Travel Insurance requirements for a Schengen visa

 

Schengen Travel Insurance

If you’re from outside the EU and studying in the UK, you’re on the doorstep of Europe. You might want to see the sights of the diverse and historic cultures of EU countries, and if you’re travelling from somewhere like China or India, then this might be a rare opportunity.

But before you jump on a plane, remember that non-EU citizens may need a visa to visit the area. Luckily, the majority of EU countries have an agreement whereby non-EU citizens only need one visa to visit the majority of its member states. These countries are part of the Schengen Agreement.

You will also need suitable travel insurance to get a Schengen visa.

Travel insurance for a Schengen visa

You are required to have adequate levels of insurance for a Schengen visa. This is so you are covered in the event of accident or medical emergency while travelling, but also comes with a range of extra benefits such as cover for lost luggage.

It’s important that you get the appropriate level of cover. Make sure that your policy covers you for medical expenses, such as emergency medical costs and repatriation. If you have existing travel insurance, double check your policy to see whether you have the right level of cover.

Insurance requirements for a Schengen visa

EU law states that the minimum amount of medical cover you must have is €30,000 (thirty-thousand euros). Your Travel insurance must cover you for the entire EU area, so when you are buying travel insurance Schengen Visa, make sure that your policy covers this and doesn't exclude some countries, such as Cyprus or Spain. This is the case even if you are only going to visit one Schengen country. It can also need to cover you for any medical needs – including death and repatriation – that could occur.

It’s important to remember that €30,000 is the minimum amount of medical cover required, however it may not be a sufficient amount in other respects. You may not be fully covered for the activities you’re planning with standard cover. For example, if you wanted to ski in a Schengen country then it’s crucial you get the appropriate add-on to be fully covered.

To be eligible for travel insurance you must reside in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and you must be registered with a GP in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

For more information on eligibility and what you will need to provide, consult the EU Commission's website opens in new window. Some insurers, such as Post Office, are accepted by embassies as offering valid Schengen policies.

For more information, please visit: https://www.schengenvisaitinerary.com/