Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements Explained
Insurance is one of the most common reasons Schengen visa applications get sent back for correction — usually because the certificate is missing one specific number or phrase, not because the coverage itself is inadequate.
The four things your certificate must show
| Requirement | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Medical coverage | €30,000 |
| Geographic validity | All Schengen area countries, explicitly stated |
| Coverage period | Full length of your planned stay, no gaps |
| Included risks | Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation (including death) |
Why applications get rejected
It's rarely because the coverage amount is too low. The most common issues are: the certificate lists a single country instead of "Schengen area"; the dates on the certificate don't exactly match the dates on the visa application; or the document is a payment receipt instead of an actual insurance certificate with policy number and insurer details.
What to request from your insurer
Ask specifically for a "Schengen visa insurance certificate" — most established travel insurers have this as a named document, separate from the general policy summary. It should be a single PDF with the insurer's letterhead, your name, policy number, the €30,000 figure, "Schengen area" listed explicitly, and your exact travel dates.
This guide is for general information only and isn't immigration advice. Confirm current requirements with the specific embassy or consulate handling your application, as exact figures can be updated by EU regulation.