If you're planning to travel to one of the many beautiful European countries located in the Schengen area, you may be required to obtain a Schengen visa, depending on your home country.
For individuals who are required to get a Schengen visa for their travel plans, you may have noticed that one of the requirements of a Schengen visa is medical insurance coverage.
Without medical insurance, your Schengen visa application can be denied. Having travel medical insurance is not only required for a Schengen visa, but is also highly recommended for all travelers, whether mandatory or not.
What Is a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa permits entry into a country located in the Schengen area for non-EU nationals.
This visa will allow for travel up to 90 days in any 180-day period to a country within the Schengen area.
- Single-entry, which permits entry into one Schengen area once
- Multiple-entry, which allows you to make several visits to the Schengen visa while the visa is valid
- Airport transport visa, which allows you to connect through an airport in the Schengen area during a layover or flight change (you cannot leave the transit area)
Travelers must apply for a Schengen visa 15 days before their travel plans.
What Is Required to Apply for a Schengen Visa?
In order to apply for a Schengen visa, you will need the following:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- A photo in compliance with ICAO standards
- Medical insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalization and repatriation
- Proof of purpose of your stay, evidence showing you are in good financial standing and have accommodations, and evidence of your intent to return home after your stay
- Your fingerprints submission
Who Is Required to Get a Schengen Visa?
A Schengen visa is required for nationals of certain specified countries who are planning a visit to a country within the Schengen visa area.
A list of countries whose nationals are required and also countries whose nationals are exempt can be found here.
Do U.S. Citizens Need to Get a Schengen Visa?
U.S. citizens are not required to obtain a Schengen visa for visits to the Schengen area for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
What Countries Are in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen area is made up of almost all of the countries in Europe, aside from Cyprus and Ireland.
As of March 31, 2024, Bulgaria and Romania have been added to the Schengen area.
Is Travel Insurance Required for a Schengen Visa?
Yes, travel insurance is required to obtain a Schengen visa.
The Schengen visa travel insurance policy must:
- Cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation of remains
- Be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area
- Be accepted in all Schengen countries
- Have a minimum medical coverage amount of EUR 30,000
Proof of travel medical insurance must be presented at the time of your Schengen visa application.
What Is Schengen Visa Insurance?
Schengen visa insurance is international travel medical insurance that offers coverage for emergency medical care abroad.
It can offer coverage in the event that you need to seek medical assistance for a sudden illness or injury that occurs during your travels in the Schengen area.
Coverage can include:
- Hospitalization
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Urgent care
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Repatriation of remains
- Lost luggage
Who Needs Schengen Visa Insurance?
Any individual who is planning to travel to a country within the Schengen area that currently lives in a country where a Schengen visa will be required for entry will need to purchase Schengen visa insurance.
You will need to show proof of your travel medical insurance policy at the time of applying for your Schengen visa.
How Much Does Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel medical coverage that meets the Schengen visa requirements can be quite affordable, depending on the plan you choose and the length of your trip.
Policy maximums and deductibles will also affect your travel insurance premium, so you can select coverage based on your needs and budget, as long as your plan meets the Schengen visa requirements.
Plans are typically available at as little as $1 per day through VisitorsCoverage.
Benefits of Schengen Visa Travel Insurance
Aside from being required to apply for a Schengen visa, travel insurance has a multitude of benefits. Even for individuals who aren’t required to obtain a Schengen visa to visit the Schengen area, travel medical insurance is still highly recommended.
Travel insurance for international travel can be a lifesaver if any unexpected emergency were to occur. Traveling internationally means your domestic health insurance plan likely won’t cover you. This means that if you were to receive medical care abroad, you would be left paying for it in full, out-of-pocket.
With travel medical insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that with just a small investment, you can be covered for emergency medical situations during your trip.
Is Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Refundable?
Your Schengen visa travel insurance policy may be refundable within a certain time frame of purchasing your policy. However, it may be subject to a cancellation fee.
If your Schengen visa is denied after purchasing a policy, it is best to reach out to your insurance provider to see if a refund can be issued. You may be required to submit additional documentation, such as proof of your visa’s denial.
Secure Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Through VisitorsCoverage
Before you apply for your Schengen visa, make sure you have the travel medical coverage you need.
Compare Schengen visa travel insurance plans to find a policy that fits your needs, or reach out to our Customer Success Team for further assistance.
