Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Work for Schengen Visa Requirements?

When planning a trip to Europe, one of the first things you might encounter is the need for a Schengen visa, especially if you’re from a country that requires one to enter the Schengen Area. 

The Schengen visa allows you to enter and travel across certain European countries and is required for some nationalities.

In order to get a Schengen visa, you must meet certain visa requirements, one of which is having travel health insurance coverage for your trip.

One common question that travelers may have regarding health coverage for a Schengen visa is whether or not travel insurance provided as a benefit for some credit cards could meet the Schengen visa requirements.

Let’s dive deeper into whether or not credit card travel insurance could satisfy the health coverage requirement for a Schengen visa.

Quick Summary

Here’s a quick overview of what this article covers:

• Schengen visa rules and mandatory travel medical insurance requirements.
• Why credit card travel insurance usually doesn’t meet Schengen criteria.
• When to buy dedicated Schengen travel medical insurance instead.
• How to choose a compliant Schengen insurance plan for your visa.

What Are the Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements?

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.

What Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Cover?

One tricky thing about credit card travel insurance is that coverage and benefits will vary greatly depending on the type of credit card you have.

In general, most credit card travel coverage focuses on trip-related protection, such as trip cancellation or interruption. Medical expense coverage may not be included in your credit card’s travel insurance coverage, or might be very limited.

It’s important to contact your credit card provider to understand exact coverage details for your specific account.

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

See, obtaining a visa, in simple terms, let’s say, isn’t a cakewalk. 

You must have all the required checklists ticked. Every document must be in place for a swift visa application and thereafter for getting your visa application approved.

Here is where the credit card travel insurance falls short. 

1. Minimum coverage amount: Chances are, your credit card travel insurance might not offer the mandatory 30,000 euros of medical coverage.
2. Duration of your stay: Your credit card travel insurance may not cover the entire duration of your trip, which is a prerequisite for the Schengen visa.
3. Medical coverage: Some credit cards may lack critical benefits, such as repatriation to the home country.
4. Documentation: You may need to provide an original policy document as proof during your visa interview, which many credit card companies may not readily or promptly provide. In addition, the embassy where you apply for your visa might ask for a valid policy document that clearly lists the names of all the members travelling. This might again cause you trouble.
5. Geography coverage: Your credit card travel policy may not cover the entire Schengen Area or may exclude specific countries, which is another roadblock in your travel preparations. 

To add to these, there are instances in which many Schengen countries explicitly state that credit card travel insurance is not accepted as valid Schengen health insurance.

Therefore, it is best to purchase a dedicated policy for a Schengen visa that is custom-made for your visa application. This helps you bypass all the hurdles that might come your way when you rely on your credit card travel insurance as a substitute.

Where to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance

If you were considering trying to use credit card travel insurance for your proof of health coverage, it’s vital to first check that your credit card travel insurance:

• Meets the Schengen visa travel insurance requirements
• Provides the correct documentation for proof of coverage
• Is valid in all Schengen countries
• Provides coverage for hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation
• Is accepted by your destination country as a form of health coverage

If your credit card travel insurance doesn’t meet the above, you can opt for a Schengen visa travel insurance policy through VisitorsCoverage.

Schengen travel insurance through VisitorsCoverage only takes a few minutes to purchase, and provides you with an instant downloadable proof of insurance documentation that you can use for your Schengen visa application.

How to Choose the Right Schengen Travel Medical Insurance Plan

Here is the comprehensive checklist that’ll help you choose your travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa:

1. Coverage amount: Check that the policy specifically mentions coverage for €30,000 as “medical expenses”, “emergency medical care”, and similar terms.
2. Duration: Ensure the policy dates match your itinerary (your entire period of stay or transit in the Schengen Area) exactly as mentioned in your visa application.
3. Reliable insurer and adequate documentation: Choose a reputable insurer that provides a downloadable official insurance certificate clearly stating coverage, validity, and geographic scope. 
4. Geographical validity: Confirm that the policy states “valid for the entire Schengen Area”.
5. Evacuation/repatriation/death cover: Carefully review the “what is covered” section in your plan. It should include medical repatriation, which means returning you home if you’re seriously ill or injured, and repatriation of remains in case of untimely death. 
6. Exclusions and sub-limits: Some policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions, adventure sports, or have high deductibles. Choose a plan with suitable add-ons if you plan to engage in adventure activities or have ongoing health conditions.
7. Ratings and reviews: If available, skim the reviews to gain insights into what previous customers have written about the insurer. 

Carefully read and check all the provisions, and ask the provider relevant questions if any necessary provisions are missing. Persuade them to add those at the same cost.

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!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)