Schengen Travel Insurance 2026: €50,000 Coverage Required

Schengen Insurance Requirements

Your travel insurance MUST meet these criteria:

1. Minimum Coverage: €50,000

• Also written as €50,000 or $60,000 USD equivalent
• This is for MEDICAL EXPENSES only
• Lower coverage = rejection

2. Valid in ALL Schengen Countries

• Must cover all 27 Schengen countries, not just your destination
• Example: Visiting France only? Insurance must still cover Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.
• Reason: You can travel freely within Schengen once you enter

3. Coverage Includes

• ✅ Medical emergency treatment
• ✅ Emergency hospitalization
• ✅ Medical repatriation (return to home country for treatment if needed)
• ✅ Repatriation of remains (in case of death)

4. Coverage Dates

• Must cover ENTIRE trip duration
• Start date: Day you ENTER Schengen (or before)
• End date: Day you LEAVE Schengen (or after)
• Recommended: Add 2-3 buffer days before/after in case of flight delays

Best Schengen Travel Insurance Providers

1. AXA Schengen (Most Popular)

Why Recommended: Specifically designed for Schengen visas, widely accepted by embassies

• Coverage: €50,000 (Low Cost plan) or €100,000 (Europe Travel plan)
• Cost: €22-€60 for 10-day trip (depends on plan and age)
• Schengen Countries: All 27 covered
• Additional Coverage:
  • Trip cancellation (Europe Travel plan)
  • Lost luggage
  • Travel delays
• Certificate: Instant PDF certificate in English
• Pros: Embassy-trusted name, instant purchase online, clear certificate
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than some alternatives

2. Allianz Travel Insurance

Why Recommended: Major global insurer, comprehensive coverage

• Coverage: €50,000 to €1,000,000 (depends on plan)
• Cost: €25-€80 for 10-day trip
• Schengen Countries: All covered
• Plans: Single trip or annual multi-trip
• Pros: Well-known brand, excellent customer service, 24/7 assistance
• Cons: Higher cost than budget options

3. SafetyWing (Budget Option)

Why Recommended: Affordable, popular with digital nomads

• Coverage: $250,000 USD (€200,000+ equivalent)
• Cost: $45/month (~€1.50/day)
• Schengen Countries: All covered
• Flexibility: Month-to-month, cancel anytime
• Pros: Very affordable, remote worker-friendly, covers home country too (limited)
• Cons: $250 deductible, monthly billing (not daily)

4. World Nomads

Why Recommended: Flexible for backpackers, adventure travel coverage

• Coverage: €100,000 to unlimited (depends on plan/region)
• Cost: €30-€90 for 10-day Europe trip
• Schengen Countries: All covered
• Special: Covers adventure activities (skiing, scuba diving)
• Pros: Can buy after trip started, extends easily, adventure coverage
• Cons: More expensive than basic plans

5. Europ Assistance

• Coverage: €50,000+
• Cost: €20-€50 for 10 days
• Pros: Europe-focused, good emergency assistance network

How Much Does Schengen Insurance Cost?

Cost by Trip Duration

Average: €1-3 per day of coverage

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Age: Under 30 cheaper, over 65 significantly more expensive
• Trip duration: Longer trips = higher cost
• Coverage level: €50,000 vs €100,000 vs unlimited
• Pre-existing conditions: May require premium plan or not covered
• Activities: Adventure sports increase cost

How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance

Step 1: Choose Provider

Select from recommended list above. For first-time visa applicants: AXA Schengen or Allianz are safest bets (embassy-trusted).

Step 2: Enter Trip Details

• Coverage dates (add buffer days!)
• Destination countries
• Your age and nationality
• Number of travelers

Step 3: Select Plan

• Minimum: €50,000 medical coverage
• Optional extras: Trip cancellation, baggage loss, etc. (not required for visa but useful)

Step 4: Pay

• Credit/debit card
• PayPal (some providers)
• Cost: €20-€100 typically

Step 5: Download Certificate

• Instant PDF certificate emailed to you
• Print or save PDF
• Submit with visa application

What Your Insurance Certificate Must Show

Embassy requires certificate/policy document showing:

• ✅ Your full name (matching passport)
• ✅ Coverage amount (minimum €50,000)
• ✅ Coverage dates (start and end)
• ✅ Geographic coverage ("Schengen Area" or list of countries)
• ✅ What's covered: Medical emergency, hospitalization, repatriation
• ✅ Policy number
• ✅ Insurance company name and contact

Can I Get Refund If Visa is Rejected?

Depends on provider:

Refund Policies

• AXA Schengen: Full refund if visa rejected (must provide rejection letter)
• Allianz: Varies by plan; some offer visa refusal coverage
• SafetyWing: Can cancel within first month for refund
• World Nomads: 14-day cooling-off period in some countries

How to Claim Refund:

1. Contact insurance provider customer service
2. Provide visa rejection letter from embassy
3. Provide proof you didn't travel
4. Refund processed within 7-14 days typically

Special Situations

Traveling with Family

Each person needs individual insurance:

• Parents: 2 separate policies
• Children: Individual policies (often discounted)
• Many providers offer family packages (10-20% discount)

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Standard policies may NOT cover pre-existing conditions. Options:

• Declare condition and pay higher premium
• Buy specialized medical travel insurance
• Get letter from doctor stating condition is stable

Common pre-existing conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, asthma, cancer history

Seniors (65+)

Insurance costs increase significantly:

• Age 65-70: 2x normal price
• Age 70-75: 3-4x normal price
• Age 75+: 5x+ normal price, some providers won't insure

Recommended for seniors: Allianz and AXA have better senior rates.

Already Have Insurance (Credit Card, Home Country)

Check if it meets Schengen requirements:

• ✅ €50,000+ medical coverage?
• ✅ Covers ALL Schengen countries?
• ✅ Includes repatriation?
• ✅ Valid for exact trip dates?
• ✅ Certificate in English or acceptable language?

If YES to all: You can use it. If NO to any: Buy Schengen-specific insurance.

FAQ

Quick Recommendation Guide