on medical expenses, but travel policies can also offer other protections. Comprehensive travel insurance covers additional risks, including those related to cancellations and delays.

Here is a look at the different travel insurance coverages.

• Medical, evacuation and repatriation coverage is required for visa approval.
• Trip cancellation insurance provides reimbursem*nt if your trip gets canceled due to covered reasons, such as an unexpected illness or injury or a crisis or disaster in your European destination.
• Trip delay and interruption coverages pay for expenses related to delays or incidents that cancel your journey earlier than planned.
• Baggage delay or loss reimburses you for missing items so that you can replace necessities and continue your travels.
• Add-ons to standard policies may include rental car insurance, pre-existing condition coverage and insurance for exclusions from standard insurance like scuba diving or climbing.

Schengen visa applicants can purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage to protect the non-medical aspects of their trip. International travel can be expensive, so cancellation insurance and other protections available through a complete travel policy can save you from frustration and financial loss.

There are several factors to consider when selecting travel insurance.

• Coverage limits are the maximums that the insurer will pay for each claim type. Schengen visas require €30,000 (about $32,800) in medical emergency, evacuation, and repatriation insurance, but you can get a policy with higher limits if you wish.
• Pre-existing conditions are another important factor. Insurers may or may not cover them on a standard policy, but those that do not provide coverage directly may sell waivers that add coverage for your conditions.
• Deductibles are another factor to consider. This amount is an out-of-pocket payment you have to make before the insurer takes over payment. Some low-cost policies have high deductibles.

Finally, you should always get insurance with a reputable company that can provide the necessary documentation for your visa application.

Here are six reputable insurers to consider.

• Travelex offers budget and mid-range plans for international travelers. You can opt for both medical and trip cancellation coverage.
• Trawick International travel insurance offers stand-alone medical and cancellation policies, so you can opt for minimum requirements for your Schengen visa if you wish.
• AIG Travel Guard offers several tiers of travel insurance, all of which offer comprehensive coverage and provide optional add-ons.
• Seven Corners has customizable travel plans that include medical emergency, evacuation, and repatriation coverage necessary for a Schengen visa
• IMG offers stand-alone medical insurance policies and separate plans providing cancellation, lost baggage and delay benefits.

Use our insurance comparison tool to find the prices and coverage details for each of these insurance providers.

You apply for a Schengen visa at the consulate or embassy of the country you intend to travel to first or spend most of your time during your stay.

You must purchase a policy that covers the entire duration of your stay and is valid throughout the Schengen area, not just in the countries you plan to visit.

You need proof of insurance to include with the rest of application documents when applying for the visa. This means you need to purchase the insurance before submitting your application. You should only choose insurance companies able to provide the necessary documentation to include with your application.