We evaluated the best travel insurance plans for travelers seeking a Schengen Visa. Our licensed insurance specialists analyzed options based on medical coverage, cost, and compliance with all Schengen visa requirements.
Our Travelers' Top Favorite Travel Medical Insurance Plans
When it comes to acquiring a Schengen Visa, travelers from non-visa-exempt countries, even including U.S. residents who do not hold a U.S. passport, need travel medical insurance that meets the Schengen requirements. Trip insurance plans are not sufficient for securing a Schengen visa, as they typically do not meet the minimum coverage requirements.
What Benefits Should a Travel Medical Insurance Plan Include for a Schengen Visa?
The best travel insurance for Schengen Visa must meet all the necessary requirements and be valid in all 29 countries in the Schengen Area. Your travel insurance must have the following benefits:
- A minimum of €30,000 (about $35,000) in medical coverage
- $0 Deductible
- Coverage for emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains
- The policy must be valid in all Schengen Area countries for the duration of your stay
| Coverage | Atlas International | Atlas International Premium | Europe Travel Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Coverage | Coverage up to $2,000,000 | Coverage up to $2,000,000 | Coverage up to $2,000,000 |
| Available $0 Deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hospital Stay Coverage | Covered | Covered | Covered |
| Emergency Medical Evacuation | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 | Up to $300,000 |
| Repatriation of Remains | 100% up to policy maximum | 100% up to policy maximum | Up to $50,000 |
| Valid in all Schengen Countries | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compare More Travel Insurance Benefits
Many travelers who need a Schengen Visa also worry about trip-related coverage in case there is a mishap during their travels. These issues often include lost or stolen passports, trip delays, interruptions, and lost luggage.
We have compared the top benefits beyond the mandatory requirements for a Schengen Visa that travelers may want to consider.
| Coverage | Atlas International | Atlas International Premium | Europe Travel Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lost or Stolen Passport | Up to $100 | Up to $100 | Up to $250 |
| Trip Delay | Up to $100 per day after 12 hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. 2 days maximum. | Up to $200 per day after 12 hour delay period requiring an unplanned overnight stay. 2 days maximum. | Not covered |
| Trip Interruption | Up to $10,000 | Up to $15,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| Lost Luggage | Up to $1,000 | Up to $2,000 | Up to $500, $50 per limit |
| Acute Onset of Pre-existing Conditions | Up to policy maximum: Age 79 and below | Up to policy maximum: Age 79 and below | Up to $35,000 |
| Identity Theft | Not covered | Not covered | Up to $500 |
What Are Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?
Travelers may think that they just need travel insurance to meet the requirements for a Schengen Visa. However, it is much more than that. Especially in the event of a medical emergency, your domestic health insurance may not cover you abroad, which forces you to pay out-of-pocket for your medical expenses.
Here are some key mistakes some travelers may accidentally make when purchasing a travel insurance plan:
#1: Incorrect Policy Validity Dates
Travelers who need to apply for a Schengen Visa must ensure their travel insurance covers the entire duration of their stay. It is important that your travel dates align with your insurance coverage, or it may result in a visa refusal.
#2: Not Meeting Coverage Requirements
Travelers often make the mistake of not purchasing the required amount of travel medical insurance. In order to have a valid insurance plan for your Schengen visa, you must have a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage with a $0 deductible. Coverage must also be valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
#3: Purchasing Travel Insurance at the Last-Minute
It is recommended for travelers to secure their travel insurance well in advance of their trip. When applying for a Schengen Visa, you must already have your travel insurance planned out. Plus, figuring out your travel insurance in advance provides more time to find the best amount of coverage based on your needs.
Tips for Purchasing Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa
While looking for travel insurance for your Schengen Visa, there are a few things to consider to get the best plan:
- Ensure you have the required amount of coverage: Securing the required coverage to visit the Schengen Area is important for visa validity. All VisitorsCoverage Schengen Visa travel insurance plans are fit for traveling to a Schengen country.
- Compare multiple plans: A travel insurance marketplace offers an efficient way to find the most suitable coverage for your trip by allowing for side-by-side comparison of multiple providers and policies. This process allows you to easily review and compare benefits, limits, and costs to secure the proper amount of coverage.
- Secure travel insurance early: Getting a travel insurance plan as soon as you book your trip can significantly benefit your Schengen Visa application. An early purchase allows you to apply for the visa well in advance of your travel date, potentially increasing the likelihood of approval.
Secure the Best Schengen Travel Insurance
Choosing a travel insurance plan that meets the minimum requirements for a Schengen Visa is essential for a successful visa application. If you need help selecting the right Schengen travel insurance plan, our Customer Success Team is available to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa
Do the best travel insurance plans for Schengen include a visa entry letter?
Yes, all Schengen travel insurance plans provide a visa entry letter proving the validity of your insurance. This is a document issued by your insurance provider confirming that you have an active, compliant health or travel insurance required for your Schengen Visa.
Do Americans need travel insurance for the Schengen area?
No. While Americans don't need a Schengen visa for stays under 90 days, travel insurance is still highly recommended. Medical emergencies abroad can be an unnecessary hassle and one that you shouldn't have to pay for out of pocket if you can avoid it. Furthermore, U.S. health insurance plans (including Medicare) typically provide little to no coverage outside the United States.
Can I buy insurance after applying for a Schengen Visa?
You could, but it is not highly recommended. You need travel insurance before you apply for your Schengen Visa. Not securing a travel insurance plan beforehand can lead to a visa refusal.
Does my insurance need to cover countries outside the Schengen area?
The Schengen visa requirement only applies to the coverage you need within Schengen countries. But if your itinerary includes non-Schengen European countries (like the UK or Ireland), you don't need travel insurance there. However, you should ensure your policy covers these destinations too.
How far in advance should I purchase travel insurance for a Schengen Visa?
Purchase insurance as soon as you've made significant trip deposits or bookings. This maximizes your coverage period for pre-departure benefits like trip cancellation. At a minimum, you need insurance before applying for your Schengen visa, which can be 3-6 months before travel.
Are there specific insurance requirements for different Schengen countries?
The €30,000 minimum coverage requirement applies uniformly across all Schengen countries. However, some countries' consulates may be more stringent in verifying insurance details, particularly in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Always make sure to double-check your destination country's consulate website to verify that you satisfy all their requirements.
How do I prove I have valid travel insurance when entering the Schengen Area?
Border officials may ask to see proof of insurance, especially if entering with a Schengen visa. Keep your insurance certificate and visa letter easily accessible in your carry-on luggage, both printed and in digital format. You will get both of these documents to download right after you purchase your policy.
What are common reasons for a Schengen visa refusal?
There are a few reasons for a Schengen visa rejection, including the following:
- Did not submit all of the required documents
- Invalid travel medical insurance
- Passport does not meet all the requirements
- Lack of funds to cover your trip
- Unclear purpose of travel
- Lack of strong ties with your home country
If your visa is rejected, you will receive a detailed explanation as to why it was rejected. You may appeal your refusal or reapply and resubmit all required documents.
