Last updated: 12 August 2026 · Reviewed by Małgorzata Zep, lawyer and travel industry specialist
Every policy sold for a Schengen visa meets the same legal minimum. Choosing well means looking at what sits above that minimum — and at the one item that decides whether a bad day abroad becomes a financial disaster.
Start With the Four Things a Consulate Checks
Before comparing anything else, the certificate must show:
- Your name, exactly as in the passport
- The dates, covering the full period you apply for
- The territory — all Schengen states, stated explicitly
- The sum insured — at least €30,000, including repatriation
Any policy failing one of these is not usable for a visa, whatever else it offers. Every compliant policy passes all four — which is exactly why price alone tells you nothing.
Look at Repatriation Before Anything Else
Medical bills abroad are painful; repatriation is what ruins people. An air ambulance home runs into tens of thousands of euros, and it is the one cost no traveller can absorb.
The €30,000 minimum includes repatriation, so every compliant policy has it — but check that it is not sub-limited to a token amount. This matters more than a higher headline medical figure.
What Actually Differs Between Policies
| Compare this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Territory | A Schengen-only policy stops at the border. If your trip includes the UK or the Balkans, you need wider cover — see cover outside the Schengen Area. |
| Baggage and liability | Not part of the visa requirement. Cheaper plans usually omit both entirely. |
| Deductible | An excess means you pay the first part of every claim. A cheap policy with a high excess can cost more in practice. |
| Exclusions | Pre-existing conditions, extreme sports, alcohol. The exclusions decide whether a claim is paid at all. |
| Assistance line | 24/7 contact in a language you speak, reachable from abroad. You will need it under stress. |
| Certificate speed | If your appointment is soon, immediate issuance matters more than a few euros. |
Match the Policy to the Trip
One short visit, tight budget
A compliant single-trip policy is enough. Our Basic plan covers €60,000 medical — double the legal minimum — with repatriation and 24/7 assistance.
Checked luggage, electronics, or peace of mind
Extended adds €500 baggage, €250 for electronics and sports equipment, €80,000 personal liability and €150,000 medical. Basic includes none of the baggage or liability cover at any level — that, not the medical ceiling, is the real reason to upgrade.
Several trips a year
An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheaper than three single policies, and removes the risk of travelling uninsured on a later trip under a multiple-entry visa.
Long-stay, study or work
A national type D visa is governed by national law, not the Visa Code. Requirements differ by country and the €30,000 rule may not apply — check that country’s rules before buying.
Where Cheap Becomes Expensive
- Territory too narrow — uninsured the moment you cross out of Schengen.
- Dates matched exactly to flights — a delayed return leaves you uncovered.
- High excess — small claims become worthless.
- Unknown insurer — some consulates decline certificates from providers they cannot verify.
- No repatriation detail — if the wording is vague, assume the worst.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best Schengen travel insurance?
Confirm the four certificate items, then compare territory, repatriation, excess and exclusions. Among compliant policies these differences matter far more than price.
Is the cheapest policy good enough for a visa?
For the visa, yes — if it meets Article 15. For the trip, it depends on where you go and what you carry. Cheap policies typically omit baggage and liability.
How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
Ours starts at €20 for 30 days on Basic and €62 on Extended. Prices elsewhere vary with age, duration and cover.
Do I need extra cover for winter sports?
Usually yes — skiing and similar activities are commonly excluded or need a specific extension. Check before you travel, not after.
Can I buy insurance from any provider?
Almost always, provided it meets Article 15 and issues a proper certificate. A few consulates decline unfamiliar insurers, so choose one that states compliance explicitly.
