What does Schengen travel insurance cover?
.svg)
Popular items
.jpg)
When planning a trip to Europe, especially if you need to obtain a Schengen visa, the question often arises: what does Schengen travel insurance cover? Knowing what coverage is included in this type of policy is essential for traveling with peace of mind and avoiding unpleasant surprises in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
In this article, we detail the main Schengen travel insurance coverage required by consular authorities, as well as additional coverage that may be useful depending on your travel profile.
Why should you be interested in the coverage provided by your Schengen travel insurance?
Insurance is not just a certificate required to obtain a visa. Behind this document lie concrete guarantees that can make all the difference in an emergency.
Example: a simple hospital stay in Europe can cost several thousand euros. Without insurance, you will have to pay these costs yourself. With Schengen-compliant insurance, they are covered.
Understanding what your contract covers therefore allows you to:
- Travel with greater peace of mind,
- To know exactly in which situations you are protected,
- Avoid paying for unnecessary options.
Mandatory coverage for Schengen travel insurance
To be accepted by a consulate, Schengen visa insurance must include at least three essential guarantees.
1. Emergency medical expenses and hospitalization
- Minimum coverage: €30,000
- Inclusion: medical consultations, hospital fees, surgical procedures, prescribed medications.
- Validity: in all countries within the Schengen Area.
Concrete example: you are on vacation in Berlin and you develop appendicitis. The operation and hospitalization cost around €7,500. Without insurance, you pay. With Schengen insurance, the costs are covered.
2. Medical repatriation
- If your state of health requires immediate return to your country of origin, the insurance company will organize and cover the cost of medical transport.
- It also covers repatriation in the event of death.
A concrete example: you have a car accident in Spain and need to be transported back to your country in a medical plane. The bill can easily exceed €50,000. With insurance, these costs are covered .
3. 24/7 support
- An emergency number available at all times.
- Services: medical advice, referral to a hospital, translation in case of language barriers.
- Advance payment possible if necessary.
A real-life example: you fall ill in the middle of the night in Prague. You call the emergency number, which directs you to a partner hospital and guarantees that the costs will be covered.
Optional warranties frequently offered
In addition to the mandatory coverage, some Schengen insurance policies offer additional coverage. These are not required for the visa, but may prove useful.
1. Baggage insurance
- Compensation in the event of loss, theft, or destruction of your baggage by the airline.
- Variable ceiling depending on the contract (often between €500 and €1,500).
Example: Your suitcase is lost between Casablanca and Paris. Baggage insurance compensates you for the purchase of replacement clothing and personal effects.
2. Flight delay or cancellation
- Compensation in the event of a flight delayed by several hours.
- Coverage of hotel expenses if you need to stay an extra night.
- Compensation in the event of cancellation for serious reasons (illness, accident).
3. Civil liability abroad
- Coverage for property damage or bodily injury accidentally caused to a third party.
Example: You accidentally hit a cyclist in Amsterdam: the insurance covers medical expenses and repairs.
4. Specific coverage for certain activities
- Some contracts include or offer optional coverage for sports (skiing, hiking, diving, etc.).
- Essential if you are planning risky activities.
Typical exclusions to be aware of
All insurance policies have exclusions, i.e., situations where coverage does not apply. It is crucial to read them carefully.
Common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing conditions: if you already suffer from a medical condition before your trip, it is generally not covered.
- Extreme sports: not covered without specific option.
- Intentional acts: costs related to fighting or drunk driving are excluded.
Tip: If you have any doubts, contact your insurer before traveling to clarify the limits of your policy.
Why are these guarantees important for the Schengen visa?
The European authorities have two objectives:
- Prevent the healthcare systems of host countries from bearing the medical costs of foreign travelers.
- Protect the traveler themselves, who might otherwise face astronomical bills.
By imposing a minimum coverage threshold, Schengen countries guarantee a sufficient level of security for all visitors.
Example of standard coverage with Neat Travel Protect
More and more travelers are choosing specialized online insurance companies, which issue a valid certificate in just a few minutes.
Example: with an offer such as Neat Travel Protect, travelers automatically benefit from:
- guarantees required for the visa (€30,000, repatriation, Schengen validity),
- 24/7 assistance,
- an official immediate certificate accepted by consulates.
This allows you to travel with peace of mind, without paying for unnecessary options.
Conclusion: know what your insurance covers so you can travel with peace of mind
Schengen travel insurance is more than just an administrative document: it provides real protection in the event of a problem.
In summary, it must cover:
- Medical expenses and emergency hospitalization (minimum €30,000),
- Medical and funeral repatriation,
- 24/7 support.
Optional coverages such as baggage insurance, flight delay insurance, or civil liability insurance may be added.
Before leaving, take the time to check the exclusions and make sure your policy is compliant. This will prevent your visa from being refused and allow you to leave with peace of mind, ready to enjoy your stay in Europe to the fullest.
