EntryNest · Travel insurance hub
Travel insurance for visa applicants & international travellers
Compare coverage requirements for Schengen, Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia. Clear minimums, real costs, and direct links to official sources — written for visa applicants who can't afford a guess.
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a short-term policy that protects you against the financial cost of things going wrong abroad — medical emergencies, repatriation, missed flights, cancelled trips, and lost luggage. It is not the same as your domestic health insurance, which generally stops at the border, and it is not a substitute for long-term private medical cover.
Why it matters
A single overseas hospital stay can cost USD 10,000–50,000. A medically supervised repatriation flight typically costs USD 50,000–250,000. Travel insurance turns those numbers into a fixed, predictable premium of USD 20–80 per week for most travellers, and is mandatory for many short-stay visas.
Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa applicants must hold travel medical insurance with a minimum of €30,000 coverage, valid across all 29 Schengen member states, including emergency repatriation. Full Schengen guide →
What travel insurance covers
Medical emergencies
Hospitalisation, surgery, ER visits and prescriptions abroad — the most common claim category.
Trip cancellation & interruption
Reimburses prepaid flights, hotels and tours for covered reasons before or during your trip.
Emergency evacuation
Medically necessary repatriation can cost USD 50,000–250,000 without cover.
Lost or delayed baggage
Compensation for delays and permanent loss of checked luggage.
Country-specific recommendations
Recommended minimums by destination — always verify against the official source linked on each guide.
| Destination | Mandatory? | Recommended cover | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇺 Schengen Area | Yes | €30,000 (≈ USD 33,000) | Full guide |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | No | CAD 100,000 (Super Visa: mandatory; visitors: strongly recommended) | Full guide |
| 🇺🇸 United States | No | USD 100,000 medical (USD 250,000+ for older travellers) | Full guide |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | No | £100,000 (≈ USD 130,000) | Full guide |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | No | AUD 200,000 | Full guide |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | Yes | Basic cover included with eVisa; supplementary USD 50,000+ recommended | Full guide |
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may help cover medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected travel expenses while abroad.
- Medical emergencies
- Trip interruption
- Lost baggage
Frequently asked questions
What is travel insurance and why does it matter?
Travel insurance is a short-term policy that covers medical emergencies, repatriation, trip cancellation, and lost or delayed baggage while you are abroad. It matters because most domestic health systems do not cover citizens or visitors once they leave their home country, and out-of-pocket emergency care abroad can run into tens of thousands of dollars.
Do I need travel insurance for a visa application?
It depends on the destination. Schengen short-stay (Type C) visas require €30,000 minimum medical insurance. Canada Super Visa requires CAD 100,000. Most other countries — including the US, UK and Australia — do not legally require it but strongly recommend it.
What's the minimum medical coverage I should buy?
€30,000 for Schengen, CAD 100,000 for Canada, USD 100,000 for the US (USD 250,000+ if 65+), £100,000 for the UK, AUD 200,000 for Australia. See each country guide for full details.
Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation?
Yes — most policies include trip cancellation for covered reasons (illness, family emergency, jury duty). Cancel-for-any-reason riders are available at extra cost from some providers.
What is emergency medical evacuation?
Repatriation cover that pays for air ambulance or medically supervised transport back to your home country if required by your condition. It is often the single most expensive uninsured risk on a trip.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
Standard policies exclude pre-existing conditions unless you buy a waiver, usually within 14–21 days of booking the first trip component. Always declare conditions to avoid claim denial.
Can I buy travel insurance after I've left?
Some providers (including Heymondo) sell post-departure cover, though waiting periods and exclusions usually apply. It is always cheaper and broader if purchased before departure.
Related guides
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