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Travel insurance for the Schengen area

Get the travel insurance you need for your Schengen visa

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The Schengen Agreement allows residents of certain European countries to travel freely around the Schengen Area as though it's a single country. For travelers from other countries, you need to get a valid Schengen visa to do the same. Before you can get your visa, you'll need valid and adequate travel insurance.

I need a Schengen visa. What does World Nomads travel insurance cover?

The minimum coverage a travel insurance policy must have for the Schengen visa is €30,000. This is to cover any expenses that might arise if you suddenly and unexpectedly require, such as:

  • Urgent medical treatment
  • Hospitalization
  • Out-patient care
  • Medical evacuation
  • Return of your remains home.

All World Nomads travel insurance policies offer cover for these benefits, although the limits vary and may not meet the visa requirement, depending on your Country of Residence. When you go to get a quote, it’s a good idea to match up the coverage limits with your visa requirements.

Make sure that your travel insurance is valid for the entire period of your stay (or transit) in the Schengen area. Our travel insurance policies are easily bought online, so you can buy what you need when you need it. Visa limits may change.

Coverage depends on your Country of Residence and varies between plans.

Do I need travel insurance to visit any countries in the Schengen Area?

A key requirement for getting a Schengen Visa is to have travel insurance covering you in all states in the Schengen Area. The easiest way to do this is to consider travel insurance. You can easily get a quote with World Nomads which offers two plans, Standard vs Explorer.

Not all travelers require a Schengen Visa to travel to the Schengen Area, as some countries including the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, and Canada have visa-free arrangements with the Schengen Zone. However, it’s still recommended you buy travel insurance should something go wrong on your trip, such as, your bags go missing or you have valuables stolen, you suffer an injury, your trip is canceled or delayed, or you may need cover for more than 150 activities, sports, and experiences.

If you are planning to travel to more than one Schengen country or want to be flexible with your itinerary, it is also a great way to ensure you are covered in the majority of countries in Europe.

Coronavirus and travel to EU countries

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to cause disruptions to international travel plans, even if you do have a Schengen visa, you may not be able to enter certain countries in the EU if travel restrictions or a travel ban is imposed due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Many EU member states may also require international travelers to undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and test negative, and to quarantine on arrival. It is always a safe bet to check government websites for any last-minute travel bans or warnings and the World Health Organization (WHO) website for any COVID-19-related updates.

As always, you should spend some time researching the countries you are intending to travel to, as there may be a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning put in place at a moment’s notice or quarantine and vaccination requirements could be imposed.

Need extra info on Schengen visa and other visa requirements?

We have compiled some of our most read articles that cover many questions and have the latest information regarding Schengen visa requirements and other visa information. See below:

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Take the time to read the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions in the policy wording for full details so that there are no surprises if you need to use it. If you’re not sure if something is covered, get in touch.

Get a quote 24/7

World Nomads travel insurance is designed to help you come unstuck in sticky situations, like when you show up, but your bags don’t. Fill out the quick quote form below and get an instant quote today.

World Nomads' Schengen Visa letter

Depending on the Schengen country where you are applying for the visa, they may ask you for a letter from the insurer. If this is the case, feel free to contact us and we’ll provide this to you. There will be a couple of days turnaround time, so take this into consideration when you're planning your trip. 

We're not able to sign any third party documentation to confirm coverage.

The letter we provide will state that you have a current and valid travel insurance policy and outline your:

  • Policy number
  • Issue date
  • Start date
  • End date
  • Applicable benefits

Visa Denied

My mother in law did not qualify for the Schengen Visa to Europe. We have to claim for cancellation.
G.S. Canadian resident
Claim denied - Sorry, that's not a valid reason to cancel.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalized?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medevac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance and Schengen Visa. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask our customer service team.