International Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Traveling to Europe under the Schengen Visa requires that visitors from non-EU countries meet specific insurance requirements to ensure a smooth and secure stay. Among these requirements, obtaining the right international travel insurance for a Schengen Visa is crucial. This insurance guarantees peace of mind, offering coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, hospitalizations, and other unexpected events. In this guide, we will explore the top 12 international travel insurance plans for Schengen Visa applications, highlighting the best companies, quotes, and key factors to consider when booking coverage for your trip to Europe.

Understanding the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirement

Before diving into specific plans, it’s essential to understand the mandatory insurance requirements for Schengen Visa applicants. According to the European Union’s guidelines, travelers must have insurance coverage that meets the following criteria:

• Minimum Coverage Amount: The insurance must cover medical expenses up to at least €30,000.
• Valid for the Entire Stay: The policy must be valid for the entire duration of the trip within the Schengen Area.
• Coverage for Emergency Medical Situations: The insurance should cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, repatriation in case of illness or injury, and medical evacuation.

These requirements are put in place to ensure that travelers have the financial protection they need in case of unexpected medical situations while in the EU.

Top 12 best International Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

AXA Schengen Travel Insurance

AXA offers one of the best and most comprehensive travel insurance plans for Schengen Visa holders. The coverage includes emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, trip cancellations, and delays. AXA’s plans are FCA-regulated, which guarantees a high level of reliability and trust. AXA offers both single trip and annual cover options, making it suitable for travelers who frequently visit Europe.

Benefits:

Medical expenses covered up to €30,000

24/7 emergency assistance

Free choice of doctors and hospitals

Coverage for over 65s and over 50s

Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz is a world-renowned travel insurance provider that offers a wide range of Schengen Visa insurance plans. Their policies cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, loss of baggage, and even curtailment costs. Allianz provides multi-trip and single-trip insurance policies, and their coverage options are highly customizable.

Benefits:

24/7 emergency assistance

Up to €30,000 medical coverage

Repatriation and evacuation covered

Online certificate for easy visa application

World Nomads Travel Insurance

For those planning to explore Europe as a backpacker, World Nomads provides excellent insurance coverage. Their policies include emergency medical care, trip cancellations, repatriation, and more. This company is ideal for travelers looking for flexible coverage during long-term travel.

Benefits:

Worldwide coverage

Special backpacker cover

Coverage for over 50s

Customizable policies with flexible excesses

Coverwise Travel Insurance

Coverwise offers comprehensive international travel insurance that fulfills all the Schengen Visa requirements. Their single trip plans cover medical costs, repatriation, and trip cancellations. The company also offers a cheapest option, ideal for travelers who want basic coverage without overspending.

Benefits:

Up to €30,000 for medical expenses

Instant quotes and online application

Access to a network of trusted doctors and hospitals

Bupa Global Travel Insurance

Bupa Global offers premium travel insurance for Schengen Visa holders, with high levels of medical coverage and excellent customer service. Their policies are specifically designed to meet the requirements of Schengen countries, including coverage for hospitalization, medical treatment, and repatriation.

Benefits:

High levels of medical coverage

Immediate coverage for emergency hospitalization

24/7 trip assistance

Option to add cancellation cover and repatriation

InsureandGo Travel Insurance

InsureandGo provides affordable Schengen Visa insurance policies with a wide range of options for both single trip and multi-trip coverage. Their policies offer coverage for medical emergencies, including repatriation, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.

Benefits:

Medical coverage up to €30,000

Emergency evacuation and repatriation

Optional cancellation cover to protect your booking fees

Just Travel Cover

Just Travel Cover is a top insurance company for travelers who need coverage for specific health conditions or requirements. They offer flexible travel insurance plans that cover over 100 different countries, including all the Schengen Area member states. Their policies also cover pre-existing medical conditions.

Benefits:

Flexible and customizable policies

Medical expenses, including hospitalization and repatriation

Cover for over 65s and over 50s

Virgin Money Travel Insurance

Virgin Money offers top-notch travel insurance policies that meet Schengen Visa requirements. Their plans are comprehensive, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of baggage. Their multi-trip policies are ideal for frequent travelers to Europe.

Benefits:

Fast and easy online booking

Access to a 24/7 emergency helpdesk

Full cancellation coverage and trip curtailment

Single Trip Insurance by Travelex

Travelex’s single trip insurance plans are a great choice for travelers heading to the Schengen Area for a short stay. The policy offers emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, repatriation, and coverage for trip delays or cancellations.

Benefits:

Up to €30,000 in medical coverage

Coverage for flight delays and cancellations

Access to a global network of doctors and hospitals

Direct Travel Insurance

Direct Travel Insurance offers reliable coverage for Schengen Visa holders, covering emergency medical situations, trip cancellations, and more. Their easy-to-use online platform lets you get instant quotes and book insurance in minutes.

Benefits:

Comprehensive medical coverage

Access to 24/7 emergency assistance

Flexible policies with options for low excesses or exclusions

Staysure Travel Insurance

Staysure is known for offering reliable and affordable travel insurance for those over 50s. Their policies include comprehensive medical coverage, trip cancellation, and repatriation, ensuring travelers have peace of mind during their trip to Europe.

Benefits:

Customizable excesses for cost savings

Medical cover up to €30,000

Repatriation and evacuation services included

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

For digital nomads or those looking for long-term stays in Europe, SafetyWing provides annual cover or multi-trip policies that include emergency medical coverage, hospitalization, and repatriation. SafetyWing’s unique pricing structure makes it a cost-effective solution for extended travel in Europe.

Benefits:

Comprehensive cover for emergency medical costs

Global coverage, including Schengen Zone countries

Flexible, affordable plans for long-term stays

How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Schengen Visa

When selecting the best international travel insurance for a Schengen Visa, there are several key factors to consider:

Coverage Requirements: Ensure that the policy covers at least €30,000 for medical expenses, as required by the Schengen Visa regulations. Additionally, verify that the policy covers emergency medical evacuation and repatriation.

Destination: Double-check that the insurance policy covers all the Schengen member states you plan to visit. If you’re traveling to non-Schengen countries, ensure the policy extends coverage there as well.

Duration of Stay: The policy must be valid for the entire stay in Europe, including any layovers or time spent in airports.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, look for a policy that covers those. Some companies offer tailored coverage for travelers over 50 or over 65.

Exclusions and Excesses: Carefully review the policy exclusions, such as coverage limits for medical emergencies or cancellation, and make sure you are comfortable with any excess fees.

Instant Quotes and Easy Booking: Compare policies from different companies to find the best quote for your trip. Many companies provide instant online quotes that help you save time and ensure a hassle-free booking process.

To sum up:

International travel insurance for a Schengen Visa is an essential requirement that ensures travelers have the protection they need during their stay in Europe. Whether you’re taking a short vacation or planning an extended stay, the top 12 insurance plans listed above provide comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and repatriation.