Schengen visa travel and insurance guide

June 18, 2018

Are you planning a trip to the Schengen area? You might be surprised to see a few new entry requirements for Europe if you are planning to stay in the Schengen area for longer than 90 days or if your passport is not included in the visa-free regime with the EU even when you are residing in one of the countries that are.

One requirement for nationals of certain countries is the Schengen visa, which allows entrance and free mobility within the Schengen area. Among the requirements to be approved for the Schengen visa is to obtain travel health insurance that covers medical emergencies for your entire period of stay. If you’re looking for the best-suited Schengen travel insurance policy, SafeTrip may be the perfect choice for travelers like you who are seeking a combination package of travel medical insurance and trip protection plans to fulfill the Schengen visa requirements.

However, even if you are not applying for a Schengen visa, it is always recommended to look into buying travel medical insurance and trip protection when traveling abroad.

Our products offer an array of benefits for people traveling to the Schengen area. The coverage includes medical protection, plus evacuation and repatriation services in case of illness or injury during your travels. In addition, there are SafeTrip plans that cover financial losses due to trip cancellation or interruption, ensuring you receive reimbursement for non-refundable airline tickets, hotel bookings, and other unexpected situations in the Schengen area.

Before beginning your journey, it is crucial to ensure you have the right Schengen travel insurance policy in place, providing coverage for all your needs while abroad. On the SafeTrip plan pages, you'll find a detailed overview of the coverage offered by each plan, ensuring you are fully informed and protected during your travels.

SafeTrip has your back, so you can focus on creating cherished memories while exploring the beautiful Schengen area.

What is the Schengen area and which countries are included?

The Schengen area is made up of 29 countries and covers most of Europe. All countries within the Schengen area share common rules and regulations regarding travel in their passport-free zone. See a full list of all Schengen countries below:

Do I need a Schengen visa for my trip to Europe?

Wondering if you need to get a Schengen visa? If you are a citizen of one of the countries on this up-to-date list, you will need to apply for a Schengen visa to travel within the area freely.

While not all travelers are required to get a Schengen visa to travel freely between these countries, there are some nationals who must meet specific requirements to obtain a short-term tourist or visitor visa. Additionally, anyone from outside of the European region who plans to stay longer than 90 days in the area, whether they are traveling for leisure, work, or as a student is required to obtain a Schengen visa. This includes U.S. citizens traveling within the member countries for longer than 90 days.

If you are obtaining a Schengen visa, travel insurance is one of the main requirements to fulfill. It provides coverage in the event of illness, injury, medical or other emergencies, and emergency evacuation, covering all costs up to a minimum of €30,000 (±$33,500) for a short-term stay. Travel insurance for a Schengen visa must also be valid for the entire Schengen area.

In addition, it should cover costs associated with trip cancellation or interruption due to unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather conditions or natural disasters. The exact coverage requirements may vary depending on which country you are traveling from and how long your stay will be.

Choosing the right policy can make all the difference when planning your trip to the Schengen area. With UnitedHealthcare Global’s SafeTrip plans, you can be sure you have travel medical insurance and travel protection coverage, giving you the confidence of knowing that you are protected in case of the unexpected. There’s even a 24/7 phone number to call for support, wherever you are.

Do U.S. citizens need a Schengen visa?

Unless you are planning to stay within the Schengen region for longer than 90 days during a time period of 180 days, U.S. citizens with a valid U.S. passport are not required to apply for a Schengen visa. However, once the 90-day limit is reached, U.S. travelers will not be able to re-enter the Schengen area without acquiring a short-term stay visa. For more detailed information, visit Schengenvisainfo.

What are the requirements for a Schengen visa?

If your stay in the Schengen area is longer than 90 days or your passport is not included in the visa-free regime with the EU, you will need to obtain a Schengen visa prior to your departure. As with every visa application, the process takes careful planning and preparation. Be sure to read our tips when planning to apply for your Schengen visa:

In order to be eligible to apply, travelers must have all the necessary documents in place. These requirements vary depending on the purpose of the journey but are generally similar for all Schengen countries. Read our checklist below to see if you are missing anything for your application:

• Complete the visa application form
  • including two passport photographs taken within 6 months of submitting the application
• A passport or travel document that will remain valid until at least 3 months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen area
• Proof of sufficient financial means to support the stay in the Schengen area
• Proof of accommodation for stay in the Schengen area (hotel reservations or rental agreements)
• An insurance policy that covers any pre-existing medical conditions
• As mentioned before, travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (~$33,500) per person covering medical costs, emergency evacuation, or repatriation

It is essential that travelers meet all these requirements before applying for their visa so that they are not delayed at any point during their trip due to missing documentation or inadequate insurance coverage. Taking out a travel insurance policy from SafeTrip with adequate coverage can give you confidence when traveling abroad and guarantee a smooth journey through Europe's borders.

Choosing the best travel insurance for Schengen

Planning a trip to the Schengen area often means exploring multiple countries for an extended period. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or fulfilling your once-in-lifetime travel dream, selecting the right travel insurance policy is vital. Be sure to look for policy details such as emergency medical coverage plus repatriation and emergency evacuation services, and of course evaluate cost. Another detail that not everyone considers: is there customer support if an emergency does occur? A hotline or 24-hour support center can make a crisis feel more manageable when far from home.

SafeTrip plans* add several additional benefits on top of the standard travel policies. These include virtual visits with doctors in case of any medical needs as well as 24/7 access to an in-house emergency response center if any unforeseen events occur during your travels overseas. Above all, SafeTrip has an established global network, so that you can get quality care quickly — wherever your travels may take you.

Explore both the International Travel Medical and International Travel Medical Plus plans to make an informed decision about the product that best suits your travel needs. Additionally, take a look at potential add-ons to keep you safe in case you want to get adventurous.

A Schengen area travel medical and trip protection plan from SafeTrip can provide coverage for medical expenses or emergency evacuation up to $1,000,000 (~ €900,000) per person. In addition to providing medical coverage, our plans can also help protect you from unexpected medical costs or mishaps during your trip. For example, they offer travel protection benefits, meaning you can get reimbursed for trip interruptions or even if your luggage is delayed or lost. They also offer coverage for flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

By taking all available options into account when selecting travel insurance for a Schengen trip, you can feel secure knowing that you are receiving the best possible protection. UnitedHealthcare Global’s SafeTrip offers several unique benefits that go beyond what is typically expected from most policies - giving travelers added confidence during their travels.

*Policy availability varies.