Schengen visa travel insurance is a necessity for individuals who are traveling to European countries within the Schengen area from abroad.
For some, Schengen visa insurance may be required in order to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen area.
For others, Schengen insurance may not be required, but is a crucial consideration as it provides a vital safeguard against the unexpected while in Europe.
What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free and unrestricted movement of people within the Schengen area.
The primary goal of the Schengen Agreement was to facilitate the ease of travel and trade among participating countries.
The Schengen area currently consists of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, 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.
Who Is Required to Get a Schengen Visa?
Citizens from certain specified countries are required to apply for a Schengen visa in order to visit a country within the Schengen area.
For citizens from countries that are required to obtain a Schengen visa, this type of visa is for short trips to the Schengen area of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The Schengen visa is designed for tourists, business travelers, transit passengers, or visitors entering the Schengen area for a temporary stay.
Is Travel Insurance Required to Get a Schengen Visa?
Yes, travel insurance is a requirement in order to apply for and obtain a Schengen visa. Proof of medical coverage must be presented when submitting your application to the consulate of your destination country.
Travel medical insurance protects both you and the country you are visiting. As an individual, you will have coverage in the event that you have a medical emergency during your trip. As a country, visitors with medical insurance will prevent visitor debt from occurring from emergency medical bills.
If you are traveling to the Schengen area from abroad, the chances are that your health insurance in your home country will not cover you internationally. This is why Schengen visa travel insurance is so important for your trip.
What Medical Insurance Is Needed for a Schengen Visa?
When applying for a Schengen visa, you must show proof of medical insurance for your trip. The insurance must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses.
- Coverage for hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.
- Valid throughout the entire Schengen Area and for the duration of the stay.
What Does Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Cover?
Schengen visa travel insurance can offer coverage for the following while traveling abroad:
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Prescription medication
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Lost luggage
- Lost or stolen passport
- Border entry protection
Coverage may vary depending on the plan you choose, so it is best to compare Schengen visa travel insurance plans to find a policy that fits your needs and budget.
Is Travel Insurance Necessary for Europe?
If you are required to get a Schengen visa for your trip to Europe, then travel insurance is mandatory and cannot be bypassed. However, travel insurance is still necessary for Europe, regardless of whether or not you need a visa.
Without proper medical coverage while traveling abroad, you may find yourself dealing with a huge financial burden if you get sick or injured and need to seek medical care in a foreign country.
Without travel insurance, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for your care, which can be extremely expensive in some European countries.
Should You Get Schengen Travel Insurance If It Isn’t Required?
If Schengen travel insurance isn’t required for your trip, it should still be a consideration for all travelers.
Travel medical insurance offers vital coverage for travelers in the event of unforeseen emergencies, such as an unexpected illness or a sudden injury during your trip.
Schengen travel insurance will give you peace of mind during your travels and help protect you financially.
Get Covered Today!
Ready to get your trip to Europe covered? Compare Schengen visa travel insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team for further assistance.
