Schengen visa travel insurance: the €30,000 rule explained
If you need a short-stay Schengen visa, travel medical insurance is a legal requirement, not a suggestion. Here is what Article 15 of the EU Visa Code asks for, in plain English.
By the StarHolidays Editorial Team Updated 4 min read
Key takeaways
- The minimum is €30,000, and cover must be valid across all Schengen states for your whole stay.
- It must cover medical repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment and death.
- Consulates can check that claims could be recovered from the insurer in a member state.
- Visa-free visitors don't fall under this visa rule, though insurance may still be wise.
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What the law says
The rule comes from Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, the EU Visa Code. Here's what it requires for applicants for a uniform visa for one or two entries.
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Minimum cover of €30,000 | The policy limit must meet or exceed this |
| Valid throughout the member states | Cover has to apply to the whole Schengen Area, not just your first destination |
| Whole intended stay or transit | Dates must span your planned trip |
| Named risks | Costs linked to medical repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death |
| Recoverable claims | The consulate checks that claims against the insurer could be recovered in a member state |
| Bought in your country of residence, in principle | If that's impossible, you may seek cover elsewhere |
Multiple-entry applicants need cover for their first intended visit, and when signing the application they must declare that they know they'll need cover for subsequent stays.
Who does it apply to?
It applies to people who need a Schengen visa, whatever their age. That includes children and people who are simply transiting, where the transit visa rules apply.
Your nationality generally decides whether you need one, not where you live. An Indian citizen living in the UAE, for example, still needs a visa, and so needs this cover. Citizens of many other countries can visit visa-free for short stays, and the Visa Code's insurance rule doesn't apply to them, as Allianz and others note. Visa-exempt visitors may still want cover for good reasons, though, because public healthcare is rarely free for visitors.
The EU's newer ETIAS travel authorization is separate from the visa process, so check its current status for your trip.
What a good certificate shows
Consulates generally want a certificate or letter, not just a policy number. A good one includes:
- Your full name, exactly as in your passport
- The policy number and insurer details
- Start and end dates that cover the entire trip
- The medical limit, in euros or an equivalent clearly above €30,000
- Wording that says it's valid across the Schengen states
- Medical repatriation, emergency hospital treatment and repatriation of remains
- An assistance contact
Some consulates have their own forms, and the EU's external service publishes a sample form for international medical travel insurance. Ask your visa center what it accepts.
Common reasons applications get held up
- Dates that don't match. Add a small buffer if your trip might shift, and check your flight times against your cover.
- Limits in another currency that fall short of €30,000. Remember that exchange rates change.
- Cover for only one country. You need the whole area.
- A cancellation-only policy. It needs to include the medical risks.
- An unrecognized insurer. The consulate must be satisfied about claims, so check whether your insurer is accepted.
Is €30,000 enough?
It's only the legal minimum. A European Commission report noted that the figure dates from 2004, and that some member states consider it too low. A serious accident and repatriation could cost much more, especially on a long-haul journey home. Our medical evacuation guide explains why many travelers choose a far higher limit.
What if my visa is refused?
Many insurers offer a refund if your visa is refused and you can show the refusal letter, but some keep a fee. Read the terms before buying. Buying only the required cover at first, and adding cancellation cover later, may also be a sensible way to reduce your risk.
How to get it
- Check the checklist from the consulate or visa center handling your application.
- Get quotes from insurers authorized where you live. Check that they specifically mention Schengen.
- Download the certificate, and check it line by line.
- Include it with your application, then carry a copy on your trip.
If you've got health conditions, declare them. A policy that meets the visa rule can still exclude them. The same goes for skiing or other sports, which may need an add-on.
Traveling from a particular country?
Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?
Yes, for applicants who need a short-stay Schengen visa. Article 15 of the Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of medical cover, valid throughout the member states for the whole stay.
Do US or UK citizens need Schengen travel insurance?
Short stays by US and UK citizens are visa-free at present, so the visa rule does not apply to them. Insurance may still be a good idea, particularly because Medicare generally does not pay abroad.
Does Schengen insurance have to cover COVID-19?
The Visa Code wording does not list specific illnesses. Check the current checklist from your consulate, as individual requirements can change.
Can I buy Schengen insurance from any company?
The Visa Code says applicants should in principle buy in their country of residence, and consulates assess whether claims can be recovered in a member state. Check that your insurer is accepted before relying on it.
Sources we checked
- EU Visa Code, consolidated text
- EU Visa Code, Article 15
- European Commission report on the Visa Code (2021)
- German Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: insurance requirements for visa applicants
- German Missions in India: Information on travel medical insurance
- European External Action Service: Sample medical travel insurance form