Schengen visa resources
Travel insurance for a Schengen visa
Travel insurance for a Schengen visa — the European Commission requires cover of at least EUR 30,000, valid across the whole Schengen area, including emergency care and repatriation.
Important
Travel medical insurance is a core requirement for a Schengen short-stay visa. This page explains the minimum cover in plain language, attributed to the European Commission; always confirm the current position on the official guidance before you buy a policy.
The minimum cover you need
According to the European Commission, applicants for a Schengen short-stay visa must hold travel medical insurance that covers at least EUR 30,000 and is valid across the entire Schengen area. The cover should include emergency medical treatment, emergency hospital care and repatriation for the whole of your stay.
Practical points
Arrange your insurance before your visa appointment, make sure it covers every day of your trip and all the Schengen countries you will visit, and keep proof to show with your application. See the shared documents guide for the full checklist, and confirm the requirement on the official European Commission guidance.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-12. Information only — not legal advice.