Medical insurance for visas – Schengen 2025

Are you planning a trip to the Schengen area and applying for a visa? To complete your application, you will need medical insurance that meets specific requirements. This 2025 guide explains which policy to choose in order to go through the visa procedure without stress and have real protection in case of sudden illness. Here you will find the minimum requirements, practical examples of limits, and a checklist that will help you purchase the right policy.

In this text, we refer to current market standards and typical provisions of general terms and conditions for Schengen products. For a complete picture, we also recommend practical articles on costs and comparisons, e.g. insurance costs for visa and insurance comparison 2025.

A Schengen visa requires medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000. The policy must be valid throughout the Schengen area for the entire duration of the stay and cover the costs of emergency treatment and medical repatriation to the country of residence. Consulates pay attention to the absence of deductibles and immediate coverage from the date of entry.

In practice, many insurers offer options of €30,000 and €60,000. Typical limits included in the general terms and conditions include: transport of remains up to €10,000, repatriation up to €10,000, and emergency dental care up to approximately €100. Remember to check the territorial scope of coverage (the entire Schengen area) and 24/7 access to the Emergency Center. See also what insurance required in Poland are accepted by government agencies.

A minimum of EUR 30,000 meets the formal criterion, but a higher amount (e.g., EUR 60,000) provides a better buffer for hospitalization, surgery, and medical transport. The difference in the premium is often small, but the comfort and security are greater, especially for longer stays, multiple trips, or planned physical activity.

Make sure that the policy covers all countries you will visit in the Schengen area. In practice, the „Schengen” option covers the entire area, but it is always worth confirming the provisions in the insurance document.

Good Schengen visa insurance covers not only the costs of hospital and outpatient treatment, but also necessary tests, procedures, medications, and dressing materials. Assistance services are also important: organization of treatment, medical transport between facilities, return to the country after treatment, and transport of remains. Many general terms and conditions provide for emergency dental care up to a certain amount.

Please also check the list of typical exclusions: intentional acts, gross negligence, acts of violence or war, high-risk sports, or costs not authorized by the Emergency Center. You can find a comparison of actual coverage ranges in the article. insurance comparison 2025 and in practical tips: insurance for Schengen visa.

First, determine the length of your stay and your travel plans. If you are visiting several countries, choose the option with full Schengen zone coverage. Compare the sum insured (minimum EUR 30,000, recommended EUR 60,000), actual assistance limits, and the list of exclusions. Verify whether the insurer uses direct settlements with institutions—this reduces the need to pay out of pocket.

Also check reviews and the availability of an English-language helpline. Rankings and comparisons will be helpful. For a broader context, read the analysis of the terms and conditions of services: Europ Assistance vs TUZ and cost guides: insurance costs for visa.

When comparing offers, have the following information at hand: travel dates, countries to be visited, purpose of travel, and passport details. After purchase, print out the policy and certificate in English. Make sure that the document clearly states the sum of EUR 30,000 (or higher), the Schengen area coverage, and includes repatriation. If you have any questions, the visa office may ask you to confirm that the policy is active.