Schengen Travel Insurance

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Schengen Travel Insurance

If you're traveling to any of the 27 countries in Europe's Schengen Area, travel insurance isn't just a good idea — for most visa applicants, it's a legal requirement. Xerter compares Schengen-compliant plans from multiple trusted insurers, so you can find coverage that meets every embassy's requirements without overpaying.

€30,000

Minimum Medical Coverage

27

Schengen Countries

Your Entire Stay

Must Cover

Mandatory

Embassy Requirement

What Is Schengen Travel Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is a travel medical policy that meets the specific requirements set out in the Schengen Borders Code — the rules that let travelers move freely between the 27 member countries on a single short-stay visa. It's designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies, hospitalization, and emergency repatriation while you're abroad, so neither you nor the country you're visiting is left covering the cost of an accident or sudden illness.

Because the requirement comes from EU regulation rather than any single country, a compliant policy is recognized at every Schengen embassy and consulate — you only need one policy, no matter how many Schengen countries your trip covers.

Who Needs It?

You'll need Schengen travel insurance if you're a non-EU/EEA citizen applying for a Schengen visa, or if you're a visa-exempt traveler who wants — or is asked — to show proof of coverage at the border. This typically includes:

First-time Schengen visa applicants at an embassy or consulate

Travelers on a multi-entry or long-stay Schengen visa

Visa-exempt visitors who want protection against medical costs abroad

Anyone connecting through or transiting multiple Schengen countries on one trip

Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements

Every Schengen visa application requires proof of travel insurance that meets these minimum standards:

Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and emergency medical repatriation

Valid for the entire duration of your stay, from your planned entry date to your planned exit date

Valid across all Schengen member countries you plan to visit, not just your first port of entry

Includes coverage for repatriation of remains in the event of death

Issued by an insurer able to settle claims within the Schengen Area

Countries Covered

A single Schengen-compliant policy covers you across all 27 countries in the Schengen Area — cross borders freely without needing separate insurance for each stop.

Austria

Belgium

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

What's Typically Covered

Emergency Medical Expenses

Doctor visits, diagnostics, and treatment for sudden illness or injury during your trip.

Hospitalization

In-patient care, surgery, and hospital stays if you're admitted while abroad.

Emergency Repatriation

Medical transport back to your home country when your condition requires it.

Emergency Dental Care

Treatment for sudden, painful dental issues that can't wait until you're home.

24/7 Assistance

A multilingual helpline to coordinate care and paperwork wherever you are.

Repatriation of Remains

Coverage required by every Schengen embassy, included on every compliant plan.

How to Choose the Right Plan

Confirm the coverage limit meets or exceeds the €30,000 minimum — some plans offer more for a small difference in price

Check that the policy dates match your visa application exactly, with no gaps

Look for a low or zero deductible so a claim doesn't leave you paying out of pocket

Make sure the insurer is on your embassy's accepted list and can issue an official certificate for your application

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Schengen travel insurance legally required?

Yes. Under the Schengen Borders Code, every short-stay Schengen visa application must include proof of travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in coverage, valid for the whole Schengen Area for the entire length of your stay.

Do I need separate insurance for each Schengen country I visit?

No. One compliant policy covers you across all 27 Schengen countries, so you don't need to buy separate coverage as you cross borders within the area.

Can I get Schengen insurance if I'm not applying for a visa?

Yes — visa-exempt travelers can still buy a Schengen-compliant policy for peace of mind, and some border officials may ask to see proof of coverage even without a visa requirement.

What happens if my coverage amount is too low?

Embassies routinely reject visa applications with insufficient coverage, so it's worth confirming your plan meets or exceeds the €30,000 minimum before you submit your application.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation too?

Medical coverage is what's legally required, but many plans let you add trip cancellation, lost baggage, and other optional protection when you compare plans with Xerter.

Planning a Long-Term Move Instead?

Schengen travel insurance covers short visits and visa applications. If you're relocating to Germany long-term through the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) program, chancenkarten.com has dedicated guides on eligibility, blocked accounts, and the health insurance you'll need for that process.

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