What is Schengen travel insurance and why is it required?

Schengen travel insurance is a medical travel policy required for anyone applying for a short-stay visa (up to 90 days) in the Schengen Area. It must provide at least €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, hospitalisation and repatriation. The rule exists to ensure visitors can pay for medical care during their stay and do not rely on European public healthcare systems. Without this insurance, a Schengen visa application is considered incomplete and cannot be processed.

What does Schengen travel insurance cover?

A Schengen-compliant policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, surgery, ambulance services, emergency dental care and medical repatriation. It is valid in all 26 Schengen countries with no territorial exclusions. The coverage is designed for unexpected problems such as injuries, infections or sudden illnesses that arise during the trip. It does not cover routine care, planned treatments or high-risk activities unless you purchase specific extensions.

What is the minimum insurance coverage required for a Schengen visa?

The minimum requirement is €30,000 of medical coverage, including emergency treatment and repatriation. The policy must be valid across all 26 Schengen states and active for the entire duration of the stay. This threshold is defined in the Schengen Visa Code. Travellers can choose higher limits if they wish, but €30,000 remains the baseline accepted by embassies, consulates and visa centres worldwide.

Do all nationalities need Schengen travel insurance?

All travellers who require a Schengen visa must show proof of compliant travel insurance. This includes applicants from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya and most non-EU states. Travellers from visa-exempt countries such as the UK, US, Canada or Australia do not have a legal obligation to buy insurance, but coverage is strongly recommended due to the high cost of medical care in Europe.

Can I buy Schengen travel insurance online?

Yes. Schengen travel insurance can be purchased online in just a few minutes. Once payment is confirmed, you receive an instant PDF certificate containing all the information required by embassies and visa centres. Online purchase is particularly convenient for urgent visa files, last-minute trips and travellers who prefer to upload certificates directly to digital portals such as VFS or TLScontact.

What documents are needed for a Schengen insurance certificate?

To issue a Schengen insurance certificate, insurers typically require your full name, date of birth, passport number, travel dates and country of residence. These details must match your passport exactly. Once submitted, the insurer generates a certificate showing your identity, coverage dates, medical limit, repatriation clause, territorial validity, insurer contact details, 24/7 hotline and policy number, which embassies use to confirm compliance.

Can I get a refund if my Schengen visa is denied?

In many cases, yes. Most Schengen-approved insurers offer a visa-refusal refund, provided you submit the official refusal letter and request the refund before the policy start date. The insurance must not have been used or triggered by a claim. This option lets you secure insurance early for your visa file while limiting the financial risk if your application is not approved.

Does Schengen insurance cover multiple countries in Europe?

Yes. A valid Schengen policy must cover all 26 Schengen states, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Nordic countries. The certificate must clearly state that the insurance is valid in the entire Schengen Area. Policies limited to a single country are not accepted for visa purposes and are likely to be refused by embassies.

Does Schengen insurance cover COVID-19?

Most modern Schengen-compliant policies include emergency medical treatment related to COVID-19, provided the illness is unforeseen and requires urgent care. This can include tests, hospitalisation and medically necessary repatriation. However, travel cancellations linked to positive tests before departure or general quarantine measures are usually excluded. Always check the policy wording to see exactly what is covered.

Does Schengen insurance cover pregnancy?

Schengen insurance usually covers emergency complications arising from pregnancy in the early stages, such as sudden bleeding or unexpected acute issues. Planned delivery, routine antenatal check-ups and late-term pregnancy are generally excluded. Pregnant travellers should carefully review the policy conditions or select an insurer offering specific emergency maternity protection.

Is Schengen travel insurance required for transit flights?

It depends on your nationality and the type of transit. Some passengers need an Airport Transit Visa (ATV), while others do not. If a transit visa is required for your route, an insurance certificate may also be requested, particularly when you have to leave the international zone or change terminals. It is advisable to confirm the rules with the airline, embassy or visa centre well before departure.

Can I extend my Schengen insurance if my trip changes?

Some insurers allow you to extend your policy before the original coverage end date, while others require a new contract. Extensions are generally authorised only when the traveller is still outside the Schengen Area at the moment of request. If your stay is extended after arrival without adjusting insurance, immigration officers may notice missing coverage days and embassies may not issue new certificates.

Is Schengen insurance valid for multiple-entry visas?

Yes, provided that the insurance covers every day you spend inside the Schengen Area during each entry. For multiple-entry visas, you can either buy a policy covering the entire period of possible travel or separate policies for each trip. In all cases, coverage must align with the actual stay dates. Frequent travellers sometimes opt for annual multi-trip plans that remain compatible with visa rules.

Schengen Travel Insurance: Visa-Approved Cover You Can Buy Online

Q: How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?

Costs depend on trip length, age and insurer. As a reference, Europax pricing starts at about €17.70 for 1–10 days, around €41.60 for 30 days and about €69.70 for 90 days for residents in Europe, Africa or the Americas. Other providers such as Mutuaide and VYV offer plans starting around €25–€49 depending on duration. Compared with potential hospital costs in Europe, these premiums remain relatively low.

Schengen Travel Insurance for Visa Applications

Travelling to Europe with a Schengen visa? You must have travel insurance that meets official EU requirements: at least €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, including repatriation, and valid in all 26 Schengen countries. With HelloSafe, you can compare several approved plans and buy your policy online in just a few minutes.

Whether you are travelling for tourism, business or family visits, this page explains the rules, compares leading options and helps you secure 100% compliant insurance for your visa application.

What You Get Immediately with HelloSafe

✔️ Instant PDF certificate accepted by Schengen embassies, consulates and visa centres (VFS, TLScontact).
✔️ Coverage from €XX for short stays, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
✔️ Trusted insurers including VYV, Mutuaide and MGEN.

📌 Key Takeaway — Before You Start Your Visa Application

You must include valid travel insurance proof in your visa file or your application will be refused.
Your insurance must be valid across the entire Schengen area, not just one country.
The certificate must be issued instantly in PDF format and clearly accepted by embassies and visa centres.
Prices vary by nationality and stay length, but start as low as about €XX for short trips.
Using a comparison tool like HelloSafe helps avoid non-compliant plans that fail Schengen rules.

⭐ Why Trust HelloSafe?

HelloSafe has specialised in international and Schengen visa insurance for more than a decade, working as an independent licensed broker with negotiated rates and a strong network of reliable insurers. Our digital process delivers instant certificates, clear side-by-side comparisons and guidance tailored to your nationality and travel plans, so your visa file remains compliant from the first submission.

Do You Need Schengen Travel Insurance?

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you must provide travel insurance that meets the official EU requirements. This rule applies to all non-EU travellers who need a short-stay visa (type C), regardless of the purpose of the trip.

Simple rule

If you need a Schengen visa, you need Schengen-compliant travel insurance. Embassies and visa centres will not process your application without a valid insurance certificate.

🌍 Who Needs Schengen Travel Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for all short-stay visitors (visa type C) travelling to the Schengen Area for tourism, business, family visits or short-term study.

Purpose of travel	Insurance required?	Notes
✈️ Tourism	Yes	Mandatory for all visa applicants
💼 Business trips	Yes	Required even for short meetings or conferences
👨‍👩‍👧 Family visits	Yes	Compulsory for private stays and invitations
🎓 Study programs under 90 days	Yes	Applies to language courses, exchanges and cultural stays
🔄 Airport transit	Maybe	Depends on nationality and transit visa rules

Who needs Schengen-compliant travel insurance?

If you are unsure whether you need a visa, embassies and consular websites provide nationality checkers. As a rule, if a visa is required, compliant insurance is required as well.

🛂 How Embassies Check Your Insurance

During your appointment at the embassy or at a visa centre such as VFS Global or TLScontact, officers carefully verify that your insurance certificate ticks every legal box.

Your full name on the certificate matches your passport exactly.
Coverage dates match your planned arrival and departure dates.
Medical coverage is at least €30,000.
Medical repatriation is clearly included.
The policy is valid throughout the entire Schengen Area.

For this reason, your certificate must be clear, complete and embassy-ready. All plans available via HelloSafe issue compliant certificates instantly by email.

Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements (What the Embassy Really Checks)

When you apply for a Schengen visa, consular staff focus on a small number of non-negotiable insurance criteria. If any of these are missing or unclear, your policy can be refused even if you paid for it in full.

🛡️ Mandatory Guarantees (Defined by the EU Visa Code)

Requirement	Minimum level	What it means for you
Emergency medical coverage	€30,000 minimum	Covers urgent treatment, hospitalisation and ambulance transport in case of accident or sudden illness.
Medical repatriation	Included	Pays for your return to your home country if your medical condition requires it.
Validity in all Schengen countries	Mandatory	You are covered in all 26 Schengen states, not just one destination.

Core guarantees required by the Schengen Visa Code

💶 Why €30,000 Medical Coverage Matters (Real Examples)

European healthcare is high quality but can quickly become expensive for non-residents. The EU minimum of €30,000 is designed to cover genuine emergencies rather than routine care.

🏥 2-day hospitalisation in Germany → €6,500–€9,000
🦴 Emergency surgery in Italy → €12,000–€18,000
✈️ Medical repatriation from Spain → €4,000–€8,000

These examples show why the €30,000 minimum is not optional: it is calibrated to typical medical costs across Europe.

📑 What Your Insurance Certificate Must Show (Checklist)

Embassies and visa centres systematically check key elements on your certificate. If one is missing or illegible, the document can be rejected on the spot.

Must appear on the certificate	Why it matters
Traveller’s full name	Must match your passport exactly, including all given names.
Dates of coverage	Must cover your entire trip from entry to exit.
Minimum €30,000 medical cover	Verified line by line against the EU requirement.
Repatriation included	Legally compulsory for Schengen visas.
Valid in all Schengen countries	Policies limited to one country are not accepted.
Insurer’s contact + 24/7 hotline	Used by embassies to verify authenticity if needed.

Essential elements that must appear on your Schengen insurance certificate

🗓️ Duration of Coverage Must Match Your Trip

One of the most common causes of visa refusal is incorrect coverage dates. Your insurance must start on or before your arrival date and end on or after your departure date, covering every day spent in the Schengen Area, including transit and multi-entry stays.

Start the policy at least on your arrival date (or 1 day before).
End the policy on your departure date (or 1 day after).
Ensure all entries and exits are included in the coverage period.

Expert tip

Add one extra day before arrival and one extra day after departure to avoid technical discrepancies between tickets, hotel bookings and insurance dates.

Compare Our Schengen-Approved Insurance Plans

HelloSafe offers three visa-compliant options insured by VYV, Mutuaide and MGEN/ACS. All of them meet Schengen requirements and issue an instant PDF certificate by email after purchase.

🔍 Feature	Silver Plan (VYV)	Schengen Inbound (Mutuaide)	Europax Plan (MGEN / ACS)
🏥 Medical coverage	€30,000	€30,000+	€30,000
✈️ Repatriation	Included	Included	Included
🦷 Emergency dental	Yes	Yes	Yes
🛡️ Personal liability	Not included	Optional / limited depending on version	Included (high limits)
👤 Age limit	Generally up to 70	Generally up to 70	Up to 70
🕒 Maximum stay	Up to 90 days	Up to 90 days (depending on option)	Up to 90 days
💸 Price – short stay (≈10 days)	from ~€20–25 (indicative, based on ~€0.55/day over 90 days)	from ~€25–30 (positioned slightly above low-cost plans)	€17.70 for 1–10 days for residents in Europe/Africa/Americas (ACS)
💸 Price – 1 month (≈30 days)	around €30–35	around €35–45	€41.60 for 23–30 days for residents in Europe/Africa/Americas (ACS)
💸 Price – 3 months (≈90 days)	about €49 for up to 90 days (Neat / VYV communication “from €49 for 3 months”)	from about €43 for Schengen visa insurance (amount increases with duration)	€69.70 for 76–90 days for residents in Europe/Africa/Americas (ACS)
💶 Price level	Low	Low–mid	Low–mid
📩 Certificate delivery	Instant PDF	Instant PDF	Instant PDF

Side-by-Side Comparison of Schengen Plans

🎯 What Makes Each Plan Unique

Silver Plan (VYV) : ideal if you mainly need the minimum required coverage at a very competitive price, especially for longer stays up to 90 days.
Schengen Inbound (Mutuaide) : tailored for international visitors seeking strong assistance and a reputable European insurer, often chosen for first Schengen visa applications.
Europax Plan (MGEN / ACS) : adds personal liability and robust assistance services, well suited if you are staying with relatives, renting accommodation or want wider protection.

🧭 Quick Recommendations by Traveller Profile

Traveller profile	Recommended plan
💰 Budget-focused visitor	Silver Plan (VYV)
🌍 First-time traveller to Europe / needs strong assistance	Schengen Inbound (Mutuaide)
🏠 Staying with family, renting a flat, or worried about liability	Europax Plan (MGEN / ACS)
❗ Worried about visa refusal and needing clear documentation	Any of the three – all provide embassy-ready certificates and visa-refusal refund options (according to each insurer’s conditions)

Which Schengen plan to choose depending on your traveller profile

How Much Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cost?

Schengen travel insurance is generally affordable. Prices depend on your length of stay, age and insurer, but all compliant policies include at least €30,000 in medical coverage and repatriation. Below are real Europax prices and indicative ranges for the featured plans.

💶 Real Example: Europax Plan Pricing (Up to 90 Days)

The Europax Schengen visa insurance (ACS / MGEN) provides a clear price scale by duration and region. For travellers residing in Europe, Africa or the Americas, prices start at €17.70 for short stays and €69.70 for 90 days.

📅 Trip duration (residents in Europe/Africa/Americas)	Price in €
1 – 10 days	€17.70
11 – 16 days	€23.90
17 – 22 days	€30.20
23 – 30 days	€41.60
31 – 45 days	€47.80
46 – 60 days	€55.10
61 – 75 days	€63.40
76 – 90 days	€69.70

Europax Schengen visa insurance pricing by duration (residents in Europe/Africa/Americas)

For travellers from Asia, the Pacific or Australia, premiums are slightly higher (for example, around €21.80 instead of €17.70 for 1–10 days). Overall, Europax corresponds to roughly €1.39 to €1.59 per day depending on the exact length of stay.

🌐 Indicative Prices in USD, GBP and INR

Using ECB reference rates (for example 1 EUR ≈ 1.1576 USD, 1 EUR ≈ 0.8823 GBP and 1 EUR ≈ 102.57 INR), here is how some premiums convert. These figures are indicative only: the contractual price always remains in euros.

💳 Example premium	In €	Approx. USD	Approx. GBP	Approx. INR
Short stay (Europax 1–10 days)	€17.70	≈ $20.50	≈ £15.60	≈ ₹1,815
3-week stay (Europax 17–22 days)	€30.20	≈ $35.00	≈ £26.70	≈ ₹3,100
90-day stay (Europax 76–90 days)	€69.70	≈ $80.70	≈ £61.50	≈ ₹7,150
3-month Neat Silver (indicative)	€49.00	≈ $56.70	≈ £43.20	≈ ₹5,025
Mutuaide Schengen Visa – from	€43.00	≈ $49.80	≈ £38.00	≈ ₹4,410

Indicative conversion of Schengen insurance premiums into USD, GBP and INR

What Is Covered by Schengen Travel Insurance?

All Schengen-compliant insurance policies must provide a core package of medical and assistance guarantees. These benefits protect travellers during unexpected emergencies while reassuring European authorities that visitors can cover healthcare costs.

💼 Core Medical Coverage (Included in All Plans)

✔️ Included benefit	What it means in real life
🏥 Emergency medical treatment	Urgent consultations, diagnostic exams and necessary medication after an accident or sudden illness.
🏨 Hospitalisation	Hospital stays, surgery, intensive care and medical supervision.
🚑 Emergency ambulance transport	Transport by ambulance to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
🦷 Emergency dental care	Treatment for acute dental pain, infection or broken teeth requiring urgent care.
💊 Prescription drugs after emergency care	Reimbursement of essential medication prescribed following emergency treatment.

Core medical guarantees in Schengen travel insurance

Real-life examples include: appendicitis surgery in Spain, a slip during a city tour in Prague requiring X-rays and immobilisation, a severe ear infection in Greece or a broken tooth treated urgently in Italy. All three featured plans (VYV, Mutuaide, MGEN/ACS) cover these scenarios within their medical limits.

🛫 Assistance & Repatriation Services

🆘 Assistance service	What it includes
✈️ Medical repatriation	Organised return to your home country if medically justified, with or without medical escort.
🕊️ Repatriation of mortal remains	Administrative procedures and transport in case of death abroad.
📞 24/7 emergency helpline	Multilingual support to coordinate medical care and answer urgent questions.
🏥 Hospital admission support	Help with admission formalities and communication with medical staff.
🙋 Accompaniment for minor children	Arranging a companion or return travel for children if you are hospitalised.

Assistance and repatriation services included in Schengen insurance

🏘️ Additional Coverage Depending on the Plan

Extra coverage	Silver (VYV)	Schengen Inbound (Mutuaide)	Europax (MGEN/ACS)
🛡️ Personal liability	❌ No	🟡 Optional / limited	✅ Included (high limits)
🎒 Baggage protection	❌ No	🟡 Possibly available depending on option	🟡 Limited, varies by region
👨‍👩‍👦 Accompaniment for family members	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes	✔️ Yes

Additional protections available depending on the chosen Schengen plan

All highlighted plans are valid in the entire Schengen Area, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Nordic countries and Central/Eastern European states. There are no country exclusions and they are suitable for multi-city or multi-country itineraries (train trips, road trips, combined holidays).

What Is Not Covered (Important Exclusions)

Schengen travel insurance focuses on unexpected medical emergencies. It does not replace full health insurance or cover every possible situation. Understanding exclusions helps avoid unpleasant surprises at claim time.

🚫 Category	❌ Not covered	✔️ Notes / clarifications
🩺 Medical	Pre-existing conditions, routine care, scheduled treatments, late-term pregnancy, cosmetic procedures	Sudden emergencies (e.g. appendicitis, accidental injury) are covered.
🧠 Mental health	Therapy and non-emergency psychological treatment	Only emergency psychiatric hospitalisation may occasionally be covered.
⛷️ High-risk activities	Skiing, snowboarding, climbing, canyoning, paragliding, skydiving, motorsports	Standard tourism (sightseeing, urban cycling, museums) is covered.
⚠️ Behaviour-related	Accidents involving alcohol or drugs, intentional self-harm, fraud	These exclusions apply in all Schengen-approved plans.
✈️ Travel-related	Travel beyond visa/insurance dates, travel to sanctioned or war-risk countries	Insurance must fully match your actual itinerary.
🎒 Baggage & personal items	Theft, loss or damage	Only covered if you add optional baggage protection.
🛠️ Work-related incidents	Occupational accidents	Schengen travel insurance is not a replacement for employer insurance.
🚘 Legal compliance	Accidents while driving without a valid licence	You must respect local laws for coverage to apply.

Main exclusions found in Schengen travel insurance policies

In practice : a twisted ankle during sightseeing is covered; a ski accident without sports add-on is not. Emergency treatment for a sudden infection is covered; treatment of a chronic condition is not. Theft of luggage is only covered if optional baggage protection has been added.

Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements by Nationality

The core Schengen rules are identical for everyone: at least €30,000 in medical coverage including repatriation, valid across all 26 Schengen countries. However, in high-volume regions, embassies and visa centres pay particular attention to details on the certificate.

🌍 Main Nationalities Requiring Schengen Insurance

🌍 Nationality	🧾 Insurance required?	🧪 Embassy focus points	💡 Useful notes
🇮🇳 India	✔️ Yes	Dates must match itinerary exactly	Choose a plan with visa-refusal refund options.
🇵🇭 Philippines	✔️ Yes	Spelling of full name checked carefully	Avoid mistakes in first, middle and last names.
🇳🇬 Nigeria	✔️ Yes	Certificate authenticity often verified	Prefer plans with a visible 24/7 hotline.
🇵🇰 Pakistan	✔️ Yes	Multi-entry stays analysed closely	Certificate must clearly state coverage in all Schengen states.
🇧🇩 Bangladesh	✔️ Yes	Dates checked against flight bookings	Add +1 day before and after the trip for safety.
🇳🇵 Nepal	✔️ Yes	Passport details cross-checked	Use clear, official PDF certificates only.
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka	✔️ Yes	“Repatriation included” strictly required	All three featured plans include repatriation.
🇮🇩 Indonesia	✔️ Yes	Frequent tourism and family visits	Mutuaide plans are widely recognised.
🇻🇳 Vietnam	✔️ Yes	Hyphens and name order checked carefully	Make sure the certificate matches the passport exactly.
🇰🇪 Kenya	✔️ Yes	€30,000 coverage and dates verified closely	Align coverage exactly with travel dates.

Schengen insurance focus points by nationality (embassy and VFS/TLS perspective)

Travellers from Visa-Exempt Countries (No Schengen Visa Required)

Travellers from some countries do not need a Schengen visa for short stays but still face high medical costs in Europe. For them, insurance is strongly recommended even if it is not legally mandatory.

Passport	Need Schengen visa?	Need Schengen insurance?	Notes
🇬🇧 UK	❌ No	❌ Not compulsory	Still recommended given hospital costs in Western Europe.
🇺🇸 US	❌ No	❌ Not compulsory	Medical care in Europe can easily exceed €5,000.
🇨🇦 Canada	❌ No	❌ Not compulsory	Useful for emergencies in France, Spain, Italy and others.
🇦🇺 Australia	❌ No	❌ Not compulsory	Advisable for long multi-country trips in Europe.

Visa and insurance obligations for visa-exempt nationalities

When Should You Buy Schengen Travel Insurance?

You can technically buy Schengen insurance at any time before your visa appointment, but some moments are better than others to avoid delays or corrections.

⌛ When to buy	👍 Why this timing works best
After booking flights or itinerary	Ensures the insurance dates match your real stay, a key embassy requirement.
Before scheduling the visa appointment	A certificate is mandatory when attending your interview or submitting documents to VFS/TLS.
At least 2–4 weeks before travel	Leaves enough time for embassy processing and any necessary corrections.

Best timing for purchasing Schengen travel insurance

🟢 Last-Minute Purchases Are Still Possible

Schengen insurance can also be purchased on the same day if needed. Certificates are delivered instantly and can be used immediately for urgent visa submissions, unexpected work or family trips, or itinerary changes that require updated dates.

However, embassies may ask for a corrected policy if your name is misspelled, the coverage dates no longer match your new itinerary, or mandatory information such as repatriation is missing. Buying slightly earlier helps reduce these risks.

📌 Important: Coverage Dates Must Match the Trip

Your policy must include every day you spend in the Schengen Area, from arrival to departure. Many travellers add one day before and one day after the trip to prevent technical mismatches between flight tickets, hotel bookings and insurance dates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Schengen Insurance

Many Schengen visa applications are delayed or rejected because of simple insurance errors. The table below summarises the most frequent issues reported by embassies and VFS/TLS centres.

🚫 Mistake	Why it causes problems	✔️ How to avoid it
Incorrect name spelling	The embassy cannot validate the certificate against your passport.	Copy the spelling from your passport exactly, including all middle names.
Wrong coverage dates	Dates must match the full itinerary, including all entries and exits.	Add one day before arrival and one day after departure.
Missing “repatriation included”	Repatriation is a legal requirement for Schengen visas.	Choose only plans that clearly state repatriation is included.
Coverage below €30,000	Does not meet the Schengen Visa Code requirement.	Select exclusively Schengen-compliant plans.
Plan valid in only one country	Insurance must cover all 26 Schengen states.	Check that “valid in all Schengen countries” is clearly indicated.
Buying after booking the visa appointment	Last-minute corrections can delay approval.	Purchase the policy before scheduling your appointment.
Policy without hotline details	Embassies cannot verify authenticity easily.	Use insurers with a visible 24/7 emergency phone number.
Incorrect passport number or date of birth	Data mismatches trigger document rejection.	Double-check all personal information before payment.

Most common insurance mistakes that lead to Schengen visa delays or refusals

📝 Real Examples Often Reported by Embassies

A traveller from India submits a certificate with an incorrect birth date → the embassy demands a new policy before processing.
A traveller from Kenya buys insurance only valid in France → refused, because coverage must extend to all Schengen countries.
A traveller from Vietnam provides a certificate with a missing middle name → VFS marks the document as non-compliant.
A traveller from the Philippines submits coverage below €30,000 → automatically rejected under the Schengen Visa Code.

✔️ Quick Checklist Before Submitting Your Insurance

The name on the certificate matches your passport exactly.
Coverage dates include every day of your stay.
Medical coverage is at least €30,000.
Repatriation is clearly included.
The policy is valid in all 26 Schengen states.
The certificate is clear, readable and in PDF format.

Sample Schengen Insurance Certificate (What It Looks Like)

A Schengen insurance certificate must be simple to read yet contain all information required by embassies and visa centres. Layouts differ from one insurer to another, but the structure is always similar.

📌 Section	✔️ What appears on the document	🔍 Why it matters
👤 Traveller information	Full name, date of birth, passport number	Used by VFS/embassies to match your identity with your passport.
📅 Coverage dates	Start and end dates of the policy	Must cover your full stay inside the Schengen Area.
💶 Coverage amount	Minimum €30,000 medical coverage	Mandatory under the Schengen Visa Code.
✈️ Repatriation	Clearly listed as included	Required for all visa applicants without exception.
🌍 Geographic validity	“Valid in all 26 Schengen countries”	Policies limited to one country are refused.
🏢 Insurer details	Company name, address, 24/7 emergency hotline	Allows embassies to verify the policy if needed.
🔖 Policy number	Unique contract reference	Used to confirm validity and trace your file.
🪪 Seal or signature	Digital seal or signature	Confirms the authenticity of the document.

Key elements shown on a typical Schengen insurance certificate

Here is an example of what an embassy-ready certificate might look like (generic sample, not the exact layout of a specific insurer):

Travel Insurance Certificate for Schengen Visa

Such certificates are accepted by embassies, consulates and VFS/TLS centres worldwide, provided all information is accurate, complete and readable.

FAQ

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A. Fruchard

Founder & Travel Insurance Expert

With over 11 years of experience in travel insurance brokerage, Antoine has worked with every major player in the industry: insurers, tour operators, brokers, and distributors. He has analyzed hundreds of policies, compared guarantees, exclusions, deductibles, and pricing, and thoroughly studied customer feedback regarding claims and reimbursements. Holding an MBA in Economics and Finance, he also cofounded two insurtech companies specializing in travel insurance before launching HelloSafe, with a clear mission: bringing transparency and expert insight to a market that is often opaque. Today, he leverages his unique expertise to guide travelers, offering reliable comparisons, practical advice, and precise recommendations to help them find the best travel insurance tailored to their real needs.