What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from China?

Do people from China need a Schengen Visa and travel insurance to enter Europe?

Chinese citizens traveling to countries in the Schengen Zone will most likely need to apply for a short-stay Schengen Visa. This will permit you entry to any of the countries covered by the Schengen agreement, for a maximum of 90 days during a 180-day period. Longer stays require a work visa, sometimes referred to as a work permit, or a study visa. Multiple-entry visas are also available if you plan on traveling regularly to the Schengen Area. To obtain your visas, you will need travel insurance covering you for medical and repatriation expenses up to €30,000.

What are my options when buying travel insurance?

Low Cost

For those on a tighter budget or who want basic coverage, AXA provides Low Cost Schengen Area travel insurance that meets your visa requirements from as little as €22 per week. The policy will cover you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries and offer you coverage in case of repatriation. A certificate proving you are insured will be available immediately, meaning you can get on with your application.

Europe Travel

As the number one brand for Schengen Visa travel insurance, AXA also offers other options and tailor-made products. For instance, there’s the Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week. It’s perfect for those traveling with family as it covers children under the age of 18, or for those planning more adventurous activities during their trip, as it covers expenses up to €100,000. With this type of policy, you may also be covered for loss of documents or important items, as well as other problems you might encounter.

Multi Trip

Schengen Multi Trip insurance, perfect for regular travelers, is available for €328 for a year’s coverage and has the same benefits as Europe Travel but can be used throughout a year on multiple trips. It’s perfect for business travelers who need comprehensive coverage to ensure their trips aren’t disrupted by any mishaps.

All of AXA’s travel insurance plans offer you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy certain guarantees in the event of hospitalization, assistance for solo travelers, an extension of your stay, daily compensation, and much more.

If your visa is refused, AXA will refund your insurance fees in most circumstances but you will need documentation from officials showing why your application was turned down.

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa?

Those seeking a China Schengen Visa must apply no more than six months before their trip. It is advised you apply at least three weeks before you leave, however, to allow for any delays to the processing of the application. Then, you need to fill out your application, submit supporting documents, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center.

You should make your application to the country where you are planning to spend most of your stay - or if staying an equal amount of days in two countries - the one you plan to enter first.

You can download a Schengen Visa application form here: AXA Schengen Visa Application

How much does a China Schengen Visa cost?

A Schengen Visa costs €80 for adults and €40 for minors. Visa fees are waived for children under six years of age, those traveling to Europe for study purposes, researchers, those under 25 years old traveling with charitable organizations, and those attending sporting or cultural events. Of course, you will also need to pay for your insurance, as well as prove that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay, and the right travel and accommodation bookings or reservations to match the purpose and duration of your visit.

How do I book my China Schengen Visa appointment?

To finalize your application for a China Schengen Visa, you must book an appointment to be interviewed and attend with your supporting documents. These will be undertaken at a consulate, embassy or outsourced visa application center. For example, the Netherlands uses the company TLSContact in China, which has centers in Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Kunming, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Xi'an.

What documents do I need to apply for a China Schengen Visa?

You will need two recently taken passport-style photos, a Chinese passport or another travel document that’s no older than 10 years. These documents must be valid until at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need a certificate showing you have travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means to support yourself during your trip.

Other countries who need a Schengen visa

• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from Colombia ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from Mexico ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from Peru ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from The Philippines ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from Thailand ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from the U.K. ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from Jamaica ?
• What travel insurance do I need when visiting the Schengen Area from India ?

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance