A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows visitors to travel freely between 27 European countries that are part of the Schengen Area, without the need for border checks. This visa is required for travelers who plan to visit any of these countries for tourism, business, or any other purpose for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Schengen Visa Insurance
What is it?
A Schengen area visa is a travel permit that allows individuals to enter, stay, and travel within the Schengen Area.
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For travelers to the 27 European countries that make up the Schengen Area.
However, it's important to note that the requirement for a Schengen visa depends on your country of citizenship. If you are planning to travel to Europe with a Schengen visa, it is mandatory to fulfill the Schengen visa travel insurance requirements.
This includes having an adequate travel medical insurance policy that covers important aspects such as repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical evacuation, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay or transit within the Schengen area, be accepted in all Schengen countries, and have a minimum coverage amount of EUR 30,000.
Some embassies may also recommend selecting a $0 deductible in the insurance application. It's advisable to carefully review the Schengen visa application document provided by the specific embassy or country you plan to visit to ensure compliance with their requirements.
Is Travel Insurance Required?
Yes, travel insurance is required for all visitors who are applying for a Schengen visa. This requirement is in place to ensure that visitors have adequate medical coverage and financial protection in case of unexpected events or emergencies while traveling in the Schengen Area.
While non-U.S. residents can only choose a travel medical insurance plan, U.S. residents may choose between travel medical insurance or trip insurance, whichever coverage is better for your specific needs.
What Type of Travel Insurance is Required?
The travel insurance policy required for a Schengen visa must meet certain minimum requirements:
- Medical coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation
- COVID-19 coverage
- Medical coverage during travel
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition
The policy must also have a minimum coverage amount of â¬30,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) and be valid for the entire duration of the traveler's stay in the Schengen Area. Policies should also cover any expenses that might arise with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention and/or emergency hospital treatment or death. Choosing a policy that meets these requirements and provides adequate coverage for your specific travel needs is important.
Countries in the Schengen Area Requiring Visas
Currently, Ireland and Cyprus are not included in the Schengen area for Visa requirements and the EU members Bulgaria and Romania only apply some of the Schengen provisions, but if you have a valid Schengen visa, you can still enter and visit these countries without a visa.
The Schengen Area Countries:
The following countries make up the Schengen Area:
Are Any Countries Exempt from Getting a Schengen Visa?
The countries exempt from a Schengen Visa and its requirements are the European Union (EU) member countries, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Citizens of these countries are free to travel and reside in any other Schengen member state without the need for a visa or any other form of authorization.
However, it is important to note that some non-EU countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan may also be exempt from the Schengen Visa requirements for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Checking with the respective embassy or consulate to confirm visa requirements before traveling is always recommended.
Types of Schengen Visas
Having a Schengen visa can be extremely advantageous for travelers who wish to explore multiple countries in Europe, as it allows for greater flexibility and ease of travel. Schengen visas are categorized based on the purpose and duration of the intended stay.
There are three types of Schengen visas:
Type A visas
Type A visas or Airport Transit Visas allow travelers from non-Schengen states to transit through the international zone of an airport in a Schengen country, without entering the country.
Type C visas
The type C visa is issued by the visa services of a country within the Schengen area and allows the holder to stay or travel freely within the Schengen area.
To determine if you need a Type C Schengen visa, you can refer to the Schengen visa entry requirements. Depending on the purpose of your trip, the Type C Schengen visa can be one of the following types:
- Single-entry - permitting only one entry
- Double-entry - permitting two entries
- Multiple-entry - allows for varying degrees of flexibility for entering and leaving the Schengen area permitting the holder to enter and leave as many times as they want within a maximum of 90 days over 180 days.
Type D visas
Type D visa is a long-stay visa required for those wishing to live, study, or work in a Schengen country for more than 90 days.
The travel purposes which can justify applying for a category D visa are:
- Tourism or private visits
- Professional activities
- Studying, Taking part in a training program or completing an internship
- Family reasons
The consular authorities of the intended Schengen country issue the national visa or type D visa in accordance with national legislation. Thus, it is essential to contact the country's services to learn about the various conditions and formalities that must be fulfilled. Depending on certain circumstances, it may be granted as a single or multiple-entry long-stay visa.
Multiple-entry visas are also available for one, three, or five years. However, all types of Schengen visas have to adhere to the 90/180 Schengen Visa rule, which limits a traveler's stay to a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
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