Securing the right travel insurance is a crucial step in the Schengen visa application process. Without proper coverage that meets specific European Union requirements, your visa application will likely be rejected. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Schengen visa travel insurance in 2025, from mandatory requirements to the best providers offering compliant policies.
Understanding Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
Schengen visa insurance isn’t just recommended-it’s mandatory for all visa applicants. According to European Union regulations, specifically Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, all foreign nationals applying for a Schengen visa must submit proof of purchased travel insurance that meets specific criteria.
Minimum Coverage Requirements
Your Schengen travel insurance policy must include:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (approximately $32,842) for medical expenses
- Coverage valid throughout all 29 Schengen Area countries
- Protection for the entire duration of your planned stay
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation
- Repatriation coverage in case of death or serious medical emergency
These requirements are non-negotiable, and submitting an application with insurance that doesn’t meet these standards will result in automatic rejection of your visa application.
Coverage Period Requirements
The insurance must be valid for your entire stay in the Schengen Area, as proven by your flight reservations. Even a single day gap in coverage can result in visa denial. While coverage extending beyond your departure date is acceptable, your policy must, at minimum, cover you from the day of entry until the day you leave the Schengen zone.
Top Providers for Schengen Visa Insurance in 2025
Several reputable insurance companies offer Schengen-compliant travel insurance policies. Here are the leading providers in 2025:
AXA Schengen
AXA offers three distinct plans designed specifically for Schengen visa applicants:
- Schengen Low Cost: Starting from €5 per day, this budget-friendly option provides the minimum required coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses. It’s designed for travelers seeking basic compliance at the lowest possible cost.
- Europe Travel: From €9 per day, this mid-tier option increases coverage to €100,000 and extends protection beyond the Schengen area to include the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus. It also covers children under 18 and includes coverage for lost documents and other travel disruptions.
- Multi Trip: Priced at €328 annually, this plan is ideal for frequent travelers with multiple-entry visas. It offers the same €100,000 coverage as Europe Travel but can be used throughout the year on multiple trips.
All AXA plans include 24/7 medical teleconsultation, assistance services, and a full refund if your visa application is denied.
Europ Assistance
Europ Assistance offers Schengen-compliant insurance with comprehensive coverage options:
- Schengen Plus: Starting from €5 per day, this plan covers medical expenses up to €60,000 and is valid throughout the Schengen area plus Cyprus and Ireland. It includes no deductible and covers return/relocation expenses for a companion.
Allianz Travel
Allianz provides Schengen-compliant insurance through their Travel Serenity plan:
- Allianz Serenity: Starting from €7 per day for a 7-day trip, this plan covers medical expenses up to €30,000 with deductibles ranging from €30 to €100. It includes additional benefits like luggage insurance and sports-related search and rescue costs.
Mutuaide
Mutuaide offers worldwide coverage that includes the Schengen requirements:
- Mutuaide Basic: From €3 per day for a 10-day trip, this plan provides €30,000 in medical coverage worldwide with no deductible. It includes sports search and rescue costs and is valid for a single trip.
Special Considerations for Schengen Insurance
Pre-existing Conditions
Most standard Schengen insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions. If you have chronic health issues like asthma or diabetes, you’ll need to either:
- Find a provider that offers coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Purchase additional coverage specifically for your condition
- Look for policies covering “acute onset of pre-existing conditions”
COVID-19 Coverage
While requirements vary, most Schengen-compliant insurance now includes some form of COVID-19 coverage. However, the extent of coverage differs between providers, so verify that your policy covers:
- Testing costs when medically necessary
- Treatment for COVID-19 if contracted during your trip
- Quarantine expenses if required due to infection
Age Considerations
Some insurance providers have age restrictions or charge significantly higher premiums for older travelers. If you’re over 65, look for providers like Mutuaide that offer coverage without age restrictions or specialized senior plans.
How to Purchase Schengen Visa Insurance
Purchasing Schengen visa insurance is straightforward:
- Compare providers: Use comparison sites like Insurte to evaluate different options based on your specific needs and budget.
- Purchase online: Most providers offer immediate online purchase and certificate generation.
- Verify compliance: Ensure your certificate explicitly states coverage of €30,000 for the Schengen area.
- Print your certificate: Include the printed insurance certificate with your visa application documents.
- Keep digital copies: Store digital copies of your policy and certificate for easy access during your travels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When purchasing Schengen visa insurance, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Insufficient coverage amount: Ensure your policy explicitly states coverage of at least €30,000.
- Incomplete coverage area: Verify that all Schengen countries are covered, not just your primary destination.
- Coverage gaps: Even a one-day gap in coverage can result in visa denial.
- Missing repatriation coverage: Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
- Last-minute purchase: Buy your insurance well before your visa appointment to have time to address any issues.
Conclusion
Schengen visa travel insurance is a mandatory requirement that serves an important purpose: ensuring you’re financially protected against medical emergencies while traveling in Europe. By understanding the specific requirements and comparing providers like AXA, Europ Assistance, Allianz, and Mutuaide, you can secure appropriate coverage that both satisfies visa requirements and provides genuine protection during your European journey.
Remember that while price is important, ensuring your policy meets all Schengen requirements should be your primary concern. A rejected visa application due to inadequate insurance will cost you far more in time and frustration than the small premium difference between basic and comprehensive coverage.