SchengenVisaSupport
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance From UK (2026): Requirements and Best Providers
Every short-stay Schengen application from the UK needs travel medical insurance that meets EU rules. You will submit or show your certificate at VFS Global in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh depending on your booking. This page summarises the minimum standard, what your policy should say, UK-friendly providers to compare, typical GBP prices, and mistakes that waste appointments.
Minimum Requirements
- Medical expenses: at least €30,000 (often shown as €30,000 on the certificate)
- Valid in all Schengen states for the period you apply for
- Covers emergency treatment and usually repatriation — wording should match what your consulate checklist asks for
- Dates: cover must start before or on your entry date and end when you leave the Schengen area (not only your flight home from the UK)
Always read the policy wording. Marketing pages sometimes say Europe while the fine print limits certain countries — your certificate must match the trip you describe.
What the Policy Must Cover
Consulates care about medical and repatriation in an emergency, not luggage upgrades. Your document should tie clearly to you: full name, date of birth or passport number if the insurer prints it, policy number, cover limit in euros, and area of validity. If you extend your trip after the visa is issued, you must extend insurance to match.
UK-Based Providers to Compare
These names are commonly used by UK residents for Schengen trips. Compare quotes for your age, trip length, and health declarations.
- EKTA (our top pick — best budget) — The cheapest and fastest way to get a Schengen-compliant certificate. From ~€0.80/day, instant PDF, and the certificate wording is built around what VFS and embassies check. Best starting point for most applicants.
- Insubuy (best marketplace) — Compare multiple Schengen-compliant insurers in one place; useful if you want to see options side-by-side before committing.
- VisitorsCoverage (best comprehensive cover) — Curated plans with higher medical limits and trip-cancellation add-ons for longer or premium trips.
- Allianz Assistance (sold via partners) — worldwide emergency medical network; good for families and comprehensive cover. Check Schengen limit on your quote.
- AXA — Europe travel policies with embassy-recognised brand name; verify €30k+ medical on the schedule
- Staysure — popular with older travellers; declare conditions when asked
- Post Office Travel Insurance — high-street brand; download schedule and certificate for your appointment
Typical GBP Price Ranges (2026)
Prices move with age, trip length, winter sports, and medical screening — treat these as a guide only.
- Single trip, one week: often about £20–£55 for a healthy adult on a standard Europe policy
- Two weeks: often about £28–£75
- Annual multi-trip (Europe): often about £45–£120+ depending on age and maximum days per trip
Buying the cheapest option without checking the certificate can cost more if VFS sends you away to buy a new policy.
Certificate Format
- PDF or printout on insurer letterhead or branded template
- Name matches passport exactly
- Dates match visa application and bookings
- Clear statement of medical cover amount in euros and geographic scope
- Emergency phone number visible
Common Mistakes
- Cover below €30,000 or listed only in GBP without an equivalent euro line on the certificate.
- Policy starts the day after arrival, leaving a gap.
- Annual policy where one trip segment exceeds the maximum days allowed.
- Using credit-card travel cover without a Schengen-style letter from the insurer.
- Different spelling between insurance, passport, and application form.
Complete your visa file
Before your appointment, complete the three bookings every visa officer checks: a refundable hotel proof, flight reservation, and €30,000+ travel insurance.
Most Questions Asked by Visa Applicants
How much travel insurance do I need for a Schengen visa from the UK?
You need medical cover of at least €30,000 that is valid in all Schengen states for your whole trip, including repatriation. The certificate must usually be printed or PDF-ready for upload and for appointments at VFS in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh.
Can I buy Schengen travel insurance from a UK-based provider?
Yes. Many UK insurers and brokers sell policies that meet Schengen rules. Check that the policy wording explicitly covers emergency medical expenses in the Schengen area and meets the minimum sum insured. Keep the insurer letter or certificate that states cover amount and area.
What should the insurance certificate show?
Your full name as on your passport, dates of cover matching the trip, Schengen area or Europe-wide coverage wording, medical cover at least €30,000, and insurer contact details. Some consulates also want repatriation mentioned on the document.
Will the consulate or VFS check my insurance?
Yes. Missing, too low, or wrong dates are a common reason to refuse the file at the desk or to request a new policy. Align start date with travel plans and ensure cover runs until you leave the Schengen area.