Key rule: Schengen visa applicants need travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 of coverage, valid in all Schengen states, covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation (including for medical reasons or death), for the whole stay.
Where the rule comes from
The requirement is set by Article 15 of the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009). It applies to short-stay (Type C) visas for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Checklist for a compliant policy
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (or the equivalent in your currency).
- Valid across all 29 Schengen countries — not only your main destination.
- Covers emergency medical treatment, hospital care and medical repatriation.
- Dates cover your entire trip, ideally with a day or two of margin.
- No deductible that would prevent cover of emergency treatment (some consulates reject high deductibles).
- Issued by an insurer the consulate accepts — some publish lists of approved insurers.
Common mistakes
- Dates that don’t match your itinerary. If your flight itinerary shows 14 days and your policy covers 10, expect questions.
- Coverage limited to one country. The policy must be valid in every Schengen state.
- Credit-card insurance without proof. Some card policies qualify, but you need a certificate stating coverage, dates and territory.
- Multi-entry visa, single-trip policy. For multiple-entry visas, the first trip must be covered and you should sign that you will hold cover for later trips.
Keep your pack consistent
Your insurance, flight itinerary and accommodation should all cover the same dates. Use our Schengen document checklist to review everything before your appointment.
