Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements

If travel to Europe is in your future, then you will want to become familiar with the Schengen areas and requirements for Schengen Visa insurance coverage.

The Schengen agreements came into force on March 25, 2001. The Schengen area was designed to create a better flow of goods and people within the shared borders of the countries. It allows people to travel freely through the countries – once the requirement is met for one country, you can travel to the others without needing to go through customs again.

Currently, there are 26 countries that are a part of the Schengen area. The Schengen area covers the majority of European countries except for the United Kingdom and countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cypress, and Ireland that are expected to be a part to the agreement soon.

Countries Included in the Schengen Area

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

Of those 26 countries, 22 are part of the European Union (EU), and the other four are part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA.)

 

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements

Trips over three months to the Schengen area require special travel insurance. This requirement exists whether you are traveling for pleasure or business, in a group or on your own.

Travel insurance must be valid throughout the territory of the member states and cover the entire period of stay. Many of the Schengen area countries will require a visa letter (see below) from your insurance company with proof that you meet the coverage requirements. The letter will need to have your complete name (matching your passport) and your date of birth.

Be sure to check with your embassy or consulate about any other specific health insurance minimums because they can vary. Typically, the insurance requirements include:

•        A minimum medical insurance requirement is EUR 30,000 – approximately USD 50,000.

•        Coverage must be valid within the Schengen region and for the full duration of travel.

•        Insurance must include any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention and emergency hospital treatment or death.

For most travellers, the visa and Schengen area visa travel insurance won’t be necessary. Often, travellers will go for less than three months. Even though insurance isn’t a requirement to enter the country, it is still a wise investment.

In the Schengen Visa Itinerary, we have great services are Flight Itinerary, Travel Insurance and Hotel Reservation there.