Schengen Area · Travel insurance

Schengen Travel Insurance — Requirements for Type C Visa Applicants

Travel insurance is mandatory for almost every Schengen short-stay (Type C) visa applicant. The European Commission sets a minimum €30,000 medical coverage requirement valid across all 29 member states. This guide explains exactly what your policy must cover, common rejection reasons, and how to compare compliant policies.

Travel insurance is mandatory

Recommended minimum coverage: €30,000 (≈ USD 33,000)

Requirements

Minimum €30,000 emergency medical and hospitalisation cover.
Valid throughout the entire Schengen Area (all 29 member states).
Covers emergency repatriation, including repatriation in case of death.
Valid for the full duration of the intended stay (single-entry) or the first planned trip (multi-entry).
Provided by a recognised insurer with policy documents in English or the consulate's language.

Coverage recommendations

Coverage	Why it matters
Emergency medical & hospitalisation	Primary requirement — must be at least €30,000 per person, per trip.
Emergency evacuation & repatriation	Including medical repatriation and repatriation of remains.
Trip cancellation	Optional but commonly bundled — protects pre-paid travel costs if you cancel for covered reasons.
Lost or delayed baggage	Reimbursement for essentials during delays and compensation for permanent loss.

Real-world example

10-day Paris trip — Indian national

A short-stay tourist visa applied for at the French consulate in Mumbai. Travel dates Oct 1–14. The applicant submitted a €30,000 coverage policy valid in all Schengen states, alongside hotel bookings and an invitation letter.

Indicative cost: Single-trip Schengen-compliant policies typically run €15–€40 for 10 days from common providers.

Travel insurance requirements

Many Schengen visa applicants are required to provide travel medical insurance that meets Schengen coverage requirements (minimum €30,000 medical coverage, valid across all member states). Verify the latest requirements through official government sources before applying.

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Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Travel insurance may help cover medical emergencies, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and other unexpected travel expenses while abroad.

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Frequently asked questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes. Submitting proof of travel medical insurance meeting the €30,000 / multi-state requirement is a mandatory step for nearly all Type C visa applications.

Can I buy insurance after visa approval?

No. Insurance must be in place at the time of application and valid for the full intended stay.

What if my stay exceeds the policy's dates?

The consulate will refuse the file. Always cover the full requested validity, ideally with a 1–2 day buffer either side.

Do EU citizens need it?

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not need a Schengen visa or this insurance, but private travel insurance is still strongly recommended outside their home country.