Schengen Travel Insurance 2026: €50,000 Coverage Required
Schengen visa travel insurance must cover at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and be valid for the full Schengen Area. Many applications get rejected because the certificate wording is wrong — not because the coverage is too low. This guide shows exactly what your certificate must say.
You CANNOT get a Schengen visa without travel insurance. Missing insurance = automatic application rejection. Don't skip this!
🛡️ Get EKTA Schengen Travel Insurance
€50,000+ coverage from €0.80/day • Instant PDF certificate • Embassy-ready • All 27 Schengen countries
In this guide
- Quick Pick by Traveler Type
- Schengen Insurance Requirements
- Best Schengen Travel Insurance Providers
- How Much Does Schengen Insurance Cost?
- How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance
- What Your Insurance Certificate Must Show
- Can I Get Refund If Visa is Rejected?
- Special Situations
- Complete your visa file
- Most Questions Asked by Visa Applicants
- Quick Recommendation Guide
- People mostly search for…
Quick Pick by Traveler Type
- First-time applicant: choose a simple Schengen-focused policy with clear certificate wording
- Family trip: check coverage per traveler and child emergency terms
- Business travel: align insurance dates exactly with itinerary and invitation schedule
- Multi-country itinerary: verify "all Schengen states" wording appears on certificate
- Unsure about dates: add 1-2 buffer days on both sides to avoid date mismatch
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. EKTA Traveling (Our Top Pick — Cheapest & Fastest)
Why we recommend it: EKTA was built specifically for Schengen visa travelers. The certificate is designed around what embassies actually check — clear Schengen-wide wording, repatriation included, your name spelled correctly, and dates that match your itinerary. It's also one of the most affordable options out there.
- Coverage: €50,000+ medical (meets and exceeds the requirement)
- Cost: From ~€0.80/day — often the cheapest compliant option
- Schengen Countries: All 27 covered
- Certificate: Instant PDF — emailed within minutes of purchase
- Pros: Very affordable, embassy-ready certificate format, instant delivery, no confusing add-ons
- Cons: Focused on Schengen travel — not ideal if you also need worldwide adventure coverage
- Refund: Check their visa refusal refund policy before purchase
2. Insubuy (Best US-Friendly Marketplace)
Why we recommend it: Insubuy is a US-based aggregator that lets you compare multiple Schengen-compliant insurers in one search. Pick by deductible, medical limit, or carrier, then check out in USD with an instant certificate.
- Coverage: €30k–€500k depending on plan selected
- Cost: Typically $35–$90 for a 10-day trip
- Certificate: Instant PDF after checkout
- Pros: Compare several carriers side-by-side, US billing, transparent benefit tables
- Cons: Plan wording varies — always preview the certificate before paying
3. VisitorsCoverage (Best Comprehensive Coverage)
Why we recommend it: VisitorsCoverage curates international travel medical plans with higher medical ceilings and optional trip-cancellation add-ons. Worth it for longer trips, premium itineraries, or applicants who want more than the bare Schengen minimum.
- Coverage: €100k–€500k+ medical with cancellation add-ons
- Cost: Typically $40–$120 for a 10-day trip
- Certificate: Instant PDF after checkout
- Pros: Higher limits, broad plan ladder, trip-cancellation and baggage add-ons
- Cons: Pricier per day than EKTA — only needed if you genuinely want the richer coverage
4. AXA Schengen
Why Recommended: A well-known brand among embassy staff. AXA has been selling Schengen-specific policies for years, so the brand name on your certificate is familiar to consulates.
- 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
- Certificate: Instant PDF certificate in English
- Pros: Embassy-trusted name, visa refusal refund on some plans
- Cons: More expensive than EKTA for the same basic coverage
5. Allianz Travel Insurance
Why Recommended: If you want comprehensive trip protection beyond just the visa requirement — trip cancellation, baggage, the works — Allianz has layered plans.
- Coverage: €50,000 to €1,000,000 (depends on plan)
- Cost: €25-€80 for 10-day trip
- Schengen Countries: All covered
- Pros: Great for families and seniors, 24/7 assistance, strong global network
- Cons: Higher cost, more menus to navigate during checkout
6. SafetyWing (For Digital Nomads)
Why Recommended: If you're hopping between countries for months, SafetyWing's subscription-style billing makes sense.
- Coverage: $250,000 USD (€200,000+ equivalent)
- Cost: $45/month (~€1.50/day)
- Schengen Countries: All covered
- Pros: Month-to-month, cancel anytime, popular with remote workers
- Cons: $250 deductible, some embassies may want a traditional single-trip certificate
7. World Nomads
Why Recommended: Best for adventure travelers who plan to ski, scuba dive, or do other activities that standard policies exclude.
- Coverage: €100,000 to unlimited (depends on plan/region)
- Cost: €30-€90 for 10-day Europe trip
- Schengen Countries: All covered
- Pros: Adventure coverage included, can buy after trip started
- Cons: Most expensive option for basic Schengen coverage
How Much Does Schengen Insurance Cost?
Cost by Trip Duration
| 5 days | €10-€15 | €20-€30 | €40-€60 |
| 10 days | €20-€30 | €35-€50 | €60-€90 |
| 15 days | €30-€40 | €50-€70 | €80-€120 |
| 30 days | €45-€60 | €80-€110 | €130-€200 |
| 90 days (max Schengen) | €90-€120 | €150-€220 | €250-€400 |
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
For most people, EKTA is the simplest and cheapest way to get a compliant certificate. If you want a big-brand name on the paperwork, AXA or Allianz also work well.
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
- ❌ Coverage below €50,000
- ❌ Doesn't cover all Schengen countries
- ❌ Dates don't match trip dates (missing days)
- ❌ Doesn't include repatriation
- ❌ Certificate not in English or destination language
Can I Get Refund If Visa is Rejected?
Depends on provider:
Refund Policies
- EKTA: Check their visa refusal refund terms at checkout — many plans allow cancellation
- 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:
- Contact insurance provider customer service
- Provide visa rejection letter from embassy
- Provide proof you didn't travel
- 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 tend to have better senior rates. EKTA is also worth checking — they may offer competitive pricing depending on your age bracket.
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.
Complete your visa file
Insurance is one piece. Embassies also want a refundable hotel proof and a flight reservation.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
- What documents do I need?
- How do I write a cover letter?
- How much bank balance to show?
- What travel insurance do I need?
- How do I book a visa appointment?
- How long does processing take?
- Which country approves easiest?
- Why do visas get rejected?
- How to get a flight reservation?
- Which insurance plan is best?
- How much does a Schengen visa cost?
- Where do I start as a first timer?
Most Questions Asked by Visa Applicants
Can I buy insurance after visa approval?
No. You must have your insurance certificate before you submit the visa application — it is a required document at the time of filing. After approval, you can add coverage if you want extra protection for the trip, but you cannot skip it during the application stage.
What if I already have travel insurance from my credit card?
Credit card travel insurance rarely meets Schengen requirements. The legal minimum is €30,000 medical coverage, all Schengen countries, and a dedicated repatriation benefit — and you need a standalone certificate in your name. Most credit card policies are secondary coverage and won't produce that document. Check with your card issuer, but in most cases you will need a separate policy.
Do I need insurance for the entire 90-day validity or just my trip?
Only for your actual trip dates. If you are traveling for 10 days, buy 10-day coverage (plus a couple of buffer days). The 90-day window on the visa is how long you can stay across a 180-day period — not a requirement to insure for 90 days.
Does my company or employer medical insurance count for a Schengen visa?
No. Employer health plans cover you domestically — they can't produce a Schengen-compliant certificate. Consulates need a document in your name showing €30,000 minimum medical coverage, validity across all Schengen states, emergency repatriation, and your exact trip dates. No group workplace plan satisfies those terms. Buy a dedicated travel insurance policy.
Can I use health insurance from my home country?
Almost never. Your regular medical or health insurance covers you at home — not in Europe. It won't produce a Schengen-compliant certificate, it doesn't include repatriation, and it won't have "all Schengen countries" wording. You need a separate travel insurance policy. Read our full guide: Travel Insurance vs Medical Insurance — What's the Difference?
What happens if I need to use the insurance while traveling?
Call the 24/7 emergency number printed on your insurance certificate. The provider will direct you to a nearby clinic or hospital, communicate with the facility on your behalf, and arrange direct billing or guide you through reimbursement. Keep all receipts and medical documents — you will need them for any claim.
Is COVID-19 coverage required?
As of 2026, COVID-specific coverage is no longer mandatory, but recommended. Most standard policies now include COVID-19 as any other illness. Check your policy to confirm COVID treatment is covered.
Quick Recommendation Guide
- Best for most people: EKTA — cheapest, fastest certificate, built for Schengen visa submissions
- First-time applicant who wants a big brand: AXA Schengen — embassy-familiar name, visa refusal refund
- Families or seniors (65+): Allianz — comprehensive plans, good senior rates
- Adventure travel (skiing, diving): World Nomads — adventure activities covered
- Digital nomad / long-term travel: SafetyWing — month-to-month billing, cancel anytime
- Multiple Schengen trips per year: Allianz annual multi-trip or multiple EKTA single-trip policies
Bottom line: If you just need a compliant policy at the lowest price with a clean certificate, start with EKTA and compare from there.