What is the minimum coverage required for a Schengen Visa?

What is the minimum requirement you need from your travel and medical insurance when obtaining a Schengen Visa?

When applying for a visa in order to enter any of the 27 Schengen Area countries, you need travel insurance that meets several basic criteria. Your travel insurance must cover you for medical and repatriation expenses up to at least €30,000. In addition, your policy must cover you for travel to all Schengen states, not just the ones you are visiting, and be valid for the whole of your trip. The full rules stipulated by the European Parliament in Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 are below:

Article 15 - travel medical insurance

1. Applicants for a uniform visa for one or two entries shall prove that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during their stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.

2. Applicants for a uniform visa for more than two entries (multiple entries) shall prove that they are in possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance covering the period of their first intended visit. In addition, such applicants shall sign the statement, set out in the application form, declaring that they are aware of the need to be in possession of travel medical insurance for subsequent stays.

3. The insurance shall be valid throughout the territory of the Member States and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be €30,000. When a visa with limited territorial validity covering the territory of more than one Member State is issued, the insurance cover shall be valid at least in the Member States concerned.

How do I ensure my travel insurance meets this criteria?

The easiest way to get coverage is to obtain specialized Schengen Visa insurance from a reputable provider like AXA. We have tailored our products to ensure all you need to do is go through a few easy steps to obtain a quote and purchase insurance that will meet the minimum requirements that are mandatory for the issuance of a Schengen Visa.

To begin the quick and easy journey to getting your Schengen Visa insurance, click here.

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.

Additional information

All of AXA’s travel insurance policies allow you to enjoy certain guarantees. These relate to hospitalization, assistance for solo travelers, trip extensions, daily compensation, and much more.

We do not discriminate by age when pricing our policies and include all taxes and all costs. There are no nasty surprises - what you see here is what you pay!

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.

Related topics on Schengen insurance

• What is the health insurance for Schengen visa?
• Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory?
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How to book Schengen insurance online ?
• How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance online?
• Where can I get my Schengen travel insurance certificate?
• What are the requirements for Schengen travel insurance?
• What are the warranties for Schengen travel insurance?

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance

Is the minimum coverage option all I can buy? If I buy more comprehensive insurance- will this comply?

The regulations only state the minimum insurance required to obtain your visa- so more comprehensive coverage is fine as long as it meets the other criteria required by the rules. As stated above - AXA has policies that offer coverage above the minimum level required by the Schengen Area’s regulations.

What will happen if I apply for my visa with insurance that doesn’t meet Schengen Area requirements?

Your visa application will be refused as it is a mandatory condition for obtaining your Schengen Visa.

If I am only traveling to one country- can I buy insurance for just that place?

No. If you need a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe then you must obtain travel insurance that covers you in all 27 Schengen countries.