International health insurance and
Schengen Visa
Quote sheet
Frequently Asked Questions about International Health Insurance and the Schengen Visa
What is the minimum coverage required for a Schengen visa?
EU Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 requires a minimum coverage of €30,000 for emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation, valid throughout the entire Schengen area.
How do I know if my insurance will be accepted by the consulate?
The consulate requires a certificate explicitly stating coverage of medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation for at least €30,000, as well as validity across the whole Schengen area for the entire length of your stay.
When should I take out my international health insurance?
We recommend subscribing to your insurance before submitting your visa application, since the certificate of coverage is one of the documents required when filing your application with the consulate.
Is repatriation included in the insurance?
Yes, medical repatriation is a mandatory guarantee for obtaining a Schengen visa and must be clearly stated on the insurance certificate provided to the consulate.
What happens if I extend my stay beyond the planned duration?
Your coverage must be extended accordingly: international health insurance must remain valid for the entire actual duration of your stay in the Schengen area, without interruption.
Does my insurer need to be a European company for the Schengen visa?
No, there is no requirement for the insurer to be European. A non-European company can be sufficient as long as the policy covers at least €30,000 for medical expenses, hospitalisation and repatriation, throughout the entire Schengen area, and is accepted by the relevant consulate.
Can I get a refund if my visa is refused?
This is not a legal obligation, but some insurers offer, as a commercial policy, to refund the premium if the visa refusal is proven with an official document. Check this clause in the terms and conditions before subscribing.
For a multiple-entry visa, do I need insurance covering the whole validity period?
No, the insurance is legally only required to cover your first declared stay, not the entire validity period of the visa. In practice, however, it is recommended to stay covered for each subsequent trip — an annual multi-trip policy is often simpler for frequent travellers.