What travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen Visa?

Is travel insurance mandatory when applying for a Schengen Visa?

When visiting Europe, travelers should be able to handle and financially cover medical services in case of an accident, injury, or illness, and it is mandatory to have your own travel insurance. If you are from a country with a visa-free travel arrangement with the Schengen Area then Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory, but is still advised.

What are the requirements for Schengen travel insurance?

Your Schengen travel insurance must cover medical and repatriation costs up to at least €30,000, in case of medical emergency or death, and be valid in all Schengen states.

What are my options when buying Schengen travel insurance ?

Low Cost

For those who prize value for money, AXA provides Low Cost Schengen Area travel insurance that meets your visa requirements from as little as €22 per week. This will cover you for medical and repatriation expenses up to €30,000 in all Schengen countries and offer you coverage in case of repatriation.

Europe Travel

As the number one brand for Schengen Visa insurance AXA also offers other options and tailor-made products. Other coverage available includes our Europe Travel insurance, costing €33 per week - this is perfect for those traveling with family as it covers children under 18, or for those planning more adventurous activities during their trip as it covers expenses up to €100,000. With this type of insurance, you are also covered for loss of documents or other important items, as well as other problems you might encounter during your trip. This type of insurance can also offer you compensation for days spent in hospital, the replacement of essential items, and coverage of hotel costs for family.

Multi Trip

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

A certificate proving you are insured and detailing your policy will be available immediately, meaning you can get on with your application.

Tips for Schengen Visa insurance

Before purchasing a travel insurance policy for your upcoming travel to Europe you should make sure that you don’t already have an existing plan, or if you do, that it provides coverage that meets the mandatory Schengen Visa requirements. You should also check the restrictions and limitations to any travel insurance policy you have to check if it provides the right coverage for your trip to Europe.

You should also check on your travel plans and what you plan to do and take with you. For example, if you are traveling by car in the Schengen Area, check that your insurance will cover you in the event of accidents. Or, if you are planning more dangerous activities like extreme sports, make sure this is covered in your policy. You should also check that your insurance covers you for any valuable possessions.

Tips when traveling

It’s highly recommended for people with pre-existing conditions like allergies or asthma to carry medical information from their physician describing their condition and the drugs prescribed to maintain it. In case one has a chronic disease, again, it’s smart to be carrying any prescribed drugs you need in the amount needed for days spent traveling in Europe.

Why should I choose AXA travel insurance if I do not need to obtain a visa?

Travel insurance provides you with peace of mind before and during your trip - as you may have to pay medical costs or for setbacks such as lost documents and luggage, as well as for other circumstances that may disrupt your holiday.

Related topics on Schengen insurance

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

Do I need to declare any pre-existing conditions when taking out Schengen travel insurance?

Yes you do- and AXA has made it easy for you to do so by answering a few quick and confidential questions during the quote process. We should be able to offer a plan that covers the conditions you have declared. Claims relating to any conditions not declared to us will not be covered.

How do I contact AXA to make a claim during my trip?

If you need to contact us - you can email the AXA Help Team on travel.help@axainsurance.com or log in to your online account and follow the simple steps on the claims page. For support in a medical emergency - call our 24-hour helpline on +44 (0)1737 815626. Call charges may vary.

What happens if I give the wrong information on my Schengen insurance form?

All the information you give us must be accurate to the best of your knowledge - insurance companies can cancel a policy or void it and refuse to pay out if the information is not correct - and if an inaccuracy is deemed deliberate you may face a fraud investigation.