Who Needs Schengen Visa and Schengen Visa Requirements

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a short-stay visa that allows travelers to visit countries within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for purposes such as tourism, business, or family visits.

The Schengen Area includes most European countries where internal borders have been abolished, allowing free and unrestricted movement between member states.

To apply for a Schengen Visa, travelers must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as:

• Valid passport
• Recent photographs
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation
• Schengen Visa travel insurance with at least €30,000 coverage

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.

Who Needs to Apply for Schengen Visa?

Before traveling to Schengen country, it is essential to purchase Schengen visa travel insurance to meet the visa requirements.
You need to apply for a Schengen visa:

• If you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland
• If you plan to stay in Schengen country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or visiting family.

What Are the Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements?

Travelers who need a Schengen visa should buy travel insurance satisfying Schengen visa requirements:

• Travel insurance coverage of 30,000 Euros (~USD $35.17 as of October 2025)
• The policy must be valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
• Coverage for medical repatriation and emergency medical care.
• The policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.
• The policy should offer 100% coverage with no excess/deductible.

Which Non-Schengen Countries Can I Visit with a Valid Schengen Visa?

While a Schengen visa officially allows entry into the 29 Schengen Area countries, several non-Schengen nations also permit entry for short stays if you hold a valid Schengen visa. These arrangements are typically based on regional agreements or national policies and can change over time.

Here is a list of some non-Schengen countries where a Schengen visa may grant you entry. However, it is prudent to contact the consulate authorities of these countries, as visa regulations of different countries change over time.

What Is the Difference Between EU and Schengen Visa Countries?

The European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area are two distinct but partly overlapping entities in Europe, each with its own set of member countries and purposes. Here are the main differences between the EU and the Schengen Area:

What Are the Common Schengen Travel Insurance Mistakes Leading to Visa Rejection?

Avoid these common errors that lead to Schengen visa rejections:

Coverage Below €30,000

• Schengen rules require minimum €30,000 medical coverage (approx. $50,000) (this includes emergency medical treatment & repatriation).
• Travel insurance for Europe policies with lower coverage than this €30,000 are automatically rejected.

Not Covering All Schengen Countries

• The travel insurance must be valid in all 29 Schengen states.
• Some travelers buy country-specific insurance (e.g., only for Germany), which is not accepted in the Schengen states consulates.

Traveler insurance Not Covering Entire Stay

• The Europe travel insurance policy must match the correct entry and exit dates.
• If your travel insurance for Europe ends even 1 day earlier than your return ticket, your Schengen visa application can be refused.

Buying Non-Schengen Compliant Plans

• Some cheap travel for Europe plans exclude repatriation (return of remains in case of death) or exclude pre-existing emergency treatment.
• Schengen visa officers check for these exclusions carefully.

Unrecognized / Non-Approved Insurance Providers

• Consulates prefer international insurance companies that are well recognized in the Schengen region.
• Unfamiliar or unapproved providers may cause rejection.

Submitting Fake or Cancelled Policies

• Some travelers submit “dummy” insurance and cancel it after printing.
• Consulates cross-check this data, and if invalid, the visa is denied and can even lead to a travel ban.

Mismatch Between Travel Dates & Insurance Dates

• Even a 1–2 day mismatch between flight booking and travel insurance validity can lead to rejection.
• It is recommended to add a buffer day before arrival and after departure.

Not Carrying Proof of Travel Insurance

• Sometimes applicants forget to attach the Schengen visa compliant Travel insurance certificate with the application.
• Only payment receipt is not enough—you need the official Schengen visa travel insurance confirmation letter.

Which Is the Cheapest Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?

The cheapest Schengen visa insurance is Atlas International Insurance plan, starting at just $1 for a day. Schengen visa travel insurance cost depends on factors, such as the provider, the length of stay, age of the applicant, and the level of coverage required. It is advisable to compare the benefits of cheapest Schengen travel insurance before buying a plan that meets Schengen consulate requirements.

Which Are the Best Travel Insurance Plans for Schengen Visa?

* The price shown is for a 7-day trip with a $50,000 maximum coverage and a $0 deductible for a 30-year-old traveler.

How Much Does Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Cost?

Schengen insurance cost ranges between $8 to $15 per week for a 25-year-old traveler with a $50,000 medical maximum and $0 deductible.
All the insurance plans listed below

• Meet Schengen visa requirements
• Are accepted by Schengen embassies/consulates worldwide
• Include a downloadable visa letter immediately after purchase

Insurance Plans	Provider Network	Cost	How to download Visa letter
Atlas International	No PPO	$8	WorldTrips insurance ID cards via Client Zone
Patriot International Lite	IPA Network	$10	IMG insurance ID cards from My IMG
Atlas Premium International	No PPO	$11	WorldTrips insurance ID cards via Client Zone
Travel Medical Global Choice	Wellabroad.com	$11	Seven Corners insurance ID cards via Client Zone
Safe Travels International		$15	Trawick International insurance ID cards via Client Zone.

Source: American Visitor Insurance ®

What Does Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Cover?

• 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.

Why Should I Buy Schengen Visa Insurance on American Visitor Insurance?

We serve as a trusted marketplace for Schengen travel insurance with over 20 years of experience, helping you easily compare top-rated plans that meet Schengen visa requirements.

• Side-by-Side Plan Comparison: With American Visitor Insurance, you can easily compare Schengen visa travel medical insurance plans, costs and benefits from top insurers - all in one place.
• Visa-Compliant & Comprehensive Protection: All plans meet Schengen visa requirements and include coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, accidents, repatriation, and unforeseen health issues abroad.
• Affordable & Transparent Pricing: Get the best price directly from the insurer — no hidden fees. Receive an instant quote and purchase your policy online quickly and hassle-free.
• Expert Support & Assistance: Our licensed customer support team is available 24/7 to
  • Guide you through plan selection and online applications
  • Help with policy renewals or extensions
  • Assist with cancellations if travel plans change
  • Support filing insurance claims
• Peace of Mind While Traveling: Enjoy your trip to the Schengen Area knowing you are protected with trusted insurance coverage.

Schengen travel insurance, Schengen health insurance - FAQ's

What is the new travel authorization ETIAS requirement for US citizens traveling to Schenghen countries?

US citizens traveling to Schenghen countries should apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).

• ETIAS is not a visa, but a pre-travel clearance, similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
• It allows short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit.
• The application is completed online and is usually approved quickly.

What Does Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Usually Not Cover?

Travel health insurance for Schengen visa usually provides coverage for injury, sickness and unplanned medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains in case of death. However, there are certain situations and items that are not covered by Schengen Visa insurance. These include: