Short answer: yes, if you are applying for a Schengen short-stay visa. EU law says visa applicants must show adequate travel medical insurance. The minimum cover is €30,000, and the policy must be valid across the Schengen area for your whole stay.
This guide explains the rule in plain English, what a suitable policy looks like, and the common mistakes that can delay an application. It is general guidance. Always follow the checklist of the consulate or visa centre where you apply.
What is the Schengen area?
The Schengen area is a group of European countries that have removed passport checks at their shared borders. According to the European Commission, it currently has 29 countries: 25 EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Bulgaria and Romania were the most recent to join fully, on 1 January 2025.
If you need a visa for a short trip there, you apply for one “uniform” Schengen visa. It generally lets you stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, across all Schengen countries.
Where the insurance rule comes from
The rule is in the EU Visa Code: Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Article 15 (“Travel medical insurance”). In summary, it says:
- You must prove you have travel medical insurance. It must cover costs that may arise from repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment or death during your stay.
- The minimum coverage is €30,000.
- It must be valid throughout the territory of the Schengen states and cover the entire period of your intended stay or transit.
- Multiple-entry visas: you need insurance covering your first intended visit. You also sign a statement on the application form saying you know you will need insurance for later trips.
- Where to buy: in principle, you should take out insurance in your country of residence. If that is not possible, you can buy it in another country.
- Someone else can buy it for you, such as a host in Europe, as long as it meets the same conditions.
- Claims must be recoverable in a Schengen state. Consulates check that a claim against the insurer could actually be paid there.
- Some groups are exempt, such as holders of diplomatic passports, and some professional groups (for example seafarers) who are already covered through their work.
The European Commission’s page on applying for a Schengen visa also lists medical insurance among the standard documents. It describes it as covering emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation, including in the event of death.
Who needs it?
You need it if you are applying for a Schengen short-stay visa. This includes Pakistani passport holders and many other nationalities. If you live in the Gulf, it depends on your passport, not where you live.
You may not need it for the visa if your passport lets you visit the Schengen area without a visa, such as a British passport. In that case there is no visa application, so there is no visa insurance check. It is still wise to have travel insurance. Healthcare for visitors can be very expensive.
Visa-exempt travellers will need an ETIAS travel authorisation once it starts (the EU plans this for late 2026). Check the official site, travel-europe.europa.eu/etias, before you travel.
Not sure if you need a visa? Check the European Commission’s Schengen visa policy pages or the embassy of the country you plan to visit.
What a suitable policy should include
When comparing policies, check each of these:
- Medical cover of at least €30,000 (or the same amount in another currency). Many policies offer more, which gives extra protection.
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays.
- Medical repatriation, meaning transport home for medical reasons.
- Repatriation of remains in the event of death.
- All Schengen countries covered. A policy that only covers one country is usually not enough.
- The full trip dates. Cover should start on your arrival day and end on your departure day, or wider. Some travellers add a day or two either side in case of delays.
- A clear policy certificate in English or the language the consulate accepts, showing your name, passport number (if required), dates, destinations and cover amount.
Some consulates or visa centres also have their own preferences. For example, some ask that the policy has no excess (deductible) or list insurers they accept. Requirements can differ by country and location, so read the checklist where you apply.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dates do not match. Your insurance dates should match your planned travel dates and flight reservation.
- Cover is too low. €30,000 is the minimum. Check that the medical limit is at least this amount, not just the total of all benefits.
- Wrong area. “Europe” policies that leave out some Schengen countries can cause problems.
- Missing repatriation. Repatriation for medical reasons and in case of death is part of the legal requirement.
- Name mismatch. The name on the policy must match your passport.
- Buying the cheapest policy without reading it. Look at exclusions, especially for pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy and adventure activities.
What if my visa is refused?
Some insurers offer a refund, or partial refund, if your visa is refused, usually if you send them the refusal letter. Not all do. Check the cancellation terms before you buy, and keep your refusal letter if you need to claim.
A few related facts from the EU
These come from the European Commission’s page on applying for a Schengen visa (checked October 2026). Always confirm with the consulate where you apply.
- Where to apply: the consulate of the country that is your main destination. If you spend equal time in several countries, apply to the first one you will visit.
- When to apply: no earlier than 6 months and at least 15 days before your trip.
- Standard fee: €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to 12, with some exceptions.
- Processing time: usually 15 days, which can be extended to 45 days in some cases.
Quick checklist
- Medical cover of at least €30,000
- Covers emergency treatment, hospital stays, medical repatriation and repatriation of remains
- Valid in all Schengen countries
- Covers your full stay (first trip, for multiple-entry visas)
- Name and dates match your passport and itinerary
- Insurer can pay claims in a Schengen country
- Policy certificate printed and saved
- Checked the consulate or visa centre’s own requirements
Sources
Official pages we checked in October 2026:
- European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs), Applying for a Schengen visa
- European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs), Schengen area
- European Commission (Migration and Home Affairs), Visa policy
- Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (EU Visa Code), official text on EUR-Lex, Article 15: Travel medical insurance
- European Union, ETIAS: travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers