Countries covered by Schengen Travel Insurance

Name : Axel Strauss
Date : 26/09/2024

Understanding Schengen travel insurance and its requirements is a crucial step if you're planning to explore Europe. That’s because not only is Schengen travel insurance highly recommended — it’s also often mandatory for travelers entering the Schengen Area. On the other hand, with the right coverage, you can visit not just one but multiple European countries within the Schengen zone — safely, securely, and worry-free.

So below, we’ll explore what part of Europe (and beyond) Schengen travel insurance gives you access to, why it should be an essential part of your travel plans, and everything else you might need to know before your trip

What is Schengen travel insurance?

Essentially, Schengen travel insurance is a type of insurance policy specifically intended for travelers visiting any of Europe’s dozens of Schengen countries.

Similar to any proper travel insurance plan, Schengen travel insurance is designed to ensure you and your family are always in good hands when abroad by providing quality support, assistance, and coverage in case of accidents, medical emergencies, and other travel-related risks.

However, non-Schengen travel insurance policies — while often offering similar benefits — may not always meet some countries’ specific visa requirements (and/or cover you beyond one particular destination country).

Whereas Schengen travel insurance aims to adhere to the Schengen visa requirements of not one but rather all the countries within the Schengen Area. Thus, it offers mandatory medical coverage both in and across all of these countries, and is designed to cover you for the entire duration of your trip — wherever in Schengen Zone you may be.

Do I need Schengen Travel Insurance?

That depends on both where you’re going and where you’re coming from. Because — even though the Schengen Zone itself has all but abolished internal border checks — most visitors from outside the Schengen Zone (and/or the European Union) need to have a valid Schengen visa* to cross (and/or stay within) any of its member states’ borders.

*PRO-TIP 1: AXA can tell you more about Schengen visa validity if you like.

And to be granted your Schengen Visa, having the proper Schengen Travel Insurance is a mandatory requirement. In other words — if you need a Schengen visa, you need to have Schengen Travel Insurance.

Do I need a Schengen visa?

You do if you’re coming from outside of the Schengen Zone (and/or the EU) and if your home country has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU. And this applies to citizens of nearly 100 countries — such as China, India, Russia, any African nation, most Middle Eastern ones, and so on.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa?

However, if you’re already a citizen of a Schengen country, a non-Schengen European Union country, and/or a non-EU country* or territory that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU — then you do not need a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen.

*This includes roughly 60 nations — such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S. In other words, citizens of these nations can travel to any Schengen country visa-free — so long as it’s for stays of less than 90 days in any 180-day period.

NOTE: The European Commission provides full lists of countries with and without visa waiver agreements with the EU. But it’s also best to double-check with the other proper channels too — such as the official website of the European Commission, as well as with those of your destination and home countries.

PRO-TIP 2: Meanwhile, AXA can also help you understand whether you need a Schengen visa in no time.
And if you do, we can also help you figure out which type of Schengen visa best suits your travel needs, guide you through the Schengen visa application process, track your Schengen visa online, and even tell you about Schengen visa extension.

PRO-TIP 3: And keep in mind that even if you don't require a visa, having Schengen Travel Insurance is still a good call. Because traveling to Europe will no doubt come with a few surprises. And though we hope all of them are good ones, it’s never a bad idea to be duly prepared in case something goes wrong.

What are the requirements for being approved for Schengen Travel Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is available to travelers of any nationality (and any age) who require coverage for their trip — granted that you’re in relatively good health and not traveling specifically to seek medical treatment abroad. However, in order to be eligible for a Schengen Visa*, your Schengen Travel Insurance policy must meet the following criteria:

  • 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: And keep in mind that your insurance plan should also be purchased before you apply for your Schengen visa — since proof of coverage is a mandatory part of the visa application process itself.

Which countries are covered by Schengen Travel Insurance?

As discussed above, Schengen Travel Insurance generally covers all the countries within the Schengen Area. Meanwhile, we here at AXA specifically provide coverage across a broad range of Europe*, including:

  • all Schengen Area countries;
  • all European Union (EU) countries (including non-Schengen EU countries like Cyprus and Ireland);
  • the United Kingdom.

And the European microstates of:

  • San Marino;
  • Andorra,
  • Monaco;
  • Vatican City

Moreover, we can help you out with affordable, top-quality AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for each individual Schengen member state (in alphabetical order — and with plenty of other helpful travel tips for each country to boot!) below:

Which European countries are not covered by Schengen Travel Insurance?

Meanwhile, here’s a list of European countries* not covered by Schengen Travel Insurance (as they are not part of the Schengen Area):

  • Albania
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Belarus
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Georgia
  • Kosovo
  • Moldova
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Russia
  • Serbia
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine

*PRO-TIPS 3 and 4: The continent of Europe can get a bit tricky, border-wise — but AXA can also gladly help you understand the differences between Europe, the EU, the Schengen zone, the Euro Zone, and the EEA, plus with our comprehensive Understanding Europe from A to Z guide.

Why choose AXA for my Schengen Travel Insurance?

And — last but in no way least — here are just a few reasons why AXA is your number-one go-to when it comes to Schengen travel insurance coverage itself.

First off, if you need a Schengen visa, all three AXA plans — Low-Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet all the aforementioned requirements for being granted one.

Moreover, if your Schengen visa is denied, AXA’s plans are usually refundable. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused) from the relevant Schengen embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

But there are plenty of other benefits to choosing AXA, such as:

  • -No age limits;
  • “Doctor, please!” feature;
  • Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
  • No medical exams required;
  • Zero deductibles;
  • 24/7 medical assistance;
  • Medical teleconsultations with highly qualified doctors (in English, French, and a number of other languages) with our unique
  • Medical transport and repatriation (including in case of death);
  • Coverage in all Schengen and most European Union countries (including the U.K.);
  • The possibility of annual coverage (i.e., “Multi-Trip” — ideal for frequent travelers in Europe).

Not only that, but all three AXA plans can be purchased online, in no time, and from anywhere in the world! You can even have someone subscribe on your behalf.

Oh, and —once you’ve purchased your plan — AXA’s Schengen Travel Insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. And said certificate is accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and accredited visa application centers worldwide.

So compare our three comprehensive plans,
explore our Schengen visa insurance cost options
and/or get a free Schengen Travel Insurance quote today.

With AXA, you’re sure to be in good hands no matter which Schengen country you find yourself in!

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FAQ

Do I need to purchase multiple travel insurance plans if I am visiting several Schengen countries?

No! A single AXA Schengen travel insurance policy will cover you across all the Schengen countries, and for the duration of your trip.

Can I purchase Schengen travel insurance after arriving in Europe?

No, you must purchase Schengen travel insurance before your trip — as the insurance policy is a requirement for obtaining your Schengen visa (and must, therefore, be in place before your visa application is approved).

How do I receive confirmation and prove I have Schengen travel insurance?

Once you’ve purchased your AXA Schengen travel insurance plan, you’ll receive a printable online certificate proving you are covered — which you can then provide to officials at the consulate, embassy, and/or visa application center where you are making your visa application (P.S.: AXA can also gladly tell you all about where and how to get your Schengen Travel Insurance certificate in no time too).