Long-stay Schengen visa insurance: Everything You Need to Know
- ✔️ Travel insurance is mandatory for long-stay visa applicants (> 90 days)
- ✔️ Minimum requirements: €30,000 medical coverage, repatriation, full stay validity, all Schengen countries
- ✔️ AXA plans are 100% compliant and accepted by all embassies
- ✔️ Certificate issued instantly online after purchase
- ✔️ Refund guaranteed if visa is refused
- ✔️ Prices start from €4.90/day, decreasing for longer stays
Name: Axel Strauss
Date : 06/15/2026
Schengen travel insurance for a Long-Stay visa: How to get a plan online instantly
Planning a lengthy trip to one of Europe's Schengen countries? Maybe even a permanent move? Well, if your stay in the Schengen will last longer than 90 days, you'll likely need to apply for a long-stay visa (aka Type D, aka "national" visa). And to be granted a long-stay visa, you must first have travel insurance.
Fortunately, AXA offers several top-quality Schengen travel insurance plans that will meet all your long-stay European needs!
Long-Stay Visa Insurance: Checklist for travel to Europe
- Understanding the Long-Stay visa (Type D)
- Long-stay travelers who need insurance coverage
- Travel insurance requirements for a Long-Stay visa
- AXA Schengen insurance coverage details
- AXA travel insurance options for a Long-Stay Visa
- AXA Schengen travel insurance costs
- How to get your AXA travel insurance certificate online instantly
- AXA refund conditions in case your visa is refused
- FAQs about Long-Stay Visa insurance
What is a Long-Stay (Type D) visa for Europe?
A long-stay visa, also called a Type D or national visa, is issued for specific long-term purposes by a Schengen country.
📌 Key points:
- It allows you to stay in a Schengen country for more than 90 days.
- Depending on the country and purpose of stay, it can be valid for up to 1 year.
- It is typically used for work, studies, internships, training programs, family reunification, or other long-term stays.
- It is a national visa issued by one Schengen state under its own rules.
- It is not a type C Schengen visa, but it usually allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period during its validity.
- For stays longer than 1 year, most European countries require a residence permit.
💡 VISA PRO TIPS: AXA can tell you all about:
- The different types of European visas
- The 90/180-day rule in the Schengen area
- How to get a long-stay (Type D) visa
Do I need travel insurance for a long stay in the Schengen area?
If you need a visa, then yes. Most citizens of non-EU countries must have a long-stay (Type D) visa to stay in any part of the Schengen area beyond 90 days.
And, as a general rule:
👉 Schengen travel health insurance is mandatory if you need a Long-Stay/Type D visa for any Schengen country.
IMPORTANT: But be sure to always double-check with the official European Commission - Visa policy page - as well as the embassy/consulate/official government website of your destination country!
✈️ SAFETY TIP:
Even if you don't need a visa, some quality Schengen travel insurance is still highly recommended. Because three or more months in any foreign country can bring plenty of surprises. And you want to be sure that you and your family are taken care of in case something goes wrong!
What insurance is required for a long-stay visa in the Schengen Area?
In the same way that Schengen travel insurance covers the health risks during a stay of 90 days or less, long-stay visa Schengen insurance must cover health costs for a period of at least 91 days (and up to 12 months).
And for any individual Schengen country's authorities to accept your long-stay visa application, the European Commission stipulates that your travel insurance plan:
- be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
- have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (including hospitalization, emergency treatment, and so on)
- cover repatriation (including in case of death)
- cover you in all the Schengen member countries
- be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area
⭐ GOOD TO KNOW!
AXA's plans meet all the EU criteria above - including for a long-stay visa (see plans below). Not only that, but your proof of insurance is provided instantly, online, upon purchase - which means you can start your visa application with zero worries!
What does AXA Schengen visa insurance cover?
AXA Schengen visa insurance is designed to meet the requirements of European consulates while providing comprehensive medical and travel protection for your stay in Europe.
With AXA, you get a plan that:
- Meets the criteria required by the Schengen/EU for being granted a visa
- Is accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide
- Offers a quick and easy online subscription
- Provides a world-recognized, decades-trusted instant online travel insurance certificate
- Covers you and your loved ones across all Schengen countries + all European Union countries + the United Kingdom (see plan options below)
- Offers a full refund in case your visa is denied
Key benefits of AXA Schengen Travel Insurance
AXA also has no age limitation, zero deductibles, and requires no medical exams.
Plus, you get:
- The peace of mind of being backed by a world-renowned travel insurance brand
- Coverage of medical costs of up to €2 Million (a wise move for longer stays!)
- Repatriation coverage (including in the event of death)
- Civil liability and personal liability insurance
- Death and disability coverage
- Baggage insurance (either included or optional - see plans below)
- Upgrade options like baggage protection and higher medical coverage
- Coverage options for one day, up to six months
- 24/7 emergency assistance: with a dedicated human support team
- Doctor, Please! - our free remote medical consultation in English and a number of other languages
And countless other benefits for a long stay in Europe... so check out our plans below!
What are the AXA Schengen insurance options for long-stay visas?
Here are the AXA Schengen travel insurance plans available for long-stay (Type D) visa applicants, so you can easily choose the level of coverage that best fits your travel plans and visa requirements.
- AXA BASIC: standard coverage meeting all the requirements for your long-stay visa, covering you in all EU/Schengen countries + European microstates of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City.
- AXA ESSENTIAL: comprehensive, stress-free coverage meeting all visa requirements with in-depth coverage in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates above + the UK.
- AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: complete, all-inclusive, 100% worry-free coverage meeting all visa requirements in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates + the UK for a trip.
💡 HEADS-UP:
AXA's Basic/Essential/Premium plans all cover single stays in Europe for up to 180 days, making them perfect for long-stay/Type D visas!
Meanwhile, AXA ANNUAL is designed for frequent travellers taking multiple short trips (up to 90 days per trip) over a one-year period.
It is particularly well-suited for holders of multiple-entry visas or anyone exploring several destinations through repeated short stays.
So before you map out your long stay in Europe, take a minute to
Compare all of AXA's options side by side
and
Get a free zero-obligation AXA quote too!
How much does AXA Schengen travel insurance cost for a long-stay visa?
AXA Schengen travel insurance pricing depends on the level of coverage you choose and the length of your stay in Europe.
Our plans are designed to fit different budgets while always offering excellent value for money. Below is an overview of the starting prices for each option to help you compare them at a glance.
- AXA BASIC starts from €4.90 per day.
- ESSENTIAL starts from €8.90 per day.
- PREMIUM starts from €23.90 per day.
And, finally, AXA ANNUAL will cost you around €350 for a full year of covered trips (but, again, under 90 days each).
Please note: Prices are provided for information purposes only and may vary depending on your profile, length of stay, and selected coverage.
⭐ Good news!
- AXA's daily rate decreases with the length of your trip.
So a longer stay in Europe actually means progressively cheaper AXA coverage!
- Medical costs across Europe differ greatly. AXA's plans, however, don't discriminate based on your Schengen destination!
👉 To learn more, check out our comprehensive guide on AXA Schengen travel insurance costs too!
How do I get a Schengen visa insurance certificate online?
Applying for a visa can quickly feel overwhelming, with a long list of documents to gather and formalities to complete, including mandatory travel insurance.
This is where AXA steps in, with a solution designed to make things simpler for visa applicants. The insurance certificate is issued quickly and is ready to be added directly to your application file, helping you move through the process with less stress.
Here's how you can get your world-recognized AXA insurance certificate in 3 simple steps:
- Choose the AXA Schengen insurance plan best suited for your long stay in Europe.
- Buy your policy online.
- Receive your certificate instantly, via email, ready to download and attach to your visa application file.
💡 PRO TIPS:
1. Your insurance should be purchased before submitting your visa application. It's best to arrange it as early as possible, especially since AXA Schengen visa insurance is refundable if your visa is refused, so there's no risk in getting it in advance.
2. Always keep a copy of your insurance certificate with you, as it can help speed up both medical assistance and hospital admission if needed.
How to get a refund on your travel insurance after a visa refusal?
If the Schengen authorities are being difficult, AXA already has you insured! In fact, we'll gladly give you a full refund in case of visa denial.
You'll just need to:
- Request and obtain an official refusal letter/document from the appropriate Schengen embassy or consulate
- Visit AXA's Refund: Visa refusal page
- Submit the policy-holder's full name, policy number, email address, and the refusal letter above via email.
And that's it! If all is well, we'll send your refund and a confirmation email.
📌 NOTE: Reimbursement is generally processed within 14 days, via the same method used for the initial payment (i.e., credit card).
In other words, what have you got to lose? Explore AXA's options above. Because from getting your long-stay visa to a worry-free prolonged stay in your European country of choice, AXA's got your back!
Related Articles
The following topics might improve your long stay in Europe too:
- Where and how can I get a valid visa insurance certificate?
- Safety tips for travelling to Europe
- New rules for travelling to Europe this year
FAQ
I lost my insurance certificate. How can I get another one?
No worries! There are several ways to retrieve it. Start by checking your inbox for the email we sent you with your insurance certificate attached.
Still can't find it? You can request a duplicate online and receive it instantly.
You can also access your certificate anytime through your digital travel insurance card.
Can I take out an AXA Schengen travel insurance plan on behalf of someone else?
Yes! With AXA, you can easily buy a policy for guests, family, colleagues, or anyone else visiting Europe. We'll just need their name, DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary - and they're good to go!
My trip to Europe has been cancelled. Can I get a refund for my travel insurance?
Yes, you may be eligible for an online refund of your travel insurance policy in the following situations:
- during the 14-day cooling-off period following your purchase*
- if the trip is cancelled due to the passing of one of the travellers
- if your trip cannot take place because your visa application was denied
If your situation matches one of these cases, you can submit your refund request online quickly and easily.
*The 14-day cooling-off period applies only if your coverage has not already started and no claim has been made.
What do I do if I'm injured or ill in Europe?
If something goes wrong, contact the AXA call center. Our medical professionals are standing by to provide guidance and support 24/7.
IMPORTANT: Have your policy number (starting with "SCH"), contact details, and dossier number (given during the first call) on hand.
For non-emergencies, you can also use AXA's digital medical assistance tool. It's also available 24/7.
AXA already looks after millions of people around the world
With our travel insurance we can take great care of you too
AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Basic
AXA Schengen Basic is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Essential
AXA Essential is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Basic.

AXA Schengen Annual
AXA Annual is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Annual for different countries during 90 days.
