Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for UK residents applying for a Schengen visa and recommended for anyone travelling within the Schengen Area. It must provide at least €30,000 in medical cover, including emergency treatment and repatriation, and remain valid for the entire duration of your stay.
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What Is Schengen Travel Insurance and Who Needs It?
Schengen travel insurance is a medical travel policy that meets visa requirements set by Schengen member states. UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in 180 days, but non-UK nationals living in Britain who require a Schengen visa must provide compliant insurance when applying.
The policy must:
- Provide minimum medical cover of €30,000
- Cover emergency hospital treatment
- Include medical repatriation to the UK or country of residence
- Be valid across all Schengen states
- Remain active for the full duration of the trip
Without compliant documentation, visa applications can be refused.
Which Countries Require Schengen Travel Insurance?
Schengen travel insurance applies to travel within the Schengen Area, which includes countries such as:
- France
- Germany
- Spain
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Poland
- Greece
The policy must cover all participating countries, even if you only plan to visit one.
Minimum Coverage Requirements for Schengen Travel Insurance
To be accepted for visa purposes, Schengen travel insurance must meet strict criteria.
Medical Expenses
The policy must provide at least €30,000 in emergency medical expenses. Many UK insurers offer £5 million or more, which exceeds the minimum requirement.
Repatriation
The insurance must include medical evacuation and repatriation in the event of serious illness or death.
Validity Period
The policy must cover the entire travel period. If applying for a multiple-entry visa, longer coverage may be required.
Always obtain a certificate clearly stating the coverage amount in euros to avoid delays during visa processing.
How Much Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary depending on:
- Age of traveller
- Length of stay
- Medical history
- Level of cover selected
- Single trip or annual multi-trip policy
Short-term policies for healthy adults travelling for one week can be relatively inexpensive. Older travellers or those with pre-existing medical conditions may face higher premiums.
What Does Schengen Travel Insurance Typically Cover?
In addition to mandatory medical cover, many policies include:
- Trip cancellation and curtailment
- Baggage loss or delay
- Personal liability
- Travel delay compensation
- Emergency dental treatment
Coverage levels vary between insurers. Always read the policy wording carefully.
Do UK Passport Holders Still Need Schengen Travel Insurance?
UK citizens can travel visa-free to the Schengen Area for short stays, but travel insurance is strongly recommended. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provides access to state healthcare but does not cover:
- Private medical treatment
- Repatriation costs
- Trip cancellation
- Lost baggage
Schengen travel insurance fills these gaps and provides financial protection beyond basic reciprocal healthcare arrangements.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection Linked to Insurance
Applications may be refused if:
- The coverage amount is below €30,000
- The policy does not cover all Schengen states
- The validity period is shorter than the trip duration
- The insurer is not recognised or authorised
Ensure your certificate clearly states compliance with Schengen visa requirements.
How to Choose the Right Schengen Travel Insurance Policy
When selecting a policy, consider:
- Total medical coverage limits
- Excess amounts
- Pre-existing medical condition declarations
- Cancellation cover limits
- Customer service accessibility
For longer stays, annual multi-trip policies may offer better value than single-trip cover, provided each trip falls within permitted duration limits.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Schengen Travel Insurance
Travellers with medical conditions must declare them accurately. Failure to disclose relevant information may invalidate claims.
Specialist insurers in the UK offer policies tailored for:
- Heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Cancer histories
- Respiratory conditions
Premiums may be higher, but proper disclosure ensures valid protection abroad.
When Should You Purchase Schengen Travel Insurance?
It is advisable to purchase Schengen travel insurance immediately after booking your trip. Early purchase activates cancellation cover in case unforeseen events prevent travel.
Visa applicants should obtain insurance before submitting documents to the consulate or visa application centre.
Final Thoughts on Schengen Travel Insurance
Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for many visa applicants and a practical safeguard for all UK travellers visiting Europe. It must provide at least €30,000 in medical and repatriation cover and remain valid for the entire stay. By comparing policies carefully and ensuring full compliance with visa requirements, travellers can protect themselves financially while meeting entry conditions for the Schengen Area.