What are the requirements for Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?

What are the requirements for Schengen Visa insurance?

If you’re planning a trip to or around Europe, you might need a Schengen Visa. And to both apply for and get a Schengen Visa, you’ll need to have travel insurance.

AXA offers comprehensive travel insurance online that meets all the Schengen Visa requirements. And it also offers general comprehensive coverage at the best value, which means — whether you need a visa or not — you can travel throughout the Schengen (and beyond) confidently and with peace of mind.

• What kind of travel insurance do I need to be approved for a Schengen visa? 
• What are the Schengen visa insurance requirements for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa? 
• European Parliament’s Regulations for Travel Insurance in the Schengen Area 
• What documentation do I need to provide to visa officials? 
• What insurance products does AXA offer those traveling to the Schengen Area? 
• Does AXA have a refund policy? 

What kind of travel insurance do I need to be approved for a Schengen visa?

Depending on the nature of your trip, you have a few options when it comes to Schengen Visa Travel Insurance. But whether you’re on vacation, traveling for work, visiting friends and/or family, studying, or anything in between — to be approved for a Schengen visa, your insurance is going to have to meet a number of requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• An insurance plan that’s valid for the duration of your entire time in Europe — be it a day, a year, or longer.
• Not only that, but your insurance will need to cover all the Schengen Area countries. And this is regardless of whether you plan to visit all of them or just one.
• It must cover the cost of medical expenses such as : hospitalization, emergency treatment and repatriation (in case of accident or death)
• You’ll need a minimum coverage of at least €30,000.

What are the Schengen visa insurance requirements for a multiple-entry Schengen Visa?

Multiple-entry Schengen visas allow you to make multiple trips within the Schengen zone. Applicants for visas for more than two entries will need the following:

• Proof that they have valid travel medical insurance covering only the duration of their first intended visit to receive their visa.
• However, you’ll also need to sign a document stating you understand that you need insurance for any and all future trips. But, of course, it’s best to have insurance coverage for all your planned trips ahead of time. That way you can continue your journey at any point confidently and stress-free.

If you do plan to travel to and throughout the Schengen area with multiple entries, AXA offers a comprehensive Multi-Trip coverage option too.

European Parliament’s Regulations for Travel Insurance in the Schengen Area

Above is a general overview of all the necessary requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa. However, if you want to learn the specifics, you can see a more detailed breakdown of the above requirements in “Article 15 - Travel Medical Insurance” of the European Parliament’s Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009, provided courtesy of the Official Journal of the European Union. You’ll find them on page 10.

What documentation do I need to provide to visa officials?

The exact documents you need to present will obviously depend on your country of destination, as well as the country you're coming from. But you’ll most likely need your passport (and/or your residency card, etc.), your itinerary, maybe a letter of invitation, something stating the purpose of your trip, and so on.

One thing you’ll need for sure, however, is a certificate proving you have Schengen travel insurance.

Fortunately, AXA provides a personalized, printable certificate online. And you can obtain it instantly once you’ve purchased your policy.

The AXA certificate meets all the Schengen visa insurance requirements of the EU (and other Schengen countries like Iceland, Norway, etc.) and is accepted by all Schengen member embassies and consulates.

What insurance products does AXA offer those traveling to the Schengen Area?

AXA offers three types of Schengen Area travel insurance options. All three meet all the requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa. But the one that works best for you depends on your trip. They are:

• Low Cost, which starts from as little as €22/week. It covers you for medical expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries and offers coverage in case of hospitalization or repatriation. This policy is best for those who want basic coverage and/or are traveling on a budget.

• Europe Travel, which costs €33/week, covers expenses of up to €100,000, and can help with a number of emergencies (such as the loss of important documents or items, search and rescue costs, and so on). An added bonus of Europe Travel is that, along with the 27 Schengen states, it also covers EU countries not in the Schengen area, San Marino, the Principalities of Andorra and Monaco, Vatican City and the United Kingdom.

• Multi-Trip, available from €328/year and perfect for those who plan to travel frequently throughout the Schengen, the EU, and the U.K. It offers the same comprehensive benefits as Europe Travel, but it also allows you multiple entries throughout your stay in the Schengen area (and beyond). This policy is perfect for those who travel regularly.

Does AXA have a refund policy?

Yes. On the off-chance that you are refused a Schengen Visa (despite having the right travel insurance), AXA will refund your fees in most circumstances. But the refund is subject to certain terms and conditions. We’ll ask that you provide official documentation explaining the reasons why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

Related topics on Schengen insurance

• What is the health insurance for Schengen visa?
• What is the minimum coverage required for a 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 warranties for Schengen travel insurance?

Will declaring pre-existing conditions when taking out travel insurance have any impact on my policy’s validity?

You will need to disclose any pre-existing conditions when taking out your insurance. AXA has made it easy for you to do so by answering a few quick and confidential questions during the quote process. This means we should be able to make sure you are covered for the conditions you have declared. If you fail to declare conditions- you may not be covered during your trip.

What happens if I give you the wrong information?

If you give the wrong information on your application-your policy may be declared void - and in some circumstances - you may face a fraud investigation. If this is discovered before you apply for your visa it could impact your application.

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

If you need a Schengen Visa to travel to Europe then you must obtain travel insurance that covers you in all 27 Schengen countries.