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

Do Colombians require a visa and travel insurance when visiting the Schengen Area?

At the moment, Colombian passport holders are allowed to visit any and all of the Schengen member countries without being required to apply for a visa, as an agreement permitting this was signed in 2015. This applies to Colombian visitors coming to Europe for short stays of up to 90 days. All you will need to do is present your passport upon entering the Schengen Area. Although this means Colombians do not need mandatory Schengen travel insurance, taking out a policy is strongly advised to ensure you are covered for any mishaps that may occur during your trip.

From late 2023, the European Travel Information and Authorization System, referred to as ETIAS, comes into effect. This will cost €7 and be available online. Once in place, it will give travelers authorization for up to three years for multiple short trips of under 90 days each. You should, however, check that the country you plan to travel to is one of the 27 countries within the Schengen Area.

Yes, if you are living in Colombia but are a citizen of a country without a visa-free travel arrangement with Schengen countries, or want to spend longer than 90 days working or studying in the Schengen Area, then you will need to apply for a visa. The processing fee for a Schengen Visa is €80 for adults and €40 for minors.

What do I need from my travel insurance?

If you are traveling to the Schengen Area from Colombia and require a visa your travel insurance can include numerous coverage options, but it is compulsory to have some cover to receive a Schengen Visa. It must at least cover repatriation in the event of serious accident or death and potential medical costs, up to a minimum of €30,000. Those who do not require a visa can be more flexible in their insurance options - but our Low Cost insurance, in particular, is a good starting point when looking to buy a policy that will cover you for most necessities during your trip.

What are my options when buying Schengen 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. This 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. If your visa is refused, AXA will refund your insurance fees, but you will need documentation from officials.

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.

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 the Europe Travel plan 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.

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.

What else do I need to know when applying for a Schengen Visa in Colombia?

You will first need to work out which Schengen Visa you need, depending on the purpose and length of your trip and how many times you plan to visit. The standard Schengen Visa, for trips lasting up to 90 days, is a short-stay visa, with longer stays requiring a work or study visa. Multiple-entry visas are also available if you plan on traveling regularly to the Schengen Area.

You must apply for your Colombia Schengen Visa no more than six months, and no fewer than 15 days, before your trip. It is advised you apply at least three weeks before you leave, however, to allow for any delays in the processing of your application. Then, you need to fill out your application, obtain all the documents you need for your Colombia Schengen Visa, and attend an interview at a consulate, embassy or visa application center.

How much does a Colombia Schengen Visa cost?

Schengen Visas for Colombians cost €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, and prove you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay (an amount that varies from country to country) and the right travel and accommodation bookings or reservations to match the purpose and duration of your visit.

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

You will need two recently taken passport-style photos and a Colombian passport or other travel documents that are less than 10 years old and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. In addition to your travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, you will need a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during your stay, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. This will vary from country to country.

When proving your accommodation and itinerary you are advised not to purchase full-price tickets until you get the visa, like a dummy ticket or reservation held for a small fee, or even a printout showing your flight plan is sufficient. When booking accommodation, you are advised to ensure your payment is refundable, just in case your visa is refused.

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Frequently asked questions about buying Schengen travel insurance from Colombia

Can I buy AXA’s Schengen travel insurance from a broker in Colombia?

No it is only available to buy via this website.

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.

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.