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What is Long Stay Europe Visa Insurance?
Long Stay Europe Visa Insurance is a type of travel medical insurance required for travelers staying in Europe for more than 90 days. It is often mandatory for Schengen long stay visas, student visas, work permits, or residency permits.
With American Visitor Insurance, you can easily meet the insurance requirements to be accepted by European consulates or immigration authorities:
- Minimum medical coverage: Usually at least €30,000 for emergency medical treatment.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation: Covers transportation to your home country in case of serious illness or death.
- Validity for the entire stay: The policy must cover the full duration of your long stay in Europe.
- Coverage by a recognized provider: Insurance must be accepted by European authorities.
At American Visitor Insurance, we provide multiple Schengen Visa insurance plans for both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens traveling to Europe. Travelers can compare insurance plans from top providers and choose a plan that meets Schengen Visa requirements.
Things to Know Before Buying Health Insurance for a Europe Visa?
- When applying for a Europe visa, having valid health insurance for Europe travel is essential. Do not assume your domestic plan covers you abroad — for example, U.S. Medicare generally does not offer international coverage.
- Many local insurance policies do not include repatriation of remains or emergency medical evacuation coverage, both of which are mandatory for Schengen travel insurance requirements.
- In most cases, your current insurance provider may not issue a visa-compliant coverage letter, which is a required document for your application.
- Buying Schengen-compliant travel insurance is simple. You can compare plans that meet Schengen visa insurance requirements by entering your age, your spouse’s age, and any dependent children under 18 accompanying you.
- Most accredited providers will automatically generate a Schengen Visa insurance letter that can be printed and submitted with your visa application.
- If spouses are traveling separately, they must purchase individual Europe travel insurance policies. All dependents over the age of 18 are also required to buy a separate plan.
- If you need assistance choosing the right health insurance for Europe visa, contact our friendly agents for expert guidance.
- We wish you safe, secure, and stress-free travels in Europe!
Why Travel Insurance Is Required for Long-Stay Europe Visas?
Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for most long-stay Europe visas, including Schengen long stay visas, student visas, and work permits. European countries require proof of European visa insurance coverage to ensure that travelers are financially protected in case of medical emergencies during their stay.
Here’s why having American Visitor Insurance, a trusted provider of travel medical insurance for long stay Europe, is important:
- Covers unexpected medical emergencies: Healthcare in Europe can be expensive. Travel insurance ensures you are protected against costs from sudden illness or accidents.
- Includes medical evacuation and repatriation: In serious cases, insurance covers transportation back to your home country, which is required for visa approval.
- Visa compliance: European consulates will not issue or approve long-stay visas without proof of valid insurance coverage.
- Peace of mind during your stay: Knowing that medical costs are covered lets you focus on studying, working, or enjoying your extended stay.
With American Visitor Insurance, you can easily meet all the required European visa insurance coverage standards, making the visa application process smoother while staying protected throughout your long stay in Europe.
Why Long Stay Visa Insurance Is Essential for a Schengen Long Stay Visa?
If you’re planning to stay in Europe for more than 90 days, Europe long stay visa travel insurance is not just a recommendation, it’s a mandatory requirement for your visa application. Most Schengen countries will only approve your long-term visa once you show proof of valid travel insurance for Europe that meets their official standards.
Legal requirement for long stay visas
When applying for a long-stay Schengen visa (study, work, family reunion, or extended visit), you must submit proof of travel insurance Europe. This ensures you are financially protected if an emergency happens during your stay in the Schengen area. Without proper Europe long stay visa travel insurance, your application can be delayed or even rejected.
Protection from high medical costs in Europe
Medical treatment in Europe can be extremely expensive for non-residents. With American Visitor Insurance plans designed for Europe long stay visa travel insurance, travelers are protected from large out-of-pocket expenses.
Your travel insurance for Europe can help cover:
- Hospitalization costs
- Emergency medical treatment
- Urgent surgery
- Doctor consultations and prescription medications
This level of coverage is similar to what travelers look for when selecting the best medical insurance for visitors to USA, where healthcare costs are also among the highest in the world.
Emergency evacuation & repatriation coverage
A quality Europe long stay visa travel insurance policy from American Visitor Insurance includes essential protections such as:
- Emergency medical evacuation to the nearest suitable hospital
- Transportation back to your home country when medically necessary
- Repatriation of remains in the unfortunate event of death
These benefits are mandatory for most Schengen long-stay visas, and are a key requirement during the visa application process.
Peace of mind for students, employees & families
Whether you’re traveling to Europe for studies, employment, research, or family reunification, choosing travel insurance Europe through, American Visitor Insurance gives you confidence and peace of mind.
You can focus on your goals, knowing you are protected, the same way travelers rely on the best medical insurance for visitors to USA for financial and medical security during their stay.
Must meet minimum visa requirements
American Visitor Insurance plans for Europe long stay visa travel insurance are designed to meet standard Schengen requirements, including:
- Minimum medical coverage of €30,000
- Coverage for emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Validity for the entire duration of your stay
Failure to meet these requirements may result in a visa delay or rejection.
Coverage for pre-existing conditions (optional but important)
Some American Visitor Insurance plans also offer coverage for the acute onset of pre-existing conditions, which is highly recommended for travelers with existing medical conditions.
💡 Final Takeaway Choosing the right Europe long stay visa travel insurance with American Visitor Insurance is essential for a successful Schengen visa application and a safe, stress-free stay in Europe.Just as picking the best medical insurance for visitors to USA is critical for travelers to America, having reliable travel insurance Europe is key to protecting your health and finances during your long-term stay.
What Does Long-Stay Visa Travel Insurance Cover?
A long-stay Europe visa travel insurance policy is designed to protect you against unexpected medical and travel emergencies during your stay abroad. While coverage can vary by insurer and plan, most compliant long-stay visa insurance includes:
✅ What is usually covered- Satisfies Visa requirements: Schengen visa insurance satisfies consulate requirements.
- Medical evacuation: Emergency medical evacuation expenses to nearest available facility if needed.
- Health care expenses: Covers emergency medical expenses for accidental injury or illness.
- Repat of remains: Offers coverage for repatriation of remains expenses to home country in case of death.
- Pre-existing conditions: Travel insurance offers coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions.
- Prescription medicines related to a covered emergency
- Emergency dental treatment for sudden pain or injury
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) (included in some plans)
- Treatment for infectious diseases, including COVID-19 (depending on the provider)
To set realistic expectations, most long-stay travel insurance plans do not include:
- Routine check-ups and preventive care
- Treatment of pre-existing conditions (unless a special waiver is included)
- Maternity and childbirth expenses (in standard plans)
- Non-emergency dental or vision care
- Cosmetic or elective procedures
How to Choose the Right Long-Stay Europe Visa Travel Insurance Plan?
Choosing the right long stay visa insurance is an important part of your Europe visa process and your personal safety while living abroad. The right travel health insurance Europe plan protects you from unexpected medical expenses and helps keep your visa application on track.
1. Make sure the plan meets visa requirements
First, check that your long term Europe visa insurance follows all official guidelines:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 or more
- Includes emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Valid for the entire length of your stay
- Accepted in the Schengen country or host country
If your travel health insurance Europe does not meet these requirements, your visa application can be delayed or rejected.
2. Match the plan to your length of stay
Your long stay visa insurance should cover the entire duration of your visa, including any possible extensions. Always start your medical insurance for Europe from your departure date and extend it until after your expected return.
3. Compare medical benefits carefully
Choose a travel health insurance Europe plan that includes strong benefits such as:
- Emergency hospital care
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Emergency evacuation & repatriation
4. Check deductibles and out-of-pocket costs
Lower deductibles usually mean higher premiums. Choose a long stay visa insurance plan that balances good coverage with a cost that fits your budget.
5. Choose a trusted and approved provider
Always buy your medical insurance for Europe from a reliable provider that is accepted for visa purposes, such as American Visitor Insurance. This ensures your travel health insurance Europe will be recognized by the embassy or consulate.
6. Look for flexibility and added benefits
Some long term Europe visa insurance plans offer:
- Easy extensions if your stay changes
- Refunds or cancellations (as per policy terms)
- Multiple coverage levels to fit different budgets
Who Must Buy Travel Insurance for a Long-Stay Europe Visa?
- Non-EU nationals, including travelers from the nited States, India, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Students, professionals, retirees, and families applying for long-stay (national) visas.
- Applicants for digital nomad, study, work, retirement, or family reunification visas.
- Anyone required to show proof of valid health insurance as part of their European visa application
The information on this page applies to long-stay visa requirements in popular European destinations such as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and other Schengen and non-Schengen European countries.
At American Visitor Insurance, we help travelers easily find Schengen and long-stay-compliant insurance plans that meet embassy and consulate requirements.
💡 Tip: Requirements may vary slightly depending on your nationality, visa type, and destination country. Always confirm the specific insurance rules with the relevant embassy or consulate before applying.
What Makes a “Top” Europe-Medical Travel Insurance Plan?
Before picking a plan, make sure it offers:
- High medical expense limits (well above the minimum, e.g. €50,000–€100,000).
- Emergency hospital care + outpatient care + prescription coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation & repatriation included
- Valid across the Schengen area (or relevant European countries)
- Long validity (for long-stay visas / extended residence)
- Zero or low deductible / reasonable co-payments
- Good customer support and easy claim process
Plans that meet or exceed these criteria are often the best choice for long stays, they protect not just against emergencies, but also against serious, expensive medical issues.
Do Americans Need Health Insurance in Europe?
Yes. Most Americans need health insurance when traveling or staying in Europe, especially for long stays or visa applications.
✅ When Americans Must Have Health Insurance?
If you are an American citizen applying for:- A Schengen visa
- A long-stay (national) visa
- A student, work, retirement, or digital nomad visa
Then travel health insurance Europe is mandatory.
Most European countries require your plan to include:- Minimum medical coverage of €30,000
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Medical evacuation & repatriation
- Coverage valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Recognition in the Schengen area or your host country
Without proof of compliant long stay visa insurance, your visa application can be denied or delayed.
❗ When Insurance Is Optional but Still Strongly Recommended?
For Americans traveling short-term (under 90 days) without a visa, insurance may not be legally required. However, it is highly recommended because:
- Healthcare in Europe can be very expensive for non-residents
- Most U.S. health insurance plans do not cover treatment in Europe
- Emergency hospital visits can cost €3,000–€15,000 or more
🛡️ Why Choose American Visitor Insurance?
American Visitor Insurance provides travelers with embassy-compliant travel health insurance Europe that:
- Meets Europe visa health insurance requirements
- Offers long stay visa insurance and coverage for emergencies
- Includes hospitalization, evacuation, repatriation, and prescription benefits
- Students
- Professionals and remote workers
- Retirees
- Digital nomads
- Family visa applicants
✅ Final Takeaway For Americans visiting or staying in Europe, having proper travel insurance Europe is either mandatory (for visa holders) or strongly recommended (for short stays). Choosing the right long stay visa insurance ensures your safety, peace of mind, and compliance with European visa regulations.
Need Assistance Choosing The Right Plan?
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Do US Citizens Need Travel Insurance for Europe?
| Situation | Insurance Required? | Recommended? | Details / Important Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist in Europe (short stay ≤ 90 days, Schengen) | ❌ No | ✅ Strongly recommended | U.S. health insurance and Medicare usually don’t cover Europe; medical costs can be high. |
| Long-stay visa (Type D) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must | Required for student, work, retirement, family reunification visas. Must meet coverage limits (medical, evacuation, repatriation) and duration of stay. |
| Student visa | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must | Embassy/consulate requires proof of Schengen long stay visa insurance covering full study period. |
| Work / Digital Nomad visa | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must | Insurance must cover medical emergencies, hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation for entire visa duration. |
| Retirement / Residency in Europe | ✅ Yes | ✅ Must | Typically requires long-term Europe travel insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements. |
| Any international travel | Any international travel | Any international travel | Any international travel |
What Are the Popular Tourist Destinations in Europe?
Long Stay Travel Insurance Europe Visa – FAQs
1. Is travel insurance mandatory for a long-stay Europe visa?
Yes, most European countries require proof of valid health insurance before issuing a long-stay visa.
2. Can I use my domestic health insurance?
Usually not. Domestic plans and Medicare are generally not accepted for visa purposes.
3. Can I renew my insurance while in Europe?
Many plans allow renewals, but it’s safer to purchase a policy that covers your full planned stay from the start.
4. How to Get Insurance for Your Long-Stay Europe Visa
Getting the right insurance for your long-stay Europe visa is simple if you follow these steps:
- Check your visa type and duration — student, work, retirement, or digital nomad visas may have different requirements.
- Confirm the minimum coverage amount required by the embassy or consulate of your destination country.
- Choose a plan that meets European standards, including medical care, evacuation, and repatriation.
- Ensure the policy is valid for your entire stay (some embassies require extra buffer days).
- Purchase the policy before submitting your visa application.
- Download and submit the insurance certificate with your visa documents.
5. Does American Visitor Insurance offer plans approved for long-stay Europe visas?
Yes. American Visitor Insurance offers a wide range of embassy-compliant international travel medical insurance plans that meet long-stay and Schengen visa requirements.
6. Can I buy long-stay visa insurance before my travel dates are confirmed?
Yes, you can purchase insurance in advance and later update your travel dates if needed, depending on the plan provider’s policy.
7. Does long-stay visa insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Most standard plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. However, American Visitor Insurance offers select plans with limited or acute onset coverage for pre-existing conditions.
8. Can students and digital nomads use travel insurance for visa purposes?
Yes. Students, remote workers, and digital nomads can use compliant travel medical insurance for their study, work, and nomad visa applications
9. Is long-stay visa insurance different from regular travel insurance?
Yes. Long-stay visa insurance is designed to meet embassy specific requirements and generally provides longer coverage periods and higher medical limits than standard tourist plans.
10. Can I extend my long-stay visa insurance if my stay is extended?
Yes, many plans offered by American Visitor Insurance allow you to extend coverage from anywhere, as long as no claim has been filed.
11. Which travel insurance is best for Europe? What is the best travel insurance Schengen visa insurance?
There is no single Schengen travel insurance plan which will work best for all travelers to Europe. The best Schengen visa travel insurance plans will vary from traveler to traveler depending on their unique needs. While some Europe travelers will look for the cheapest Schengen visa insurance cost specifically to satisfy the Schengen visa requirements, others will look for the most comprehensive Schengen travel insurance coverage.
The price will be higher if you need health insurance for Europe travelers with pre-existing conditions. It is recommended to compare different low cost Schengen visa travel insurance plans based on price as well as the different benefits coverage options. Europe travelers should also read different Schengen travel insurance reviews before buying a Schengen visa travel insurance plan.