What is the minimum insurance cover for a Schengen visa?

The minimum medical cover required for a Schengen visa is EUR 30,000, as specified in EU Visa Code Article 15. This must cover medical expenses, emergency hospital treatment, and repatriation. The policy must be valid for all 29 Schengen countries and for the entire period of your intended stay.

Does the Schengen visa insurance need to cover all countries?

Yes. The insurance must be valid in all 29 Schengen countries, even if you plan to visit only one. This is because a Schengen visa technically allows entry into all member states. Insurance valid for only one country (for example, France only) is not accepted.

Can I use my bank or credit card insurance for a Schengen visa?

Sometimes, but rarely. Bank or credit card travel insurance must meet all the specific Schengen requirements: minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, valid in all 29 Schengen countries, covering the full period of your stay. You must provide a certificate from your bank or card issuer confirming these details. Most basic card insurance policies do not meet the EUR 30,000 minimum or do not provide the required documentation format.

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance 2026 — Requirements, Minimum Cover, Best Options

Q: What travel insurance do I need for a Schengen visa?

For a Schengen visa you need travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and repatriation. The insurance must be valid in all 29 Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay. This is a mandatory requirement under EU Visa Code Article 15.

✅ What Your Insurance Policy Must Include

✅ Minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover — emergency medical expenses and hospitalisation

✅ Emergency repatriation — medical evacuation back to your home country if needed

✅ Valid in ALL 29 Schengen countries — even if you plan to visit only one

✅ Covers the entire period of your stay — from first entry to last planned exit

✅ Issued by a recognised insurer — must be a real insurance company, not a travel agent document

✅ Certificate or policy document in French, English or the consulate's language — or with certified translation

❌ What Will Get Your Insurance Rejected

❌ Cover below EUR 30,000 — the minimum is non-negotiable

❌ Valid for one country only — "France only" or "Spain only" policies are not accepted

❌ Does not cover the full stay dates — must cover from your first entry date to your last exit date

❌ No repatriation cover — this is a mandatory element

❌ Travel agent "insurance certificate" — must be issued by an actual insurer, not a booking platform

❌ Basic credit card insurance without proper documentation — most card policies do not meet requirements or cannot provide the needed certificate

📋 Documents to Submit with Your Visa Application

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Insurance certificate or policy summary Showing your name, policy number, coverage amount (minimum EUR 30,000), geographic scope (Schengen Area), and validity dates matching your travel dates.

🌍

Geographic coverage confirmation The document must explicitly state "Schengen Area" or list all covered countries. "Europe" alone may not be accepted by all consulates.

📅

Validity dates Must match or exceed your intended stay. Buy insurance starting from your first planned entry date, not from the date you buy it.

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Coverage amount clearly stated The EUR 30,000 (or equivalent) must appear clearly on the certificate. If stated in a different currency, check the exchange rate applies.

🔍 Types of Acceptable Insurance

Type	Accepted?	Notes
Dedicated travel insurance policy	✅ Yes	Most reliable — purpose-built for Schengen visa applications
Annual multi-trip travel insurance	✅ Yes	Must cover Schengen Area and meet EUR 30,000 minimum
Bank / premium credit card insurance	⚠️ Sometimes	Only if it meets all requirements AND bank provides proper certificate
Employer health insurance	⚠️ Sometimes	Only if valid internationally for Schengen countries — verify with HR
Travel agent "guarantee letter"	❌ No	Not issued by an insurer — not accepted
Basic bank card insurance	❌ Rarely	Usually below EUR 30,000 minimum or no proper certificate available

✅ Checklist — Before Buying Your Insurance

📋 Coverage is at least EUR 30,000 for medical + repatriation

📋 Valid for all 29 Schengen countries (not just one)

📋 Start date = your first planned entry into Schengen

📋 End date = your last planned exit from Schengen

📋 The insurer provides a certificate (not just a booking email)

📋 Certificate shows your full name as it appears on your passport

📋 Certificate is in French, English or the consulate's language (or translated)

❓ Schengen Visa Insurance — FAQ

What travel insurance do I need for a Schengen visa?

You need travel medical insurance with a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage for medical expenses and repatriation, valid in all 29 Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay. This is mandatory under EU Visa Code Article 15.

What is the minimum insurance amount for a Schengen visa?

EUR 30,000 minimum for medical expenses and emergency repatriation combined. This is set by EU law (Visa Code Article 15) and applies to all 29 Schengen countries. Some consulates recommend higher cover (EUR 50,000+) but EUR 30,000 is the legal minimum.

Does my insurance need to cover all Schengen countries?

Yes. Even if you plan to visit only France, your insurance must be valid for all 29 Schengen countries. A Schengen visa technically allows entry to the entire area, so coverage must match.

Can I use my credit card travel insurance for a Schengen visa?

Sometimes — but only if it meets the EUR 30,000 minimum, covers all 29 Schengen countries, covers your full stay dates, and your bank can provide a proper certificate. Most basic card policies fall short on one or more of these points.

What if my visa application is refused — do I get a refund on my insurance?

Most travel insurers offer a refund or cancellation option if your visa is refused, provided you notify them promptly. Check the cancellation policy before purchasing — some require notification within a specific number of days of refusal.

How long before my trip should I buy Schengen visa insurance?

Buy insurance when you submit your visa application — typically 15 working days to 3 months before travel. Your policy start date should match your first planned entry into the Schengen Area, not the date you buy it. Some insurers allow you to set a future start date.

Information current as of October 2026. MonVisaSchengen is not affiliated with any insurance provider and does not receive commissions. This page is for informational purposes only. Always verify requirements with the consulate processing your application. MonVisaSchengen is not affiliated with any embassy, consulate or EU institution.