Why Is Travel Insurance Mandatory?
The Schengen Borders Code (Regulation EC 810/2009) requires all short-stay visa applicants to hold travel medical insurance. This isn't optional — your application will be rejected without it. The requirement exists because Schengen countries want to ensure visitors can cover medical costs without burdening European healthcare systems.
Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum medical coverage | €30,000 (approximately $33,000 / £26,000) |
| Emergency medical evacuation | Required |
| Repatriation of remains | Required |
| Geographic coverage | All 29 Schengen countries |
| Validity period | Entire duration of stay + recommended extra days |
| Deductible/excess | Zero preferred (some consulates require it) |
| Policy format | Printed policy document with coverage details |
Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa — Compared
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
The go-to choice for digital nomads and frequent travelers. Monthly subscription model — no need to buy a new policy for each trip. Covers all Schengen countries with €100,000+ medical coverage.
- €100,000+ medical coverage (exceeds €30,000 minimum)
- All 29 Schengen countries covered
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Monthly billing — cancel anytime
- Visa denial refund available
- Covers COVID-19 related medical expenses
- No deductible on medical evacuation
- Available to 170+ nationalities
| Age Group | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 18-39 | $42/month |
| 40-49 | $68/month |
| 50-59 | $106/month |
| 60-69 | $170/month |
World Nomads Travel Insurance
Designed specifically for travelers. Per-trip pricing, covers adventure activities, and includes trip cancellation. Two plan levels: Standard and Explorer.
- Schengen-compliant medical coverage
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost/stolen luggage and gear
- Adventure activities covered (skiing, hiking, etc.)
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Buy online, get policy document instantly
- Visa denial refund
| Trip Length | Standard Plan | Explorer Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | ~€25-40 | ~€40-65 |
| 2 weeks | ~€35-55 | ~€55-90 |
| 1 month | ~€50-80 | ~€80-130 |
Prices vary by age, nationality, and destination. Get an exact quote on their site.
Get World Nomads Quote →We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Allianz Travel Insurance
One of the largest insurance companies in the world. Well-known and trusted by all Schengen consulates. Family plans available with multi-trip annual options.
- €30,000+ medical coverage
- Recognized by all Schengen consulates
- Family plans available
- Annual multi-trip option for frequent travelers
- 24/7 multilingual assistance
- Trip cancellation coverage
| Plan Type | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Single trip (2 weeks) | €40-70 |
| Annual multi-trip | €120-250 |
| Family plan (2 weeks) | €80-140 |
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | SafetyWing | World Nomads | Allianz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical coverage | €100,000+ | €100,000+ | €30,000+ |
| Pricing model | Monthly | Per trip | Per trip or annual |
| Trip cancellation | No | Yes | Yes |
| Adventure activities | Limited | Yes (extensive) | Some plans |
| Visa denial refund | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Family plans | Children free under parent | Individual pricing | Family discount |
| Best for | Frequent travelers, nomads | Single trips, adventure | Families, business |
How to Choose the Right Insurance
For a single vacation (1-3 weeks)
World Nomads or Allianz single-trip plans are the most cost-effective. You pay once, get covered for your exact travel dates, and the policy includes trip cancellation which protects your flight and hotel bookings too.
For frequent travelers or digital nomads
SafetyWing's monthly subscription is hard to beat. You pay monthly, cancel anytime, and you're covered for all trips. No need to buy a new policy each time you travel.
For families
Allianz family plans or SafetyWing (children travel free under a parent's policy) offer the best value. If you travel to Europe multiple times a year, an annual multi-trip plan saves money.
For adventure travelers
World Nomads Explorer plan covers the widest range of activities — skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping, and more. If your trip includes adventure activities, this is the safest choice.
What Consulates Check
When reviewing your insurance document, consulate staff verify:
- Coverage amount is at least €30,000
- Policy covers all Schengen countries (not just one)
- Dates cover your entire stay (some want +15 days buffer)
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation are included
- The insurance company is reputable and recognized
- The policy document is in English or the local language
What If My Visa Is Denied?
All three providers listed above offer refunds if your Schengen visa is denied. The process:
- Contact the insurance provider with your visa denial letter
- Submit a cancellation/refund request
- Receive a full or partial refund (depends on provider and timing)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying insurance that doesn't specifically mention Schengen coverage
- Coverage amount below €30,000
- Policy dates that don't cover your full stay
- Forgetting to print the policy document
- Using a credit card's built-in travel insurance (usually doesn't meet Schengen requirements)
- Buying from an unknown provider that consulates don't recognize
- Booking flights via London without a UK Transit Visa — Asian passport holders (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, China, etc.) need a separate UK transit visa even for airside connections
Complete Your Schengen Visa Application
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