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Venice may conjure up images of romantic gondola rides down the Grand Canal, but this European city isn't only for swooning lovebirds.
Is Schengen Travel Insurance Mandatory for Australian Citizens?
Australian citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in Europe. However, if they plan to live, work, study, or conduct business in Europe for a longer duration, they must apply for a residence permit or a national visa of the specific European country.
For long-term visas or residence permits, one of the required documents is travel health insurance with:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses, evacuation, and repatriation
- Validity throughout the entire duration of stay in Europe
This insurance ensures coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation, protecting travelers from high healthcare costs while abroad.
Do Australians Need Travel Insurance for Short Stays in Schengen Countries?
Yes, even though Australians do not need a visa for short stays, they are required to have travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation as part of Schengen entry requirements.
Benefits of Schengen Travel Insurance for Australians
- Satisfies mandatory Schengen entry requirements
- Covers medical emergencies and hospital expenses
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions (in select plans)
Important Changes for Australians Traveling to Europe (2025–2026)
Europe is introducing major entry-system updates that will impact all Australian travellers visiting the Schengen Area.
✔ Entry/Exit System (EES) – Now Active
- Applies to all non-EU travellers, including Australians.
- At first Schengen entry, travellers undergo passport scanning, facial recognition, and fingerprint collection.
- Border officers may ask for itinerary, accommodation details, or proof of funds.
✔ ETIAS – Mandatory Soon (Expected Late 2026)
- ETIAS is not a visa, but a mandatory digital travel authorization for visa-exempt travellers.
- Australians must apply online before departure once it becomes active.
- Requires a passport, basic travel details, and a small fee (€7–€10).
Why this matters for insurance: Long-haul travel from Australia can lead to delays or missed connections; insurance with trip delay coverage can help avoid major expenses.
Why Travel Insurance Is Important for Australians Visiting Europe?
Healthcare in Europe is excellent but expensive for non-residents. Since Medicare or private Australian health insurance does not offer international medical coverage, buying dedicated European travel insurance is essential.
- Covers emergencies, accidents, and sudden illness during travel.
- Provides hospitalization, evacuation, or repatriation benefits.
- Protects against lost baggage during long multi-stop journeys.
- Offers financial protection for flight disruptions and missed connections.
Which Is the Affordable Schengen Travel Insurance for Australian Travelers?
The cheapest Schengen travel insurance for Australian citizens starts as low as $1 per day. The price varies based on the traveler’s age, travel duration, and coverage selected. It is recommended to compare the best low-cost Schengen plans before purchasing.
One of the most affordable options for travelers from Australia to Europe is Atlas International Insurance from WorldTrips, which offers strong medical benefits, Schengen-approved coverage, and easy online purchase through American Visitor Insurance.
Atlas International Insurance
Atlas International is a cheap Schengen visa insurance from Australia designed for travelers outside their home country, including both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens.
This plan offers excellent Schengen-visa compliant coverage with flexible medical maximums, multiple deductible options, acute onset of pre-existing condition benefits, and 24/7 worldwide travel assistance.
- Ideal for travelers visiting Europe from Australia and other countries.
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions (up to policy maximum for travelers below 80).
- Direct billing through the UnitedHealthcare network.
- Renewable up to a total of 12 months.
- Policy maximum options from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
- Deductible options from $0 to $5,000.
- Coverage duration from 5 days to 364 days.
- Atlas International costs between $27 to $233 per month, depending on age and plan selections.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Cost of Europe Travel Insurance From Australia?
The cost of Schengen visa travel insurance from Australia depends on key factors:
- Age of the traveler: The older the Schengen visa holder, the more expensive the monthly plan cost.
- The maximum medical coverage selected: The options range from $50,000, up to $1,000,000, the higher the coverage amount, the higher the premium.
- The selected deductible: A 'deductible' is the amount of the medical costs the customer pays before the insurance plan provides any coverage. Most plans provide several options ranging form $0 to $2500 (travelers over age 60 years may not have the $0 deductible option). The lower the deductible, the higher the premium.
- The co-insurance on the plan: 'Co-insurance' is the percentage on medical expenses borne by the customer AFTER the deductible is paid. The cheapest travel health insurance for schengen visa will have the highest co-insurance.
- The Insurance underwriter: There are different underwriters such as AIG, Lloyds, Nationwide, etc. Premium will vary for different underwriter.
How much does Schengen visa insurance cost for Australian citizens?
The cost for the Schengen visa travel insurance depends mainly on the age of the traveler and the duration of coverage required. The older the traveler the higher will be the cost. The longer the duration of travel insurance coverage Schengen visa required, the greater will be the cost for the travel insurance for Schengen visa. The Schengen visa insurance application quote facility on our website lists the travel insurance that satisfy Schengen visa consulate requirements. You can find the cheapest insurance for Schengen visa on American Visitor Insurance.
Europe Schengen travel insurance Cost in 2025Schengen insurance cost ranges between $8 to $15 per week for a 25-year-old traveler with a $50,000 medical maximum and $0 deductible.
All the insurance plans listed below
- Meet Schengen visa requirements
- Are accepted by Schengen embassies/consulates worldwide
- Include a downloadable visa letter immediately after purchase
| Insurance Plans | Provider Network | Cost | How to download Visa letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas International | No PPO | $8 | WorldTrips insurance ID cards via Client Zone |
| Patriot International Lite | IPA Network | $10 | IMG insurance ID cards from My IMG |
| Atlas Premium International | No PPO | $11 | WorldTrips insurance ID cards via Client Zone |
| Travel Medical Global Choice | Wellabroad.com | $11 | Seven Corners insurance ID cards via Client Zone |
| Safe Travels International |  |
$15 | Trawick International insurance ID cards via Client Zone. |
Source: American Visitor Insurance ®
Cheapest travel insurance for Schengen Visa
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Which Is the Best Schengen Travel Insurance With Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage?
Travelers with existing health concerns often need more than basic Schengen visa insurance.
- At American Visitor Insurance, we offer best Schengen travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage, including top-rated options such as Travel Medical Global Choice Insurance and Safe Travels International, both providing premium benefits and acute onset protection.
- For budget-friendly choices, the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visa includes Atlas International and Patriot International Lite Insurance, offering affordable coverage while still meeting all Schengen visa requirements.
Travelers can easily compare these best Schengen visa insurance for pre-existing conditions and choose the option that best fits their medical needs and budget.
Atlas International: Affordable Schengen travel insurance with pre-existing conditions providing essential medical coverage, emergency benefits and acute onset pre-existing condition protection for travelers under age 70.
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage: Covers up to the overall maximum limit for travelers under age 80.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: Up to $25,000 lifetime maximum.
- Cost Example: A 25-year-old travelerpays about $8 for a 7-day trip, with $50,000 medical maximum and $0 deductible.
Patriot International Lite: Affordable Schengen travel insurance with pre-existing conditions providing essential medical coverage, emergency benefits and acute onset pre-existing condition protection for travelers under age 70.
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage:
- Age 64 and under without primary health plan: Maximum limit $20,000
- Age 64 and under with primary health plan: Up to the period-of-coverage limit
- Age 65 through 69: Maximum limit $2,500
- Cost Example: A 25-year-old traveler pays about $10 for a 7-day trip, with $50,000 medical maximum and $0 deductible.
Travel Medical Global Choice Insurance: Best Schengen visa medical insurance for seniors with robust medical protection and acute onset pre-existing condition coverage, including cardiac issues, for travelers up to age 79
- Acute Onset of Pre-Existing Condition Coverage:
- 14 days to 64 years old: Up to $50,000
- 65 to 79 years old: Up to $10,000
- 80 years and older: Not Available
- Cost Example: A 25-year-old traveler pays about $11 for a 7-day trip, with $50,000 medical maximum and $0 deductible.
Safe Travels International: Premium-quality Schengen visa health insurance with pre-existing coverage designed for international travelers offering strong medical protection.
- Includes coverage for unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition
- Up to $2,500 for travelers up to age 69.
- Not available for ages 70+.
- Enhanced emergency coverage for cardiac or stroke-related events for senior travelers age 70 and above.
- Cost Example: A 25-year-old traveler pays about $15 for a 7-day trip, with $50,000 medical maximum and $0 deductible.
Which Is the Best Schengen Visa Insurance for Australian Citizens?
The Best Schengen Visa Travel Insurance plans for Australia is Patriot International Lite.
The other Affordable Schengen visa travel insurance for Australian citizens include Travel Medical Global Choice and Safe Travels International.
- Available for both Non US citizens and US citizens traveling outside USA.
- Medical evacuation covers up to $1,000,000
- Acute onset of pre-existing conditions is covered up to the policy maximum for visitors under 70 years of age.
Travel Medical Global Choice
Seven Corners
$11 FOR 7 DAYSAge: 25 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $0
- This plan covers travel delay, evacuation, repatriation, and emergency services...
- Policy maximum covers up to 1,000,000
- Unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing condition is covered up to $20k for ages up to 65
Safe Travels International
Trawick International
$15 FOR 7 DAYSAge: 25 years | Plan: $50,000 | Deductible: $0
- This plan offers coverage for international travelers visiting countries outside their home country.
- Emergency medical evacuation covers up to $1,000,000
- Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions for non-U.S. residents under age 70
Why Should I Buy Schengen Visa Insurance on American Visitor Insurance?
We serve as a trusted marketplace for Schengen travel insurance with over 20 years of experience, helping you easily compare top-rated plans that meet Schengen visa requirements.
- Side-by-Side Plan Comparison: With American Visitor Insurance, you can easily compare Schengen visa travel medical insurance plans, costs and benefits from top insurers - all in one place.
- Visa-Compliant & Comprehensive Protection: All plans meet Schengen visa requirements and include coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, accidents, repatriation, and unforeseen health issues abroad.
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Get the best price directly from the insurer — no hidden fees. Receive an instant quote and purchase your policy online quickly and hassle-free.
- Expert Support & Assistance: Our licensed customer support team is available 24/7 to
- Guide you through plan selection and online applications
- Help with policy renewals or extensions
- Assist with cancellations if travel plans change
- Support filing insurance claims
- Peace of Mind While Traveling: Enjoy your trip to the Schengen Area knowing you are protected with trusted insurance coverage.
What Are the Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements?
Travelers applying for a Schengen visa must purchase travel medical insurance that meets all of the following mandatory requirements:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and hospitalization.
- Valid in all 29 Schengen countries without exception.
- Includes emergency medical evacuation and medical repatriation (returning the traveler to their home country if needed).
- Must cover the entire duration of the stay in the Schengen Area — no gaps in travel dates.
- Insurance must provide 100% cashless coverage with no deductible/excess.
- Policy must clearly mention the traveler’s name, coverage dates, and coverage limits.
- The insurance provider must be recognized and accepted by Schengen embassies/consulates.
American Visitor Insurance provides a visa letter instantly after purchase that meets all these requirements.
library_books Procedure to get the Schengen visa application letter!
Tip: Always carry a printed copy and a digital copy of your insurance certificate. Embassies and border officers may ask for proof at any time.
Common Mistakes Australian Travelers Make When Visiting Europe
- Assuming visa-free entry means no documents are required.
- Not understanding the 90-days-in-180-days Schengen rule.
- Booking tight connecting flights between long-haul routes.
- Choosing insurance that doesn’t include evacuation or repatriation.
- Forgetting coverage for adventure sports or winter activities.
Which are the most common flight routes Australians take to Europe?
There are no direct flights from Australia to the Schengen Area. Most routes include two long-haul segments, increasing the risk of delays or baggage issues.
Common Flight Routes
- Sydney → Dubai → Europe
- Sydney → Singapore → Europe
- Melbourne → Doha → Europe
- Melbourne → Abu Dhabi → Europe
- Perth → Singapore → Europe
- Brisbane → Dubai → Europe
Why Insurance Is Important
- Higher chances of delayed or missed flights during multi-stop trips.
- Lost or delayed baggage is common on long international routes.
- Insurance offers compensation for hotels, meals, and rebooking costs.
- Medical emergencies during transit are fully covered.
Safety Tips for Australians Traveling to Europe
- Beware of pickpocketing hotspots such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, and Athens.
- Keep your passport secured; Australian passports are high-value targets.
- Always use travel insurance to protect against theft or medical emergencies.
- Book travel early during European summer for better rates.
Get Instant Schengen Visa Letter Required by European Consulates
- Schengen travel insurance can be purchased online quickly and securely for travelers needing a visa to Europe.
- Provide your travel details such as age, trip duration, and coverage amount to compare cheap Schengen travel insurance quotes and choose the best plan for your trip.
- Compare Schengen health insurance and Europe travel insurance for visa requirements to find the most affordable and reliable coverage options.
- Buy Schengen visa insurance online easily with instant confirmation and secure payment options.
- Once you purchase the policy, you will receive an instant Schengen visa letter accepted by all European consulates, along with a virtual ID card and 24/7 toll-free assistance.
- Get comprehensive Schengen travel medical insurance coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and medical evacuation during your trip.
- Find the best Schengen visa insurance for your travel to Europe compare, buy, and download your visa letter instantly.
Why Schengen Travel Insurance Is Important for Australia Travelers?
Schengen travel insurance is not just a visa requirement it is essential protection for Australian travelers visiting Europe. Medical care in Schengen countries can be extremely expensive for non-European visitors, and even a minor accident can result in very high hospital bills.
With the right travel insurance, you are protected against major risks such as:
- Emergency medical treatment for sudden sickness or accidental injuries
- Hospitalization costs which can be extremely high in Europe
- Ambulance and emergency transportation services
- Medical evacuation back to Australia, if required
- Repatriation of remains, which is a mandatory Schengen requirement
Choosing a plan from a trusted and reputable insurer ensures you receive proper support during visa processing and peace of mind while traveling. You also get an instant Schengen visa letter after purchase along with 24/7 emergency assistance.
In short, Schengen travel insurance guarantees safety, financial protection, and a stress-free trip for Australian citizens visiting Europe.
What Does Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Cover?
- Satisfies Visa requirements: Schengen visa insurance satisfies consulate requirements.
- Medical evacuation: Emergency medical evacuation expenses to nearest available facility if needed.
- Health care expenses: Covers emergency medical expenses for accidental injury or illness.
- Repat of remains: Offers coverage for repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
- Pre-existing conditions: Travel insurance offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Reviews
Reviews, Ratings and Experiences from our customers
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"Thank you American Visitor Insurance! You went way beyond what I would expect from an insurance company."
What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Not Cover?
Schengen Visa travel insurance provides coverage for emergencies, but there are several exclusions. These usually include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Illnesses or conditions that existed before the policy started are generally excluded.
- Chronic illness treatment: Long-term or ongoing treatments for chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are not covered.
- Non-emergency medical care: Routine check-ups, scheduled visits, vaccinations, and elective procedures are not included.
- Adventure or high-risk sports: Activities like skiing, scuba diving, or other extreme sports often require additional coverage.
- Mental health conditions: Psychiatric care, counseling, and mental health treatments are typically excluded.
How Can I Buy Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa Online?
Finding Best Schengen Visa Insurance Prices
To meet Schengen visa insurance requirements, just fill out the quote form with your details and coverage needs.
Compare the Different Travel Insurance Options
Compare the price and the benefits of the different travel insurance options to identify what fits your needs best.
Buy the Travel Insurance That you like Best
Purchase the plan that fits your needs and budget by using a credit card and completing the online application.
Review Policy Documents and Coverage Details
Review the €30,000 travel insurance documents sent to your email for coverage details and contact numbers.
Compare Schengen Visa Travel Insurance
Atlas International
Insurance
Per Month
- Policy Maximum#1
- Deductible#2
- Schengen visa letter
Available from client zone - Covers complications of pregnancy in the first 26 weeks of gestation
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage is available within the age of 79
Patriot International Lite
Insurance
Per Month
- Policy Maximum#1
- Deductible#2
- Schengen visa letter
Sent immediately after purchase - Does not offers coverage for pregnancy
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage is available within the age of 70
Safe Travels International Insurance
Per Month
- Policy Maximum#1
- Deductible#2
- Europe visa letter
Sent immediately after purchase - Covers Emergency Medical Treatment of Pregnancy
- Covers unexpected recurrence of pre-existing conditions up to the age of 89 years
Travel Medical Choice Insurance
Per Month
- Policy Maximum#1
- Deductible#2
- Europe visa letter
Sent immediately after purchase
shopping_cart Purchase Now
Not Available in#3
Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, Colorado.....
Maryland, Washington, New York, South Dakota, Colorado.....
#1 Policy Maximum is the maximum eligible medical expenses that the plan will cover.
#2 Deductible is the amount of expenses that must be paid out of pocket before an insurer will pay any expenses.
#3 Europe travel insurance for US residents Click here to read more »What Is Europe Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa?
What Are the Types of Schengen Visas Available for Australian citizens?
Australian citizens can apply for various types of Schengen visas based on their travel purpose
1. Type A Visa (Airport Transit Visa)
- This visa allows travelers to transit through the international zone of a Schengen airport without entering the country.
- Necessary for Australian citizens who need to change flights in a Schengen country.
2. Type C Visa (Short-Stay Visa)
This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for various purposes, including:
- Tourist Visa: For leisure travel.
- Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities.
- Family Visits: For visiting family or friends in the Schengen Area.
- Cultural Events: For participating in cultural, artistic, or sports events.
- The Type C visa can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa.
3. Type D Visa (Long-Stay Visa)
- For stays exceeding 90 days, this visa is required for purposes such as work, study, or family reunification in a specific Schengen country.
- It is issued by the embassy of the destination country.
Travel Health Insurance From Australia to Europe - FAQ's
1. Do Australian Citizens need a Visa to enter the Schengen region of Europe?
No, Australian citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. However, for stays longer than 90 days (work, study, or family reunification), a Type D long-stay visa is required. Even if a visa is not needed, travelers must have valid travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies. Australian citizens with dual citizenship in a Schengen country can enter using that nationality without a visa.
2: What is EES and how does it affect entry to Schengen?
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is a new biometric border-control system used in the Schengen Area. It replaces manual passport stamping and records your entry and exit using fingerprint and facial recognition.
For Australian travelers, EES means:
- Your biometric data (face + fingerprints) will be registered on first entry.
- Border checks may take slightly longer during verification.
- Your stay is automatically tracked under the 90/180-day Schengen rule.
- You may be asked for proof of accommodation, return ticket, and insurance.
3: When will ETIAS start for Australians?
The ETIAS travel authorization is expected to start for Australian travelers in 2026. It is not a visa but a mandatory pre-travel approval for visa-exempt visitors entering the Schengen Area.
Key points for Australians:
- You must apply online before departure.
- The fee will be around €7.
- Most approvals are issued within minutes to a few days.
- Airlines and border officers will verify ETIAS before allowing entry.
4. Can I buy Schengen travel insurance online from Australia?
Yes, Australian travelers can purchase Schengen-compliant insurance online. The policy certificate is issued instantly and can be submitted with the visa application.
5. Can I get Schengen insurance for a long stay of more than 90 days?
No. Schengen insurance is valid for stays up to 90 days. Longer stays require a National (D) Visa and corresponding long-term health insurance.
6. Can my Schengen visa be rejected due to invalid travel insurance?
Yes. Visa applications can be rejected if the insurance has insufficient coverage, incorrect dates, or is not valid across all Schengen states.
7. Can Australian students use Schengen insurance for study visas?
No. Students applying for long-term study visas must purchase long-term health insurance instead of short-term Schengen insurance.
8. Does Schengen insurance cover medical repatriation?
Yes. All Schengen-compliant plans include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains back to Australia if required.
9. How long does it take to receive the Schengen insurance certificate?
You receive the insurance certificate instantly by email after purchasing online. It is ready to be attached to your visa documents.
10. Does Schengen travel insurance cover flight delays or cancellations?
Only if you choose a plan that includes trip delay, missed connection, or trip cancellation benefits. Basic medical-only plans usually exclude this.
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