Do I need Schengen travel Insurance to go to Denmark?

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 12/02/25

Planning a trip to Denmark? Here’s why you’ll need travel insurance

The northern European gem that is Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest places on Earth. After all, it is simultaneously the birthplace of LEGO, the world’s first and second amusement parks, and the very first Google Map. As well as both licorice and insulin. All while still being home to countless other wonderful things. In other words, it’s no wonder that Denmark welcomes an average of around 30 million international visitors each year — i.e., a staggering five times more than its total population.

However, if you too plan on visiting the land of the Vikings, Hans Christian Andersen, LEGO, and the wienerbrød (known internationally as simply “a Danish”), you might be wondering about the proper Danish travel insurance. And if you need a Schengen visa to get there, you’re probably already shopping around for some too. In either case, AXA is happy to help!

• Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Denmark?
• What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Danish Schengen visa?
• If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Denmark?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer?
• What to do if injured or ill while in Denmark
• A few more tips for your trip to Denmark

Is travel insurance mandatory to visit Denmark?

Whether or not you’re obliged to have travel insurance for Denmark will depend on a number of factors — the main one being whether you’ll need a visa or not.

That’s because back in 1996, the Scandinavian peninsula nation joined the ranks of Europe’s many Schengen countries, which means that today, most non-European Union (and/or non-Schengen) citizens are required to have a Schengen visa to enter Denmark.

Meanwhile, one of the main requirements for being granted a Schengen visa — be it for Denmark or anywhere else in the Schengen Zone — is that you have travel insurance.

PRO-TIP: And not just any travel insurance, mind you, but a plan that meets a certain set of criteria. AXA’s plans do — but we’ll get to that in a sec!

Now, whether or not you’ll need that Schengen visa will depend on what your passport says. So here’s a general breakdown:

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Denmark (for stays of less than 90 days*)?

You don’t need a visa for Denmark — for stays of up to three months or less, that is — if you are:

• A national of the Schengen area or the EU;


• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country;


• A national of a non-Schengen European Union member country (i.e., Cyprus or Ireland);


• A national of a non-EU country (and/or territory) that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU. These include Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and roughly 50 more nations.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Denmark (for stays of less than 90 days*)?

On the other hand, you will need a visa for Denmark if your passport is that of a country that has not signed a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

This generally includes travelers from China, India, Russia, most of the Middle East, any African nation, and nearly a hundred countries total worldwide.

PRO-TIP: The European Commission provides full lists of all the countries that do and don’t have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen Zone.

And AXA can also help you easily answer the number one question millions of Europe-bound travelers ask every single day, which is:

How do I get a visa for Denmark?

And if you do need that visa for Denmark — fear not. Not only does AXA have a comprehensive step-by-step guide on:

but we can also tell you all about:

• the different types of Schengen visa for Denmark you have to choose from


• Schengen visa costs


• Schengen visa processing times


• Schengen visa validity

…and much, much more. So feel free to click around!

IMPORTANT: Oh, and keep in mind that visa or no visa, you can generally only stay in Denmark and the rest of the Schengen Area for up to three months within any six-month period. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need more official documentation.

BONUS PRO-TIP: But AXA can also help you understand the somewhat confusing Schengen visa 90/180-day rule in no time too!

What are the travel insurance requirements for a Danish (or any other) Schengen visa?

Now, in order for your Danish Schengen visa to even be considered, you’re going to need a plan that meets some very specific criteria.

Namely, the European Commission stipulates that for Schengen visa to be granted, applicants must have a Schengen visa travel insurance plan that is:

• purchased from an insurer validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;


• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (for hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation - including in case of death);


• covers you in all the Schengen member countries (i.e., not just Denmark);


• and is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

PRO-TIP: AXA’s plans, of course, meet all the criteria above (and then some)! But if you’re feeling geeky, we can also tell you all the specifics about travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa (such as the calculations and reasons behind them).

If I don’t need a Schengen Visa, do I still need travel insurance?

Technically, no. However, even in one of the happiest places on Earth, top-quality travel insurance is probably a good idea.

Because even though Denmark doesn’t have any mountains, it does have more than 12,000km of bike paths. Plus 444 islands (and only 76 of them inhabited). And some interesting cuisine — such as a hot dog with blackberries, for example!

Plus millennia-old history, vibrantly diverse culture and nightlife, and breathtaking nature galore.

All this obviously makes for a perfect vacation. However, it can also mean plenty of unexpected surprises. And in case something does go wrong, you want to make sure you and your family are in good hands.

Meanwhile, medical costs, bureaucracy, the language barrier, and generally navigating a foreign healthcare system can quickly turn even the happiest of getaways into — well, a not-so-happy one. Especially if you’re traveling with family, have a preexisting condition, are looking to embrace your more adventurous side, and so on.

Oh, and if you need to leave Denmark sooner than planned for medical reasons, keep in mind that medical repatriation costs from Europe can often be a real nightmare too. That is, in some cases, they can even add up to hundreds of thousands of Euros!

In short, ensuring your and your family’s health and well-being — or “hygge,” as the Danes say — should be your number one priority at all times. And the best way to do that is with a proper travel insurance plan, regardless of your Schengen visa status.

Why choose online AXA Schengen travel insurance for Denmark?

And here are just a few reasons why AXA is the best choice for your journey to the happy birthplace of LEGO. All of our insurance plans:

• Have zero deductibles, no age limit, and require zero medical exams;


• Offer a quick and easy online subscription;


• Meet all the criteria required by the European Commission for being granted a Schengen visa;


• Are accepted by all Danish (and other Schengen) embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide;


• Offer a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate instantly (via email) to present to said embassies, consulates, and/or visa application centers;


• Are valid for all countries in the Schengen area and the European Union, as well as in the United Kingdom* (*depending on the plan, that is - see options below);


• Offer a full refund in case your Schengen visa application is denied;


• Provide coverage of medical and repatriation costs up to €2 Million;


• Offer civil liability and personal liability insurance;


• Offer death and disability coverage;


• Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional, pending your plan);


• Offer multiple upgrade options, making your plan fully customizable to your specific travel needs;


• Offer 24/7 emergency assistance;


• Offer free remote medical consultation - in English and a number of other languages - with AXA’s unique Doctor, Please! feature;


• Are flexible in terms of both time and money - with coverage options for just one day, up to six months, or for an entire year;


• Can be purchased for a relative, loved one, colleague, or friend.

And, last but not least - with AXA, you also get the invaluable peace of mind and expertise that comes with being supported by a world-renowned, decades-trusted Schengen travel insurance brand. Which should help make both you and the Danish Schengen visa folks extra happy!

What travel insurance options does AXA offer?

And as for the plans themselves - here’s just a quick overview of the coverage options AXA has to offer for Denmark and beyond.

PRO-TIP: Don’t hesitate to click around and learn more about each one!

• AXA SCHENGEN BASIC : our standard coverage that meets all the EU requirements for your Schengen visa, and covers you in all Schengen countries
  + 4 European microstates (i.e., San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City).


• AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: complete, reliable, and still affordable coverage that also meets all Schengen visa requirements, ESSENTIAL covers you in all Schengen countries, all EU countries, the European microstates above, and also the UK!


• AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: premium (as its name suggests), all-inclusive, zero-stress or worry coverage providing countless benefits, meeting all EU Schengen visa requirements, and also covering you in all Schengen and EU countries, all the European microstates, and the UK.


• AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: and, finally, this one too meets all EU Schengen visa requirements, provides countless benefits, and covers you across all Schengen countries, EU countries, the microstates, and the UK. But what makes ANNUAL unique is that - as its name suggests - it offers a single contract for a full year of European travel, making it ideal for holders of (or applicants for) multiple-entry Schengen visas and/or frequent travelers to Europe.

So before you book that flight (and/or visa appointment) for the happiest place in Europe,

That way, you and your family are guaranteed to be feeling “hygge” and safe throughout your entire Danish journey — and then some!

What to do if injured or ill while in Denmark

But in case something does go wrong, don’t worry — AXA is there for you.

Just contact the AXA Schengen call center via the number provided with your insurance policy. Our medical professionals are standing by to answer your questions, provide guidance, and/or help you find the nearest Danish medical facility — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

• Your policy number (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 (provided during your initial call).

PRO-TIP: Keep these — along with AXA’s phone number — on hand and in a safe/accessible place. And, of course, your phone charged.

List of Emergency Numbers in Denmark

And here are a few other essential numbers to keep on hand too:

• 112 – Universal European Emergency (including for Denmark)


• 114 – Non-Emergency Police


• 1813 – Non-Emergency Medical Assistance


• 118 – Directory Assistance

PRO-TIP: The country code for Denmark is +45.

A few more tips for your trip to Denmark

Safety in Denmark

Denmark is, again, considered one of the safest countries in the world. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing do occur — so always stay diligent, aware of both your surroundings and belongings, and keep your phone nearby.

That especially goes for crowded areas of Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark — such as Nyhavn or Strøget.

Public Transport in Denmark

While more Danes bike than drive or take the bus, Denmark does have an efficient and well-connected public transport system. Copenhagen, for instance, has a reliable metro, bus, and train network. Meanwhile, for intercity travel, check out Denmark’s national railway operator DSB.

Driving License for Denmark

Non-EU travelers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license, while EU/EEA licenses are valid in Denmark.

PRO-TIP: You can consult the Danish Road Safety Agency — aka Færdselsstyrelsen — to make sure you’re on the right track.

PRO ROAD TIP: And AXA, meanwhile, can tell you more about which driving licenses are accepted in Europe too.

Weather in Denmark

Winters are cold and often rainy — with occasional snow, of course. Summers, meanwhile, are mild, averaging around 20–25°C. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable all year round.

PRO-TIP: And keep in mind that — since you’re never more than 52 km from the ocean — Denmark is windy year-round too. So pack accordingly (especially if you plan to cycle).

Opening hours in Denmark

Shops generally operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday-Friday) and 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturdays. Larger stores and malls in Copenhagen and other touristy areas may, of course, stay open later. Many businesses are closed on Sundays (except, again, in tourist areas).

Restaurants in Denmark

Danish cuisine is known for its open-faced sandwiches (Smørrebrød), seafood, and pastries. Lunch is typically from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, while dinner is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or later. Tipping is not expected but appreciated — i.e., rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common for good service.

MUST-DO PRO-TIP: Try a real Danish -aka a wienerbrød- while you’re here (but don’t tell anyone that it comes from Vienna originally!).

Danish Currency

IMPORTANT: Denmark uses the Danish Krone* (DKK), not the Euro (EUR).

And while credit cards are widely accepted, having some cash is useful for smaller shops, markets, and tipping. ATMs are also easily available, and currency exchange services operate at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus throughout the country.

FINAL PRO-TIPS:

• *You can consult the Danish National Bank for the latest currency exchange rates.


• And Denmark’s official tourism website — aka VisitDenmark — for more tips on how to make your Danish adventure a real-life fairy tale.

For further safety guidelines? The official website of the Danish Police.

And for the best travel insurance for your Denmark trip? Well, you already know that part.

And on that note — Held og lykke and God rejse (aka “good luck and safe travels”)!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• How do I choose the best Schengen travel insurance for me?


• How much is Schengen travel insurance?


• Schengen visa FAQs

FAQ

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Denmark?

Yes. However, keep in mind that your EHIC only covers medical care received through public Danish healthcare services. It does not apply to private services, doesn’t cover medical repatriation or expenses in the event of death, and may not cover all costs involved with your particular situation. Just one more reason that additional travel insurance is highly recommended.

Can I take out AXA Schengen travel insurance on behalf of someone else?

Yes. With AXA, you can purchase a plan for guests and/or loved ones. You’ll just need to provide their personal info — such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary.

Can I visit the rest of Europe with a Danish Schengen visa?

Most of it, yes - but not all of it. And that’s because not all of Europe’s roughly 50 countries are in the Schengen Zone. Most fo them are, but the ones that aren’t will have their own travel visa requirements.

FINAL PRO-TIP: But don’t worry (and be happy?) - because AXA can also gladly tell you all about the differences between Europe, the European Union, the EEA, and the Schengen Zone - so you know where Denmark and the rest of Europe stand!