Written by Axel Strauss
Date: 04/13/2026
Schengen visa insurance for Chinese travelers: what really matters
Before applying for a Schengen visa, Chinese travelers heading to Europe must provide compliant travel insurance. AXA offers fully EU-approved coverage designed to meet all visa requirements in minutes:
- Mandatory for Schengen visa applications for Chinese travelers
- AXA plans meet EU requirements (min. €30,000 medical + repatriation coverage)
- Valid across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of stay
- Accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa centers
- Instant AXA certificate delivered online immediately after purchase
Getting the right travel insurance for Chinese Schengen Visa applicants
Whether it be for tourism, business, family, or anything in between, an ever-growing number of Chinese nationals are choosing to travel to Europe. 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 traveller, fear not! AXA's guide below will walk you through everything you need to know about the proper travel insurance for your European trip.
Checklist: Schengen Visa Travel Insurance for Chinese Travellers
- 📋 Travel insurance requirements for Chinese nationals visiting Europe
- 📜 Travel insurance rules for Schengen visa
- 🛡️ AXA Schengen travel insurance: Coverage
- 💼 AXA Schengen travel insurance: Plans
- 💰 AXA Schengen travel insurance: Costs
- 📄 Your instant online Schengen travel insurance certificate
- ✅ Buying Schengen travel insurance online: 5 easy steps
- 🔄 Getting your insurance refund if your Schengen visa is refused
- ❓ Schengen visa insurance for Chinese travellers: FAQs
Is travel insurance for Europe mandatory for Chinese nationals?
Most likely, yes. Many of Europe's most popular destinations — including France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain — are part of the Schengen Zone. This area applies a common set of entry and visa rules across all member countries.
- For travel to these countries, it is mandatory for Chinese nationals to hold a valid Schengen visa.
- One of the key requirements to obtain this visa is appropriate medical travel insurance covering your stay in Europe.
👉 Travel insurance is mandatory for Chinese nationals entering the Schengen Zone
How can Chinese nationals apply for a Schengen visa?
If you hold a Chinese passport and plan to travel to one or more European destinations, you will need a Schengen visa and therefore an appropriate Schengen travel insurance.
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 as a Chinese citizen?
💡 BONUS VISA PRO TIPS
Quick Answers to Key Visa Questions:
- Types of Schengen visas
- Schengen visa costs
- How to fill out a Schengen visa application form
- Schengen visa processing times
📌 IMPORTANT HEADS-UP:
- Even with a Schengen visa, you can only stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- For longer stays, you'll need to apply for a National (aka "Long-Stay"/ Type D) visa or a residence permit.
Did you know? According to the latest figures from the European Commission, Chinese nationals have been the top applicants for Schengen visas for several years!
What travel insurance is required for 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, you must have a medical 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 (including hospitalization, emergency treatment, and so on)
- covers repatriation (including in case of death)
- covers you in all Schengen member countries
- is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area
📌 Key points to keep in mind:
- Schengen visa travel insurance cannot be purchased from embassies, consulates, or visa application centers. It must be taken out with a private insurer offering Schengen-compliant plans.
- Your insurance must be purchased before starting your visa application, as the insurance certificate is one of the mandatory supporting documents.
💡 PRO TIP:
Rest assured that all of AXA's plans below meet the EU criteria above. And you get our instant certificate online upon purchase!
What does AXA Schengen visa insurance cover?
With AXA, you get a plan that:
- Meets all the Schengen/EU criteria for being granted a Schengen visa
- Is accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centres in China and worldwide
- Offers a quick and easy online subscription
- Gives you an instant online travel insurance certificate
- Covers you and your loved ones across all Schengen countries + all European Union countries + the United Kingdom
- Offers a full refund in case your Schengen visa application is denied
Key benefits of AXA Schengen travel insurance for your stay in Europe
AXA plans also have no age limitation, zero deductibles, and require no medical exams.
Plus, you get:
- Coverage of medical costs of up to €2 Million
- Emergency dental care
- Repatriation coverage (including in the event of death)
- Civil liability and personal liability insurance
- Death and disability insurance
- Baggage insurance (either included or optional - see plans below)
- Upgrade options: baggage protection, higher medical coverage.
- Coverage options for one day, up to six months, or even an entire year
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Free remote medical consultation in English (and a number of other languages) with Doctor, Please!
- And much more!
⭐ Travel with confidence!
Along with the countless other benefits of each plan, AXA also gives you the peace of mind and assurance of being supported by a world-renowned, decades-trusted Schengen travel insurance brand!
What Schengen travel insurance options does AXA offer for Chinese travelers?
Choose from AXA's Schengen travel insurance plans based on your travel needs and coverage level.
- 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 travellers 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!
And 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 help you get the visa to get there. And once you do get there — ensure you're in good hands from beginning to end!
How much does AXA Schengen visa insurance from China cost?
Fortunately, no matter your budget, there's surely an AXA plan that's right for you:
- For just the necessities covered, AXA BASIC starts from just €4.90 per day.
- For stronger medical coverage and added peace of mind, AXA ESSENTIAL starts from €8.90 per day.
- Our all‑inclusive AXA PREMIUM plan starts from €23.90 per day.
- And frequent flyers from China choosing our ANNUAL plan pay about €350 for a full year of covered trips.
⭐ Good to know!
- AXA's daily rate actually decreases with the length of your trip.
The longer you stay in Europe, the cheaper your AXA Schengen insurance becomes! - Medical costs across Europe's dozens of countries can differ greatly. Fortunately, AXA's plans stay the same no matter your Schengen destination!
👉 So check out our comprehensive AXA Schengen travel insurance costs guide to see what works best for you and your family.
Please note: Prices are provided for information purposes only and may vary depending on your profile, length of stay, and selected coverage.
Budget: Which plans are the most affordable for Chinese travellers?
If you're looking for value-for-money coverage, here are AXA's best options for Chinese travellers.
1- AXA ESSENTIAL: our most cost-effective and best-selling option, it:
- Meets all Schengen visa requirements
- Covers you in all EU/Schengen countries and the UK
- Offers coverage of medical costs up to €100,000 (extendable up to €250,000)
- Full end-to-end repatriation coverage (medical and in case of death).
- Has upgrade options (like baggage protection and delay)
- Offers 24/7 support, travel assistance, and bonus perks like daily hospital allowances
2- AXA ANNUAL — for year-round, worry-free travel between China and Europe. Along with countless other benefits, ANNUAL's single policy covers all trips under 90 days for a full year. So no need to lose money on multiple policies!
How to get your instant AXA Schengen visa insurance certificate online
Whether for the Schengen authorities, your peace of mind, or both, proof that you are fully and properly insured for Europe is just a few clicks away. So, whether in China or anywhere else, simply jump on your device and:
- Choose an AXA plan above
- Get a free online quote
- Purchase your policy online
- Receive an email with your world-renowned AXA insurance certificate instantly
And that's it. Quick, easy, and hassle-free!
💡 PRO TIP: You can then save the AXA insurance certificate as a PDF, print it out, take a screenshot, or use it directly from your e-wallet with your digital travel insurance card. It's perfect for showing at border checks and before any medical admission for treatment.
How to get Schengen travel insurance online in 5 easy steps (from China or Abroad)?
Now that you know all the ins and outs, here's a step-by-step crash course on how to get your travel insurance plan:
- STEP 1: Choose your favorite AXA plan above
- STEP 2: Get your free online AXA quote
- STEP 3: Enter your personal info and payment details (when prompted)
- STEP 4: Purchase your AXA plan
- STEP 5: Receive your world-renowned AXA insurance certificate instantly via email
And — boom. You now have a solid, first-class, decades-trusted travel insurance plan for your Schengen visa appointment, your European adventure, and everything in between!
💡 PRO TIPS:
- Double-check all personal info before submitting
- Save (and/or print) your AXA travel insurance certificate PDF
- Save your AXA policy number for future reference (starting with "SCH")
How can I get a refund on my insurance if my visa is refused?
And in case things don't go so smoothly with the Schengen authorities, fear not! AXA will gladly refund you in most cases if your visa is denied. 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 your details via email (your full name, policy number, email address, and the official refusal letter)
If all checks out, you'll get a confirmation email that your refund is on its way!
📌 NOTE: Reimbursement is generally processed within 14 days, via the same method used for the initial payment (i.e., credit card).
So what have you got to lose? Explore AXA's countless benefits to ensure both your Schengen visa and a safe trip of a lifetime today!
And, on that note — Ānquán lǚxíng!
Related Articles
- How to choose the best Schengen travel insurance for your trip
- What is the best insurance for a multiple-entry Schengen visa?
- Safety tips for travel to Europe
FAQ
Can I use AXA Schengen travel insurance to apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa 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.
Does AXA Schengen travel insurance also cover trips from China to the UK?
Definitely! Even though the UK isn't in the Schengen Area nor the European Union, most of AXA's plans (ESSENTIAL, ANNUAL and PREMIUM) all include UK coverage! So if you're travelling from China and planning to visit EU countries and the United Kingdom, you can stay covered under a single policy without needing separate insurance.
When should I buy my Schengen travel insurance online for a Schengen visa application?
Since your travel insurance certificate is one of the primary documents to enclose with your visa application file, you'll want to purchase your plan as soon as possible. But don't worry! Since AXA refunds you in case of visa refusal, your purchase is 100% risk-free!
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.
What should I do if I'm injured or ill in Europe?
If something does go wrong once you're abroad, AXA is there for you. Simply contact the AXA call center, and our medical professionals are standing by to provide 24/7 support! And if it's not urgent, you can also use AXA's digital medical assistance tool (also available 24/7).
IMPORTANT: When calling, you'll be asked to provide your policy number (starting with "SCH"), contact details, and dossier number (given during the first call).
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.
