Do I Need Travel Insurance For Latvia?

Latvia is a wonderful country that caters to all kinds of visitors - from party-lovers wanting city breaks to those wanting to find themselves at one with nature. Its capital, Riga, is one of the most exciting in Eastern Europe and it also has vast forests, lakes and rivers, and beautiful sandy beaches. 

About half the country has a mostly untouched ecosystem that makes it perfect for those who want to escape the cities and enjoy nature. Those looking to stay closer to civilization can enjoy Riga’s Old City, as well as its huge selection of museums before kicking back and enjoying its nightlife with a crawl around some of its quirky, unique bars.

AXA’s Schengen travel insurance offers extensive protection for those traveling to Latvia - as it can cover medical expenses up to €100,000 in Latvia and other Schengen Area countries. It also allows you to obtain the travel insurance certificate required with your visa application. 

What does AXA Schengen travel insurance for Latvia cover?

Starting at €33 per week (approx. US$35) of your trip, our Schengen Travel insurance covers

• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses 
• Medical repatriation & transport 
• 24/7 medical assistance in English or French in case of urgency
• Up to 180 days of coverage
• All Schengen and European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen insurance)
• Insurance certificate issued immediately and approved by the embassies
• No age limit
• Zero deductible - which will allow you to avoid some upfront and early costs with your claim

Is travel insurance required for Latvia?

Travel insurance is mandatory if you need a Schengen Visa for Latvia. If you don’t need a visa, travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended as medical costs can be high for foreigners, especially as you will need to pay for any prescriptions.

Do you cover emergency medical costs related to coronavirus? 

We will cover your medical costs related to coronavirus provided you haven't traveled against World Health Organization advice, personal medical advice from your doctor, or any other government body’s advice in your home country or the country you are traveling to. Emergency and additional travel costs are also covered providing you have stuck to this advice. 

All issued electronic certificates purchased on the axa-schengen site include this disclaimer: “Medical fees related to COVID-19 are covered in the terms, conditions & exclusions established in the insurance policy”. This will satisfy any embassy rules that state you must get an insurance certificate with Covid protection. 

Will AXA Schengen travel insurance be accepted with my Latvia visa application?

AXA has been delivering insurance certificates that meet Schengen countries’ requirements to obtain a visa for more than 10 years.  All you need to do is print the electronic form of the health insurance certificate and enclose it with your visa application. Each AXA Schengen insurance certificate is individualized and bears a number that is verifiable on our website.

What are the requirements for travel insurance for my Latvian visa?

To obtain a Schengen Visa to Latvia your insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses
• It should cover all member states of the Schengen Area
• It should cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa to visit Latvia - can I still purchase your insurance to cover my possible health expenses?

Schengen travel insurance is not mandatory for some travelers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be injured or get ill. A broken wrist or nasty infection can happen to anyone! We thus strongly recommend that you subscribe to our insurance for travelers visiting Europe to make sure your trip is as safe and peaceful as possible.

What are the main advantages of AXA Schengen insurance?

• Compliant with  European requirements for Schengen Visa. 10 years of existence
• Immediate coverage. Your insurance covers you from the first day you need it
• No age restriction, zero deductible
• No price variation because of nationality or age
• Refund if your Schengen visa application is denied.

Why should you trust us? 

• Medical files processed by AXA Schengen in 2021: 2292
• Medical calls processed by our agents in 2021: 3845

Which insurance plans to consider?

What should I do if I am injured or ill while in Latvia?

Don’t worry - AXA’s Schengen insurance is here to guide, help, and protect you. In case of a medical emergency, you must contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy. Medical assistance professionals will answer your questions and advise you 24/7 to help you find the medical center best suited to your situation and the closest to your location.

The following information must be given to the call center:

• The number of your policy, which begins with “SCH”.
• The address and telephone number at which you can be reached and the details of the people that can be contacted locally.
• The dossier number, which is communicated at the time of the first call.

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/ invoices and enclose them with your file.

What should I know when preparing for my trip to Latvia?

Security: When in Riga you should beware of pickpockets and avoid unlit streets and parks at night, especially if alone. Most thefts have been reported in Riga Old Town, the Central Market, and central train and bus stations. Reports of tourists being charged extortionate prices for drinks or having fraudulent transactions debited have fallen in recent years but you should seek recommendations for bars and clubs from trustworthy sources like your hotel or other holidaymakers.

Public transport: Latvia is a single-city country where around half of its population lives in Riga and suburbs, with the rest of the country inhabited sparsely. As such, public transport outside Riga is limited. Locations around Riga and those in Eastern Latvia are best accessed by trains. The network is fairly extensive but there are no high-speed railroads and some lines have few services. Nearly every Latvian passenger train route either begins or ends at Riga. Areas around Riga are served by suburban trains and trams which serve main routes. Buses are also available. In the smaller cities, buses are effectively the only form of public transport.

Opening hours: Shops are usually open from 9 am to 7 pm on weekdays and until 5 pm on Saturday - with limited opening on Sunday. Smaller shops may also often close for lunch.

Driving license: You can use a valid driving license from most nations, including the U.K. and U.S., without the need for an additional international permit.  

Restaurants: The capital, Riga, has a thriving night time economy and many restaurants open until 11 pm or even later. However, much of the rest of the country is rural and so opening times of restaurants may be restricted - so you should check in advance somewhere will be open if you're planning to get more adventurous.

Visa: Although many countries have visa-free travel with Latvia and the Schengen Area, if you think you do need a visa to Latvia you can find out more, here.