Health Insurance for Schengen Visa: Schengen Travel Insurance & Requirements

The European Union mandates that every applicant for a Schengen visa must secure travel insurance to cover potential medical emergencies and associated costs.

Explaining Schengen Visa Insurance

Schengen visa insurance is a vital travel health policy crafted to meet the legal requirements for Schengen visa applicants. It includes coverage for medical emergencies, hospital admissions, and repatriation throughout the Schengen member states.
Opting for insurance that doesn’t comply with Schengen standards could jeopardize your visa application. Avoid unnecessary delays or denials by ensuring your insurance policy meets all stipulated criteria for a worry-free European adventure.

Meeting Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements

Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 outlines clear criteria for Schengen visa insurance, including €30,000 in coverage for medical emergencies and validity across all Schengen states.

While strongly recommended for all European travelers, travel health insurance is mandatory only for Schengen visa applicants. It is required for the entire duration of their visit, whether for tourism, education, or professional activities.

Visa-free travelers to Schengen nations can opt for insurance voluntarily. Although not required, it provides valuable protection in case of unexpected health-related incidents.

Schengen Visa Regulations: Travel Insurance Is a Must

As stated in “Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009,” which took effect on April 5, 2010, valid travel insurance is a prerequisite for all Schengen visa applicants. This measure was introduced to safeguard travelers during their visits to the Schengen Zone.

“… Applicants for a uniform visa for one or two entries shall prove that they own adequate and valid travel medical insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.
The insurance shall be valid throughout the Schengen Area Member States territory and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be EUR 30,000” (…)

Medical Insurance Requirements for Schengen Visa Applications

Individuals holding citizenship or passports from the countries outlined below must obtain valid medical insurance to meet the Schengen visa application criteria.

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Belize
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Burkina Faso
• Burma/Myanmar
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Comoros
• Congo
• Côte d´Ivoire
• Cuba
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Djibouti
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Eswatini
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jamaica
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kuwait
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lebanon
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Nauru
• Nepal
• Niger
• Nigeria
• North Korea
• Oman
• Pakistan
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Senegal
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Togo
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Uganda
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Passport holders from countries excluded from the list above are not required to purchase Schengen travel insurance unless they must apply for a visa due to ineligibility for visa-free entry to the Schengen Zone.

How to Ensure Your Insurance Meets Schengen Requirements

Choosing the right travel insurance for your Schengen visa is critical. Make sure the provider is approved by consulates and that the policy satisfies all legal requirements.

The European Commission reported 1,632,984 visa rejections in 2023, many of which resulted from inadequate documentation, including insurance. Secure your visa by selecting an appropriate plan.

A Proposal That Ensures Visa Compliance

Provisit Visum by DR-Walter meets the strict criteria for Schengen visa applications and is approved by Schengen/EU embassies worldwide. Submit it alongside your application documents to meet all visa requirements.

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Must Schengen Insurance Cover All Countries?

Yes, the policy should cover all Schengen member states in order to be accepted by Consulates.

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

What to Expect When Budgeting for Schengen Travel Insurance?

With policies starting at €10 for a week, Schengen travel insurance is highly affordable. However, the final cost depends on several factors, including your age, trip duration, coverage level, and selected provider.

In 2023, over 15 million Schengen visa applicants met the insurance requirement outlined by EU regulations (source: European Commission).

Budget-Friendly Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Applicants

Cheap travel insurance for Europe can be found with diligent research. Compare providers to discover plans that are affordable yet meet Schengen visa requirements.

Don’t judge an insurance policy solely by its price. Affordable doesn’t mean inadequate, and expensive doesn’t mean flawless. Focus on finding a plan that provides essential coverage for your journey.

Cheapest Insurance for Schengen Visa Compliance

Looking for economical travel insurance for your Schengen visa? Our experts analyzed the market and shortlisted three budget-friendly policies that meet all requirements for travel across the EU.

Based on affordability, quality coverage, and trustworthiness, DR-WALTER has been identified as the leading choice for travelers.

The insurance coverage PROVISIT-VISUM is according to all regulations of the Council of Europe as ruled on 13.07.2009 (EG Nr. 810/2009).
The following applies to Schengen Visa: The insurance coverage applies to all EU countries as well as to Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatikan City. The policy provides unlimited coverage of medical costs and medically necessary and prescribed return transport, thus exceeding the required coverage of 30,000 EUR.
Repatriation of an insured person’s remains to the home country is covered up to 30,000 EUR.
Medical treatments due to COVID-19 infections are included in the insurance coverage.

What is DR-Walter?

Headquartered in Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, DR-WALTER has built a reputation as a reliable insurance brokerage firm over the past six decades. The company’s focus is travel health insurance, serving Schengen visa holders, global travelers, and students abroad.

From personalized coverage to flexible packages, DR-WALTER ensures clients have access to high-quality insurance options tailored to their specific needs.

 Explore Your DR-WALTER Insurance Options …

Typical Coverage of Schengen Visa Insurance

Travel insurance for the Schengen Area generally covers:

• Medical emergencies, including accidents or illnesses
• Emergency evacuation to a healthcare facility
• Repatriation of mortal remains
• Safe return of unaccompanied children
• Benefits for accidents leading to death or disability
• Overseas funeral arrangements
• Urgent dental care

Pregnancy-related expenses are often included if traveling during the initial trimester, but terms vary across insurance providers afterward.

Planning to Study in Germany?
Essential Schengen Travel Info…

Europe’s Schengen Area provides incredible travel opportunities, with Germany standing out for its prestigious universities. Travel health insurance ensures you meet visa requirements and are protected from unexpected medical expenses during your time abroad.

For more information on Schengen travel, European education, and insurance policies, check out our recommended articles.