Every sensible traveller should be covered by comprehensive and reliable travel insurance. However, whether it is mandatory depends on the traveller's nationality.

AXA explains it all!

What are the new entry requirements for Romania since it joined the Schengen Area?

By joining the world's largest area of free movement on 1 January 2025, Romania committed to applying the same rules as other member states regarding entry conditions:

● Certain travellers are required to hold a Schengen visa for any stay of less than 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.

● Schengen visa applicants must submit an application file containing several mandatory documents, including a travel insurance certificate.

● This certificate proves that the applicant will be covered by valid travel insurance during their stay in the Schengen Area.

● Without this insurance certificate, the visa application will be automatically rejected.

👉 Schengen visa insurance is therefore mandatory for visa applicants.

📌 Key takeaway:

1. If you need a Schengen visa for Romania: travel insurance is mandatory.
2. If you do not need a Schengen visa: travel insurance is recommended.

Who needs a Schengen visa and travel insurance to visit Romania?

Visitors from over a hundred countries, including those from the Maghreb, Africa, China, India and Russia, are required to hold a Schengen visa and valid medical insurance to travel to Romania and the Schengen Area.

💡 Our advice
To find out whether this applies to you, check the list of nationalities required to have a Schengen visa

📌 Key takeaway
The insurance certificate included in the visa application must:

✅ Be purchased before submitting the Schengen visa application
✅ Meet the criteria set by the EU in Article 15 of the Visa Code

How to obtain a visa for Romania? Short stay, long stay or transit

Depending on your nationality, the purpose and duration of your stay, three main types of visas may apply:

• Short-stay visa (Type C – less than 90 days)
  Commonly known as the Schengen visa, it is intended for tourist, business or family stays of less than 90 days within a 180-day period. It is the most commonly requested European visa.
• Long-stay visa (Type D – more than 90 days)
  Required if you plan to stay in Romania for more than 90 days (studies, work, settling). This visa follows specific national procedures and requires additional supporting documents.
• Airport transit visa (Type A – ATV)
  Required for certain nationalities when transiting through an airport in Romania without officially entering Schengen territory.
  It only allows staying in the international zone during a connection and aims to strengthen migration controls based on the traveller's country of origin.

💡 Expert advice
Don't worry, AXA is here to guide you through the visa application maze:

• Getting a Schengen visa for Romania: easy step-by-step guide
• The different types of visas for Romania
• How to correctly complete your visa application form

What Schengen insurance is needed to obtain a visa for Romania?

To be valid for a visa application to Romania, your Schengen medical insurance must meet the requirements set by the European Union.
It must:

✅ Guarantee medical expense coverage of at least €30,000

✅ Cover hospitalisation and emergency treatment costs arising from a medical issue during your stay in the Schengen Area

✅ Cover repatriation costs for medical reasons and in case of death.

✅ Be valid in all Schengen Area countries (not only Romania).

✅ Remain valid for the entire duration of the stay.

✅ Be taken out with an approved insurance company recognised by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries.

💡Rest assured! AXA Schengen travel insurance meets all of these requirements and much more!

Coverage and services: what does AXA Schengen insurance cover for your trip to Romania?

AXA Schengen travel insurance supports you before, during and after your stay in Romania, whether you need a Schengen visa or not.
Discover all the guarantees and highlights of your coverage.

1. AXA Schengen: the reliability of a world leader in assistance

• With over 65 years of experience, AXA has built an international reputation. By offering reliable and affordable solutions, policyholders can count on comprehensive coverage and unwavering assistance.
• AXA teams leverage their expertise and knowledge of local contexts to support travellers 24/7, drawing on a trusted network of medical partners across Europe and worldwide.

2. AXA insurance compliant with Schengen visa requirements

• It meets all requirements set by the EU for obtaining a Schengen visa.
• It is recognised by consulates and embassies of all Schengen countries.
• It is automatically accepted with visa applications.

3. Comprehensive coverage with extensive guarantees

• Medical expenses from €30,000 to €2 million
• Emergency dental care
• Medical repatriation and in case of death: full coverage
• Essential guarantees systematically included:
  - Civil and private liability for damages caused to third parties
  - Death and disability insurance
  - Multilingual assistance 24/7
  - Free medical teleconsultation via Doctor Please! — available in multiple languages.
• Luggage insurance: loss, theft, damage, delivery delay (included or optional).
• Search and rescue costs (depending on the plan).

4. Practical, cost-effective and customisable insurance

AXA simplifies your preparations and administrative steps with tailored services:

● 100% online subscription, fast and secure

● Instant certified insurance certificate

● Refund in case of visa refusal

● No age limit or medical examination

● Option to insure a relative or a group (family, friends, colleagues).

● Decreasing rates based on the length of stay, for excellent value for money

● Flexible options:
- luggage coverage
- enhanced medical ceiling

● Flexible coverage duration: from one day to six months or annual plan

● Flexible geographical coverage: Schengen Area, European microstates, the entire European Union and the United Kingdom

● Available in several plans tailored to every budget and need.

5. Effective assistance for you and your loved ones

In case of an unexpected event, AXA supports you every step of the way:

● Repatriation of other insured persons and care for minor children

● Visit from a relative in case of hospitalisation of an insured person travelling alone

● Early return covered in case of family emergency

● Assistance in case of theft/loss of documents (passport, ID papers)

● Daily hospitalisation allowance (depending on the plan)

● Shipment of medication, glasses or essential prostheses.

👉 Choose the AXA plan that offers the best protection for your needs and budget!

What is the best AXA Schengen insurance plan for your stay in Romania?

Whether solo or with family, for a cultural, professional or sporting trip, AXA offers a solution tailored to every situation.

1. BASIC Insurance – AXA Schengen

   The standard coverage that meets all European criteria required for obtaining a visa.

   It covers you throughout the Schengen Area and the European microstates (Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City).

2. ESSENTIAL Insurance – AXA Schengen

   Comprehensive, customisable and reliable coverage at an affordable price.
   An excellent choice for obtaining your Schengen visa without unnecessary complications.

   It covers you in all Schengen countries and European microstates, as well as in all EU countries and the United Kingdom.

3. PREMIUM Insurance – AXA Schengen

   The "all-inclusive – maximum protection" plan! With your Schengen visa in hand, you travel with complete peace of mind.

   It covers you in the Schengen Area, EU countries, European microstates and the United Kingdom.

4. ANNUAL Insurance – AXA Schengen

   The ideal plan for all travellers visiting Europe several times a year and/or for multiple-entry visa holders. One annual contract and you're covered for all your trips, without needing to subscribe again before each stay.

   It covers you in the Schengen Area (including European microstates), the European Union and the United Kingdom.

💡 Our advice
Not quite sure which travel insurance plan is right for you?
- Compare all Schengen travel insurance plans
- Get a free online quote

How much does AXA Schengen travel insurance cost for Romania?

Starting from €4.90, AXA Schengen insurance plans adapt to the needs and budget of all traveller profiles.
With the many options available, everyone can build customised coverage and benefit from optimal protection, tailored to their trip.

📌 Good to know!

- The price of Schengen insurance adjusts to the duration of your stay.
Thanks to decreasing rates, the longer you travel, the more affordable your insurance becomes.

- Discover the full price list for our various Schengen visa travel insurance plans.

Please note: Prices are given as a guide and may vary depending on the traveller's profile, length of stay, chosen guarantees and additional options.

What is the most affordable Schengen insurance?

AXA offers affordable Schengen insurance plans suited to all budgets, with plans offering the best value for money, whether you're looking for cheap coverage for a short stay or a more cost-effective solution for regular travel to Europe.

1. With the Essential Plan you'll benefit from comprehensive coverage at an affordable price including:
   - Reimbursement of medical expenses up to €100,000 (with option up to €250,000).
   - Coverage for medical repatriation and in case of death.
   - 24/7 medical assistance
   - and much more for solid coverage throughout your stay.
2. The ANNUAL Plan is more economical for those who travel frequently to Europe throughout the year.
   Practical and cost-effective! A single contract covers all your stays of less than 90 days for one full year.

How to instantly get the online insurance certificate for a Romania visa application?

● As soon as your online payment is completed, you will receive your AXA Schengen insurance certificate for Romania instantly by email.

● Simply attach it to your Schengen visa application for Romania along with the other mandatory documents.

💡 Our advice
Since your AXA travel insurance is refundable in case of visa refusal, we recommend subscribing as early as possible so you can focus on the other supporting documents for your application.

Schengen visa refused: how to get a refund on your travel insurance?

Has your Schengen visa application for Romania been refused? To spare you additional hassle, AXA offers a full refund of your AXA Schengen travel insurance.

Simply follow these quick and easy steps:

1. Contact AXA customer service online
2. Provide your name, surname, contract number, purchase date and visa refusal date
3. Attach a copy of the official document informing you of the visa refusal
4. Your file will be processed as quickly as possible to issue a full refund of your insurance policy.

💡 Our advice!

To maximise your chances of obtaining the precious Schengen visa, don't forget to read our (very useful!) article: How to avoid Schengen visa refusal and what to do if it happens?

Can you travel to Romania without travel insurance if you don't need a visa?

The obligation to take out travel insurance only applies to Schengen visa applicants. However, this sensible and prudent choice should apply to all travellers.

Skipping travel insurance means having to deal alone, in an unfamiliar country and in a foreign language, with all the consequences of an unexpected event:

• Medical expenses, whether minor or more serious
• Costs related to hospitalisation or medical repatriation
• The administrative and medical procedures that follow
• The inconvenience of lost or stolen luggage and identity documents
• Everyday oversights, such as essential medication or glasses

💡 The solution? AXA Schengen insurance ensures you are supported before, during and after your stay, with tailored guarantees to handle unexpected situations.
Wherever you go, we're already there!

How much does healthcare cost for travellers without insurance or EHIC in Romania?

All healthcare received in Romania will be entirely at the expense of travellers without an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or travel insurance.

Examples of medical costs in Romania without insurance

Consultations:

• General practitioner: €20 to €60
• Specialist: €30 to €100
• Emergency room: €40 to €120

Additional examinations:

• MRI: €100 to €300
• CT scan: €80 to €150

Hospitalisation:

• €120 to €600 (public system)
• Up to €5,000 (private)

📌 Good to know!
You can count on us! With AXA Schengen travel insurance, you have access to an online medical assistance platform as well as advice from our multilingual experts.
A human contact available 24/7.

Travelling to Romania: practical information and fun facts

• Capital: Bucharest
• Language: Romanian
• Currency: the leu (plural lei)
  Romania is not part of the Eurozone and therefore has its own currency.
• Red as a... In 2022, the peony became Romania's national flower.
  Conferences and floral exhibitions are held across the country every year to celebrate it on 15 May.
• A bit of etymology. The word "Romanian" comes from the Latin "Romanus" meaning citizen of the Roman Empire. As for Transylvania, its name means "beyond the forest".
• Heavyweight. Weighing in at over 4 million tonnes, the Romanian Parliament in Bucharest is the heaviest building in the world.
  So much so that it sinks slightly into the ground each year. Its construction under Nicolae Ceaușescu cost the lives of many workers among the 100,000 forced to work on it day and night.
• Happy funerals! For an unusual visit, head to the Merry Cemetery of Săpânța. Instead of traditional granite and the usual solemnity, you'll find tombstones and wooden crosses adorned with bright colours and witty poems honouring the life of the deceased.
• Get your hiking bags ready! The Transfăgărășan road, which crosses the Carpathians, is a succession of hairpin bends over approximately 100 km.
  Set in an extraordinary landscape at over 2,200 metres altitude, this road is considered by some to be one of the most spectacular in the world.
• For more information: Romania's official tourism website

Quality, responsiveness and expertise — Our commitments that allow you to travel with confidence with AXA Schengen and choose the right protection for your stay.

Related Articles

These articles may also interest you:

• Which border controls have been reinstated in the Schengen Area?
• Everything you need to know about Romania's progressive accession to the Schengen Area
• Fun facts to celebrate 30 years of a borderless Europe
• Travelling in Europe this year: changes and new rules

FAQ

What should I do in case of health problems during my stay in Romania?

Contact the AXA Schengen call center with your client number found on your contract. A team of experts will assist you and direct you to the appropriate local medical services.
If you need to pay upfront, don't forget to keep (and save!) all receipts in order to get reimbursed.

Can I take out Romania visa insurance for other family members?

Yes. AXA Schengen allows you to take out insurance for several people at once, saving you time and simplifying the process. Each family member must be covered by travel insurance, and their names will appear on your insurance certificate.

Is the EHIC accepted in Romania?

Yes, the European Health Insurance Card is accepted in Romania. However, it only covers emergency care provided in public facilities.
To avoid often lengthy waiting times and unexpected costs not covered by the EHIC, it is strongly recommended to supplement your coverage with travel insurance.
With the AXA Schengen Solution and its tailored additional guarantees, you can be sure you're prepared for any situation.

I'd like to visit Romania's neighbouring countries during my stay — do I need to take out several insurance policies?

No, this isn't necessary if the countries you're visiting are part of the Schengen Area or the European Union. AXA Schengen Basic insurance covers you in all Schengen Area countries as well as in the European microstates.
And if you opt for the Essential, Premium or Annual plans, you'll also be covered in all EU countries and even in the United Kingdom!

Which Schengen travel insurance should I choose for luggage coverage during a stay in Romania?

The AXA Premium and Annual plans include luggage insurance in case of loss, theft, damage or delivery delay of your personal belongings.
The "luggage protection" option can also be easily added to the Basic and Essential plans.