Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: 2024 Guide
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Whether you're dreaming of revelling in the Parisian charm, binging on Italian pizzas in Milan, or soaking up the sun in the beaches of Barcelona, first getting a travel insurance for Schengen Visa is crucial.
While it's mandatory for obtaining the visa from Canada or elsewhere, it also ensures that you have financial protection in case of medical emergencies, trip disruptions, or unforeseen events during your stay in Schengen countries. But how does it work?
In this guide, we take you through how a travel insurance for Schengen Visa works, what it covers, the plans available, and more. You can compare plans from the best providers and get free quotes using our comparator so you can buy a travel insurance that works best for you.
Travel insurance for Schengen visa: 6 Key Takeaways
- For a Schengen visa application from Canada, travel insurance is compulsory.
- Countries within the Schengen Area include Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and more.
- It should cover medical expenses of at least €30,000 and repatriation costs.
- Some of the best providers for Schengen visa travel insurance include AXA, Allianz, WorldNomads, TuGo and Manulife.
- Estimated daily costs range from $30 to $45 for single travellers.
- Compare plans from various providers and get free personalised quotes using HelloSafe comparator.
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows a person to travel to any of the 26 Schengen countries for tourism or business purposes. The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have agreed to allow passport-holders of any member country to move freely within the area without border controls.
The 26 countries are Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Here are the key features of a Schengen visa:
- The Schengen visa is valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- This means that you can enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- For example, if you enter the Schengen Area on January 1st, you can stay in the area until April 1st without having to apply for a new visa.
What are the types of a Schengen visa?
There are different types of Schengen visas, depending on the purpose of your visit. The most common types are:
- Tourist visa: For people visiting the Schengen Area for tourism or recreation.
- Business visa: For people travelling to the Schengen Area for business purposes.
- Transit visa: For people passing through the Schengen Area on their way to another country.
What does travel insurance for Schengen Visa from Canada cover?
Travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa application from Canada. The insurance must cover medical expenses of at least €30,000 (around $33,100 CAD) and repatriation costs in case of a medical emergency. It should also cover other expenses, such as lost luggage and trip cancellation.
An ideal travel insurance plan for the Schengen area must encompass the subsequent expenses:
- Medical emergencies (arising from accidents or illnesses) during the Schengen Area visit
- Emergency evacuation situations
- Repatriation of remains services
- Arrangements for the return of a minor
- Benefits for accidental death, injuries or disabilities
- Coverage for overseas funeral expenses
Typically, most insurers extend coverage for pregnancy-related expenses when travel takes place within the initial trimester. Subsequent to that period, the specifics of insurance coverage tend to differ among different insurance providers.
We recommend you compare coverages from multiple providers before deciding to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa policy. You can simply use our comparator below and get free personalised quotes from the best travel insurance for Schengen visa providers.
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What is excluded in travel insurance for Schengen visa?
Every travel insurance company operates uniquely, but some may extend coverage for extra expenses when needed. Alternatively, additional insurance might need to be procured for specific costs such as:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (e.g., Asthma, diabetes)
- Activities involving risk (e.g., skiing, scuba diving)
- Travel to high-risk countries (e.g., areas affected by war, natural disasters or terrorism)
Good to know
Sudden and unforeseen manifestation of pre-existing medical conditions without any prior warning from a medical professional are not covered. If you have pre-existing conditions, obtaining this coverage is vital to safeguard against emergency situations arising from such conditions, despite your precautions.
How to apply for a Schengen visa from Canada?
To apply for Europe travel insurance for Schengen visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A Canadian passport with validity extending at least three months past your planned departure
- A valid and reasonable purpose for your travel
- Documentation demonstrating ample financial means to sustain yourself during your visit
- Adherence to all additional entry prerequisites for every country on your itinerary, including any transit points
You can travel to Austria, Greece, Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary, Norway, Croatia, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Latvia, Slovakia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Finland, Lithuania, Spain, France, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, Malta and Switzerland without a Schengen visa.
How long does it take to get a Schengen visa?
The processing time for a Schengen visa can vary, but it is typically 15-30 days. You can check the processing time for your nationality on the website of the Schengen embassy or consulate in your country.
If your visa application is approved, you will be issued a visa sticker that will be placed on your passport. The visa sticker will show the dates and countries that you are allowed to visit.
Good to know
It is to be noted that having a travel insurance for visa Schengen region does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. The border control officer at the airport or border crossing makes the final decision on whether to allow you to enter the area.
Having a travel insurance is mandatory to apply for Schengen visa so it's important to buy a plan beforehand. While it may seem daunting to find the perfect plan, all you need to do is simply use our comparator below and compare plans, coverages, and get free quotes from the best travel insurances for Schengen visa.
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Travel medical insurance for Schengen Visa
Travel medical insurance (or travel health insurance for Schengen visa) is mandatory for a Schengen visa application. The insurance must cover medical expenses of at least €30,000 (around $33,100 USD) and repatriation costs in case of a medical emergency. It should also cover other expenses, such as lost luggage and trip cancellation.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing travel health insurance for a Schengen visa:
- The insurance must be valid in all of the Schengen countries that you will be visiting.
- The insurance must cover all of the activities that you plan to do during your trip. For example, if you plan to go hiking or skiing, you will need to make sure that the insurance covers these activities.
- The insurance must have a 24/7 emergency assistance service. This service can help you if you need medical attention or other assistance while you are travelling.
- You should compare the different plans and features to find the one that best meets your needs.
What are the best travel insurance for Schengen Visa plans?
When choosing a travel insurance company, it is important to compare the different plans and features to find the one that best meets your needs. You should also make sure that the plan is valid in all of the Schengen countries that you will be visiting. Here are some of the best travel medical insurance providers for Schengen visa:
- AXA Schengen
- Allianz
- WorldNomads
- TuGo
- Manulife
AXA Schengen
This plan offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage and trip cancellation. It also includes a 24/7 emergency assistance service. The minimum coverage is €30,000, which is the requirement for a Schengen visa.
You can choose from a variety of plans to fit your needs, including plans that cover activities such as skiing and hiking. The insurance is valid in all of the Schengen countries and you can purchase the insurance online or through a travel agent.
Allianz Global Assistance
Allianz's travel plan is a bit more affordable than the others, but it still offers good coverage for medical expenses and repatriation. The minimum coverage is €30,000.
You can choose from a variety of plans to fit your needs, but there are fewer options than with AXA Schengen or WorldTrips. Just like AXA, the insurance is valid in all of the Schengen countries and you can purchase the insurance online or through a travel agent.
WorldNomads
WorldNomads travel insurance offers a variety of plans, including plans that are specifically designed for Schengen visa applications. Their Schengen visa insurance plan meets the minimum coverage requirements of €30,000 and includes a range of benefits, such as medical expenses, repatriation, lost luggage, trip cancellation, emergency cash and 24/7 emergency assistance.
WorldNomads also offers a variety of add-on benefits, such as:
- Ski and winter sports cover
- Adventure sports cover
- Pre-existing medical conditions cover
- Baggage delay cover
- Cancel for any reason cover
TuGo Travel Insurance
TuGo travel insurance can provide coverage suitable for Schengen Visa applications. It offers travel insurance plans with medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption benefits and baggage protection. Their plans might include coverage for adventure activities and pre-existing medical conditions under certain conditions.
TuGo is known for its user-friendly online claim process and customer support and offers a range of plans to accommodate different trip lengths and requirements.
Manulife Travel Insurance
Manulife travel insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance plans that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, trip interruptions and baggage loss. Their plans usually provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions if certain requirements are met.
Additional options might include coverage for adventure sports and activities and you can choose from various plans catering to different trip durations and needs.
How much does travel insurance for Schengen visa cost?
The cost may vary depending on factors like level of coverage, deductible, waiting period and cancellation policy. Here are the estimated travel insurance costs for Schengen visa for a 30-year-old traveller from British Columbia:
| Company | Daily cost per traveller |
|---|---|
| AXA Schengen | $45 |
| Allianz | $40 |
| WorldNomads | $40 |
| TuGo | $35 |
| Manulife | $30 |
How to find the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visa?
Here are some tips on how to find the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visa in Canada:
- Compare different insurance providers: There are many different travel insurance providers available, so it is important to compare their prices and coverage before you buy a policy. You can use the HelloSafe comparator and get results in seconds.
- Consider your needs: When comparing different policies, it is important to consider your specific needs. What are the activities you plan to do during your trip? Do you need coverage for medical expenses, lost luggage or trip cancellation?
- Buy in advance: Travel insurance is typically cheaper if you buy it in advance. You can often get discounts if you buy your policy more than 2 weeks before your trip.
- Look for discounts: Some travel insurance providers offer discounts for students, seniors or members of certain organizations. You can also get discounts if you buy your policy online or through a travel agent.
- Read the fine print: Before you buy a travel insurance policy, be sure to read the fine print carefully. This will help you understand the coverage limits and exclusions.
