What is Schengen visa travel insurance?
First — and just in case — a quick refresher course on the terminology. So, to be eligible for a Schengen visa, the European Union requires that you first have specific insurance covering emergency medical expenses and repatriation during your stay. That insurance is known as none other than — you guessed it — Schengen visa travel insurance.
Moreover, not only is this insurance mandatory, but it must also meet a strict set of criteria (as defined in Article 15 of the EU Visa Code). Thus, it should:
- Cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and/or repatriation (in the event of illness or death) of up to €30,000
- Be valid in all countries in the Schengen area
- Be valid for the entire duration of the applicant's stay in the Schengen area
- Be accepted by all consular services of all Member States issuing Schengen visas
- Be supplied by an insurance company approved by the European authorities
PRO-TIP
A proper travel Insurance certificate — i.e., one that meets all the criteria above — is one of the mandatory documents to be attached to your Schengen visa application file. Without it, your application will be refused
PRO-REMINDER: And remember that nationals of over a hundred countries worldwide do indeed need a Schengen visa to both enter into and travel within the Schengen area for any stay of up to 90 days.
Traveling to Europe without a visa: is insurance really necessary?
Well, even if your nationality means you don't need a Schengen visa to see Europe, it still in no way guarantees that your passport and ticket alone will make your actual trip worry-free. As a matter of fact, travel insurance remains highly recommended by all official European authorities even when it's not required… And — quite frankly — your bank account might agree too.
Because, let's face it — things don't always go according to plan. And when they don't, without adequate health coverage, you'll need to foot the bills — medical or other — all by yourself. Said medical bills, meanwhile, can often be surprisingly high, particularly in places like Luxembourg, Norway, or Switzerland. And all this with zero guarantee (or even likelihood) of being reimbursed upon your return.
With current airline prices, imagine the potential costs of mere repatriation from Europe to your country of residence (during peak tourist season, for example). Or, say, a helicopter evacuation after a skiing accident in the Swiss Alps. Then there are things like lost luggage, stolen documents, unintentional injury to others (and/or damaged property), and so on. In short, whenever or wherever you're traveling — there's no shortage of unforeseen events.
Whereas with a solid travel insurance plan, you hit the road with peace of mind, assured and confident that you're protected from, at the very least, quite a significant chunk of the great unknown. And that you're supported and taken care of — day and night — throughout your entire stay (and wherever in Europe you may be).
AXA's Schengen Travel insurance plans: Comparative Table
| Coverage | Basic | Essential | Premium | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage duration | Up to 180 days | Up to 180 days | Up to 180 days | 1 year - Multiple trips (90d max/stay) |
| Medical expenses coverage | €30.000 | €100.000 | €2.000.000 | €100.000 |
| Emergency dental care | €150 | €150 | €150 | €150 |
| Geographic coverage | Schengen Area | Schengen + UK, Ireland, Cyprus | Schengen + UK, Ireland, Cyprus | Schengen + UK, Ireland, Cyprus |
| Refund in case of visa refusal | ||||
| 24/7 Medical teleconsultation | ||||
| Assistance in case of death | ||||
| Body repatriation and burial | ||||
| Assistance for formalities | ||||
| Baggage repatriation | ||||
| Early repatriation of other insured persons | ||||
| Assistance, repatriation following medical incident | ||||
| Repatriation of the insured person | ||||
| Repatriation of victim's companions | ||||
| Assistance to a person traveling alone | ||||
| Stay extension | ||||
| Return after scheduled date | ||||
| Search and rescue costs | ||||
| Medical expenses intervention threshold | €30.000 | €100.000 | €100.000 | €100.000 |
| Bodily injury and property damage | €10.000 | €10.000 | €10.000 | €10.000 |
| Permanent disability and death | €10.000 | €10.000 | €10.000 | €10.000 |
| Deductible (transfer outside EU) | €20 | €20 | €20 | €20 |
| Travel assistance | ||||
| Sending urgent messages | ||||
| Communication costs | €100 | €100 | €100 | |
| Sending medicines, glasses, prostheses | ||||
| Daily hospitalization allowance | €500 | €500 | €500 | |
| Theft of identity documents | €100 | €100 | €100 | |
| Urgent early return | ||||
| Baggage protection and delay | Option available | Option available | Included - €2.500 | Included - €500 |
What does AXA Basic Schengen travel insurance cover?
AXA BASIC meets all the requirements to obtain both a Type C (aka "short-stay" or "tourist") or a Type D (aka "long-stay" or "national") Schengen visa.
It is valid throughout the entire Schengen area and offers minimum coverage of 30,000€ for health, hospitalization, and/or repatriation costs in the event of illness or death.
Its coverage is valid for up to 180 consecutive days (i.e., 6 months).
- Ideal for: The plan is perfect for travelers who wish to subscribe to an insurance that covers the essentials for obtaining a Schengen visa and provides basic, low-cost coverage.
- Geographic coverage: All countries in the Schengen area, as well as the microstates of Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, and Vatican City.
- Benefits of AXA Basic:
1- It includes:
- All guarantees required by the EU
- Emergency dental costs (up to €150)
- Personal liability insurance
- Travel/Personal Accident Insurance
- Multilingual medical teleconsultation
2- It is customizable with top-up options:
- Increase in the ceiling for reimbursement of medical expenses (up to €50,000)
- Baggage insurance option
3- It is refundable in the event of visa refusal
PRO-TIP: To learn more, see our Questions/Answers about AXA BASIC Schengen insurance
What does AXA Essential Schengen travel insurance cover?
Still at a highly affordable price, the Essential plan also meets European Schengen visa requirements while offering somewhat wider coverage.
It includes additional assistance and protection in case of mishaps during your Eurotrip — as well as higher medical expenses coverage of up to €100,000.
Its coverage is also valid for up to 180 consecutive days (6 months).
Ideal for:
- Travelers wishing to explore all of Europe (not only the Schengen area)
- Travelers who want to go on vacation with complete peace of mind (thanks to additional services)
- People wishing to stay longer in the Schengen area (up to 6 months) and who need a Type D (aka national, aka long-stay) visa
Geographic coverage: All countries in the Schengen area and the European Union (including Cyprus and Ireland), European microstates (Andorra, San Marino, Monaco and Vatican City) and the United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales).
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Benefits of AXA Essential:
1- It includes:
- All the guarantees of the BASIC plan
- Additional benefits in the event of hospitalization
- Additional benefits in the event of death
- Early repatriation of other insured persons accompanying the victim
- The provision of a companion to assist the hospitalized or sick traveler if the latter is alone
- Search and rescue costs (of up to €5,000)
- Assistance in case of theft/loss of identity and travel documents
- Sending emergency medication
- etc.
2- It is tailor-made, with options adapted to your specific circumstances and needs:
- Increased ceiling for reimbursement of medical expenses (up to €250,000 or €1 million)
- Baggage insurance
PRO-TIP: For more, check out our Questions/Answers about AXA ESSENTIAL Schengen insurance
What does AXA Premium Schengen travel insurance cover?
This all-inclusive plan not only ticks all the boxes to obtain a Schengen visa — but also allows you to benefit from our optimal protection!
Premium includes all the essential guarantees and covers you for up to 180 days in more than 30 European destinations.
Ideal for:
- Those who want to be covered with zero doubt, as everything is included, without any fancy jargon or time wasted.
- Those who need both complete protection and to comply with Schengen visa requirements.
- Those who are both budget-savvy and best-prepared, as the plan helps avoid most unpleasant surprises and/or unforeseen costs
Geographic coverage: All Schengen countries + the EU + the European microstates + the United Kingdom
Benefits of AXA Premium:
1- It includes:
- All the guarantees of the ESSENTIAL plan
- Coverage of health costs up to €2 million
- Baggage insurance (loss/theft/damage/delay in delivery)
2- All-inclusive plan = 0 worries
3- All-in-one insurance to cover all unforeseen events
PRO-TIP: See our Questions/Answers about AXA Premium Schengen insurance to learn more
What does AXA Annual Schengen travel insurance cover?
This yearly travel insurance plan also meets all Schengen visa requirements.
But with this unique annual multi-trip plan, just one subscription is enough to cover all your stays in Europe for 1 year.
No need to buy more insurance before each departure!
Ideal for:
- Frequent Travellers to Europe (business travellers, family visits, regular tourist getaways, etc.)
- Anyone applying for (or already holding) a multiple-entry Schengen visa.
- People who don't like to worry about paperwork every time they travel
Geographic coverage: All countries in the Schengen area and the European Union + the European microstates + the UK
Benefits of AXA Annual:
1- It includes:
- All the guarantees of the ESSENTIAL formula
- Baggage insurance (theft/loss/damage)
2- It is modular thanks to à la carte options:
- Increased ceiling for reimbursement of medical expenses (up to €1 million or €2 million)
- Enhanced baggage coverage (delayed delivery and/or increased compensation)
3- Annual plan = economical, practical and secure
PRO-TIP: Learn more via our Questions/Answers about AXA ANNUAL Schengen insurance page
AXA Schengen Travel Insurance can take care of you
Travel Insurance for Schengen visa and Europe from €4.9*
Get a quoteWhy choose AXA Schengen Travel Insurance for Europe?
- Meets all the criteria required by the EU for a Schengen visa
- Accepted by all embassies and consulates
- Quick and easy online subscription
- Secure online shopping
- Certified insurance certificate (sent immediately by email)
- Excellent value for its cost
- No age limit
- Refund of insurance costs in the event of visa refusal
- Plans adapted to anyone's needs and budget
- Coverage of medical and repatriation costs for up to €2 Million
- Valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (depending on the plan, that is)
- Flexible: Available for just one day, up to six months, or even as an annual subscription
- Tailor-made options to optimize your personal coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Free medical teleconsultation (in English and a number of other languages) with our unique Doctor, Please! Feature
- Subscription on behalf of someone else (without unnecessary complications)
- The guarantee of being supported by AXA — an expert, world-renowned, decades-trusted brand
