Coverage of Medical Costs in Emergencies across Europe

Date: 06/07/2026

Always report medical emergencies to the AXA emergency hotline beforehand!

Contacting AXA is not just a bureaucratic step but a vital part of the cost coverage process. Those who report incidents early benefit from:

• direct cost handling
• swift assistance
• optimal insurance protection

As soon as you have a medical emergency, you (or a third party accompanying you) are required to inform AXA. For this purpose, call the international emergency hotline +32 2 55 2 53 98.

Services and provisions organized without AXA's consent do not qualify for later reimbursement or compensation.

Learn all about medical cost coverage in the following article: What is covered, what is excluded. How high are the insurance sums depending on the tariff, and how can you get reimbursed?

Table of Contents:

• Why choose insurance with at least a €30,000 coverage?
• What does the AXA Schengen insurance cover in emergency treatments?
• Coverage sums of AXA Schengen tariffs for medical expenses
• Additional benefits beyond mere cost coverage
• Definition: What constitutes a medical emergency
• Medical advice and assistance in emergencies
• Cost coverage in case of hospitalization
• How can I get reimbursed for expenses I have incurred?
• Important exclusions
• Comparison of costs for treatments in Europe
• FAQ

Why choose insurance with at least 30,000 Euros coverage?

A travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros is crucial because it meets the legally mandated standard for a Schengen visa and offers fundamental financial protection in medical emergencies abroad.

1 - Compliance with Schengen visa requirements

For a Schengen visa application, travel insurance covering at least 30,000 Euros for medical emergencies and hospital stays is mandatory. Without this proof, the visa application is generally not accepted.

2 - Protection against high treatment costs abroad

Medical care abroad can quickly become very expensive. Even simple emergency treatments or short hospital stays can cost several thousand Euros. The 30,000-Euro limit provides essential basic security against financial risks.

3 - Coverage for unexpected severe cases

In cases of severe illnesses or accidents, low cover amounts are often insufficient. Especially for surgeries or extended hospital stays, the costs can quickly add up, making the minimum coverage crucial so that you do not face financial ruin.

Choose the right insurance! All AXA Schengen Insurances meet the requirements for a Schengen visa! Plus, you can choose whether to cover medical costs up to 30,000 Euros, 100,000 Euros, or even 2 million Euros.

What does the AXA Schengen insurance cover in emergency treatments?

The AXA Schengen Insurance pays for urgently needed treatments in the event of a medical emergency during your travel in the Schengen area. These include:

• Outpatient emergency treatments: Costs for medical and surgical treatments that are immediately necessary to stabilize your health.
• Hospital stays: Full inpatient care for serious illnesses or accidents, including surgeries and medical monitoring.
• Medication: Costs of medicines prescribed as part of the emergency treatment.
• Medical repatriation: If treatment on site is not possible, AXA organizes and covers the return to your home country.
• Emergency dental treatments: Acute pain treatments for dental problems, up to a maximum of €150 per insured party.

🚑 Example: An outpatient emergency examination in Germany can quickly cost between €200 and €500 or more without insurance. A hospital stay or a surgery might cost between €1,500 and €15,000 or more depending on the severity of the illness. Here, the AXA Schengen Insurance intervenes and covers the incurred costs.

What coverage sums do the various AXA Schengen tariffs offer for medical expenses?

The AXA Schengen Travel Insurance offers various tariffs – Basic, Essential, Premium, and Annual – which differ mainly in the amounts of coverage provided for medical emergencies and hospital stays. The amount of cover is critical in case of serious health issues abroad.

AXA Schengen Basic

• Coverage amount: up to €30,000 (can also be increased to €50,000)
• Meets the minimum requirements for a Schengen visa
• Covers emergency treatments, hospital stays, and repatriation
• Suitable for stays up to 180 days in the Schengen area and the European microstates of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City

AXA Schengen Essential

• Coverage amount: up to €100,000 (can also be increased to 250,000 €)
• Extended coverage amount for severe illnesses or accidents
• Higher reimbursement limits for hospital costs and medical services
• Suitable for short stays up to 180 days in all Schengen countries, EU countries (and European microstates) and the United Kingdom.

AXA Schengen Premium

• Coverage amount: up to €2,000,000
• High coverage amount for all kinds of medical emergencies
• Covers the cost of complex treatments, longer hospital stays, and expensive procedures
• Suitable for short stays up to 180 days in all Schengen countries, EU countries (and European microstates) and the United Kingdom.
• Especially suitable for older travelers or those wanting extra security

AXA Schengen Annual

• Coverage amount: up to €100,000 (can also be increased to 2 million €)
• Annual insurance: covers any number of trips up to 90 days within a year
• Extended coverage amount for severe illnesses or accidents
• Perfect protection also for holders of a Schengen Visa with multiple entries
• Valid in all Schengen countries, EU countries (and European microstates) and the United Kingdom.

💡 Our tip: To find the best option for you, take advantage of comparing all AXA plans directly and receive a free, non-binding quote.

What services are included in addition to pure cost coverage?

The AXA Schengen Travel Insurance goes beyond mere cost coverage for emergency treatments and hospital stays. Travelers benefit from additional services that make their stay abroad much safer and more comfortable.

1. Medical Repatriation

• If treatment abroad is not sufficiently or safely possible, AXA organizes and covers repatriation to your home country.
• This includes transport by air ambulance or ambulance and medical escort, if necessary.

Good to know: All AXA Schengen policies include a repatriation guarantee.

2. 24/7 Medical Assistance

• Available around-the-clock for medical advice, hospital mediation, and emergency aid
• Helps with language barriers, finding specialists, or obtaining second opinions

3. Daily Hospital Compensation

• In the Essential, Premium, and Annual tariffs, you receive a flat-rate compensation of €50 per day spent in the hospital.

5. Emergency Transport within the Host Country

• If needed, hospital transfers or trips to specialists are covered
• Prevents additional financial burdens or logistical issues

6. Support with Authorities and Formalities

• AXA Assistance helps with contacting clinics, authorities, and embassies, if necessary
• Assistance with documentation for reimbursement or visa requirements

7. Additional Insurances for Third-party Damages and in Cases of Disability or Death

• Private liability insurance for personal injury or property damage up to €10,000
• Insured for permanent disability and death up to €10,000

8. Optional Possibilities and Included in Certain Tariffs

• Luggage insurance (loss, theft, damage, delayed delivery)
• Search and rescue costs

8. Special Assistance for Solo Travelers

• Solo travelers who need hospitalization can have a relative join them
• AXA covers the travel costs for a relative
• Included in all tariffs except Basic

What constitutes a "medical emergency" according to AXA Schengen?

A medical emergency, in the context of AXA Schengen travel insurance, occurs when an unexpected illness or accident during the trip necessitates immediate medical treatment to prevent serious health damage.

Good to know: AXA provides you with your insurance certificate online immediately and sends it to you via email. This is not only convenient to easily include your Schengen insurance with your visa application, but also allows you to show your certificate at the hospital to prove that medical costs are covered by insurance.

Typical examples of medical emergencies

Examples of emergencies include:

• Acute illnesses such as severe infections, high fever, or sudden pain
• Accidents with injuries, e.g., bone fractures or head injuries
• Cardiovascular problems or other life-threatening conditions
• Necessary acute surgeries, which cannot be postponed, such as an appendectomy
• Severe allergic reactions

🛡️ In all these cases, AXA Schengen insurance covers the costs, provided the treatment is medically necessary and was unplanned.

What does not count as a medical emergency?

The costs for any treatment are not automatically covered. Typically not covered are:

• Planned treatments or surgeries abroad
• Pre-existing conditions, if they were known before the start of the trip
• Routine examinations or preventive services
• Diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of pregnancy, unless there is a clear complication that was not foreseeable before the 28th week of pregnancy
• Treatments that can be postponed without endangering health
• Spa stays, stays in a convalescent facility as well as convalescent, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy treatments
• Osteopathic treatments, physiotherapy, and alternative medicine
• Recurring depression and/or mental illness, unless it occurs for the first time.
• Repatriation for organ transplantation

💡 Tip for travelers: When in doubt, you should always contact AXA Assistance before undergoing any non-life-threatening treatment. This ensures that the costs will indeed be covered and helps avoid unpleasant surprises.

Will I receive medical advice and support in an emergency?

Yes!

• For medical emergencies, immediately call the international AXA emergency number at +32 2 55 2 53 98. The hotline is available 24/7.
• For medical concerns that do not constitute an acute emergency, you can use free remote consultations through the Doctor Please! app – either by phone or directly through the app on your smartphone.

Upon a medical treatment, AXA's medical team will contact the local treating doctor after your initial call to ensure the best possible conditions for you.

You can also receive advice remotely from doctors in your language via the Doctor Please! app.

How does cost coverage work in case of hospitalization?

In the event of a hospital stay during your trip, the AXA Schengen Travel Insurance ensures that medically necessary costs are covered as smoothly as possible. It is crucial that you follow the correct steps.

1. Emergency – direct to the hospital

Emergency services will always handle immediate care. The emergency number in Europe is 112.

Meaning, in the case of an acute medical emergency, you can directly go to the nearest hospital. Your health always takes priority – prior approval is not required in life-threatening situations.

2. Contact AXA Assistance

Contact the 24/7 Emergency Center (AXA Assistance) as soon as possible (or a companion does). They will assist you in choosing suitable hospitals, organizing treatment, and clarifying cost coverage directly with the clinic. In many cases, AXA can settle the bills directly with the hospital, so you don’t have to pay upfront.

1 - Report emergency by phone:

• Contact our 24/7 hotline in an emergency: +32 2 552 53 98
• After selecting the language, press 1 for medical help and 3 for a reimbursement request.

2 - Report emergency through the online portal:

• You can also use the digital assistance tool around the clock

3 - Information you should have ready:

• Your insurance number, starting with "SCHBE" found in your policy documents
• Your full contact details (address and phone number at which you can be reached) as well as contact details of local individuals who can be contacted
• The case number provided to you during the initial call for further processing

3. Direct billing or reimbursement

There are two typical procedures:

• Direct billing:
• AXA pays directly (for higher amounts)
• Especially common for major surgeries or long stays
• Reimbursement:
• You initially pay out-of-pocket (e.g., for outpatient treatments not including fractures)
• Subsequently submit bills and receipts
• Reimbursement occurs after review

💡 Good to know: For outpatient treatment (excluding fractures), please pay for the treatment upfront. When in doubt, please call us.

4. Keep important documents

For smooth processing, you need:

• Doctor's reports and diagnoses
• Treatment, admission, and discharge dates
• Original bills and proof of payment
• Prescriptions and medication receipts

⚠️ Without complete documentation, reimbursement may be delayed or restricted.

5. Medical Repatriation (if necessary)

If appropriate treatment is not possible locally or makes medical sense, AXA organizes a repatriation to your home country – including cost coverage within your tariff.

How can I get reimbursed for expenses I have paid?

If you have paid medical costs during your trip yourself, you can subsequently submit them for reimbursement under the AXA Schengen Travel Insurance. This may also include associated costs such as ambulance, taxi rides, additional accommodation, and pharmacy expenses incurred during your trip, including the costs for prescribed drugs and transport.

To ensure smooth repayment, you should follow several important steps:

1 - Gather all receipts and documents: For reimbursement, you need complete evidence of the treatment.

• Invoice of your travel booking: We will ask you to present your booking invoice. It should include the date of your booking, the start and end of your trip, and the destination.
• Medical report: You must present the report of the treating doctor, medical professional, or hospital that performed the treatment. It should include the dates, times, and the diagnosis.
• Medical invoice: Please submit all detailed invoices related to your medical treatment as well as any pharmacy and transport costs.

2 - Report a claim to AXA: Submit your reimbursement request to AXA within a month via "Submit Claim". Click on "Make a claim". Provide the documents that justify the incurred costs and which AXA ASSISTANCE has previously agreed to. Be sure to include your insurance number.
3 - Review by the insurance: AXA will then review your case.

4 - Receive reimbursement: After successful review, the repayment is transferred to your account. The processing time depends on the completeness of your documents.
Good to know: You can track the status of the reimbursement request online by clicking "View claim" on this page.

What is not covered? - Key exclusions of AXA Schengen Insurance

Although AXA Schengen covers many emergency and hospital costs, there are certain services and situations that are excluded. It is important to be aware of these exclusions to avoid unpleasant surprises.

1. Pre-planned or plannable treatments

• Surgeries or medical procedures that were known or plannable before the trip are not covered.
• Examples: Preventative check-ups, planned dental treatments, routine surgeries.

2. Pre-existing conditions

• Diseases or chronic conditions that existed before the start of the trip and are not explicitly included in the tariff are excluded.
• Tip: Check if additional coverage for known pre-existing conditions is possible.

3. (High-risk) sports and dangerous activities

• Injuries from extreme sports or adventure activities such as base jumping, motorsports, or diving beyond certain depths are often not insured.
• Accidents occurring during a race involving motor vehicles, where the insured party participates as a competitor or as an assistant to a competitor
• Sporting competitions at a professional level.

4. Pregnancy and childbirth

• Pregnancy-related treatments and normal childbirth are usually excluded, except in cases of unexpected complications.
• Voluntary terminations of pregnancy.

5. Alcohol, drug, or medication abuse

• Damage or emergencies caused by alcohol, drugs, or non-prescribed medications are not covered.

6. Mental health conditions

• Depression and/or mental health conditions, unless they occur for the first time

7. Accidents due to reckless or illegal activities

• Situations provoked by reckless behavior, betting, or challenges initiated by the insured party
• Illness or accident resulting from illegal or unauthorized activities (crime, fights – except in self-defense)

8. Cosmetic treatments

• Cosmetic treatments, diet treatments, and all costs for a non-officially recognized diagnosis or treatment (homeopathy, acupuncture, etc.)

💡 For more information: Additionally, always read the T&Cs and the fact sheet of your insurance tariff.

What are the costs of medical treatments in Europe - and why is insurance so important?

Many travelers underestimate the real costs of medical treatments abroad. In fact, Europe - especially countries like Norway, Switzerland, or the Netherlands - is among the most expensive regions worldwide for hospital stays.

Hospital costs in Europe

An international analysis shows clear differences in the costs per hospital day:

• 🇳🇴 Norway: ~€1,100 per day
• 🇨🇭 Switzerland: ~€700 per day
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands: ~€560 per day
• 🇩🇪 Germany: ~€460 per day
• 🇫🇷 France: ~€450 per day

Source: HelloSafe

Costs per hospital case in Europe

Aside from daily costs, the overall costs per treatment are high:

• 🇨🇭 Switzerland & 🇳🇱 Netherlands: over €8,000 per case
• 🇩🇰 Denmark: over €7,000
• 🇩🇪 Germany: approx. €6,000 per hospital case

Particularly expensive: medical repatriation

A commonly underestimated cost factor is medical repatriation. Depending on the country, distance, and medical effort, repatriation costs between €3,000 and €20,000. Air ambulance flights from remote regions or with intensive care treatment can become even more expensive.

• Within Europe: between €3,000 and €20,000
• To non-European countries: Costs can quickly reach tens of thousands to over €100,000 (e.g., for long-haul flights with intensive care).

These costs are not covered without insurance, and you must pay them out of your own pocket.

These articles might also interest you

• Comparing Schengen Insurances: Which one to choose?
• How much does insurance for a Schengen visa cost?
• EU and Europe Check: Simplifying terms

FAQ

Is the minimum coverage of €30,000 sufficient for a Schengen visa?

Yes, the minimum cover of €30,000 meets the Schengen visa requirements and covers medical emergency treatments. For expensive treatments or longer hospital stays, however, a tariff with higher coverage like Essential, Premium, or Annual may be advisable.

What additional benefits do Premium and Essential tariffs offer?

Essential and Premium expand the basic insurance by higher coverage amounts for serious operations or incidents. Also, search and rescue costs are covered, as well as daily compensation during hospital stays, and repatriation of the victim's companions. To see all the benefits, easily compare our tariffs with the comparison table.

Does the insurance also cover outpatient emergencies and dental treatments?

Yes, all tariffs cover outpatient emergency treatments and also cover acute dental problems up to €150.

Are expensive surgeries or hospital stays covered?

Yes, the insurance covers medically necessary surgeries and inpatient hospital costs, as long as the treatment qualifies as an emergency. The extent of the coverage depends on the selected tariff, with Premium offering maximum protection with a cover amount of 2 million Euros.

Is the AXA Schengen Insurance valid only in the Schengen area?

The insurance is primarily valid for the Schengen area, and depending on the tariff, may include UK, Ireland, or Cyprus. Medical costs outside these countries are not automatically covered.

What happens if I have an emergency in an expensive country like Norway or Switzerland?

The insurance covers the actual treatment costs within your tariff, even in countries with very high hospital prices. Without insurance, patients often have to bear these costs themselves.

Are medical repatriations to the home country always included?

Yes, if medically necessary, AXA organizes and pays for the repatriation to the home country, including medical accompaniment. This applies to all tariffs.

Is there a deductible?

No, unless we need to transfer the reimbursement of medical costs outside the EU. In that case, we retain €20.