Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements for Tourists

August 22, 2025 Admin

Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements for Tourists: Complete Guide 2025

Introduction

Every tourist planning to visit the Schengen Area must have travel insurance that meets strict requirements. Embassies use insurance to ensure visitors can handle medical emergencies, hospitalization, or repatriation while traveling.

In 2025, understanding the exact Schengen travel insurance requirements for tourists is crucial. Failing to meet them is one of the most common reasons for Schengen tourist visa rejection.

This guide covers:

Minimum coverage and policy rules
What types of insurance are acceptable
Common mistakes to avoid
How to choose the right plan
FAQs for tourists

By following this guide, you can ensure your insurance fully satisfies Schengen visa rules, avoiding costly mistakes.

1. Mandatory Minimum Coverage

For a Schengen tourist visa, your insurance must cover at least €30,000. This is non-negotiable.

Coverage must include:

Medical emergencies
Hospitalization
Emergency medical evacuation
Repatriation of remains

Example: A traveler from India applied for a French tourist visa with insurance covering only €15,000. The embassy rejected the application due to insufficient coverage.

Tip: Always ensure your policy meets or exceeds the €30,000 minimum.

2. Validity Across the Schengen Area

Your travel insurance must be valid in all 29 Schengen countries, not just the one you are visiting first.

Key points:

Single-country coverage is insufficient
Multi-country coverage or “Schengen-wide” insurance is required
Coverage must be continuous for the entire duration of your stay

Example: A tourist visiting Italy first and then France was rejected because the policy only covered Italy.

Tip: Verify with your insurer that coverage applies to all Schengen countries.

3. Duration of Coverage

The insurance policy must cover:

Entire stay: From the date of entry to the date of exit
Overlapping travel plans: If you plan to leave the Schengen area and return, ensure coverage is continuous

Tip: Double-check your travel dates and make sure your insurance start and end dates match exactly.

4. Types of Acceptable Insurance Policies

Schengen tourist visa requirements allow:

Travel medical insurance: Covers illness, accidents, and emergencies
Comprehensive Schengen insurance plans: Often include trip cancellation, lost baggage, or flight delays

Note: Only policies covering medical emergencies and repatriation are mandatory. Extras like lost luggage are optional.

Example: A Spanish tourist visa applicant purchased a policy covering only lost luggage and personal liability. The visa was refused because medical coverage was missing.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Insufficient coverage: Less than €30,000
Partial country coverage: Only valid in one Schengen country
Short-term policy: Ends before your departure
Unrecognized insurer: Embassy does not accept the provider

Tip: Use well-known, embassy-approved insurance companies like AXA, Allianz, Europe Assistance, or local certified providers. you also must aware of Common reasons of Schengen visa rejections.

6. How to Choose the Best Schengen Travel Insurance

Check coverage amount: Minimum €30,000
Verify Schengen-wide validity
Confirm emergency assistance availability
Ensure policy duration matches travel dates
Keep both digital and printed copies for embassy submission

Also Read: Schengen Tourist Visa Requirements

7. Embassy and Consulate Guidelines

Embassies sometimes provide a list of recommended insurance providers. While not mandatory, choosing from the list reduces the risk of rejection.

Example: The German embassy in 2025 recommends insurers like AXA, Allianz, ERV, and Europ Assistance for Schengen tourist visa applicants.

Tip: Always check your specific embassy’s website for the latest requirements and recommendations.

Official EU Visa Code

8. Cost of Schengen Travel Insurance

Insurance typically costs €2–€5 per day for tourists.
Price varies by age, pre-existing conditions, and travel duration.
Cheapest policies may meet minimum requirements, but premium plans often provide additional coverage like trip cancellation or lost baggage.

Tip: Focus on meeting the minimum coverage and validity requirements first before adding extras.

9. Digital vs. Paper Policies

Digital copies: Accepted by most embassies if printed with official confirmation
Paper policies: Always safer for embassy submission
Tip: Carry a printed copy while traveling; some countries may request proof at the border.

10. Relevance for Multiple Entries

If your visa is multiple-entry, your insurance must cover all trips within the Schengen area, even if you leave and return.

Tip: Ensure your policy clearly states coverage for multiple entries.

FAQs About Schengen Travel Insurance for Tourists

Q1: Is travel insurance mandatory for all Schengen tourist visas?

A: Yes, coverage of at least €30,000 is mandatory.

Q2: Can I buy insurance after visa approval?

A: No, it must be purchased before visa submission.

Q3: Can I use travel insurance from my home country?

A: Yes, if it meets Schengen minimum coverage, validity across all countries, and emergency provisions.

Q4: Does insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

A: Some policies do, but check with the insurer. Only medical emergency coverage is mandatory.

Q5: Do I need insurance if visiting only one Schengen country?

A: Yes, it must still cover all 29 Schengen countries as per visa requirements.

Conclusion

Schengen travel insurance for tourists is not optional—it is a strict requirement for visa approval. Key points:

Minimum coverage of €30,000
Valid across all 29 Schengen countries
Covers medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation
Must cover the entire travel period

Avoid common mistakes like insufficient coverage, partial country validity, and unapproved insurers. Choosing the right plan increases your chances of a smooth visa approval process and a safe, worry-free trip.