How to buy the right Schengen visa travel Insurance from China

PRO-TIP: Travel Insurance is mandatory for your Schengen visa from China!

NAME: Axel Strauss

DATE: 10/22/2025

 

Planning a Trip to Europe from China and Need a Schengen Visa?

Whether it be for tourism, business, family reasons, or anything in between, an ever-growing number of Chinese nationals are choosing to travel to Europe each year. After all, the relatively small but infinitely diverse continent has countless sites, cultures, opportunities, and adventures to offer any type of traveler. Securing the right travel insurance plan for a European trip from China, meanwhile, is not only a wise decision. For most, it’s also a mandatory one for obtaining a Schengen visa.

So if you too are a Europe-bound Chinese traveler, fear not! AXA’s guide below will walk you through everything you need to know about the proper travel insurance for your trip - ensuring both a smooth Schengen visa process and peace of mind during your entire European journey.

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Is travel insurance for Europe mandatory for Chinese nationals?

Most likely, yes. And that’s because most popular European destinations - such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, and dozens more - are part of what’s known as the Schengen Zone.

For travel to these countries, it is mandatory for Chinese nationals to have a Schengen visa. And one of the primary requirements for being granted a Schengen visa is that you have the appropriate travel insurance for your trip (which we’ll get into in a sec).

IMPORTANT: However, the continent of Europe - albeit relatively small - actually includes around 50 countries total. And while the majority of these are both European Union and Schengen countries, several are not (such as Albania, Belarus, Georgia, Turkey/Türkiye, Serbia, and so on).

So it is therefore crucial that you determine your applicable visa type and insurance obligations for Europe based on your specific destination - which can be done via the official government website of your destination country (and/or that of the European Commission).

Fortunately, AXA can also save you some time by helping you answer the following:

 

But, again, if you’re a Chinese national hoping to travel to one or more of Europe’s top destinations, chances are you will indeed need a Schengen visa (and, therefore, the appropriate Schengen travel insurance).

PRO-TIP: In which case, AXA’s got your back with the following comprehensive step-by-step guide too:

How do I apply for a Schengen visa from China?

Did you know? Chinese nationals have been the top applicants for Schengen visas for several years, according to the latest figures from the European Commission.

 

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa from China?

As set forth by the European Union (in Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009), in order to be granted a Schengen visa from China, you must have a valid travel insurance plan that:

  • is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
  • has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation – including in case of death);
  • covers you in all the Schengen member countries
  • is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

PRO-TIP: Luckily, all of AXA’s plans below meet the criteria above! But if you’d like, AXA can also tell you all about:

What are the specifics of travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa?

 

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for my trip to Europe from China?

So why AXA, you ask? Well, whether you’re coming from China or anywhere else in the world, here are just a few solid reasons why AXA is your best bet for Europe. Our travel insurance plans:

  • Have no age limit
  • Require no medical exams
  • Have zero deductibles
  • Meet all the criteria required by the EU for being granted a Schengen visa
  • Are fully refundable in case your Schengen visa application is denied
  • Offer quick and easy online subscription from anywhere in the world
  • Provide a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate (which we send you instantly, via email, upon purchase)
  • Are accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers in China (and worldwide)
  • Offer coverage of medical and repatriation costs for up to €2 Million
  • Include civil liability and personal liability insurance
  • Include death and disability coverage
  • Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional)
  • Are customizable, offering multiple upgrade options
  • Are valid for the Schengen area, the European Union, and - depending on the plan - the United Kingdom
  • Offer duration flexibility (i.e., are available for just one day, up to six months, or even as an annual subscription)
  • Provide 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Offer free remote medical consultation (with our unique Doctor, Please! feature)
  • Can be purchased on behalf of someone else

 

And along with the countless benefits of each plan itself, with AXA, you also get the peace of mind and assurance of being supported by a world-renowned, decades-trusted Schengen travel insurance brand. Which goes a long way both during your Schengen visa application and your European journey itself!

 

What Schengen travel insurance options does AXA offer for Chinese travelers?

In terms of our various coverage options, click around below to learn more about each of AXA’s unique plans, which are:

  • AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: standard coverage that meets all the requirements for your Schengen visa from China and covers you in all Schengen countries + European microstates (i.e., San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).
  • AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: comprehensive coverage that meets all Schengen visa requirements, offers complete, reliable, affordable coverage, and insures you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates above + the UK.
  • AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: complete, all-inclusive, premium coverage that meets all necessary Schengen visa requirements, covers you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates + the UK, and guarantees a 100% worry-free trip.
  • AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: our annual plan, best suited for holders of (or applicants for) multiple-entry Schengen visas and/or frequent travelers to Europe. It also meets all Schengen visa requirements while providing coverage across all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the microstates + the UK. But all while offering a single contract for a full year of travel!

So as you map out all the logistics of your journey from East to West, take a minute to

 

compare all of AXA’s options side by side and

get a free zero-obligation AXA quote too!

Because, ultimately, no matter where in Europe you plan to land from China, chances are AXA can both help you get there and ensure you’re in good hands from beginning to end!

 

What should I do if I am ill or injured while in Europe?

And here’s how you can be sure that we keep the promise above once you’re away from home.

In case of a medical emergency while in Europe, simply contact the AXA Schengen call center at the number provided on your insurance policy.

Our trained medical.timedical assistance professionals are standing by 24/7 to answer your questions, provide support, advise you on a course of action, and - if need be - help you find the medical center closest to your location and best suited to your situation.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

  • The number of your policy (which begins with “SCH”);
  • The address and telephone number at which you can be reached (as well as the details of any people that can be contacted locally);
  • Your dossier number (communicated at the time of the first call).

IMPORTANT: Remember to always keep bills/invoices and enclose them with your file!

FINAL PRO-TIPS:

  • While all Schengen countries have their own emergency services (and respective phone numbers), the number for general emergencies across most of the European continent is 112.
  • And here’s one last comprehensive AXA guide to ensure your journey from China to Europe is as safe as can be:
  • Safety tips for travel to Europe

 

And, on that note - Ānquán lǚxíng!

 

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FAQ

Do I need to declare pre-existing medical conditions when applying for AXA Schengen travel insurance from China?

Yes, it is important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions during your insurance application. AXA uses a quick, confidential questionnaire to assess your conditions, allowing us to offer an appropriate plan that provides proper coverage. However, failure to declare conditions may result in claim denials.

Can I use AXA Schengen travel insurance to apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas from China?

Absolutely. AXA’s ANNUAL plan is specifically designed for travelers holding (or applying for) multiple-entry visas - allowing you to travel across Schengen countries multiple times within a year under one comprehensive policy.

How do I get my AXA Schengen travel insurance certificate for visa application in China?

Easily. Once you purchase a policy online, AXA immediately issues a world-recognized insurance certificate - in PDF format - via email. This document is then accepted by all Schengen consulates, embassies, and visa application centers in China.

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 the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Republic of Ireland and Romania). 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.