Planning to visit any of the 27 Schengen countries? Your visa application won’t be processed without valid travel health insurance. This guide covers minimum coverage, approved insurers, and how to get free compliant coverage.
Why Schengen Visa Health Insurance Is Mandatory
The Schengen Area includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, and 21 others. Health insurance is mandatory to prevent financial strain on travelers and public services.
Without valid insurance quote, your visa will be rejected. The embassies verify your coverage before approving travel. This requirement protects travelers and public services.
What Is Schengen Health Insurance?
Schengen visa insurance (travel medical insurance) is short-term coverage for Europe that includes:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Medical evacuation or repatriation
- Accident or injury during travel
- Repatriation of remains if death occurs
It’s not general health insurance — it focuses on emergencies while visiting Schengen countries.
Official Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
To be accepted by any Schengen embassy, your insurance must meet these rules:
Minimum Coverage
€30,000 minimum
Validity Requirements
- Must be valid for all 27 Schengen countries, not just one
- Must cover your entire trip from entry to exit
Required Benefits
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Medical evacuation or repatriation
- Repatriation of remains in case of death
- No deductible or co-insurance clause
Certificate Requirements
- Must be printed and signed by the insurance company
- Must include your full name (matching passport)
- Must show coverage dates and minimum coverage amount
Who Needs Schengen Health Insurance?
Applicants requiring coverage:
- Tourist visa applicants
- Business travelers
- Students on study or exchange programs
- Job seekers and work visa applicants
- Family visit visa applicants
All applicants, including children and dependents, must have their own coverage.
Coverage Details Explained: What Your Insurance Covers
Basic Coverage (Required)
- Emergency medical treatment — doctor visits, surgeries, medications
- Hospitalization — overnight stays and procedures
- Medical evacuation — air ambulance to your home country
- Repatriation of remains — return of body in case of death
Optional Coverage (Recommended)
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost luggage or personal belongings
- Flight delay compensation
- COVID-19 treatment (most plans include this)
- Adventure sports coverage (if applicable)
How to Choose the Right Schengen Visa Insurance Plan
1. Verify Schengen Compliance
Look for “Schengen visa insurance” or “Schengen compliant” on the certificate.
2. Compare Providers
Known providers accepted by embassies:
- AXA Schengen — direct EU provider, instant certificates
- Allianz Travel Insurance — accepted by all embassies
- Europ Assistance — popular with travelers
- MondialCare — budget-friendly options
- World Nomads — flexible options for international travelers
- SafetyWing — digital nomad-friendly
- InsureandGo — trusted by European travelers
3. Check Refund Policies
Some policies offer refunds if your visa is denied. Verify terms before buying.
4. Read the Fine Print
Confirm:
- No deductible clauses that reduce coverage
- Coverage across all Schengen countries
- Validity matching your itinerary
- 24/7 assistance hotline availability
Buying Schengen Visa Insurance
Options for applicants:
Approved Insurance Companies
AXA Mansard
- Schengen-compliant policies
- Instant certificate download
- Accepted by all embassies
AIICO Insurance
- Travel health insurance for Schengen visas
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable certificate processing
Leadway Assurance
- Schengen visa coverage options
- Online purchase available
- 24/7 customer support
Mutual Benefits Assurance
- Travel insurance for European visas
- Online quote and purchase
- Fast certificate delivery
Cornerstone Insurance
- Schengen visa insurance
- Affordable premiums
- Easy online application
Trustfund Pensions
- Travel insurance partner programs
- Schengen compliance guaranteed
How to Get Insurance Online (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the provider’s website
- Enter trip details (destination, dates, travelers)
- Choose coverage amount (minimum €30,000)
- Enter personal information (name as it appears on passport)
- Make payment online (bank transfer, card, or USSD)
- Download the certificate immediately
- Print the certificate for submission
Schengen Visa Insurance Cost
Average Prices by Trip Duration
| Duration | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10 days | $13 – $20 | Short trips |
| 15 days | $16 – $24 | Common duration |
| 30 days | $24 – $33 | Month-long stays |
| 45 days | $33 – $46 | Extended trips |
| 60 days | $40 – $56 | Two-month stays |
| 90 days | $47 – $67 | Maximum short-stay |
Prices vary by age, coverage type, and insurance provider
Factors Affecting Cost
- Trip duration — longer trips cost more
- Age of traveler — seniors may pay higher premiums
- Coverage level — additional coverage increases cost
- Insurance company — compare providers for best rates
Tips to Save Money
Compare 3-4 options
Avoid unnecessary add-ons if not needed
Buy early — better availability
Avoid fake or unverified insurers
Common Mistakes Applicants Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Submitting Invalid Insurance Certificate
Incorrect: Generic travel insurance not Schengen-compliant
Solution: Use Schengen-specific coverage
2. Coverage for Only One Country
Incorrect: Insurance that covers only France or Germany
Solution: Cover all 27 Schengen countries
3. Insufficient Coverage Duration
Incorrect: Coverage that doesn’t match trip dates
Solution: Extend to cover the entire trip
4. Name Mismatch
Incorrect: Different spelling on insurance vs passport
Solution: Match your passport exactly
5. Buying from Unverified Providers
Incorrect: Fake insurance websites
Solution: Use reputable, recognized providers
6. Missing Refund Policy Check
Incorrect: Policies without refund options
Solution: Verify refund terms before buying
How to Submit Your Health Insurance for Visa Application
Documents Needed
- Printed insurance certificate (original copy)
- PDF version for online submission (if required)
- Receipt/payment confirmation (keep a backup)
Step-by-Step Submission Process
Step 1: Verify Your Certificate
- Name matches passport
- Coverage is minimum €30,000
- Dates cover entire trip
- All Schengen countries listed
Step 2: Include in Visa File
- Place as the first document or as requested
- Attach photocopy if originals must be submitted separately
Step 3: Bring to Biometrics Appointment
- Carry original certificate
- Have extra copies ready
Step 4: Keep Copies
- Save digital copy (email + cloud)
- Keep physical copy at home
- Note policy number for claims
What Consulates Verify
- Name matches passport and application
- Coverage meets €30,000 minimum
- Dates cover trip duration
- Includes all required benefits
- Provider is recognized and valid
What Happens If You Don’t Have Valid Health Insurance
Immediate Consequences
Visa rejection — application denied immediately
Border entry denial — even with an approved visa
Financial risk — uncovered medical costs (thousands of euros)
Real-World Example
A tourist without insurance broke a leg in Spain — out-of-pocket cost: €15,000. Valid Schengen insurance would have covered it.
Schengen Insurance for Multiple Entry or Long-Term Visas
Annual Multi-Trip Insurance
For frequent travelers:
- Valid for one year
- Multiple trips within validity period
- Cost-effective with 3+ trips
- Covers all Schengen countries
- Avoids repurchasing each trip
Long-Term Visa Insurance
For study or extended stays (90+ days):
- Extended coverage periods
- Renewable options
- Options to switch to local healthcare if eligible
Schengen visa health insurance isn’t optional. It’s required for approval. Choose a recognized provider, verify coverage, and submit the certificate correctly.
To start: compare trusted insurance providers, quote with minimum €30,000 coverage, and download the certificate for your appointment.
