Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: 2025 Requirements & Guide

Planning a trip to Europe under a Schengen visa? Before you pack your bags, you need to understand Schengen visa travel insurance requirements and guide essentials. From mandatory coverage rules to choosing the right provider, this is one travel step you simply can’t skip—unless you enjoy visa rejections and travel headaches.

In 2025, the EU continues to enforce strict insurance requirements for Schengen visa applicants. But that doesn’t mean you have to overpay or buy inadequate coverage. Let’s walk through what’s required, how to choose the best policy, and the smart ways to save money while staying fully compliant.

Why Schengen Travel Insurance Is Mandatory

The Schengen Agreement covers 27 European countries with a unified visa policy. One of its most important visa requirements is proof of travel medical insurance.
This rule exists for three main reasons:

To ensure visitors can afford emergency medical care.
To protect local health systems from non-resident medical costs.
To guarantee assistance in case of repatriation after serious illness or death.

According to the European Commission, these requirements apply to all Schengen visa applicants, regardless of trip length or purpose.

2025 Official Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements

To meet Schengen visa rules, your travel insurance must include:

Requirement	Minimum Standard (2025)
Medical Coverage	At least €30,000 (approx. $32,500)
Geographic Validity	Valid in all 27 Schengen member states
Duration	Entire stay, including transit days
Repatriation Coverage	Included for illness, injury, or death
Emergency Medical Evacuation	Must be explicitly stated
No Deductible Clause	Recommended to avoid refusal

How to Choose the Right Policy in 2025

Not all travel insurance is Schengen-compliant. Some cheap online offers might miss critical clauses, leading to visa refusal. Here’s a simple selection checklist:

Get Written Confirmation of Schengen Compliance
Your insurer must explicitly confirm that your policy meets all EU visa requirements.
Pick a Globally Recognized Provider
Embassy staff are more likely to trust policies from reputable brands like Allianz, AXA, or Europ Assistance.
Read the Fine Print
Look for exclusions—especially related to pandemics, pre-existing conditions, or risky activities.
Bundle for Savings
If you travel often, consider an annual multi-trip Schengen-compliant policy—it can be cheaper than buying single-trip coverage each time.

Cost of Schengen Travel Insurance in 2025

In 2025, prices depend on age, duration, and coverage level. Here’s an average cost breakdown for a single 15-day trip:

Age Group	Basic Policy	Comprehensive Policy
18–35	€20–€35	€40–€65
36–60	€25–€45	€50–€85
61+	€40–€70	€90–€150

For an annual multi-trip plan covering unlimited 90-day stays, expect €220–€400 per year.

Real-World Case: Visa Rejection for Wrong Insurance

In 2024, a traveler from Brazil had their Schengen visa denied by the French consulate because their “budget” travel insurance excluded repatriation costs. This is a common mistake—consulates will check your policy line by line.

To avoid this, always get a visa letter from your insurer confirming compliance.

Action Steps to Secure the Right Insurance

Step 1: Check your itinerary and travel dates.
Step 2: Use the official Schengen insurance checklist.
Step 3: Get quotes from at least 3 reputable insurers.
Step 4: Confirm written compliance before purchase.
Step 5: Keep a printed and digital copy for your visa application.