Essential: Comprehensive and affordable travel insurance for Europe
From €8,90
Schengen visa compliant
Full refund in case of visa rejection
Key benefits of our Essential travel insurance plan
Important: Travel insurance is mandatory to obtain a Schengen Visa
Medical expenses up to
€100,000 (with optional add-on to €250,000)
Medical and surgical expenses, hospitalization, locally prescribed medications
Repatriation and 24/7 Medical Assistance
Medical repatriation and in the event of death & Medical teleconsultation in your language 24/7
Extended coverage across Europe
Schengen countries + EU + the UK + 4 European microstates
Personal liability and death/disability insurance
Stay protected both in everyday life and in case of serious accidents
Family assistance
In the event of repatriation, we take care of your loved ones too
Baggage insurance (optional)
Coverage for theft, loss, damage and delayed delivery
AXA Essential Insurance: comprehensive, high-quality protection for every kind of European trip
Planning to explore European capitals of culture like Rome, Berlin, or Paris? Hitting the slopes between Austria, Italy, and Switzerland? Treating yourself to a sunny break from the big city on the Portuguese, Spanish, or Greek coast? Studying for a semester in Denmark? Visiting a relative, friend, and/or client in Bulgaria? Whatever the case may be, travel in Europe always comes with its fair share of unforeseen events. And, unfortunately, just hoping for the best isn't always enough to avoid them — especially when it comes to your health.
That's why your best possible ally in facing the unexpected in Europe is a top-quality, reliable travel insurance plan!
Specializing in world-class international assistance for decades, AXA is committed to offering quality, easily accessible coverage adapted to your individual needs. Our Essential policy, for example, meets all European requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa while offering extended guarantees and solid protection well beyond the borders of the Schengen Zone... And all at an affordable cost!
So discover everything it includes — and explore over 30 European countries with peace of mind!
Get a quoteEligible countries
Our Essential insurance covers:
- Member States of the Schengen area: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland
- The countries of the European Union (including Cyprus and Ireland, which are not part of Schengen)
- The United Kingdom
- 4 European micro-states: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican
What are the benefits of AXA ESSENTIAL travel insurance?
Complete health protection and assistance
- High reimbursement ceiling for medical expenses
- Medical repatriation and coverage — including in case of death
- Free, 24/7 medical teleconsultation (in several languages)
- Daily hospital allowance
Security for you and your loved ones
- Search and rescue costs
- Protection against theft or loss of identity documents
- Family assistance and repatriation of minors
- Visit from a relative in case of hospitalization
Essential guarantees
- Personal accident and civil liability insurance
- Death and disability insurance
Simplicity and accessibility
- Excellent value for money
- Easy and quick online subscription
- No age limit
- No deductible
Accepted by all EU embassies and consulates
- Simplified procedures
- Compliant with all Schengen visa criteria
- Refund in case of visa application rejection
The guarantee of being covered by AXA, a world-recognized leader in travel insurance
...And countless other benefits too — so discover the full extent of coverage offered by AXA Essential in our coverage table below!
Get a quote
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Increase your medical expense ceiling and protect your luggage at a low price
AXA Essential insurance adapts!
Depending on your budget and your needs, you can:
- Strengthen your health coverage: increase the reimbursement ceiling for medical expenses up to €250,000, starting at €2.90.
- Protect your luggage: add a guarantee reimbursement of up to €1,000 for loss, theft, and/or damage - as well as up to €400 for late delivery - for only €10.90.
| ESSENTIAL Coverage | |
| Maximum duration of coverage | Up to 180 days |
| Geographic coverage | Schengen Area + United Kingdom, + Ireland and Cyprus + European microstates |
| Emergency Medical Expenses - Emergency Assistance | |
| Emergency Medical Expense Coverage | €100,000 |
| Medical, surgical, hospitalization, locally prescribed medication expenses | |
| Emergency dental care | €150 per insured person |
| 24/7 medical teleconsultation | |
| Daily hospitalization allowance | Up to €500 |
| Solo traveller: Assistance and visit from a loved one in the event of hospitalization | |
| Extended stay – Insured | |
| Extended stay – Other insured travellers | |
| Repatriation Assistance - Transport following a medical incident or hospitalization | |
| Repatriation or transportation of the insured person | |
| Repatriation of other insured persons accompanying the victim | |
| Assistance for children under 18 in the event of repatriation | |
| Baggage repatriation | |
| In the event of death – Repatriation and assistance | |
| Repatriation of the deceased – coffin and funeral costs | |
| Assistance with formalities | |
| Early repatriation of other insured persons | |
| Baggage repatriation | |
| Travel assistance | |
| Search and Rescue | |
| Delivery of essential medicines, glasses, contact lenses and prosthetics | |
| Theft of identity and travel documents | Up to €100 |
| Coverage of communication costs | |
| Sending urgent messages | |
| Emergency early return | |
| Personal liability insurance | |
| Damage caused to others: bodily injury and material damage | Up to €10,000 |
| Death and disability insurance | |
| Lump-sum payment in the event of serious injury or death | Up to €10,000 |
| Other guarantees and specific costs | |
| Full refund if your visa application is denied | |
| Deductible: fees charged for reimbursements by bank transfer outside the EU | €20 |
| Options: additional guarantees | |
| Baggage protection: loss, theft, damage / Delay in delivery | Up to €1,400 - optional |
| Increase of medical coverage limit up to €250,000 | optional |
FAQ about AXA Essential Insurance for Europe
Are you leaving for Europe soon and wondering whether travel insurance is really necessary? We'll clarify everything for you in simple terms and answer all your questions about the Essential plan, helping you choose the protection best suited for your next European adventure.
Do I really need travel insurance for a trip to Europe?
If you need a Schengen visa, then yes. Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for being granted one. In other words, no insurance = no visa.
However, even if you don't need a Schengen visa, do you really want to risk paying unexpected medical bills, losing your belongings or documents, or facing emergency repatriation alone? A small accident abroad can turn your dream trip into a costly nightmare.
With the right insurance plan, you get 24/7 support and peace of mind, knowing you and your family are protected if anything goes wrong. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Did you know?
A medical repatriation in Europe typically costs between €5,000 and €20,000. If a medical plane is needed, the bill can rise significantly, depending on the severity of the situation and the distance to be covered.
How much does AXA ESSENTIAL travel insurance cost?
Starting at as low as €8.90, AXA's ESSENTIAL takes care of both you and your loved ones throughout the entire duration of your trip. And that includes all the 'what ifs' — big or small — during your stay in Europe.
Want even more security? You can customize your insurance with additional options.
In which countries am I covered by AXA ESSENTIAL insurance?
Just like the Schengen area itself, AXA's ESSENTIAL plan's coverage is (almost) borderless! In other words, a single subscription is enough to be protected on most of the European continent (and often well beyond).
List of countries covered:
- Schengen countries + EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
- European microstates: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican
- United Kingdom: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales
I'm planning a family trip to Europe. Can I buy ESSENTIAL insurance all at once to cover everyone?
Of course! You can purchase AXA ESSENTIAL insurance for your entire family (up to 10 people) at once — and pay in a single payment. Each member will be covered for the entire stay, simplifying your procedures and allowing you and your whole tribe to leave with peace of mind!
Does the AXA ESSENTIAL plan cover multiple trips in Europe?
AXA ESSENTIAL is ideal for a well-covered single trip to Europe.
Planning to travel frequently? No worries! Our ANNUAL travel insurance plan covers all your trips to, within, and from Europe for a full year. It's perfect for frequent travelers and holders of a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
Looking for options? AXA has you covered:
- Need insurance for your Schengen visa at the best price? AXA's BASIC plan meets EU requirements.
- Want the most comprehensive coverage and peace of mind? Choose AXA's PREMIUM plan.
PRO TIP: Not sure which plan suits you? Compare all AXA plans and guarantees for an easy overview!
Is AXA ESSENTIAL insurance valid for a Schengen visa?
Yes. All of AXA's Schengen travel insurance including AXA ESSENTIAL, meet the European Union's requirements for short-stay (up to 90 days) and long-stay visas.
Once you subscribe, you'll instantly receive the AXA Travel Insurance Certificate by email, which you can download and print anywhere. This certificate is accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa centers. Just attach it to your visa application.
REMINDER: If your visa is refused, AXA usually offers a full refund when you provide an official refusal letter from the relevant authority. AXA is rooting for you!
What to do if I get sick during my trip to Europe?
If you fall ill during your trip to Europe, local authorities will provide first aid. Your first step is to dial 112, the emergency number across Europe. Rest assured, AXA is also available 24/7 with a team of medical assistance experts ready to support you wherever you are.
In an emergency, contact AXA's call center as soon as possible using the number on your insurance certificate. Remember to provide your policy number, which starts with "SCH." You can also use the Doctor Please! teleconsultation service with the same credentials included on your certificate.
PRO-TIPS:
- Always keep the numbers above saved both on paper and your phone, along with the emergency numbers for the European region you're in.
- Make sure to share this info with your travel companions or a trusted contact who can be reached easily if needed.