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What Is Schengen Visa Medical Insurance & Why Is It Required?

Schengen visa medical insurance is a mandatory travel health insurance policy designed specifically for non-EU nationals applying for a Schengen visa. This insurance ensures that travelers are financially protected against unexpected medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation costs while visiting any of the 27 Schengen countries. The requirement is strictly enforced by European Union regulations, and without valid medical insurance, your Schengen visa application will be automatically rejected.

Why Is Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa Mandatory?

The primary reason Schengen medical insurance is required is to guarantee that visitors can afford urgent medical treatment if they fall ill or are injured during their stay in Europe. European healthcare costs can be significant, and the mandatory insurance ensures that travelers will not become a financial burden on the host country’s healthcare system. The policy must cover a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation (return to the traveler’s home country in the event of serious illness, accident, or death).

This requirement is outlined in Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament, which states that all Schengen visa applicants must provide proof of adequate and valid travel medical insurance for the entire duration of their stay or transit within the Schengen Area. The insurance must be valid in all Schengen member states, regardless of which country issues the visa or where the traveler will spend most of their time.

What Does Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Cover?

A compliant Schengen travel insurance policy typically covers:

  • Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization due to accident or illness

  • Medical repatriation to the traveler’s home country

  • Emergency evacuation

  • Repatriation of remains in the event of death

  • Return of a minor

  • Accidental death, injury, or disablement benefit

  • Dental emergencies

  • Overseas funeral expenses

Some policies may also include coverage for pregnancy-related emergencies (usually limited to the first trimester), sports-related accidents, and COVID-19 or epidemic-related costs, but these are not universally required.

Who Must Have Schengen Medical Insurance?

Medical insurance is mandatory for all travelers who need a Schengen visa, regardless of the purpose of their visit—tourism, business, study, or family visits. Exemptions are rare and typically apply to certain occupational groups, such as seafarers, diplomatic passport holders, or close relatives of EU/Swiss citizens. Even minors applying for a Schengen visa must be covered by a compliant policy.

Minimum Coverage Requirements

To be accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates, your travel medical insurance must:

  • Provide a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses

  • Be valid in all Schengen Area member states

  • Cover the entire duration of your stay (from entry to exit)

  • Include coverage for medical repatriation, emergency medical care, and hospitalization

Travelers applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa must show proof of insurance for the first planned trip and sign a declaration confirming they will maintain valid coverage for future visits.

How to Get Schengen Visa Medical Insurance

There are many insurance providers offering Schengen-compliant policies, including AXA, Europ Assistance, Mutuaide, Allianz, MondialCare, and others. Policies can be purchased online, often instantly, and you will receive a certificate of insurance to include with your visa application. The certificate must clearly show your name, policy number, coverage amount, validity dates, and confirmation that the policy is valid throughout the Schengen Area.

How Much Does Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Cost?

Costs for Schengen visa medical insurance vary depending on the provider, coverage level, and duration of stay. Budget-friendly plans start as low as €1.10–€5 per day for basic coverage, with more comprehensive options available for higher daily rates or annual premiums for frequent travelers. It’s important to choose a plan that meets all Schengen requirements, regardless of price.

What Is Not Covered?

Most standard Schengen medical insurance policies do not cover:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically included)

  • High-risk sports or activities

  • Travel to regions under travel advisories (war, terrorism, natural disasters)

  • Elective or non-emergency treatments

Additional coverage for these situations may be purchased as add-ons, depending on the insurer.

Submitting Proof of Insurance

Once you purchase a compliant policy, you will receive an insurance certificate. This document is a mandatory part of your visa application and must be presented both during the application process and, if requested, at the Schengen border. Always check that your certificate includes all required details and is accepted by the embassy or consulate where you are applying.

In summary, Schengen visa medical insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for all non-EU nationals applying for a Schengen visa. It provides vital protection against unforeseen medical expenses and ensures compliance with European regulations, helping you travel with confidence and peace of mind

EU Regulations on Health Insurance for Schengen Visa Applicants

✔ The insurance must provide a minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical expenses.
✔ It must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries.
✔ Must include coverage for repatriation in case of medical emergencies or death.

💡 Tip: Without valid medical insurance for Schengen visa, your application will be rejected by the embassy.

Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Requirements (2025 Update)

Before purchasing travel insurance for visa Schengen, it is crucial to meet all the official requirements.

Minimum Coverage Requirements for Schengen Visa Insurance

✔ Minimum €30,000 coverage for medical expenses.
Covers all Schengen countries for the entire duration of the trip.
Includes medical evacuation and repatriation.
No exclusions for pre-existing conditions unless otherwise specified.

What Should the Insurance Cover?

Hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency treatment.
Accidents, injuries, and urgent surgeries.
Medical evacuation and repatriation costs.

💡 Tip: Some embassies require a printed insurance certificate along with your Schengen visa health insurance policy.

How to Get Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Where to Buy Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

✔ Online from reliable insurance providers.
✔ Through travel agencies that offer visa assistance.
✔ At banks or financial institutions that provide travel insurance.

Steps to Obtain Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa

1️⃣ Choose a trusted insurer that meets Schengen visa requirements.
2️⃣ Select coverage of at least €30,000, valid across all Schengen countries.
3️⃣ Make the payment and download the insurance certificate.
4️⃣ Attach the insurance proof to your visa application documents.

💡 Tip: Many embassies only accept insurance policies from approved companies, so always verify before purchasing.

Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: Top Providers & Costs

Comparison of the Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Insurance Provider Coverage Amount Schengen Approval
Allianz Travel €30,000+ ✅ Approved
AXA Schengen €30,000+ ✅ Approved
Europ Assistance €30,000+ ✅ Approved
MondialCare €30,000+ ✅ Approved

Schengen Visa Health Insurance Costs

Basic travel insurance starts from €20–€50 per trip.
Comprehensive plans with added benefits range from €60–€120.
Annual multi-trip insurance costs between €150–€300.

💡 Tip: If you travel frequently, consider a multi-trip Europe travel insurance for Schengen visa to save money.

Medical Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: What It Covers

What Is Included in Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa?

Medical insurance for a Schengen visa is specifically designed to protect travelers from unexpected health emergencies during their stay in the Schengen Area. This mandatory insurance must meet strict requirements set by European Union regulations to ensure that visa holders are adequately covered for a range of medical situations.

A compliant Schengen visa medical insurance policy typically provides coverage for:

  • Emergency medical treatment: This includes coverage for accidents, sudden illnesses, injuries, and any urgent hospital stays that may be required during your trip.

  • Doctor consultations and prescription medications: The policy covers necessary visits to doctors and the cost of prescribed medicines needed to treat medical emergencies while in the Schengen Area.

  • Medical evacuation and repatriation: If your condition requires you to be transported back to your home country for further treatment, or in the event of death, the insurance covers the costs of medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

  • Hospital admission and treatment: All expenses related to hospital admission, emergency care, and inpatient treatment are included.

  • Additional benefits: Some policies may also cover dental emergencies, the return of a minor, accidental death or disablement benefits, and overseas funeral expenses.

All Schengen visa insurance policies must provide a minimum coverage of €30,000, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover the entire duration of your stay.

What Is NOT Covered?

Despite the broad protection, there are important exclusions to be aware of:

  • Pre-existing medical conditions: Most standard policies do not cover expenses related to chronic illnesses or conditions that existed before the start of your trip, unless specifically included as an add-on.

  • Extreme sports or high-risk activities: Injuries or emergencies resulting from participation in extreme sports, adventure activities, or other high-risk pursuits are typically excluded unless additional coverage is purchased.

  • Travel to non-Schengen countries: Medical expenses incurred outside the Schengen Area are not covered by standard Schengen visa insurance. If your trip includes non-Schengen destinations, you’ll need to arrange separate or extended coverage.

  • Routine or elective treatments: Scheduled check-ups, routine medical care, or elective procedures are not included.

  • Travel to high-risk regions: Some policies exclude coverage for travel to areas under travel advisories due to war, terrorism, epidemics, or natural disasters.

Before purchasing a policy, always review the terms and conditions carefully to ensure your insurance meets all Schengen visa requirements and covers your specific needs

💡 Tip: Some policies include COVID-19 medical coverage, so check before purchasing.

How to Choose the Best Schengen Visa Medical Insurance?

Factors to Consider When Selecting Health Insurance for Schengen Visa

Embassy-approved insurer.
Coverage of at least €30,000.
No hidden exclusions.
Quick claim process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Travel Insurance for Visa Schengen

❌ Buying insurance that does not cover all Schengen countries.
❌ Selecting cheap policies with limited medical coverage.
❌ Not checking if your policy includes repatriation costs.

💡 Tip: Always choose trusted providers that are recognized by Schengen embassies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs Schengen visa medical insurance?
All non-EU nationals applying for a Schengen visa are required to purchase medical insurance that meets Schengen regulations. This applies to travelers visiting for tourism, business, study, or family reasons. Even minors must be covered by a compliant policy1.

What are the minimum coverage requirements for Schengen visa insurance?
Your insurance must provide at least €30,000 in coverage for medical expenses, be valid in all 27 Schengen countries, and include coverage for medical repatriation and emergency hospitalization for the entire duration of your stay1.

What does Schengen visa medical insurance cover?
A standard policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, doctor consultations, prescription medications, medical evacuation, repatriation of remains, return of a minor, accidental death or disablement, dental emergencies, and overseas funeral expenses. Some policies may also include coverage for pregnancy emergencies, sports accidents, or COVID-19, but these are not always required1.

What is not covered by Schengen visa insurance?
Most policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically added), high-risk or extreme sports, elective or routine treatments, and travel to non-Schengen countries or regions under travel advisories (war, terrorism, epidemics, or natural disasters)1.

How do I buy Schengen visa medical insurance?
You can purchase insurance online from reputable providers, through travel agencies, or at banks and financial institutions. Choose a policy that is embassy-approved, meets the €30,000 minimum coverage, and is valid in all Schengen countries. After purchase, you will receive an insurance certificate to include with your visa application1.

How much does Schengen visa medical insurance cost?
Basic policies start from around €20–€50 per trip, while comprehensive plans with added benefits cost €60–€120. Annual multi-trip policies range from €150–€300. Prices vary depending on coverage, duration, and provider1.

Is it mandatory to submit proof of insurance with my visa application?
Yes, you must submit an official insurance certificate showing your name, coverage amount, validity dates, and confirmation that the policy is valid for the entire Schengen Area. Some embassies require a printed certificate1.

Can I use travel insurance from any provider?
Not all insurance companies are accepted by Schengen embassies. Always verify that your chosen provider is recognized by the embassy or consulate where you are applying1.

Does Schengen visa insurance cover COVID-19?
✔ Many new policies now include COVID-19 medical coverage, but check before buying.
✔ Always choose embassy-approved insurance providers.
✔ Ensure your policy meets all Schengen visa requirements.
✔ Select comprehensive coverage rather than the cheapest option.
✔ If traveling frequently, consider multi-trip medical travel insurance for Schengen visa.

What happens if I don’t have valid medical insurance?
Without compliant medical insurance, your Schengen visa application will be automatically rejected by the embassy or consulate1.

Can I extend or renew my Schengen visa insurance if my stay is prolonged?
If your trip is extended, you must purchase additional coverage to match your new travel dates and provide updated proof to authorities if requested1.

What are common mistakes to avoid when buying Schengen visa insurance?
Avoid policies that don’t cover all Schengen countries, have insufficient coverage, or lack repatriation benefits. Always read the fine print and choose embassy-approved providers

By selecting the best health insurance for Schengen visa, you can ensure your visa application is approved and enjoy a stress-free trip to Europe.

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