Travel Insurance Guidance | Schengen Travel

Travel insurance for your Schengen application

The EU Visa Code requires a minimum of EUR 30,000 medical coverage for all Schengen visa applicants. A valid travel medical insurance policy meeting this threshold is one of the documents most Schengen short-stay visa applications ask for. The policy is generally expected to cover the whole Schengen Area for the full length of your trip, including emergency medical treatment and repatriation. The exact wording and any additional requirements are set by the consulate handling your application, so we always check the official requirements rather than rely on assumptions.

This is an optional add-on to our core visa service. We do not sell or underwrite insurance — we simply help you choose a policy that fits the requirement and avoid the common mistakes that lead to a document being rejected.

Who this suits

This guidance is for clients applying for a Schengen short-stay visa who want to be sure their insurance will be accepted first time, and for travellers who already hold an annual or credit-card policy but are unsure whether it qualifies.

What we help with

Confirming what your specific consulate expects from a policy
Checking that cover spans the full Schengen Area and your exact travel dates
Reviewing wording for emergency medical, hospital and repatriation cover
Comparing reputable providers so you can choose with confidence
Spotting gaps in existing annual or credit-card policies

What to prepare

Your planned travel dates and destination countries
Any insurance policy you already hold, with its full terms
The name of the consulate or visa centre handling your application

Common pitfalls

The issues we see most often are policies that exclude repatriation, do not cover the entire trip, or apply only to a single country rather than the whole Schengen Area. We check these details before your application is submitted, so the insurance document is right the first time.

For the official position on travel insurance for short stays, see the EU Schengen visa guidance (opens in new tab). When you are ready, contact us to start your application and we will fold the insurance check into your overall support.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

Most Schengen short-stay visa applications require travel medical insurance valid across the Schengen Area for the full trip, covering emergency treatment and repatriation. Exact requirements are set by the consulate and can vary, so always check the official guidance for the country handling your application.

How much cover does a Schengen visa need?

Schengen rules set a minimum level of medical cover. Because the required amount and how it must be evidenced can change, we point you to the official consulate or EU source rather than quoting a fixed figure, and help you confirm your policy meets it.

Does Schengen Travel sell insurance?

We do not sell or underwrite insurance. We help you understand what a Schengen visa application typically requires and point you towards reputable providers, so you can choose a policy with confidence.

Will my existing annual or credit-card policy be accepted?

Sometimes, but not always. Some policies exclude repatriation or do not cover the whole Schengen Area or full trip dates. We can help you read the wording and check whether it meets the requirement before you apply.

When should I arrange insurance?

Arrange cover before submitting your visa application, as proof of insurance is usually part of the document set. We can include this check as part of your overall application support.