Date : 10/09/2024
Travel insurance is a good call for any trip abroad. And that’s not only because it provides support and protection in case of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. But also because it gives you some much-needed peace of mind when visiting a foreign place. Moreover, if you’re visiting Europe— especially within the Schengen Area — not only is travel insurance a wise choice, but it may also be mandatory. So to ensure that you’re as prepared, protected, and in the know as possible when prepping your upcoming trip to Europe, AXA has prepared the simple comprehensive guide on Schengen travel insurance below.
What is Schengen Travel Insurance?
Schengen Travel Insurance is a type of insurance policy designed specifically for travelers visiting the Schengen Area— i.e., a large group of European countries that allows for passport-free travel between them (as an eventual consequence of what’s known as the Schengen Agreement).
Like most travel insurance plans, Schengen Travel Insurance aims to ensure that you are protected by providing support and coverage in case of medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, and other travel-related risks. And that’s while you're anywhere in the Schengen Zone.
How is Schengen Travel Insurance different from Regular Travel Insurance?
Schengen travel insurance is specifically designed to meet the visa requirements for all the countries within the Schengen Area. And it offers mandatory medical coverage both across and in each of those countries (and for the entire duration of your stay in the Shcengen).
Meanwhile, non-Schengen travel insurance policies — while often offering similar benefits — may not always meet these countries’ specific visa requirements and/or cover you throughout all of the Schengen zone.
Is Schengen Travel Insurance mandatory?
Generally speaking, yes — at least for most travelers coming to Europe from outside of the Schengen Zone (and/or the European Union).
The reason being that — while the Schengen Zone itself has for the most part abolished internal border checks — most visitors from outside of the Schengen need to have a valid Schengen Visa to enter any of its member state’s many borders.
And in order to both apply for and be granted a Schengen Visa — having the proper Schengen Travel Insurance is a mandatory requirement.
PRO-TIP: However, even if you're coming to Europe from a country that doesn't require a visa (i.e., one that has signed a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen and/or the EU), having Schengen Travel Insurance is still highly recommended. Because traveling abroad usually comes with plenty of surprises — so it’s best to be as prepared as possible (and in good hands) in case something does go wrong.
Which countries are covered by Schengen Travel Insurance
That obviously depends on the individual provider. However, we here at AXA not only meet all the requirements for being granted a Schengen visa, but we also provide coverage across a broad range of European territories*, including:
- all Schengen Area countries;
- all European Union (EU) countries (including non-Schengen EU countries like Cyprus and Ireland);
- the United Kingdom;
As well as the European microstates of:
- San Marino;
- Andorra,
- Monaco;
- Vatican City
*NOTE: Coverage varies slightly depending on your chosen plan — with our Europe Travel and Multi-Trip plans extending coverage to the entire EU (including the UK and European microstates), and our Low-Cost option focusing primarily on the Schengen Area and the European microstates.
What are the Schengen Travel Insurance requirements
In order to be eligible for a Schengen Visa, your Schengen Travel Insurance policy must meet the following requirements*:
- be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;
- have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation, including in case of death);
- cover you in all Schengen member countries (not just the one you plan to visit).
- be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Your insurance plan should also be purchased before you apply for your Schengen visa — as proof of coverage is a mandatory part of the visa application process itself.
How can AXA help?
We’re glad you asked. Because — along with helping the public with a wide range of topics regarding travel to Europe (and beyond) — providing affordable, top-quality Schengen Travel Insurance is literally what we do best!
First off, all three AXA Schengen travel insurance plans —Low Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the necessary requirements above for being granted a Schengen visa.
Furthermore, AXA’s plans:
- don’t require a medical exam;
- have zero deductibles;
- offer up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
- offer medical transport and repatriation (including in case of death);
- offer 24/7 medical assistance in English (as well as French, German, Spanish, Italian, and/or Portuguese);
- include an annual plan (i.e., Multi-Trip — which is ideal for frequent travelers in Europe);
- are fully refundable in case your Schengen visa is refused (NOTE: we’ll only ask that you provide an official explanation — as to why your visa was refused — from the relevant Schengen embassy, consulate, or visa application center).
Our application process, meanwhile, is simple and straightforward.
Oh, and our Schengen travel insurance certificate can be instantly downloaded and printed from anywhere in the world as well. It’s also accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers — ensuring you’re one big step closer to getting that Schengen visa too.
In short — as you plan your travels (and/or visa application process), be sure to learn about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans too. Because, ultimately, the right AXA Schengen Travel insurance plan guarantees that you and your family are in good hands — giving you security and peace of mind both leading up to and throughout your travels in the Schengen Zone!
Quick and easy: Get your free Schengen travel insurance quote in seconds
