SCHENGEN VISA INSURANCE: Schengen Travel Insurance & Requirements

Under European Union regulations, all Schengen visa applicants are required to secure comprehensive travel insurance to guarantee financial protection against unexpected medical costs.

What does Schengen Visa Insurance mean?

Schengen visa insurance is a specialized travel health insurance tailored to fulfill the requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa. It covers expenses related to emergency medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation during the applicant’s stay in the Schengen Area. This insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for securing a Schengen visa.

Choosing unapproved or inadequate insurance can lead to Schengen visa rejection. Don’t risk it; make sure your travel insurance meets all the necessary requirements to secure your Schengen visa and protect your trip to the EU!

Opting for unapproved or insufficient insurance may result in the rejection of your Schengen visa application.
Avoid unnecessary risks by ensuring your travel insurance fully complies with the required standards, guaranteeing both your visa approval and peace of mind during your trip to the EU!

Requirements for Schengen Visa Insurance…

According to Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament, Schengen travel insurance must meet the following key requirements to be considered valid:

While travel health insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Europe, it is not mandatory for everyone. It is a requirement specifically for those applying for a Schengen visa. These travelers must have comprehensive coverage for the entire duration of their stay in Europe, regardless of whether their trip is for business, tourism, study, holidays, or other purposes.

International travelers to Europe who are eligible for visa-free entry into the Schengen zone can choose to purchase their preferred European travel insurance policy if desired.
While it is highly recommended for their protection, it is not mandatory for them.

Travel Insurance Is Essential for Schengen Visa Applications

Extract from “Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009”, which entered into force on April 5, 2010:

“… 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” (…)

Which Nationals Are Required to Purchase Medical Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Nationals and passport holders of any of the following countries must buy travel insurance to apply for a Schengen visa.

• 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

Citizens and passport holders from countries not mentioned above are not legally obligated to obtain valid Schengen travel insurance unless they are ineligible for visa-free entry to the Schengen area and need to apply for a visa.

How to Find the Most Suitable Insurance for You?

When selecting a Schengen visa insurance plan, make sure the provider is authorized and recognized by Schengen Embassies and Consulates, and that the policy fulfills all required criteria. Not meeting these standards could lead to your visa application being denied.

In 2023, Schengen consulates worldwide rejected 1,632,984 visa applications, emphasizing the importance of meeting all requirements, including valid travel insurance, to avoid visa denial (source: European Commission).

Our Proposal Based on the Requested Results…

Provisit Visum by DR-Walter meet Schengen visa requirements and are accepted by Schengen/EU embassies and consulates worldwide. After purchasing the policy, you can submit it along with the other required documents for your Schengen visa application.

Planning a trip and over 75? 
Explore tailored Schengen travel insurance options for senior citizens to ensure a safe and worry-free journey.

Is It Mandatory for the Medical Insurance Policy to Cover All Schengen 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

How Much Does Schengen Insurance Cost?

Schengen travel insurance is often quite affordable, with one-week policies starting at just €10. However, the final cost of Schengen medical insurance varies based on factors such as your age, the level of coverage desired, the length of your trip, and the chosen insurance provider.

In 2023, over 15 million Schengen visas were issued, and all the applicants had to show proof of valid insurance coverage as per EU regulations (source: European Commission).

Cheap Travel Insurance for the Schengen Area!

To find the most affordable travel visa insurance for Europe, thorough individual research is essential. This involves searching online for suitable medical insurance policies. It’s advisable to compare different products and providers to determine which offers the best and most cost-effective travel insurance for Europe.

Don’t let the price mislead you—affordable travel insurance doesn’t always mean low-quality service, and expensive plans don’t guarantee top-tier coverage. The best way to select the right policy is not by focusing solely on cost but by ensuring it meets all the requirements outlined for a Schengen visa application, providing the necessary coverage for your trip.

Even budget-friendly travel insurance plans must fulfill specific essential criteria to be valid for a Schengen visa application.

Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Planning a trip to the Schengen Area and looking for affordable travel insurance that meets all visa requirements? Our experts have selected the top three cost-effective policies that provide comprehensive coverage throughout the Schengen Zone and the EU.

Based on our extensive experience and thorough analysis of the criteria for travel to the EU and Schengen Area, competitive pricing, and full client responsibility, the clear winner is DR-WALTER.

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?

DR-WALTER, a reputable insurance brokerage firm with over 60 years of experience, is headquartered in Neunkirchen-Seelscheid. The company specializes in travel health insurance and offers a wide range of coverage options. Their insurance packages are primarily designed for private clients, including Schengen visa applicants, global travelers, international students, and guest students, providing tailored solutions to meet diverse needs.

Let’s dive into the details, including the packages available, the enrollment process, costs, coverage, and more.

 Explore Your DR-WALTER Insurance Options …

What Does Schengen Insurance Policy Usually Cover?

A good travel insurance policy for the EU/Schengen area should cover the following costs:

• Medical emergency (accident or sickness) while in the Schengen Area
• Emergency evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Return of a minor
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Overseas funeral expenses
• Dental emergencies
• Usually, the insurers cover pregnancy-related expenses, if the travel occurs during the first trimester. After that, coverage varies from insurer to insurer.

More info about Schengen travel, Europe, Germany, Study, Travel health insurance…