Schengen visa travel and insurance guide

June 17, 2025

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 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 plan that covers any pre-existing medical conditions
• As mentioned before, travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 (~$35,400) 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 Schengen travel insurance plan from SafeTrip with adequate coverage can give you added confidence when traveling abroad and help to create a smooth journey through Europe's borders.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 travel plan 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.

Which travel health insurance is best for a Schengen visa?

The best health insurance for a Schengen visa is one that meets the official visa requirements and offers dependable support in case of a medical emergency abroad. Look for policies that provide:

• A minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical expenses.
• Coverage across all Schengen countries.
• Emergency medical treatment and repatriation.

Many reputable international insurers offer Schengen-compliant travel insurance plans. Some providers even offer policies tailored specifically for visa applications, often including a certificate of coverage you can submit with your paperwork. When comparing plans, check for 24/7 support, ease of claims, and clear documentation to ensure a smooth visa process.

Will getting travel insurance ensure I get a Schengen visa?

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for a Schengen visa, but it doesn't guarantee visa approval. It’s one part of a broader application that also includes proof of accommodation, financial means, return travel, and a valid passport.

However, submitting the right type of insurance, one that fully complies with Schengen guidelines, can strengthen your application by demonstrating preparedness and compliance with the visa rules. Be sure to include the certificate of insurance, which confirms the coverage amount, geographic validity, and dates of travel.

How can I get Schengen visa insurance?

Getting Schengen visa insurance is a straightforward process. You can:

1. Purchase online through travel insurance companies that offer Schengen-compliant plans.
2. Visit a local insurance provider with international travel insurance options.
3. Use an insurer recommended by the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you're visiting.

When buying your travel plan, ensure it includes the minimum required coverage and ask for a visa letter or certificate of insurance. This document is essential for your application and must clearly state that the policy meets Schengen requirements.

How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?

The cost of Schengen travel insurance varies based on factors such as:

• Your age
• Length of stay
• The level of coverage selected

Generally, short-term Schengen visa insurance for a stay of up to 30 days is affordable, with basic plans available for a modest one-time fee. More comprehensive policies with higher coverage limits or extra benefits (like coverage for lost luggage or trip cancellation) may cost more but offer broader protection.

It’s advisable to compare multiple providers to find a plan that balances price and coverage for your specific travel needs.

SafeTrip travel insurance plans

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 plan 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.

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 is vital.

Be sure to look for plan 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.

Why Choose SafeTrip for Schengen Travel?

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, 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 travel 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 covered. 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.