AXA Schengen Travel Insurance: Coverage, Costs and Reviews
AXA is one of the best-known insurance providers for Schengen visa applications. Its name is reassuring, its certificate is widely accepted by consulates, and many travellers choose it by default, believing it reduces the risk of refusal linked to insurance issues.
While a Schengen-compliant insurance policy is indeed mandatory to obtain a Schengen visa, the choice of insurer itself is completely free. You may take out any insurance you wish, as long as it meets the guarantees required by consulates. AXA is one possible option, but it is far from being the only solution available on the market.
Other insurance policies, fully compliant with Schengen requirements, are accepted by consulates and sometimes cost two to three times less. The objective of this page is therefore clear: to provide an objective analysis of AXA Schengen visa insurance, supported by figures, and then compare it with alternatives that may be more competitive.
🧾 4 AXA plans to cover all traveller profiles: Basic (medical cover €30,000), Essential (€100,000), Premium (up to €2,000,000) and an annual multi-trip plan (€100,000 limit, stay capped per trip)
💰 Starting prices by plan: Basic from €4.90, Essential from €8.90, Premium from €23.90, annual plan around €330–€350 per year
📄 Schengen insurance certificate: official PDF issued immediately after purchase, ready to be included in the visa application
🔄 Schengen visa refusal: refund possible with AXA, subject to providing the official refusal notice and meeting contract conditions
⚖️ Overall positioning: AXA remains a recognised and reliable insurer, but is often more expensive than specialised Schengen insurance providers offering comparable cover and equally accepted by consulates
Is AXA the best Schengen visa insurance in 2026?
In 2026, AXA still holds a significant position in the Schengen visa insurance market, but its positioning needs to be considered in a broader context. With an increasingly diverse range of fully compliant Schengen visa insurance options, the key question is no longer whether AXA is accepted by consulates, but whether it represents the most relevant and cost-effective choice given the traveller’s profile, length of stay and visa constraints. It is on these practical criteria—not brand recognition alone—that AXA’s real value should be assessed today.
AXA’s strengths
- ✅ Highly recognised brand, often perceived as reassuring
- ✅ Immediate, clear certificate that meets consular requirements
- ✅ 24/7 assistance and well-structured repatriation services
- ✅ Simple and fast online subscription process
AXA’s limitations
- ❌ Pricing not optimised for visa applications: AXA sits at the higher end of generalist insurers, while specialised Schengen insurers offer equivalent cover designed specifically for visa applications
- ❌ Strict conditions for refunds in case of visa refusal: possible, but subject to contractual requirements and administrative procedures that may extend processing times
- ❌ Sometimes oversized guarantees: very high limits do not provide any concrete advantage in the consular assessment of a visa application
- ❌ Limited digital assistance: no dedicated mobile app or instant messaging (WhatsApp, live chat), with support mainly handled by phone
- ❌ Refund procedures can be lengthy
- ❌ Occasional confusion around certain exclusions (non-urgent care, pre-existing conditions)
Which alternatives to AXA are accepted for a Schengen visa?
AXA is reassuring, but rarely the most affordable option. For long stays or travellers seeking very high medical limits without budget constraints, it may be suitable. For short stays or a simple visa application, a specialised Schengen insurance policy is often more relevant: cheaper, equally accepted by consulates, and with clearer conditions.
👉 An insurance policy is accepted provided that the certificate clearly states: compliant medical coverage, repatriation, Schengen validity and coverage for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen area.
Below is a selection of alternative offers to AXA, all fully compliant with the requirements of consulates and embassies across the Schengen area.
Compare the best Schengen insurance options, solid and compliant alternatives to AXA, with HelloSafe. Subscribe online in just three clicks and receive your insurance certificate instantly by email to include in your visa application. All plans are refunded in the event of visa refusal, subject to supporting documents.
Get your Schengen travel insurance certificate in 2 minutes
Is AXA Schengen visa insurance accepted by consulates?
Yes, AXA Schengen visa insurance is accepted by consulates. However, this acceptance is not based on the AXA brand name itself. It depends on specific criteria that all Schengen insurance policies must meet, regardless of the insurer.
When reviewing a visa application, consular officers are not looking for a well-known brand. They simply check that the insurance certificate clearly states:
- medical expense coverage of at least €30,000, valid for the entire stay
- coverage of emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation
- inclusion of medical repatriation to the country of residence
- validity covering the entire Schengen area, with no country restrictions
- coverage dates exactly matching the declared travel dates
If these elements appear clearly on the certificate, the insurance is acceptable. If one is missing or poorly worded, the application may be blocked—even with a major insurer.
No Schengen consulate provides an “official” list of approved insurers. Any insurance policy is accepted as long as its certificate clearly states the required guarantees (medical expenses, repatriation, Schengen area, dates). This applies equally to AXA and to other recognised insurers such as MGEN, Mutuaide, VyV or AIG.
In practice, specialised Schengen insurance policies—often significantly cheaper—receive exactly the same level of consular acceptance when they meet these criteria.
👉 To identify compliant alternatives suited to your application, you can compare and subscribe directly online via HelloSafe, which offers several Schengen plans backed by recognised insurers.
Compare Schengen insurance plansWhat does AXA Schengen visa insurance actually cover?
AXA Schengen visa insurance offers several plans with different levels of protection. The main differences between plans are the coverage limits and, naturally, the price.
🧠 Our expert opinion on AXA Schengen guarantees
In terms of coverage, AXA Schengen visa insurance performs adequately. The guarantees offered comply with regulatory requirements and are structured to cover most situations encountered during a temporary stay in the Schengen area.
Compared with competitors, AXA benefits from strong claims-handling capacity in travel insurance, with historically high settlement rates observed across its global travel products (for example, nearly 88.5% of claims processed and paid in certain product lines). On the other hand, it operates as a traditional large insurer, with assistance and reimbursement procedures that can be less streamlined than those of some specialised Schengen providers, which are more digital and offer fully online claims handling, faster communication and simplified processes. For visa applications, coverage levels are comparable, but the user experience may vary significantly depending on the insurer chosen.
Guarantee / Plan | Basic | Essential | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
💰 Price level (from) | From €4.90 | From €8.90 | From €23.90 |
🩺 Medical & hospital expenses | up to €30,000 | up to €100,000 | up to €2,000,000 |
🚑 Medical repatriation | ✅ included | ✅ included | ✅ included |
🧑⚖️ Personal liability | included | included | included |
🦷 Emergency dental care | covered, low limits | higher limits | enhanced limits |
📄 Schengen visa certificate (PDF) | issued immediately | issued immediately | issued immediately |
🎒 Additional options | limited | paid options available | options included |
🛫 Best suited for | tight budgets / short stays | mid-range comfort | demanding travellers / long stays |
🔁 What does AXA annual Schengen (multi-trip) insurance cover?
The AXA annual Schengen plan covers multiple trips over a 12-month period, without requiring a new policy for each departure.
Feature | AXA annual Schengen insurance |
|---|---|
🧳 Number of trips | unlimited over 12 months |
⏱️ Maximum stay per trip | usually 90 days |
🩺 Medical limit | up to €100,000 |
📄 Certificate | provided at subscription |
💰 Indicative price | around €330–€350 per year |
This plan is relevant for travellers making several trips during the year.
For a one-off visa application, a single-trip insurance policy is generally simpler and more cost-effective.
❌ What AXA Schengen visa insurance does not cover
Like all Schengen insurance policies, AXA applies exclusions that should be understood before subscribing:
- medical conditions or illnesses known before departure
- non-urgent or planned treatment
- long-term medical treatments or follow-ups
- certain sports or high-risk activities
- claims resulting from false declarations or non-compliance with policy terms
These exclusions are standard across the market, but they explain many misunderstandings after a claim.
What assistance is included with AXA Schengen insurance?
With AXA Schengen insurance, it is important to distinguish between assistance, which applies at the time of a medical issue, and reimbursement, which occurs afterwards. This distinction is key to understanding how the policy actually works.
Assistance is provided by AXA Assistance and is available 24/7, mainly by phone, using the contact details shown on the certificate. In an emergency, the medical team assesses the situation, directs the insured to an appropriate healthcare facility and, if necessary, arranges hospitalisation or repatriation. In serious cases, AXA Assistance may advance or directly settle certain costs, particularly hospital expenses.
👉 AXA does not offer a mobile app or instant messaging for managing assistance. Some Schengen insurers partnered with HelloSafe do provide digital channels (app, chat, online tracking), which can simplify procedures abroad. HelloSafe allows travellers to compare assistance channels (phone, app, messaging) before subscribing.
For coverage to operate correctly, assistance must be contacted before any major expense is incurred. Reimbursements then require a complete file (invoices, medical reports), with variable processing times. Non-urgent care remains excluded, and expenses incurred without prior contact may be partially reimbursed or refused.
👉 Key takeaway: AXA offers reliable emergency assistance, but its approach remains traditional. Travellers seeking a more digital experience and simplified follow-up may find the Schengen insurance options available via HelloSafe more convenient.
How much does AXA Schengen visa insurance cost?
The price of AXA Schengen visa insurance depends on the plan selected and the length of stay. AXA follows a straightforward logic: the higher the coverage and the longer the stay, the higher the price. Plans are structured in three tiers (Basic, Essential and Premium), with price differences mainly driven by coverage limits.
📊 How AXA calculates its prices
AXA offers three levels of protection, each with a different entry price. The premium is then adjusted based on the number of days covered. As with most travel insurance, the daily cost decreases as the length of stay increases, but the gap between plans remains significant due to widely varying coverage limits.
📅 Practical pricing examples by length of stay
Below is a realistic estimate of prices displayed on the AXA Schengen website (observed prices, in EUR) for an adult traveller, excluding optional add-ons:
Length of stay | Basic | Essential | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
1–3 days | ~€9 – €14 | ~€14 – €21 | ~€39 – €49 |
7 days | ~€19 | ~€29 | ~€59 |
15 days | ~€29 | ~€49 | ~€99 |
30 days | ~€49 | ~€89 | ~€169 |
60 days | ~€89 | ~€159 | ~€289 |
90 days | ~€129 | ~€229 | ~€409 |
➡️ These prices are indicative and based on real simulations on the AXA website. Amounts may vary slightly depending on the traveller’s age and country of residence.
To help you better compare AXA’s pricing level, here are some of the most competitive offers selected for you by HelloSafe:
Get Schengen visa insurance from €1/dayIs AXA Schengen visa insurance actually mandatory?
A Schengen-compliant insurance policy is mandatory to obtain a Schengen visa. However, choosing AXA is absolutely not required. No consulate mandates a specific insurer: what matters are the guarantees stated on the certificate, not the insurer’s name.
If AXA is so frequently mentioned, it is primarily due to a brand effect. Its name is well known, reassures travellers and appears often on forums and support groups, reinforcing the (incorrect) belief that it is required or recommended by consulates.
Consulates do not base their decision on the insurer’s name. They only verify that the certificate states compliant medical coverage, repatriation, validity for the entire stay and a clearly indicated Schengen area.
If these elements appear on the certificate, the insurance is accepted—whether it is AXA or another insurer.
👉 Key takeaway: AXA is often chosen by reflex, not by obligation. Any insurance meeting Schengen criteria is acceptable, including cheaper and simpler options available via HelloSafe.
What does the AXA Schengen insurance certificate contain?
The AXA Schengen insurance certificate is the key document attached to the visa application. It is often the only insurance-related document actually reviewed by the consulate, so it must be clear, complete and fully consistent with the other documents provided.
📄 Elements included on the AXA Schengen certificate
Before submitting your file, check that the AXA certificate shows the same name as on the passport, dates covering the entire stay, the mention “Schengen”, medical coverage, medical repatriation and that it is provided as a clear, readable PDF.
👉 A single inconsistency on any of these points can be enough to block an application—even with a well-known insurer like AXA.
The insurance certificate issued by AXA generally includes the following information:
- ✅ insured person’s full name
- ✅ exact coverage dates (start and end)
- ✅ area of validity: Schengen area
- ✅ amount of medical coverage
- ✅ confirmation of medical repatriation cover
- ✅ assistance contact details (24/7)
- ✅ policy reference and insurer’s stamp
The document is provided in PDF format, available for download immediately after subscription.
Some simple errors can weaken a visa application:
❌ coverage dates shorter than the actual stay
❌ coverage starting after the planned entry date
❌ insufficient duration for multi-entry visa applications
❌ mismatch between flight dates and insurance dates
These errors are among the most common reasons for correction requests or application delays.
Can you get a refund if the Schengen visa is refused with AXA?
AXA provides a refund of Schengen visa insurance in case of visa refusal, but only under certain conditions:
- the visa refusal is official and supported by a document issued by the consulate
- the refund request is submitted within the contractual deadlines
- coverage has not yet started and no claim has been declared
- the insured provides a complete file (proof of payment, certificate, refusal letter)
In practice, the refund is therefore not automatic. It involves an administrative process and a processing time that may extend over several weeks.
- if the coverage period has started, the refund may be refused
- certain ancillary fees (bank charges, currency conversion fees) are generally not refunded
- any missing document will extend processing times
These factors explain why AXA refunds are sometimes perceived as uncertain after a visa refusal.
With all HelloSafe plans, refunds in case of visa refusal are contractually included, conditions are clearly stated at subscription, and prices are generally lower than AXA’s for equivalent coverage—helping applicants better manage their financial risk.
Choose insurance with a refund if your visa is refusedAXA Schengen visa insurance: customer reviews and feedback
Customer reviews of AXA Schengen visa insurance provide valuable insight into what travellers truly appreciate—and what causes issues in practice. Overall feedback is positive, but with recurring criticisms worth knowing before subscribing.
⭐ Trustpilot review summary
On Trustpilot, AXA’s Schengen insurance platform shows an average rating of around 4.2 / 5, based on more than 1,500 reviews.
This score places AXA above many generalist insurers, but slightly behind some specialised travel insurance providers.
AXA is mainly praised for its reassuring brand, immediately available certificate and 24/7 assistance. However, policyholders frequently point out rigid procedures, particularly for refunds after visa refusal, and less flexibility compared with specialised Schengen insurers. Coverage is considered solid, but the experience can feel more administrative and less seamless than with some competitors.
These issues are most often raised by travellers who discover policy limitations after a visa refusal or an uncovered medical expense.
👉 Key takeaway: AXA enjoys a strong overall reputation and mostly positive reviews, but is not always seen as the most affordable or flexible option. For a straightforward Schengen visa application, this is often what leads travellers to choose alternative insurance—cheaper and just as widely accepted.
FAQ
No. AXA is not mandatory for a Schengen visa. Consulates do not impose any specific insurer. They only check that the insurance meets regulatory criteria (Schengen area, medical coverage, repatriation, matching dates). AXA is often chosen by default, but it is not an official requirement.
The main difference lies in the level of medical coverage and the price.
- AXA Basic is the entry-level plan, with a lower medical limit and a lower price.
- AXA Essential offers a higher limit and enhanced protection at a higher cost.
For a standard visa application, the Basic plan is usually sufficient.
The certificate is available immediately after subscription. It is provided as a downloadable and printable PDF and can be used straight away for the visa application.
Yes. There are specialised Schengen insurance policies accepted by consulates that offer equivalent coverage at significantly lower prices. These are particularly suitable for simple visa applications and limited budgets.
Yes. AXA Schengen insurance covers all countries in the Schengen area. The area of validity is clearly stated on the certificate.
No. AXA only provides the insurance policy and the corresponding certificate. It does not assist with preparing or processing the visa application with embassies or visa centres.
Yes. The Schengen insurance certificate is automatically generated once payment is confirmed. It can be downloaded immediately or received by email.
The certificate must clearly show:
- the insured person’s identity
- exact coverage dates
- validity for the Schengen area
- the amount of medical coverage
- medical repatriation cover
- assistance contact details
These are the only elements the consulate checks.
Yes. AXA Schengen policies are valid in all Schengen member countries without country-specific restrictions.
AXA provides a refund in case of visa refusal, subject to conditions: official refusal, request submitted within deadlines, no claim and complete documentation. The refund is not automatic and requires an administrative process.
Subscription is generally completed by international bank card (Visa, Mastercard). Available payment methods may vary depending on the country of residence.
Depending on the country selected at subscription, payment may be offered in the local currency. Otherwise, the amount is displayed in euros and converted by the bank.
The price is automatically displayed based on the country of subscription. If not, the conversion is carried out by the card issuer at the time of payment.
