Schengen visa and travel insurance: what you need to know

Europe attracts millions of travelers every year, thanks to its rich culture, varied landscapes and ease of movement between countries. But before you leave, it's essential to understand the rules governing entry into the Schengen area, and the requirements for travel insurance. Here's everything you need to know to travel with peace of mind.

What is the Schengen area?

The Schengen area is a free travel zone comprising 29 countries (as of 05/2025), including 25 members of the European Union and 4 associated countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This zone allows travel without internal border controls.

Schengen member countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

⚠️ Please note: Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen area. A specific visa may be required to visit them.

Sources : Schengen member countries - Touteleurope.eu

What are the conditions for entering the Schengen area?

European citizens can enter the Schengen area on presentation of a valid identity card or passport. Once inside the Schengen area, movement is free, with no internal border controls.  

For non-European citizens and non-residents of countries exempt from Schengen visa requirements, entry into the Schengen area is subject to certain conditions: a valid passport, a Schengen visa, proof of the reason for the stay, proof of sufficient financial resources, and compulsory travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.

What is a Schengen visa?

This is a compulsory document for travel within the Schengen area if you are not a European citizen or a resident of a visa-exempt country. It is issued by the embassies or consulates of member countries. If you are visiting more than one country, you must apply for a visa from the country in which you will be staying the longest, or through which you will be entering the Schengen area. All Schengen member countries can issue a Schengen visa, which is valid throughout the zone.  

There are three types of Schengen visas:  

• Type A: Airport transit visa, for crossing the Schengen area
• Type C: Short-stay visa, valid for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Type D: Long-stay visa, for stays of more than 90 days

Is insurance compulsory to obtain a Schengen visa?

Yes, to be able to travel in Europe and the Schengen area, travel insurance is compulsory for all persons not residing in the European Union or in a member country of the Schengen area.  

However, some countries that are not members of the EU or the Schengen area have signed visa exemption agreements with the European Union. Nationals of these countries can enter without a visa for short stays, and are therefore not obliged to take out insurance, although this is strongly recommended. However, nationals of these same countries who are traveling for longer periods must apply for a type D visa and take out compulsory insurance.

What does Schengen insurance cover?

To obtain a Schengen visa, insurance must meet the following criteria:  

• Cover medical expenses up to a minimum of €30,000  
• Include repatriation in case of emergency or death
• Be valid in all member countries of the Schengen area  
• Cover the entire duration of your stay  
• Be recognized and approved by the embassies or consulates of member countries

With Neat insurance, you benefit from enhanced coverage:  

• Medical expenses up to €80,000 (depending on package chosen)
• Repatriation of accompanying persons
• Repatriation assistance, medical transport
• Emergency dental expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Legal assistance in the event of a dispute
• Transmission of urgent messages to loved ones
• Specific protection for COVID-19 (optional)