- Travel health insurance is not just a recommendation but a mandatory requirement for issuing a Schengen visa.
- The insurance must be taken out with a German or European company for the entire travel period.
- Schengen travel insurance is valid in all Schengen countries.
- Some policies offer optional extended country coverage, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus.
- The sum insured must be at least €30,000. However, many providers offer policies with higher coverage.
- The cost of a Schengen insurance policy depends on the intended stay in Europe. If you are entering the country repeatedly, taking out an annual insurance policy is possible.
- A Schengen health insurance policy is also available as a combined package with other travel insurance policies.
Schengen area and Schengen visa
The Schengen Agreement was concluded in 1985 and has since been gradually expanded. Citizens of the Schengen member states enjoy freedom of travel and settlement throughout the entire Schengen zone.
The Schengen zone includes all European Union countries except Ireland and Cyprus. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are also Schengen countries.
Great Britain left the EU in 2020 and never joined the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, travel to Great Britain is not covered by a Schengen visa, but a separate visa is required.
Schengen visa — for free travel in all Schengen countries
Visas issued by the embassies of Germany or another Schengen country are generally valid for the entire Schengen zone. The rules for issuing visas are standardized in all Schengen member states.
Schengen visa types
Schengen visas come in two types: C-visas and D-visas. The type of visa you need depends on the duration and purpose of your stay:
- C-visas allow the holder to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days. They are issued for single, double, or multiple entries. This type of visa is suitable for tourist trips, visits to friends and family, and short-term business or study trips.
- D-visas are national visas for long-term stays in a Schengen country. If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you will need this type of visa. The validity of a D-visa and the residence permit issued on its basis depends on the purpose of the trip. In addition to tourist or personal travel reasons, these may include, for example, student visas, work visas, or visas for job seekers.
Schengen visa requirements
Visa applicants can obtain both visa types only with Schengen visa insurance. A visa will not be issued without valid travel medical insurance, and the policy must meet the minimum requirements of the Schengen member states.
In addition, applicants for a Schengen visa must fulfill certain other visa requirements. These include a plausible reason for travel, proof of willingness to return, and evidence of financing for the trip through their financial resources or a declaration of commitment from an inviting person to cover all costs. If you apply for your visa at a German embassy, the person invited must have a main residence in Germany.
Visa and health insurance obligations in the Schengen zone
Regarding visa requirements for Germany and Europe and, consequently, the obligation to take out travel health insurance, 3 groups of international travelers can be distinguished:
- Citizens of Schengen countries do not need a visa or travel health insurance for travel within the Schengen zone. Their home country’s health insurance covers emergency medical expenses. EU citizens with statutory health insurance can claim medical treatment in the Schengen zone through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Citizens of countries that do not require a visa to enter the Schengen area do not need a visa or a travel medical insurance policy for a stay of up to 90 days. However, they should not go without the protection of a travel health insurance policy in the event of a medical emergency. There are 14 visa-free countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.
- Travelers from all other countries require a visa and Schengen visa insurance.
Schengen visa insurance — requirements and coverage
The German and European embassies will only accept a health insurance policy for the issuance of a Schengen visa if the following requirements are met:
- Policy issued by a European insurer
- Valid for the entire Schengen area
- Coverage for the entire duration of the trip
- Sufficient insurance coverage of at least €30,000 (for each family member on a family plan)
- Coverage of all emergency medical expenses
- Guaranteed return transportation in the event of death
Insurance benefits
A Schengen insurance plan covers only acute illnesses and accidents. The insurance includes these benefits:
- Costs for doctor’s visits, outpatient treatment, and prescription drugs
- Costs for hospitalization
- Medically necessary return transportation to the home country
- Repatriation of mortal remains in the event of death
Schengen visa insurance generally does not cover pre-existing conditions or planned medical treatment. Policies only cover emergency medical costs.
Country Coverage
Your Schengen visa insurance must cover all Schengen countries.
However, depending on the policy, coverage may extend to stays in other European countries, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus.
Coverage for other European countries such as Albania, the Balkan states except of Croatia and Slovenia, or Turkey is generally excluded. For this, you need travel insurance with worldwide coverage.
Additional services
You can take out Schengen visa insurance as pure travel health insurance or a combined policy with other travel insurance. Optional components are, for example:
- Travel cancellation and curtailment insurance
- Insurance in the event of flight delays
- Insurance in the event of lost or stolen baggage
- Travel accident insurance
- Travel liability insurance against the financial consequences of personal injury as well as financial and property damage
Additional travel insurance does not influence the issuance of a Schengen visa. The only relevant insurance for this is travel health insurance with sufficient insurance coverage.
Taking out Schengen visa insurance
You must take out Schengen visa insurance before applying for a visa. There are different options for doing this:
- You can purchase the policy online from an insurance provider of your choice.
- If you book an organized trip to Europe through a travel agency, you can often purchase travel health insurance as part of the package. However, you should check such offers thoroughly and compare them with the conditions for Schengen insurance on the open market, as they are typically pricier.
- In some cases, European embassies work with subsidiaries of European insurance companies in your home country so that you can purchase the policy locally. However, these policies are not always the cheapest available either.
Buying Schengen visa insurance online
If you want to buy insurance for your Schengen visa application online, follow these steps:
- Research and compare suitable offers
- Please select a policy that works best for you. Although the basic requirements for Schengen insurance for visa issuance are standardized, the policies may differ regarding the sum insured and their insurance cover.
- Fill out the online form of the provider of your choice. You will be asked for your data and information about the duration and destinations of your trip.
- The insurance provider will then show you the price of the policy. Insurers accept credit cards, debit cards, and various online payment services.
Your insurance certificate will be emailed as a PDF file, or you can download it from the insurance company’s customer area. You must enclose 2 printed copies in your visa application.
Claiming benefits from Schengen insurance
Your insurance certificate is also your proof of insurance for doctors and hospitals. Some insurance companies additionally issue you with a health card. You must present the certificate or card if you need medical treatment during your European trip.
The settlement of insurance claims varies. Hospitals usually bill the insurer directly. For outpatient treatment, you may have to pay the bill yourself initially and then get it reimbursed by your insurance company later. Enclosed are all medically confirmed treatment documents and prescriptions for medication with the reimbursement request.
Important: Report any medical treatment directly to the insurance company! (Infobox)
You should report emergency medical treatment to the insurer immediately to avoid losing your entitlement to benefits. You can make such insurance reports 24/7 via the emergency hotline.
Costs for Schengen visa insurance
The costs for travel insurance depend on various factors:
- Sum insured and additional benefits: In addition to standard policies with a minimum coverage of €30,000, policies with higher coverage amounts are also offered. Rates with higher coverage amounts and additional benefits are typically only slightly pricier than standard rates.
- Duration of travel: Schengen travel insurance is charged daily. Standard policies without additional services are available from around €1.10 per day. Most insurers set minimum premiums for their products, which range from around €20 to €40. For annual insurance, you pay a monthly or yearly flat rate.
- Age: Senior citizens above 65 usually pay a higher premium for Schengen travel insurance.
Best providers for Schengen visa insurance
The following offers for Schengen visa insurance are particularly attractive and comprehensive. In addition, these providers offer you a choice between at least two tariffs and various additional services:
- AXA Schengen: 3 tariffs — Low Cost, Europe (Schengen Countries and UK), Multi Trip (annual insurance, for multiple entries to Europe), Europe and Multi Trip with various additional benefits
- Dr-Walter/Provisum: 2 tariffs — health insurance only or in combination with accident and liability insurance, for a maximum of 180 days
- Europe Assistance: 2 tariffs — Schengen or Schengen Plus with extended country coverage (UK, Ireland, Cyprus) and prolongation option
Conclusion
Schengen visa insurance is mandatory for travelers from visa-required countries entering the Schengen area. It ensures coverage for medical emergencies, offering peace of mind during trips. Policies are designed to meet standardized requirements, including minimum coverage of €30,000, and often provide flexible options such as extended coverage and additional services. By carefully comparing plans, travelers can find cost-effective insurance tailored to their needs, ensuring compliance with visa regulations and comprehensive protection throughout their journey.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
The insurance conditions are decisive here. Travel medical insurance for the Schengen area can be taken out for a single entry, multiple trips, or annual insurance with any number of entries to Europe. The number of entries you require also depends on what type of Schengen visa you are applying for.
Insurers offer Schengen travel insurance with and without renewal options. Renewal is usually not possible in standard plans. In contrast, there is an extension option for tariffs with more comprehensive coverage.
If your Schengen visa is rejected, the insurance premium will be refunded. To achieve this, you must submit the embassy’s rejection notice to your insurance company.
Yes. All providers of Schengen insurance offer the option of early cancellation if you have to cut your trip short. The cancellation will take effect as soon as your insurer receives it. Any overpaid premiums will be refunded.