Last updated: 13 August 2026 · Reviewed by Małgorzata Zep, lawyer and travel industry specialist
Medical insurance is mandatory for every Schengen visa application. The policy must cover at least €30,000 for emergency treatment and repatriation, be valid in all Schengen countries, and cover your entire stay. This page explains the requirement, the cost, and what is not covered.
Why Is Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Mandatory?
The requirement comes from Article 15 of the EU Visa Code. Without a compliant certificate your application is incomplete — and an incomplete file is rejected at intake, with the €90 fee not refunded.
The purpose is practical: European healthcare bills a foreign patient at full cost, and a medical repatriation can run into tens of thousands of euros. The rule exists so neither you nor the host country is left with that bill.
Who Must Have It?
- All Schengen visa applicants — every nationality that needs a visa, for tourism, business, family or study up to 90 days.
- Not required for visa-exempt nationals (UK, US, Canada, Japan, Brazil and others), EU/EEA and Swiss citizens, or residence-permit holders. From Q4 2026 visa-exempt travellers need ETIAS, which does not require insurance either.
No legal obligation is not the same as no risk — an uninsured visitor pays full private rates.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Medical cover | At least €30,000 |
| Repatriation | Medical repatriation and repatriation of remains, included |
| Territory | All Schengen states — not only your destination |
| Duration | The entire period applied for |
⚠️ The €30,000 minimum is identical in all 29 countries. Claims that France, Germany or Italy demand more for a short-stay visa are not correct.
What Does It Cover?
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and consultations
- Emergency dental care, within a limit
- Medical transport, rescue services and evacuation
- Repatriation to your home country, or of remains in case of death
- 24/7 assistance line
What Is NOT Covered?
⚠️ These exclusions are standard across the industry — your policy wording governs your claim:
- Pre-existing conditions — the most common reason claims fail. Declare chronic conditions before buying.
- Routine and planned treatment, check-ups, and travel undertaken to obtain care
- Extreme sports — skiing off-piste, diving, climbing
- Alcohol or drug-related incidents
- Pregnancy beyond a stated week, and childbirth
- Trip cancellation and baggage — not part of the medical requirement; separate cover
Full detail in what Schengen insurance covers and excludes.
How Much Does It Cost?
Our cover starts at €20 for 30 days:
| Basic | Extended | |
|---|---|---|
| From (30 days) | €20 | €62 |
| Medical expenses | €60,000 | €150,000 |
| Dental treatment | €200 | €400 |
| Repatriation | Yes | Yes |
| Baggage / liability | — | €500 / €80,000 |
Both plans double or exceed the legal minimum and cover all Schengen countries plus 14 more, including the UK. Price depends mainly on duration and age — not on your nationality.
How to Get It and Submit Proof
- Buy before your appointment — the certificate is part of the application, not an afterthought.
- Set the dates to cover your whole trip, with a buffer at each end rather than matching flights exactly.
- Check the certificate states four things: your name as in the passport, the dates, the territory (all Schengen states), and the sum insured.
- Print it — some consulates accept a PDF, all accept a printout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is medical insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?
Yes, for every applicant. Minimum €30,000, valid in all Schengen states, covering the whole stay, including repatriation.
How much does Schengen visa medical insurance cost?
From €20 for 30 days with us. Cost depends on duration and age, not nationality.
Is €30,000 enough?
It is the legal minimum and is accepted everywhere. Our Basic plan covers €60,000, which gives room for a serious hospitalisation.
Can I buy insurance after submitting my application?
No. Without the certificate the file is incomplete and the fee is lost.
Does it need to cover every Schengen country?
Yes — even if you only visit one. Cover limited to your destination does not meet Article 15.
What if my visa is refused?
Contact us with the refusal letter; options depend on whether cover has started. The visa fee itself is never refunded.
Preparing your application? See the full documents checklist and our cover letter template.
