Last Updated: July 2026
What is Schengen travel insurance?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory travel medical insurance for travelers applying for a Schengen visa. Applicants must show proof of insurance that meets the required coverage rules when submitting the visa application.
Travelers who do not need a Schengen visa are not required to purchase Schengen visa insurance. Travel medical insurance may still provide valuable coverage for eligible medical expenses if an unexpected illness or injury occurs during the trip.
Why do I need travel health insurance when traveling?
Travel health insurance is required for Schengen visa applicants. It may also cover eligible medical expenses during the trip because domestic health insurance may provide limited coverage or may not be accepted in another country.
Without suitable coverage, travelers may need to pay for medical treatment out of pocket if they become sick or injured while abroad.
Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements for 2026
Travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa must meet the following requirements:
- Medical coverage of at least €30,000
- Validity throughout the Schengen Area (all countries part of the Schengen Area)
- Coverage for the entire intended stay
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization benefits
- Repatriation coverage for medical reasons or in the event of death
Applicants should review the insurance instructions from the embassy, consulate, or visa application center handling the application. Some locations may require a specific certificate format.
How to get your Schengen insurance certificate for a visa application?
Insurance companies provide a certificate after the traveler purchases a plan. The certificate should confirm that the coverage meets the Schengen visa insurance requirements.
The certificate should clearly show:
- Traveler’s full name
- Policy or certificate number
- Coverage start and end dates
- Medical coverage of at least €30,000
- Validity throughout the Schengen Area
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization coverage
- Repatriation coverage for medical reasons or in the event of death
- Insurance company name and contact information
Applicants should submit the certificate in the format required by the embassy, consulate, or visa application center. If the insurer provides only a basic certificate or standard template, applicants may request a more detailed certificate that clearly shows the required information. A printed copy may be required even when a digital version is available.
Common reasons for rejection include incorrect traveler information, dates that do not cover the full stay, coverage below the required amount, limited geographic validity, missing repatriation coverage, and an incomplete or unreadable certificate.
What countries are covered by Schengen travel insurance?
If you are traveling to any of the 29 Schengen countries for tourism or business on a Schengen visa, you must show proof of adequate Schengen visa medical insurance when applying for the visa.
Schengen countries: 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, and Switzerland.
What is covered by Schengen travel health insurance?
Compliant Schengen travel health insurance provides at least €30,000 in medical coverage, including coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation for medical reasons or in the event of death. Other coverage varies depending on the plan selected.
How can I get Schengen visa insurance?
We offer several travel insurance plans for Schengen visas that meet the required coverage rules. Review and compare available Schengen visa insurance plans before purchasing coverage.
After purchase, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to print your Schengen insurance certificate for submission to the embassy or consulate. You may also access and print the certificate through MyAccount.
The certificate number provided after purchase and the traveler’s date of birth are required to access the certificate. The certificate is usually available within 15 to 30 minutes after purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which travel insurance is best for a Schengen visa?
Does a Visa card have Schengen travel insurance?
How do I file a Schengen travel insurance claim?
How much does Schengen visa travel insurance cost?
Can't find answers to your questions?
Ask our specialists - Licensed and experienced insurance professionals in the U.S.

