Have you ever dreamed of touring the Colosseum in Rome, or looking out from the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or witnessing the magnificence of Prague Castle's Vladislav Hall. To experience these wonders and more in a single European vacation, you may need a Schengen Visa. This tourist visa allows international travelers to enter and freely move within the 26 Schengen countries of Europe. Schengen visas have made traveling to Europe much easier for travelers who are visiting multiple European countries on the same trip, since they're no longer required to obtain multiple tourist visas to do so. However, if you are applying for a Schengen Visa, you will be required to purchase travel insurance that meets the region's specifications.
The Schengen Area includes these 26 countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- 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
Schengen visa insurance requirements
Anyone traveling to Europe and applying for a Schengen visa must fulfill the Schengen visa application requirements. One of these requirements is proof of an adequate travel medical insurance policy that follows certain requirements. Schengen visa travel insurance must:
- Cover the period of the traveler's stay or transit in the Schengen area (up to 90 days within a 180-day period)
- Be valid in all Schengen countries
- Have a minimum coverage amount of EUR 30,000
- Have a $0 deductible
The travel insurance policy also must cover the following in order to meet the Schengen visa insurance requirement:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Urgent medical attention
- Return of mortal remains
- Emergency hospital treatment
You may also be required to include a letter from the insurance company with your Schengen visa application mentioning that your insurance policy meets these requirements. The company from which you buy your plan can provide this letter.
Having travel medical insurance isn't only important because it's a requirement for some visas and countries, but also because with international travel comes additional risks that you may not typically face at home. Experiencing new and unknown foods, culture and environments is exciting but it can increase your risk of food poisoning and unexpected accidents. Buying travel medical insurance lessens the risk of international travel.
Best plans for travelers to Schengen countries
EuropeTravel Plus Insurance: This plan satisfies all necessarily insurance requirements for the Schengen visa and provides your visa letter directly to your inbox, saving you time and stress.
Europe Travel Plus
Underwriters: Sirius International- Covers anywhere in Europe
- Plan pays 100% after deductible
- Fulfills all Schengen visa insurance requirements
- Provides instant Schengen visa letter
- Coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation
- Up to $35,000 for acute onset of pre-existing conditions
For a list of visitors insurance plans that meet the Schengen visa application requirements, read about our Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Plans. If you're also interested in trip insurance for your travel between two countries that don't include the U.S., check out our multinational trip insurance options.
To get a quote about travel insurance for Europe, go to Europe Travel Insurance.
