Last Updated: November 2026
If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage is required for most applicants (Visa Code Art 15), and an application is refused if proof of adequate insurance is not provided where it applies (Art 32). This guide covers exactly what the requirement means, how to show proof of insurance, how to check a policy, and the insurance points to check before you apply.
⚡ Schengen Visa Insurance: Quick Facts
| Is insurance required for a Schengen visa? | Required for most applicants. A visa is refused if proof of adequate insurance is not provided where it applies. The requirement is set by the Visa Code (Art 15, Art 32). |
| How much coverage is required? | Minimum €30,000 in medical coverage, valid across all 29 Schengen states. |
| What must it cover? | Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation (including repatriation of remains). |
| How long must it be valid? | The whole of your stay. Check your consulate’s guidance on any extra days beyond your planned exit. |
| Do I need a certificate? | Proof of insurance is part of the application where it applies (Art 32). Check with your consulate which document it accepts. |
| What must visa insurance cover? | Schengen visa insurance must cover at least €30,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation across the Schengen area (Visa Code Art 15). Check any policy against the consulate’s requirements before you apply. SafetyWing lists Nomad Essential from $62.72 per 4 weeks for ages 10 to 39 and states $250,000 in medical cover. |
What the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirement Actually Is
The insurance requirement isn’t set by individual countries — it’s set in the EU Visa Code and applies in every Schengen consulate. To approve your short-stay (Type C) visa, your policy must meet four conditions:
1. At least €30,000 in medical coverage. This is the minimum. A policy below it does not meet the requirement.
2. Valid across the entire Schengen Area. Not just your main destination — all 29 member states. If your itinerary touches France and Italy, but your policy only names France, it doesn’t qualify.
3. Covers emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation. Under Art 15, the policy must cover expenses connected with repatriation for medical reasons or death.
4. Valid for your full stay. Coverage must span every day of your intended trip. Check your consulate’s guidance on any extra days beyond your planned exit.
⚡ Key Takeaway
The Visa Code (Art 15) sets the €30,000 medical minimum, validity in all Schengen states for your whole stay, and cover for repatriation for medical reasons. Confirm your policy meets all three before you apply.
Proof of Insurance
Applicants show proof of insurance with the application. Check with your consulate or visa centre which document it accepts.
It helps if the document shows your name, the coverage amount, the policy dates and the area covered.
Schengen visa insurance must cover at least €30,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation across the Schengen area (Visa Code Art 15). Check any policy against the consulate’s requirements before you apply.
🛡️ SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
According to SafetyWing, Nomad Essential includes $250,000 in medical treatment and hospitalization cover and starts at $62.72 per 4 weeks for ages 10 to 39. Check any policy against the consulate’s requirements before you apply.
Check SafetyWing Prices →Affiliate partner — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
SafetyWing, AXA Schengen and Allianz
Check each provider’s own page for its cover limits and exclusions, and check any policy against the consulate’s requirements before you apply.
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. According to SafetyWing, Nomad Essential includes $250,000 for medical treatment and hospitalization and is priced from $62.72 per 4 weeks for ages 10 to 39.
AXA Schengen and Allianz Travel. Both are sold by traditional insurers. Get quotes and read the policy wording for the cover amount, exclusions and trip length.
Before you buy, check that the medical cover is at least €30,000 and that your consulate accepts the policy.
For a wider comparison of European travel insurance beyond the visa, including short-trip, nomad and traditional options, see our best travel insurance for Europe guide.
Insurance Mistakes That Get Schengen Visas Refused
Under Art 32, an application is refused if proof of adequate insurance is not provided where it applies. Check these points:
Coverage below €30,000. Sometimes a policy looks compliant but the medical sub-limit (not the total policy value) falls under the threshold. Check the medical line specifically.
Dates that don’t fully cover the trip. If your insurance starts a day after arrival or ends before departure, it fails. Align it exactly to your itinerary, ideally with a small buffer.
Missing repatriation. Repatriation for medical reasons is a required element, not optional.
Single-country instead of Schengen-wide. The policy must be valid in all Schengen states (Art 15).
No proof, or vague proof. Keep a document that shows the cover amount and dates.
Per-Consulate Differences
The €30,000 rule is set in the Visa Code. Requirements for proof of insurance can differ by consulate, so check the requirements published by the specific embassy or visa centre (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS) handling your application.
🛂 Applying for the Visa Itself?
Insurance is one piece of the application. iVisa can guide you through the full Schengen visa process — form preparation, document review, and appointment booking.
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How Much Should You Spend?
The Visa Code sets the minimum cover. The price of a policy that meets it depends on age, trip length and provider.
Compare cover limits and exclusions, not only the price, so the same policy satisfies the visa requirement and suits the trip.
Ready to compare? Check SafetyWing’s current price for your age and dates.
Get a SafetyWing Quote →Sources
- European Commission: Applying for a Schengen visa
- EU law (Publications Office): Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Articles 15 and 32
Checked 4 November 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?
Travel medical insurance with a minimum of €30,000 is required for most applicants under the Visa Code (Art 15). An application is refused if proof of adequate insurance is not provided where it applies (Art 32).
How much insurance coverage does a Schengen visa require?
At least €30,000 in medical coverage, valid across all 29 Schengen states, covering emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.
What is a Schengen visa insurance certificate?
Applicants show proof of insurance with the application. Ask your consulate or visa centre which document it accepts; it helps if the document shows your name, the coverage amount, the policy dates and the area covered.
What must Schengen visa insurance cover?
Visa Code Article 15 requires medical insurance of at least €30,000, valid in the Schengen states for your whole stay, covering repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and emergency hospital treatment or death. Check any policy against the consulate’s requirements before you apply. SafetyWing states $250,000 in medical cover.
What is the cheapest Schengen-approved travel insurance?
Prices depend on age, trip length and provider, so get quotes. SafetyWing lists Nomad Essential from $62.72 per 4 weeks for ages 10 to 39. Cheaper policies may exist. Check that the policy meets the €30,000 Article 15 minimum and that your consulate accepts it.
Can a Schengen visa be refused because of insurance?
Yes. Under Art 32, an application is refused if proof of adequate insurance is not provided where it applies. Check that the cover is at least €30,000, covers the whole stay, includes repatriation and is valid in all Schengen states.
Does the insurance need to cover the whole Schengen Area?
Yes. The policy must be valid across all 29 Schengen states, not just your main destination — even if you only plan to visit one country.
When do I buy the insurance — before or after the visa is approved?
Check the requirements of the specific embassy or visa centre handling your application.
🌍 Plan Your Full Europe Trip
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Use the Europe Travel Planner →📚 Related Articles
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- Schengen Visa vs. ETIAS — which one applies to you
- Schengen 90/180-Day Rule — how the stay limit works
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Insurance products, coverage, and visa requirements change. Always verify current terms with the provider and the specific consulate before purchasing or applying. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Last updated: November 2026.