What is and how to get a travel insurance policy for a Schengen Visa?

What travel insurance do I need for my type of Schengen Visa?

All those applying for a visa to travel to the Schengen Area of European countries require a valid Schengen Visa travel insurance policy that provides coverage in all 27 countries within the Schengen Area up to a cost of €30,000.

What type of Schengen Visa travel insurance policy is right for you will depend on the type of visa you are seeking for your stay, as well as your circumstances, and plans for your trip.

Schengen travel insurance policies for short-stay visas

Those visiting the Schengen Area for a single trip lasting fewer than 90 days will need a short-stay visa. This is the regular visa used for tourism purposes, visiting family and friends or short business trips. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance only costs €22 ($23.82) per week of your trip, and will meet your visa requirements, as well as ensuring you’re covered for any mishaps and accidents you or your loved ones might have.

It also covers repatriation to your home nation and AXA also offers a 24-hour assistance hotline providing you with expert local advice and instruction on what to do after an incident.

Europe Travel Insurance

If you need more comprehensive coverage, which covers you for medical and repatriation expenses up to €100,000, AXA’s Europe Travel coverage is available from €33 per week.The AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers an extended coverage wherever you travel in the Schengen area or in the wider EU region. It also provides the mandatory insurance certificate needed for a Schengen visa. The countries covered include the Schengen area and all European Union countries (Ireland included) +  Lichtenstein, San Marino, Andorra, Monaco and Vatican. Europe Travel Insurance will also assist you in case of hospitalisation or death, cover your children, communication & papers.

How long will my Schengen travel insurance policy cover me for?

AXA Schengen Low Cost Travel Insurance and Europe Trip Insurance can cover you for up to 180 consecutive days - more than double the maximum length of a trip allowed on a standard Schengen Visa. If you are planning more than one trip on a multiple-entry visa, AXA’s Schengen Multi Trip insurance products offer an affordable and comprehensive alternative option.

Multiple-entry visas and our Multi Trip Schengen Visa travel insurance policy

Those planning to enter, leave, and then re-enter the Schengen Area will need a double-entry visa. If you obtain this visa, it is important to remember that it expires when you leave the Schengen Area for the second time, even if you have not used all the travel days it specifies.

Those who want to make multiple trips in and out of the Schengen Area will require a multiple-entry visa. The basic version allows you to spend 90 days at a time within the area over a period of 180 days, up to as many trips in and out as you require.

Multiple-entry visas are also available lasting one, three and five years - covering you for any trips within that period. To obtain your visa, you will have to prove you are always covered during your trips - and AXA offers the perfect product for regular travelers who need permanent coverage. From €328 per year, you can take out our Multi Trip insurance, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

Warranties and options are available on our homepage.

All our products come with a guarantee of a refund if your visa application is refused and we provide an instantly available insurance certificate to aid your application.

We also offer long-term international health insurance for those traveling to Europe to work or study that will meet the criteria of your employment or student visa, with personalized quotes available online.

How do I prove that I have a valid Schengen Visa travel insurance policy when applying for my visa?

Officials will require you to provide an insurance certificate outlining your coverage for your trip. These are available instantly online from AXA when you buy your insurance. You should also print out a copy to take to your visa interview.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Schengen Visa travel insurance policies

I want to buy Schengen Visa travel insurance policies for a family or a group of people. Can I do so?

Yes. You can buy a Schengen Visa travel insurance policy for up to 10 people with only one payment.

I don't need a Schengen Visa for my trip as my country has a visa-free travel arrangement. Can I still take out an AXA Schengen Visa travel insurance policy?

Yes. We will cover your trip in exactly the same way we do for those who require insurance for a Schengen Visa.