What Travel Insurance Is Actually Required for a Schengen Visa?
Quick answer
You need Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 in medical cover, valid across all Schengen countries, covering the entire trip (entry and exit days included), with emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Cheap policies that miss any of these fail.
The mandatory minimums
- €30,000 minimum medical cover.
- Valid in all Schengen countries (check territorial scope, not just “Europe”).
- Covers the full trip, arrival to departure, no gap.
- Includes emergency treatment and repatriation (medical evacuation / return of remains).
Where cheap policies fail
- Cover below €30,000
- Territory that excludes some Schengen states
- Dates a day short at either end
- Missing repatriation clause
Insurance is one of the cheapest places to wreck an otherwise clean file, not where to save ₹200.
Practical tips
- Buy from an established insurer that issues a Schengen-format certificate.
- Match policy dates exactly to your itinerary, flights and hotels.
- Keep the policy schedule handy, that's the document showing cover, territory and dates.
People also ask
How much travel insurance do I need for a Schengen visa?
At least €30,000 in medical cover, valid across all Schengen countries, spanning your whole trip, with repatriation.
Can I buy insurance before my visa is approved?
Yes, a refundable or holding policy is fine, but the final policy must cover your actual travel dates in full.
Why do cheap policies get rejected?
They often fall short on cover amount, territorial scope, trip dates, or the repatriation clause the Schengen rules require.
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