If you are applying for a Schengen visa, one of the rules is that you must show proof of travel medical insurance. Many travelers already have a credit card that offers some travel insurance, so it is fair to ask: Can’t I just use my credit card’s travel insurance and skip buying a separate plan?
In almost every case, the answer is no. A Schengen visa requires a travel medical insurance plan that comes with an official visa letter, and that is a specific kind of insurance a credit card almost never provides. Most cards focus on trip cancellation and lost bags, and don’t effectively meet the requirements to get a Schengen visa.
Below is what the Schengen visa actually requires, when credit card travel insurance can be efficient, and how to get the best Schengen travel insurance plan that meets the requirements.
What Are the Travel Insurance Requirements For a Schengen Visa?
In order to obtain a Schengen visa, you must show proof of travel insurance that meets the following criteria:
- Minimum medical expense coverage of EUR 30,000
- Coverage for emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Must be valid in all Schengen countries
- Must be valid for the entirety of your stay in the Schengen area
In order to ensure that your Schengen visa application is approved, you must get a travel insurance policy that satisfies all of the requirements listed above. If any one of these is missing, your application can be delayed or refused.
Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work for Schengen Visa?
In short, credit card travel insurance does not meet the coverage and documentation requirements for the Schengen Visa.
Common Reasons Credit Card Travel Insurance Fails for Schengen Visa Applications
Here are the most common reasons a card falls short for a visa application:
Not enough medical coverage: Many credit cards do not offer the required EUR 30,000 in emergency medical coverage.
It does not cover your full trip: The cover may end before your trip does, which breaks the rule that you must be covered for your entire stay.
No repatriation coverage: Some cards leave out emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, which the visa requires.
The wrong paperwork: Consulates want an official visa letter that lists your name and travel dates. Many card issuers will not provide this, which can affect your visa application.
Country gaps: A credit card policy may not cover the whole Schengen Area or may leave out certain countries.
On top of this, some Schengen consulates state plainly that they do not accept credit card insurance as proof of coverage. However, a dedicated travel medical insurance plan removes all of these risks.
Where Credit Card Travel Insurance Still Helps
Even if your credit card travel insurance doesn’t meet the requirements, it doesn’t mean it is fully useless. Once you have your required Schengen travel medical insurance plan, your credit card can work alongside it as extra cover to protect your trip.
Think of it as two jobs. Your Schengen plan covers medical emergencies and meets the visa requirements, while your credit card can add trip protection on top, which often includes:
- Trip cancellation or interruption, if you have to call off or cut short your trip
- Trip and flight delays
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Rental car damage
These benefits protect your money and your plans, but not usually your health. That is why they cannot replace your Schengen medical plan, but they can sit nicely beside it.
Best Schengen Travel Insurance
The following plans are the best options for those who need Schengen travel insurance. These plans meet all of the Schengen visa requirements.
Get Schengen Travel Insurance Today
Credit card travel insurance generally isn’t valid or reliable to use as proof of health coverage for a Schengen visa. Purchasing a Schengen travel insurance plan that meets the Schengen visa travel insurance requirements will ensure that you have proof of the coverage that you need to get your visa.
Need Schengen travel insurance for your Schengen visa? Compare Schengen visa travel insurance plans or contact our Customer Success Team with any questions or concerns. Safe travels!
