Schengen visa insurance is a legal requirement for any short-stay (Type C) visa application to Europe. It must cover at least €30,000 in medical and repatriation costs, be valid across the entire Schengen Area, and remain active without interruption throughout the declared period of stay.
Why travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa
Article 15 of EU Regulation EC No 810/2009 requires all non-European nationals applying for a Type C visa (short stay, up to 90 days in any 180-day period) to include proof of adequate medical cover with their application. Consulates in Schengen Area member countries will systematically ask for this certificate at the time of submission: without a compliant document, the visa application is rejected.
The requirement serves two purposes: protecting travellers from potentially very high medical costs in Europe, and preventing local healthcare systems from covering uninsured visitors.
Get my Schengen certificate onlineMandatory cover and minimum amounts
Medical expenses and hospitalisation: €30,000 minimum
This is the legal threshold set by Article 15 of EU Regulation EC No 810/2009. The policy must cover GP and specialist consultations, emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays and prescribed medication for the entire duration of the stay.
Some consulates recommend higher cover, particularly for longer trips or destinations with significant healthcare costs (Switzerland, the Nordic countries). Always check the specific instructions of the relevant consulate before taking out a policy.
Medical repatriation and repatriation of remains
The policy must include medically supervised repatriation to the country of origin in the event of a serious emergency: air ambulance or medical flight transport, a medical escort and handling of all related administrative procedures. In the event of death abroad, the costs of repatriating the deceased must also be covered, subject to the terms of your policy.
Round-the-clock emergency assistance
A telephone assistance service available at any hour is generally required. It coordinates emergency services, arranges hospitalisation or repatriation, and, depending on the policy, can advance funds for on-the-spot medical treatment.
Consulate compliance criteria
For your Schengen visa insurance to be accepted at the time of application, it must meet all of the following conditions simultaneously:
- Full geographical validity: the policy must cover the entire Schengen Area, not just your main destination.
- Continuous cover: active from the first day of entry to the last planned day of departure, with no gaps whatsoever.
- Minimum amount of €30,000 clearly stated on the certificate issued by the insurer.
- Compliant named certificate: the document must show your first and last name (exactly as they appear in your passport), the precise dates of cover, the geographical area and the benefits included.
- Dedicated travel insurance: domestic health cover or a local health insurance plan does not replace a dedicated travel insurance policy.
For multiple-entry visas, the regulation stipulates that the insurance must cover at least the first intended stay. Check the exact requirements of the target consulate, however, as practices vary from country to country.
Is my bank card insurance good enough?
This is one of the most common pitfalls. Insurance bundled with certain premium cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, Black cards) sometimes includes travel cover, but it is rarely compliant with Schengen requirements: medical limits often below €30,000, significant exclusions, a condition that the trip be paid for with the card, or an inability to provide the named certificate in a format accepted by consulates. For a full breakdown of these limitations, see our analysis of Visa Premier and Mastercard travel insurance.
If your trip is for professional purposes, the requirements are identical to those for a tourist visa. Our guide to business visa travel insurance covers the specific considerations for business travel.
How to choose your Schengen visa insurance
1. Check the target consulate’s instructions
Each consulate may have its own requirements: a limit above €30,000, approved insurers, the language of the certificate, or the accepted document format. Always check the official website of the consulate for your main destination country before taking out a policy.
2. Compare cover, not just price
At the same price point, two policies can offer very different limits or carry significant exclusions (high-risk activities, pre-existing conditions). Read the general conditions and the cover summary table carefully before making your decision.
3. Opt for an instantly available certificate
When purchasing online, the certificate should be available to download immediately as a PDF. This is the document you submit with your application, not simply the insurance card. Make sure your name, surname and travel dates appear clearly and match exactly the information in your visa file.
4. Match the cover dates to your actual stay
The policy must correspond exactly to the dates declared to the consulate, including transit days in other Schengen countries. Any discrepancy between the dates on the certificate and those in the application file may result in a rejection.
What should you budget?
Premiums vary depending on the length of stay and the traveller’s age. As a rough guide, for an adult under 60: expect to pay around €20 to €30 for one week, €50 to €70 for 30 days, and €90 to €130 for a 90-day stay. These are indicative ranges; always get a personalised quote based on your profile before purchasing.
FAQ
What is the minimum medical cover required for a Schengen visa?
Article 15 of EU Regulation EC No 810/2009 requires a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation cover. Some consulates recommend a higher amount depending on the length of stay and destination: always check the relevant consulate’s instructions before purchasing.
Is my bank card insurance sufficient for a Schengen visa?
Rarely. Insurance bundled with premium bank cards often provides limits below €30,000, includes exclusions that are incompatible with consulate requirements, or does not allow you to produce a compliant named certificate. A dedicated travel insurance policy is strongly recommended.
How much does Schengen visa insurance cost?
As a rough guide, for an adult under 60: between €20 and €30 for one week, €50 to €70 for 30 days, and €90 to €130 for 90 days. The premium varies according to age, length of stay and the cover chosen; an online quote will give you a precise estimate in just a few minutes.
Does the insurance need to cover all Schengen countries or just my destination?
It must cover the entire Schengen Area, even if you are only visiting one country. This requirement is explicitly stated in EU Regulation EC No 810/2009 and is verified by consulates when reviewing applications.
Can I take out insurance after submitting my visa application?
No. The insurance certificate must be included in the application file at the time of submission. You must therefore take out a policy before your appointment at the consulate or embassy. Most online insurers allow you to download the PDF certificate immediately after purchase.
