How To Get Travel Insurance For Schengen Visa (2025): Step by Step

Introduction

If Europe is on your 2025 travel calendar, here’s one thing you can’t skip: travel insurance for your Schengen visa. No matter how perfect your itinerary looks, without insurance your visa application won’t even make it past the first desk. The rules may sound bureaucratic, but they’re really about protecting you. Medical bills abroad can climb faster than a Paris taxi meter, and embassies want to be sure you’re covered if life takes an unexpected turn.

The baseline? At least €30,000 in coverage, valid across all 27 Schengen countries, for the entire length of your trip. This guide is your step-by-step roadmap, written in plain language. Think of me as a friend who’s been through the process and wants to save you time, stress, and a few rookie mistakes. For the official fine print, check the European Commission’s visa portal and Schengen Visa Info.

Still feeling unsure about which insurance to pick? Sometimes a visual explanation just makes things click. The video below breaks down everything you need to know about Schengen visa travel insurance—what’s required, what to look out for, and how to avoid common mistakes. Take five minutes to watch, and you’ll feel more confident when it’s time to buy your policy.

To save time, you can obtain a fully compliant policy online through Schengen Visa Insurance, which meets the €30,000 minimum coverage requirement and is accepted by all European embassies.

Step 1. Understand the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements

Here’s what your policy has to include:

• Coverage of at least €30,000. Think of this as your “entry ticket” to Schengen approval.
• Medical emergencies, hospital care, and repatriation. If you break a leg skiing in Austria, you’re covered.
• Valid in all Schengen countries. Not just France or Italy, but the entire zone.
• For every day of your trip. Add a couple of buffer days to avoid falling short.

Picture your insurance like a safety net stretched under your entire journey. If even one country isn’t covered, the net has a hole, and the embassy will notice immediately. The easiest way to ensure your policy meets every requirement is to use Schengen Visa Insurance. It’s tailored for embassy requirements and covers all 27 Schengen countries for the full duration of your stay.

Schengen Countries (2025)

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

Who Actually Needs a Schengen Visa?

 

Step 2. Decide What Type of Insurance You Need

Not all policies are built the same. Choose one that matches your travel style:

• Single-trip policy: Great for a two-week getaway to Paris or Rome.
• Annual multi-trip policy: Perfect if you’re in and out of Europe several times a year.
• Student or long-stay insurance: Tailored for exchange programs, relocations, or internships.
• Add-ons: Winter sports coverage for skiing in the Alps, or maternity coverage if you’re expecting.

Examples in Practice

• A family heading to Italy for summer vacation will be OK with a simple single-trip policy.
• A consultant who visits clients in Germany every couple of months will save money with an annual plan.
• A student spending a semester in Spain requires long-term coverage, which may also include liability insurance, as universities often demand it.
  
  

Think of it like buying transport tickets: one ride, a monthly pass, or even a yearly card—it depends on your journey.

Step 3. Compare Insurance Providers

Here’s where it gets overwhelming: dozens of companies promise “Schengen insurance.” How do you sort them out?

Check for:

• Real coverage: Not just advertised, but confirmed €30,000 or more.
• COVID-19 or pandemic inclusion: Still relevant in 2025.
• Deductibles: Some “cheap” plans hide big out-of-pocket costs.
• 24/7 English-speaking support: You don’t want to argue in a foreign language at midnight.
• Reputation: Look for reviews, ratings, and whether the company has history.

Big names like Allianz, AXA, or Europ Assistance usually pass without questions at embassies. Unknown providers can work, but embassies may check them closely.

You can also check Schengen Visa Insurance, which offers instant online purchase and embassy-approved certificates — a good option if you need your documents the same day.

Buying the cheapest unknown policy is like booking a €5 flight you’ve never heard of—sure, it might work, but you don’t want to find out at the gate that the plane doesn’t exist.

Step 4. Check Compliance With Embassy Requirements

Even if the policy looks fine, embassies don’t always see it that way. Some consulates have their own lists of accepted insurers.

Think of it like train tickets: you may hold a valid-looking ticket, but the conductor (the visa officer) says, “Sorry, not on this line.”

A traveler shared on Reddit how their Swiss visa was nearly denied because the insurer wasn’t approved. They had to rebuy insurance at the last minute, feeling stressed and frustrated. Don’t be that traveler.

What to do:

• Check the consulate’s site for specific requirements.
• Please call or email to confirm that your provider is recognized.

Ten minutes of checking can save you weeks of stress. And always keep both printed and digital copies of your policy.

Step 5. Purchase Your Travel Insurance

Once you’ve picked the right provider, buying is simple. You’ll need:

• Passport details.
• Travel dates.
• Countries you’ll visit.

Most companies sell online, and you’ll get a PDF certificate within minutes. Pay attention to language: having an English version or one in the embassy’s language (such as German or French) makes life easier.

Once you’re ready to buy, Schengen Visa Insurance lets you complete everything online in minutes and receive your certificate instantly — perfect for last-minute visa submissions.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Wrong dates: Your insurance must start the day you enter Europe.
• Name mismatch: It has to be exactly like in your passport.
• Forgetting layovers: Even a short airport stop counts.

Think of it like double-checking your boarding pass—you want no surprises at the gate.

Step 6. Submit Insurance With Your Visa Application

Insurance is just one piece of the puzzle, along with your form, itinerary, and hotel bookings. To be safe:

• Print your certificate and add it to your visa file.
• Keep a copy on your phone.
• If you get a stamped original, bring that too.

If your trip changes, some insurers let you update the dates. If your visa is denied, many companies refund at least part of your payment—but only if you ask upfront about refund terms.

Step 7. Tips and Common Mistakes To Avoid

Here’s what trips travelers up most often:

• Coverage too short: Always add buffer days.
• Not including all Schengen states: Coverage must be for the whole zone.
• Buying fake policies: Don’t risk it—consulates check.
• Ignoring refund policies: Know what happens if your visa is denied.
• Missing exclusions: Adventure sports or pre-existing conditions need special add-ons.

Think of insurance like a seatbelt. You rarely notice it, but when life swerves, you’ll be grateful it’s there.

FAQ

1. Can I cancel my insurance if my visa is denied?

Yes. Many insurers refund you if you provide proof of rejection, usually an official letter. Some refund fully, others deduct a fee. Always read the terms before paying.

2. Do I need COVID-19 coverage in 2025?

Not always required, but still smart. Airlines and hospitals may ask for proof. For a small extra fee, it can save you hundreds if you test positive and need to change plans.

3. Will my credit card insurance be enough?

Probably not. Most card benefits don’t meet Schengen rules or lack repatriation coverage. Embassies often demand a dedicated certificate. Safer to buy a proper policy and treat card insurance as a bonus.

4. How much does it cost?

A two-week single-trip policy runs €30–€60. An annual plan is €150–€300. Students pay less, seniors more. Don’t cut corners—cheap policies can mean big bills later.

5. Do kids need separate insurance?

Yes. Every traveler, even infants, must be covered. Family packages can simplify paperwork and sometimes cost less. Always check that children are covered for emergencies and common illnesses.

Conclusion

Obtaining Schengen visa insurance in 2025 isn’t rocket science, but it does require careful consideration. Think of it like packing your universal adapter: without it, your trip stalls before it starts. Follow these steps, stick to official sources, and you’ll avoid the classic pitfalls.

At the end of the day, insurance buys peace of mind. Maybe you’ll never use it—but if life flips the switch, you’ll be thankful you had that safety net. Save it in your travel wallet or app, right next to your boarding pass and hotel booking, so help is always just a tap away.