Do I Need Travel Insurance for Schengen countries?
Yes, Travel insurance for Schengen countries is mandatory if you are applying for a Schengen visa and the policy must meet the meet the Schengen requirements, including a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage (approx. $50,000) for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation. If you do not need a visa then travel insurance is optional yet it is still highly recommended due to potential high medical costs for foreigners.
The Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Plan Must Meet These Requirements
- It should cover at least €30,000 (around $50,000 USD) for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- It should be valid in all 27 countries in the Schengen Zone.
- It should be valid for the entire duration of time you are in the Schengen states.
What Are the Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements?
Travelers who need a Schengen visa should buy travel insurance satisfying Schengen visa requirements:
- Travel insurance coverage of 30,000 Euros (~USD $35,000 as of Jan 2026)
- The policy must be valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
- Coverage for medical repatriation and emergency medical care.
- The policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
- The policy should offer 100% coverage with no excess/deductible.
💡 Tip: Always carry a digital and printed copy of your policy, as you may be asked for proof at border checks or during visa processing.
Some General Guidelines on Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements
- Medical coverage: The Schengen travel insurance should have a minimum coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros (at least $50,000 USD). This coverage is intended to cover medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains in case of an accident or sudden illness.
- Coverage for all Schengen 27 countries: The insurance coverage should be valid for all the Schengen countries you plan to visit during your trip.
- Medical Expenses and Repatriation: The insurance should cover any medical expenses that might arise during your stay, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and prescription medications. Additionally, it should cover the cost of repatriation in case of serious illness, injury, or death.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: The insurance policy should provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation back to your home country in case of severe medical conditions that require specialized treatment not available in the Schengen country.
- Duration of Coverage: The insurance coverage should be valid for the complete duration of the intended stay within the Schengen Area.
- Insurance Provider: The Schengen visa insurance policy should be provided by a reputable and recognized insurance company.
- Proof of Insurance: The traveler will need to provide proof of Schengen travel insurance when applying for a Schengen Visa. This can be a certificate or letter from the insurance company stating the coverage details and confirming that it meets the Schengen requirements.
- Additional Coverage: While not always mandatory, it's advisable to consider additional coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events that could disrupt your travel plans.
Which Is the Cheapest Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?
The cheapest Schengen visa insurance is Atlas International Insurance plan, starting at just $1 for a day. Schengen visa travel insurance cost depends on factors, such as the provider, the length of stay, age of the applicant, and the level of coverage required. It is advisable to compare the benefits of cheapest Schengen travel insurance before buying a plan that meets Schengen consulate requirements.
Which Are the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Schengen Visa?
* The price shown is for a 7-day trip with a $50,000 maximum coverage and a $0 deductible for a 30-year-old traveler.
How Much Does Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Cost?
Europe Schengen travel insurance Cost in 2026Schengen 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 Schengen insurance visa letter immediately after purchase
| Insurance Plans | Provider Network | Cost | How to download Schengen 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
Review Schengen Visa insurance plan benefits.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Medical Expense: 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
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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
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.
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Schengen Visa Information & Documents
Visa Insurance Letter
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Know more »Schengen Travel Insurance €30,000 Medical Coverage FAQs
1. Why is travel insurance required for a Schengen Visa?
Proper travel insurance is required by the Schengen country consulates to ensure that travelers have enough financial coverage in case of unexpected medical emergencies, accidents, or other unforeseen events during their stay in the Schengen Area.
2. What is the minimum coverage amount required for Schengen Visa travel insurance?
The minimum coverage amount required for Schengen Visa travel insurance is typically 30,000 euros, around USD 50,000. This coverage is intended to cover medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. American Visitor Insurance offers plans which satisfy Schengen visa requirements designed by US insurance providers.
3. Can I use any travel insurance for my Schengen Visa application?
No, you cannot use just any travel insurance. The insurance must meet specific criteria set by the Schengen countries, including coverage amount, validity, and coverage of medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency evacuation. These specially designed plans which satisfy Schengen visa requirements are available on American Visitor Insurance.
4. Does the travel insurance need to cover all Schengen countries I plan to visit?
Yes, the travel insurance must provide coverage for all the Schengen countries you intend to visit during your trip. It should be valid for the entire Schengen Area.
5. When should I provide proof of travel insurance for my Schengen Visa application?
The traveler should provide proof of travel insurance when you submit your Schengen Visa application. The proof could be in the form of a certificate or letter from the insurance company detailing the Schengen travel insurance coverage.
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