Travel insurance requirements for visa applications
Where travel medical insurance is mandatory for a visa, the €30,000 Schengen minimum, what the policy must include and how to avoid rejected certificates.
Schengen visas require travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 of cover, valid in all member states for the entire stay and including repatriation. Cuba, Russia, Algeria, Ecuador and several others also mandate insurance at the border. Elsewhere it is optional but strongly recommended.
What the certificate must state
Consulates check for the insured person's name, policy number, exact travel dates covering every day of the requested visa, the coverage amount in euros, explicit mention of repatriation and emergency medical treatment, and validity across all Schengen states. A generic summary without these lines gets rejected.
Multi-entry and annual policies
If you apply for a multi-entry visa, insurers issue an annual policy plus a declaration that you will maintain cover for each trip. Consulates accept that combination, but the first trip's dates must still be fully covered.
Countries beyond Schengen
Cuba requires medical insurance on arrival and spot-checks it. Russia, Algeria, Ecuador, and several Gulf states include insurance in the visa conditions. Thailand requires it for retirement and some long-stay visas.
Choosing cover that is actually useful
The visa minimum is a floor, not sensible protection. Aim for at least $100,000 of medical cover with emergency evacuation, and check exclusions for adventure sports, pre-existing conditions and the countries on your route.
Frequently asked questions
How much travel insurance does a Schengen visa need?
A minimum of €30,000 in medical cover, valid across all Schengen states for the full duration and including repatriation.
Which countries require travel insurance to enter?
All Schengen states for visa applicants, plus Cuba, Russia, Algeria, Ecuador and several Gulf states.
Can I buy insurance after approval?
No — the certificate is part of the application. Buy a refundable policy covering the requested dates.