The Best Schengen Travel Insurance Plans in 2025
- Insurance approved for the Schengen visa
- Immediate confirmation by email
- Refund requests directly online
- Refunds possible in a currency other than the euro
- Insurance approved for the Schengen visa
- Immediate confirmation by email
- Refund requests directly online
- Refunds possible in a currency other than the euro
The ACS - Europax offer provides coverage for medical expenses abroad up to €30,000 per insured person, with a deductible of €30, which is the same as AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Low Cost and Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essential, but lower than AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel and Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Premium, which offer up to €100,000. Regarding legal liability, ACS - Europax offers high coverage of €4,575,000, which far exceeds Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Premium option, which covers up to €1,500,000. However, ACS - Europax does not offer cancellation insurance, unlike some competing offers that include this guarantee.
The price of ACS - Europax is €30.20, which is competitive compared to AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Low Cost at €55.00 and significantly cheaper than AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel at €81.00. However, it is slightly lower than Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort at €34.00.
The ACS - Europax offer is suitable for non-European travellers who need insurance that meets the requirements of the Schengen visa, with excellent coverage for medical emergencies and high liability coverage at a competitive price.
- Insurance accepted for a Schengen visa
- Refund if visa is refused (-€15)
- Immediate statement approved by consulates
- Repatriation guarantee after hospitalisation in your country of origin
- 24/7 Assistance
- Does not cover pre-existing conditions
- Insurance accepted for a Schengen visa
- Refund if visa is refused (-€15)
- Immediate statement approved by consulates
- Repatriation guarantee after hospitalisation in your country of origin
- 24/7 Assistance
The Chapka - Cap Schengen insurance provides coverage for medical expenses abroad up to €30,000 per insured person with a deductible of €80, which is standard compared to other offers like AVA Assurances - Ava Incoming Classic and Europ Assistance - Visa Schengen - Schengen. Medical repatriation is covered at actual cost, which offers premium coverage similar to Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essential and AVA Insurances - Ava Incoming Safe & Health. However, this offer does not cover trip cancellation, liability, loss or theft of luggage, or interruption of stay, making it less comprehensive than offers like ACS - Europax, which includes liability coverage up to €4,575,000 per insured person.
The price of Chapka - Cap Schengen insurance is €58.00, which is more expensive than competing offers such as Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essential at €37.00 and ACS - Europax at €30.20. On the other hand, it is cheaper than the AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel insurance at €81.00.
This offer is suitable for non-European travellers planning a trip to the Schengen area, as it meets Schengen visa requirements with adequate coverage for medical expenses and medical repatriation.
- Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
- Immediate confirmation by email
- 24/7 unlimited medical assistance by phone
- Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
- Immediate confirmation by email
- 24/7 unlimited medical assistance by phone
Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort offers solid guarantees for non-European travellers visiting the Schengen area, with a medical expenses ceiling abroad of €100,000, higher than ACS - Europax and Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essentiel which only offer €30,000. However, private liability insurance is covered up to €1,500,000, less than the €4,575,000 offered by ACS - Europax. Medical repatriation is covered without cost limit, similar to most other offers. However, the offer does not cover luggage, cancellation or interruption of stay, which may be a disadvantage for some travellers.
The price of Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort is €34.00, which is competitive compared to other offers such as Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Premium for €44.00 and AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel for €81.00, although slightly more expensive than ACS - Europax for €30.20.
This offer is well suited for the non-European traveller who needs high medical cover and adequate liability insurance for a three-week stay in the Schengen area.
- Insurance accepted for Schengen visa
- Immediate certificate approved by consulates
- €3,000 legal assistance
- 24/7 unlimited telephone medical advice
- Insurance accepted for Schengen visa
- Immediate certificate approved by consulates
- €3,000 legal assistance
- 24/7 unlimited telephone medical advice
Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Premium option offers coverage for medical expenses abroad of €100,000 per insured person, which is higher than the €30,000 of ACS - Europax and equivalent to AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel. Regarding legal liability, it offers coverage of €1,500,000, less than the €4,575,000 offered by ACS - Europax, but more than most other competitors who do not cover this guarantee. Medical repatriation is covered against actual costs, a standard among premium offers. However, guarantees such as cancellation and baggage cover are lacking, unlike Chapka - Cap Academy, which covers baggage up to €3,000.
The price of Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Premium option is €47.00, which is competitive compared to Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Summum at €48.00 and significantly cheaper than AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel at €81.00. However, it is more expensive than Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort at €34.00 and ACS - Europax at €30.20.
This offer is suitable for non-European citizens travelling in the Schengen area, as it meets the requirements for a Schengen visa and provides adequate medical cover and liability cover.
- Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
- Refund in case of visa refusal (-€15)
- Immediate certificate approved by the consulates
- 24/7 repatriation assistance
- Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
- Refund in case of visa refusal (-€15)
- Immediate certificate approved by the consulates
- 24/7 repatriation assistance
Chapka - Cap Europa provides coverage for medical expenses abroad up to €70,000 per insured, with a deductible of €80, which is lower than ACS - Globe Partner and Mondial Care - World Travel which offer €300,000 and €300,000 respectively, without any deductible for the first and €50 for the second. Regarding medical repatriation, Chapka - Cap Europa covers the actual costs, similar to ACS - Globe Traveller and Mondial Care - World Travel. However, Chapka - Cap Europa does not cover luggage, unlike ACS - Globe Traveller which offers coverage of €2,000 per claim, and Mondial Care - World Travel which offers €1,000. Furthermore, cancellation insurance is not covered by Chapka - Cap Europa, while ACS - Globe Traveller provides coverage up to €9,000 per insured.
Chapka - Cap Europa is suitable for travellers journeying around the world for a year who prioritise medical coverage and repatriation, but they may encounter limitations due to the absence of coverage for luggage and cancellation.
- The best Schengen travel insurance plans
- Schengen Travel Insurance Explained
- The Price of Schengen Travel Insurance
- What does Schengen travel insurance cover?
- The conditions of Schengen travel insurance
- Why take out Schengen travel insurance?
- How to choose the right Schengen travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies qualify as Schengen travel insurance?
- FAQ
Schengen travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Schengen travel insurance is mandatory medical coverage for visiting the Schengen Area, required for visa applications.
2. Price: For a one-week trip, expect to pay between $40 and $80 for basic Schengen-compliant insurance.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical care and repatriation but usually excludes pre-existing conditions and non-emergency trip cancellations.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: US health plans like Medicare and credit cards offer little to no overseas medical or repatriation coverage.
5. Tips: Ensure your policy meets the €30,000 minimum and is accepted by the specific consulate you're using.
6. Other useful info: US citizens traveling visa-free are not required but are strongly advised to purchase this insurance.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best Schengen travel insurance.
The best Schengen travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best Schengen travel insurance plans available for travelers from the United States in 2025. These policies stand out for their high medical limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, providing reliable protection for your European trips.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.0 M € | 0 € |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.0 M € | 0 € |
|
| Tourist Card | 0.5 M € | 30 € |
|
| World Travel | 0.7 M € | 50 € |
|
| Globe Partner | 0.3 M € | 0 € |
|
| Globe Traveller | 0.5 M € | 0 € |
|
- Top-tier medical coverage.
- Covers high-risk sports.
- Includes trip cancellation.
- Simple online claims.
- 24/7 emergency hotline.
- Direct hospital payments.
- Telemedicine included.
- Certificate issued instantly.
- Flexible for annual or single trips.
- Sports coverage.
- Mobile claims process.
- Quick refund management.
- Political evacuation.
- Passport loss included.
- Quarantine hotel covered.
- Covers family companions.
- Good for short trips.
- Age-neutral pricing.
- No medical questionnaire.
- Easy digital enrolment.
- Designed for long stays.
- Stable premiums after age 60.
- Multilingual assistance.
- Online certificate.
The best Schengen travel insurance depends on your individual needs. Use HelloSafe’s comparison tool to find your plan and subscribe online.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareSchengen Travel Insurance Explained
Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory policy for US citizens visiting the Schengen Area, required for obtaining a Schengen visa.
It must provide minimum coverage of €30,000 (about $32,000 USD) for emergency medical treatment and repatriation during the entire stay in all Schengen countries.
The policy must cover all planned dates of travel, including possible extensions, and be valid in every Schengen state.
Schengen travel insurance is sometimes called “Europe travel insurance,” but it specifically meets visa entry rules, which standard travel insurance may not.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where purchasing Schengen travel insurance is especially important for travelers from the US:
- When applying for a Schengen visa for stays over 90 days.
- If your US health plan offers no coverage outside the US.
- To cover high costs of emergency medical care while in Europe.
- For medical evacuation and repatriation back to the United States.
- When traveling with any pre-existing medical condition, even if stable.
- If you plan to participate in adventure or winter sports abroad.
- For 24/7 assistance to navigate unfamiliar foreign healthcare systems.
The Price of Schengen Travel Insurance
On average, Schengen travel insurance costs between $1.20 and $3.50 per day, depending on age, trip length, and coverage options.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days in Paris | $2,100 | $10 to $18 |
| 2 weeks in Germany and Austria | $4,800 | $35 to $70 |
| 1 month tour in Italy and France | $7,200 | $55 to $110 |
| 90-day Europe backpacking (max visa) | $9,000 | $140 to $260 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your Schengen travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer the stay, the higher the price.
- traveler’s age: older travelers usually pay more.
- coverage limits: higher medical and repatriation limits increase the premium.
- deductible: choosing a lower deductible raises the cost.
- optional coverage: sports, adventure, or extended cancellation coverage add to the price.
- provider network: insurers with direct payment networks or extended services may offer higher premiums.
What does Schengen travel insurance cover?
Schengen travel insurance is designed to meet the minimum requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa for US residents visiting Europe.
It covers emergency medical expenses, medical repatriation, and other essential protections throughout your stay in the Schengen Area.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent care, surgery and medicines if you get sick or injured. | 🔴 Required for Schengen visa. We recommend at least $35,000 of cover and no deductible above $50. Routine or preventive care, and pre-existing conditions are not covered. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Pays for return to the US if you cannot be treated on site. | 🔴 Required for Schengen visa. This should be unlimited or at least $50,000, arranged by the insurer. Voluntary or non-medical returns are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Pays for treatment of acute pain, infection, or broken tooth during trip. | We recommend at least $400 of reimbursement per case and a deductible below $30. Planned or cosmetic dental work is excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your suitcase or hand luggage is lost or stolen during travel. | We recommend $1,000 minimum with a deductible not above $30. Valuable items and unattended baggage are not usually covered. |
| 🚫 Trip cancellation | Refunds non-refundable costs if you cancel before departure for covered reasons. | At least $1,500 cover is advised, and deductible should stay below $50. Visa refusal and change of plans are rarely covered. |
| ✈️ Missed departure | Pays for new transport if you miss a flight or train due to circumstances beyond control. | Look for at least $250 per claim, no deductible is ideal. Late arrival or lack of documentation are not covered. |
| 🧳 Luggage delay | Covers necessary purchases if your bag is delayed for more than 24 hours. | We advise $150 after 24 hours, with no deductible. Delays of less than 24 hours are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Covers lawyer fees, defense or bail if you have a legal problem overseas. | $3,000 for legal fees and $7,500 for bail is recommended. Alcohol incidents and intentional acts are excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Pays a lump sum in case of accidental death or disability on the trip. | Look for $10,000 or more in case of permanent disability, no deductible. High-risk activities are excluded. |
| 👪 Personal liability abroad | Covers damage or injury caused to others unintentionally during your trip. | We recommend $120,000 minimum and deductible under $100. Damage to family and to rented property is not covered. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Compensation if your travel is delayed for reasons like strikes or bad weather. | At least $100 for delays after 4 hours, no deductible. No cover for minor delays or lack of proof. |
| 🔎 24/7 emergency support | Access to hotline, medical help, and travel assistance in all Schengen countries. | 🔴 Required for Schengen visa. Should be available any time and speak English. Non-emergency requests are not included. |
We recommend at least $35,000 of cover and no deductible above $50.
Routine or preventive care, and pre-existing conditions are not covered.
This should be unlimited or at least $50,000, arranged by the insurer.
Voluntary or non-medical returns are excluded.
Planned or cosmetic dental work is excluded.
Valuable items and unattended baggage are not usually covered.
Visa refusal and change of plans are rarely covered.
Late arrival or lack of documentation are not covered.
Delays of less than 24 hours are not covered.
Alcohol incidents and intentional acts are excluded.
High-risk activities are excluded.
Damage to family and to rented property is not covered.
No cover for minor delays or lack of proof.
Non-emergency requests are not included.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
Comparing Schengen travel insurance plans on HelloSafe is the best way to ensure you are properly covered for your trip.
The conditions of Schengen travel insurance
Schengen travel insurance will only be valid if specific conditions set by both Schengen regulations and US travel requirements are met.
- Timing of purchase: you must purchase your policy before leaving the US and before your visa application is submitted.
- Visa compliance: your insurance must meet the Schengen visa requirements, including a minimum medical coverage of $32,000 and covering all Schengen countries.
- Trip duration: your insurance must cover the entire duration of your intended stay, from arrival to departure from the Schengen Area.
- No ongoing travel: you must not already be abroad or in a Schengen country when taking out a new policy.
- Residency requirement: you must be a legal US resident or citizen for your plan to be valid for visa purposes.
- Coverage scope: your policy must include emergency medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and valid 24/7 assistance across the Schengen states.
- Documentation: you need to provide official proof of your insurance, including certificate and policy wording, for your visa application.
- Excluded destinations: your policy may not cover travel to Schengen countries under US State Department “Do Not Travel” advisories.
Watch out!
A common mistake for US travelers is relying on credit card insurance. While premium cards offer trip cancellation benefits, they typically lack the mandatory €30,000 emergency medical and repatriation coverage required for the Schengen visa, leading to potential visa denial and significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Why take out Schengen travel insurance?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for all US citizens applying for a Schengen visa, with strict requirements set by European Union law.
While traveling, unexpected medical needs can quickly lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses abroad.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs :
| Type of treatment | Average cost in the Schengen Area | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) | $200 to $400 | Up to 100%, from the first dollar |
| Stitches after a fall | $250 to $450 | Usually up to 100% |
| Consultation for intestinal infection | $120 to $250 | 100%, except for deductible or limits |
| Antibiotic treatment (urinary infection) | $80 to $180 | Medications reimbursed if prescribed |
| Emergency dental extraction | $150 to $300 | Partial or full reimbursement |
| Overnight hospital stay | $900 to $2,000 | Up to 100%, subject to total coverage |
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, Schengen travel insurance often covers other valuable risks: trip cancellation, lost or delayed luggage, personal liability, repatriation assistance and extra services.
Good to know
Don't let a medical bill ruin your European vacation. Most US insurance isn't valid overseas. Schengen insurance is required for your visa and provides crucial coverage for emergencies. With plans from providers like ACS, you get peace of mind and financial protection for your entire trip.
How to choose the right Schengen travel insurance
Coverage amounts, reimbursement rules and exclusions differ greatly between Schengen travel insurance plans, even though all must meet legal minimums. Understanding these differences helps you compare and select guarantees that actually suit your trip and personal needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Schengen rules require at least €30,000 coverage for medical and repatriation costs | Always check that your plan meets or exceeds €30,000 coverage to fully satisfy Schengen visa requirements |
| 📉 Deductible | Lower deductibles mean you pay less out of pocket if you need care during your trip | Look for policies with a deductible of €0 or very low amount to keep expenses predictable |
| 📄 Policy conditions | Some policies only pay for emergencies or exclude pre-existing conditions | Review exclusions and conditions closely, especially for chronic illness or ongoing treatments |
| 🧑🎓 Traveler profile | Age, health, or travel purpose (business, tourism, study) can affect price and eligibility | If you are a senior or have special needs, ensure the plan covers your age group and health status |
| 📆 Trip duration | Schengen policies must fully cover your entire stay, including possible extensions | Buy a policy that matches or slightly exceeds your full planned trip duration to avoid any gap in coverage |
| 🌍 Geographic area | The policy must be valid throughout all Schengen member countries | Confirm multisite and multi-country coverage, not just one nation, to comply with Schengen regulations |
| 🏦 Existing coverage | US health insurance and bank cards do not fulfill Schengen requirements | You must get a specific Schengen-compliant policy, even if you already have other forms of travel insurance |
| 📝 Online certificate | Visa processing requires a signed insurance certificate for the consulate | Verify the insurer provides an instant digital certificate accepted by Schengen embassies or consulates |
| 🆘 Additional services | Some plans have 24/7 support, English-language hotlines and telemedicine | Prioritize plans with 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance for smoother support in unfamiliar environments |
Do my current insurance policies qualify as Schengen travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, such as credit card insurance or your public health plan, can provide Schengen travel insurance. Unfortunately, this coverage is often incomplete. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Schengen travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | Never | Rarely covers anything abroad; emergency only. Max limit: $0. No emergency medical expenses, no repatriation, no certificate for Schengen visa application. | Travel insurance offers medical, repatriation, and visa-ready certification, up to $100,000, meeting Schengen requirements missed by public plans. |
| Private health insurance (Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical, but often US only. Max limit: $50,000-$100,000. No repatriation, no accepted certificate, no consulate guarantee, often no direct payment. | Travel insurance provides required Schengen certificate, covers ≥ $32,000 for medical and repatriation, plus direct hospital payment and consulate approval. |
| Classic credit card (Chase Freedom, Citi Simplicity) | Never | Some baggage or rental car, no medical. Max benefit: $500-$2,500. No medical treatment, no repatriation, no guarantee for Schengen visa application at all. | Travel insurance fulfills Schengen visa requirements, adding medical, repatriation, and 24/7 support up to $100,000, which cards never provide. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold) | Limited coverage | Cancellation, baggage delay ($10,000-$3,000), no mandatory medical or repatriation. No legal certificate, limited or no emergency expense and evacuation coverage. | Travel insurance covers all Schengen consulate legalities: medical, evacuation, certificate, and multilingual 24/7 support, up to $100,000 per person. |
Max limit: $0.
No emergency medical expenses, no repatriation, no certificate for Schengen visa application.
Max limit: $50,000-$100,000.
No repatriation, no accepted certificate, no consulate guarantee, often no direct payment.
Max benefit: $500-$2,500.
No medical treatment, no repatriation, no guarantee for Schengen visa application at all.
No legal certificate, limited or no emergency expense and evacuation coverage.
Expert advice
Your credit card or health insurance often excludes key events like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For true peace of mind, it's always safer to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored specifically to your trip.
FAQ
Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for US citizens who need to obtain a Schengen visa, which applies if you are not eligible for visa-free entry to Schengen countries. For US passport holders who enter visa-free, insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Unexpected incidents like medical emergencies, hospitalization, or repatriation can result in costs of thousands of dollars without insurance. Even routine travel disruptions, such as lost luggage or trip delays, can be much easier to manage if you are insured.
When is it recommended to purchase Schengen travel insurance?
It is best to purchase Schengen travel insurance as soon as you book your trip and before applying for your visa, if required. Buying early ensures your policy covers unexpected issues, such as cancellations, illnesses, or last-minute changes. Early purchase allows claims to be made if your plans change before departure, and it secures your required insurance certificate for consulate appointments.
How do I purchase Schengen travel insurance?
First, compare available insurance plans online using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool for Schengen. Next, carefully review all guarantees, as well as any exclusions or restrictions specific to visa requirements. Once you choose a plan that meets both your needs and the official Schengen guidelines, you can purchase it securely online. The insurer will then send you an insurance certificate via email, which you can use for your visa application or travel proof.
Can I purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking your trip, up until your departure date. However, it is advisable to buy it as early as possible to ensure all coverage options, including cancellations or interruptions, remain available. Last-minute purchases may not always qualify for every benefit, such as trip cancellation for unexpected events occurring before your policy's start date. Always check your policy terms regarding effective date and specific coverage.
How do I make a claim on my Schengen travel insurance?
To file a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible using the emergency contact details supplied in your certificate or policy documents. Prepare to submit supporting evidence, such as medical reports or receipts, along with your claim form. Prompt reporting and detailed documentation speed up claim processing considerably. Many companies now offer online claims management and support in English for US travelers.
Does Schengen travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most standard Schengen travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless you declare them and pay for extended coverage. You should always check policy details and contact the insurer if you have a chronic illness or recent treatment. Some insurers offer add-ons for pre-existing conditions, but proof of stability may be required. Failing to disclose medical history can void coverage, even for unrelated claims.
What happens if my trip to the Schengen area is extended beyond my insurance end date?
If you need to extend your stay, contact your insurer before your current policy expires to discuss an extension. Some insurers allow you to lengthen your coverage for an additional premium, as long as there have been no claims. If you fail to renew before expiry, new medical events may not be covered. It is important to plan ahead if there is a possibility your trip might go beyond your original return date.
Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for US citizens who need to obtain a Schengen visa, which applies if you are not eligible for visa-free entry to Schengen countries. For US passport holders who enter visa-free, insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Unexpected incidents like medical emergencies, hospitalization, or repatriation can result in costs of thousands of dollars without insurance. Even routine travel disruptions, such as lost luggage or trip delays, can be much easier to manage if you are insured.
When is it recommended to purchase Schengen travel insurance?
It is best to purchase Schengen travel insurance as soon as you book your trip and before applying for your visa, if required. Buying early ensures your policy covers unexpected issues, such as cancellations, illnesses, or last-minute changes. Early purchase allows claims to be made if your plans change before departure, and it secures your required insurance certificate for consulate appointments.
How do I purchase Schengen travel insurance?
First, compare available insurance plans online using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool for Schengen. Next, carefully review all guarantees, as well as any exclusions or restrictions specific to visa requirements. Once you choose a plan that meets both your needs and the official Schengen guidelines, you can purchase it securely online. The insurer will then send you an insurance certificate via email, which you can use for your visa application or travel proof.
Can I purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking your trip, up until your departure date. However, it is advisable to buy it as early as possible to ensure all coverage options, including cancellations or interruptions, remain available. Last-minute purchases may not always qualify for every benefit, such as trip cancellation for unexpected events occurring before your policy's start date. Always check your policy terms regarding effective date and specific coverage.
How do I make a claim on my Schengen travel insurance?
To file a claim, contact your insurance provider as soon as possible using the emergency contact details supplied in your certificate or policy documents. Prepare to submit supporting evidence, such as medical reports or receipts, along with your claim form. Prompt reporting and detailed documentation speed up claim processing considerably. Many companies now offer online claims management and support in English for US travelers.
Does Schengen travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most standard Schengen travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing medical conditions unless you declare them and pay for extended coverage. You should always check policy details and contact the insurer if you have a chronic illness or recent treatment. Some insurers offer add-ons for pre-existing conditions, but proof of stability may be required. Failing to disclose medical history can void coverage, even for unrelated claims.
What happens if my trip to the Schengen area is extended beyond my insurance end date?
If you need to extend your stay, contact your insurer before your current policy expires to discuss an extension. Some insurers allow you to lengthen your coverage for an additional premium, as long as there have been no claims. If you fail to renew before expiry, new medical events may not be covered. It is important to plan ahead if there is a possibility your trip might go beyond your original return date.
