Schengen travel insurance: 30,000 euros cover & cost (2026)

Travel medical insurance is one of the easiest Schengen refusals to avoid — the rule is fixed and public, yet weak or wrong-scope policies still sink applications. Here’s exactly what qualifies.

The rule in one line

Every Schengen short-stay visa requires travel medical insurance with a minimum of 30,000 euros in cover, valid across all Schengen states, for the entire duration of your stay — including emergency treatment, hospitalisation and repatriation. That standard is set by Article 15 of the EU Visa Code (Regulation 810/2009) and applies everywhere in the Schengen Area.

What officers actually check

Three things, in order:

1. The amount — at least €30,000 of medical cover. Anything lower is rejected outright.
2. The geography — the certificate must say it’s valid in all Schengen countries, not just your destination. This is the single most common mistake.
3. The dates — coverage must span your whole trip, first entry to last exit. Gaps get flagged.

Common insurance mistakes that cause refusals

• A single-country policy when Schengen-wide cover is required.
• Under-cover — a cheap plan with a €15,000 or €20,000 limit.
• Date gaps — the policy starts a day after your stated entry, or ends before departure.
• A booking confirmation instead of a proper certificate naming you, the amount and the coverage.
• Cover that excludes repatriation or emergency medical evacuation.

What €30,000 cover actually costs

The price scares people more than it should: €30,000 is the required medical cover, not the premium. Compliant Schengen policies typically cost a few euros per day — roughly €20–€60 for a two-week trip for a younger traveller, rising with age, longer stays or added extras (cancellation, baggage). Annual multi-trip policies for frequent travellers often cost less per trip. Prices vary by insurer and profile, so compare two or three quotes — but never choose a non-compliant policy to save a few euros; a refusal costs far more.

Buying it the smart way

Compliant “Schengen visa insurance” is sold online by many insurers, with an instant certificate you can attach to your file. Because you must show insurance before approval, pick a policy you can cancel or that only activates on travel — so a refusal or a change of dates doesn’t cost you. Never submit falsified cover: consulates verify, and misrepresentation is far more damaging than a small premium.

Strong insurance sits alongside the other pillars of a solid file — see our guide on Schengen bank statements and proof of funds, and estimate your route on the Schengen tourist visa page.

One nuance for long stays

If you’re applying for a long-stay (type D) or residence visa rather than a short visit, the €30,000 short-stay minimum often gives way to a requirement for full private health insurance meeting that country’s national rules. Check the specific consulate’s page before you buy.

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Educational summary, current as of July 2026. Requirements vary by consulate and change over time — always confirm on the official source before you apply. GetVisaOdds is independent and not affiliated with any government.