How to choose the best travel and Schengen visa insurance for Estonia?

Written by the AXA Schengen team
Date: 08/21/2025

That’s it! You’ve made up your mind and decided that your destination for this year’s adventures will be Estonia! A great choice indeed. But while the cobbled streets of Tallinn might reveal their medieval secrets, a twisted ankle might also be around the corner! While the sandy beaches of Pärnu might be the perfect spot to perfect your tan, a sunstroke might also light up your nights and don’t get me started on the bears in Alutaguse park! You get the picture, going on a holiday, or even a business trip, can carry its load of unwanted experiences and they can come at a cost. How much depends on your choice of travel insurance.
​​And above all, don’t forget to check the documents you'll need to enter this European country, which is part of the Schengen area. You may need a visa for Estonia, and therefore mandatory medical coverage.

Once again, the AXA team has prepared a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision and keep you and your loved ones as protected as possible during your trip to Estonia.

• Who needs travel insurance to visit Estonia?
• What are the travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa for Estonia?
• Why is AXA travel insurance the best choice for your trip to Estonia?
• What are the different AXA plans?
• What should you do in case of a health emergency during your trip to Estonia?
• How to travel safely in Estonia?

Who needs travel insurance to visit Estonia?

In a nutshell: everyone. Subscribing to travel insurance is always the safest choice for all travellers. However, depending on your home country, your place of residence and your situation, it is not always mandatory. Let’s find out more.

Is travel insurance compulsory for EU and Schengen nationals travelling to Estonia?

Citizens of the European Union, of a Schengen country or holders of a residence permit issued by one of those states, are not required to subscribe to travel insurance.

The AXA team recommends

These travellers can (and should) ask for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Issued by their national health insurance provider and valid for two years, it covers its holders’ expenses for essential state-provided healthcare such as a consultation with a GP or a visit to the emergency room in many European countries, including Estonia.

Beware!

• Certain conditions must however be met. While the EHIC offers undeniable advantages, it does not provide coverage for healthcare in the private sector, for emergency medical repatriation or in case of death.

• Bear in mind that while some health services might be free in your country, this might not be the case in another.

• To avoid additional hassle, better complete this basic coverage with comprehensive travel insurance which offers extended benefits.

Is travel insurance compulsory for nationals travelling to Estonia but exempt from Schengen visa requirements?

Good news for travellers from the United Kingdom, Canada, Mauritius, Japan or any national of one of the 60 countries which have signed visa-waiver agreements with the European Union! Not only can they discover Estonia and travel freely in the Schengen area without a visa (but with a valid passport!), the obligation to subscribe to travel insurance is also optional.

Important!

While travel insurance is not officially mandatory for these travellers, a few rules still apply:

• Their stay in the Schengen area mustn’t exceed 90 days over a 180-day period.

• Starting late 2026, they will need to apply for a compulsory electronic travel authorisation (ETIAS)

The AXA team recommends

Remember to check if your health insurance covers medical expenses abroad. If you fall ill or are the victim of an accident requiring you to be repatriated to your home country, travel insurance will prevent you from having to pay health bills which can quickly skyrocket!

Better to anticipate and be cautious rather than handle a difficult situation far away from home.

Is travel insurance advised or mandatory for travellers requiring a Schengen visa?

While it is up to some travellers to Estonia to subscribe or not to travel insurance, others simply don’t have a choice.

Citizens of over a hundred countries need to obtain a visa to be allowed to enter the Schengen area and consequently Estonia. Subscribing to travel insurance meeting all European requirements is one of the mandatory conditions to be granted the precious sticker.

If a travel insurance certificate is not enclosed with your visa for Estonia application file, your visa demand will be automatically denied.

Travel insurance is thus mandatory to obtain a Schengen visa. It must however meet certain criteria.

What mandatory requirements must travel insurance meet to obtain a Schengen visa for Estonia?

To be considered as valid and thus be accepted by the consular services examining your Schengen visa for Estonia application, your international health insurance must meet the criteria specified in Article 15 of the European Union Visa Code.

While we have no doubt you have already thoroughly read this code, here is a reminder of the main requirements:

• It must provide €30,000 minimum coverage for emergency medical care, hospitalisation, medical repatriation or in the event of death.

• It must be valid in all the countries part of the Schengen area (not just Estonia).

• It must remain valid during the entire length of your stay.

• It must be accepted by the consular services of all member States issuing Schengen visas.

• It must be provided by an insurance company certified by European authorities.

Remember!

1. You must subscribe to travel insurance before submitting your visa application file: a travel insurance certificate is one of the mandatory documents which must be enclosed with your demand.

2. Embassies and consulates do not provide travel insurance. It must be bought with a certified insurance company.

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for your trip to Estonia?

During its 65 years of experience, AXA has brought its expertise and assistance to travellers around the world, being there for you, wherever and whenever you need us.

As you may have guessed, AXA Schengen travel insurance is thus the best choice for you. Here’s why:

• It meets all the European Union’s requirements to obtain a visa.

• It is certified by the consular authorities of all Schengen States and is always accepted with visa applications.

• It guarantees a coverage of minimum €30,000 and up to €2 million depending on the chosen plan.

• It covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, sanitary repatriation including in the event of death.

• Its coverage scope includes all Schengen states, European microstates, other non-Schengen but European countries as well as the United Kingdom (depending on the chosen option).

• It remains valid during the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.

But that is not all! It offers many other advantages:

• Online subscription is quick and easy.

• It always includes:

• civil and personal liability insurance in case property damage or bodily injury is caused to a third party during your trip abroad.

• death and disability insurance.

• Your Schengen travel insurance certificate is available instantaneously. All you have to do is print and enclose it with your application file.

• It offers great value for money with advantageous and degressive rates depending on the length of your stay.

• It is refundable if your visa application is denied.

• There is no age restriction.

• Free remote medical consultations are available with AXA’s unique “Doctor, please!” feature available in English, French, and several other languages.

• It applies a 0 deductible policy.

• No medical check-up is required before subscribing.

• Several upgrade options are available, allowing you to extend your protection to satisfy your needs and budget:

• Baggage insurance in case of theft, loss and/or delay.

• A higher medical expense coverage (up to €2 million) offering complete peace of mind.

• Other perks can include:
  • - ùDelivery of medicine, glasses and prosthesis
  • - Daily hospitalization allowance
  • - Search and rescue costs
  • - Repatriation of victim's companions
• Etc.

What is the best AXA travel insurance plan for you?

Thanks to AXA’s different plans and additional options, each traveller can choose their own tailor-made solution, fitted to their needs and budget all the while meeting EU requirements to obtain a Schengen visa.

1- AXA Schengen Basic

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

2- AXA Schengen Essential

AXA Schengen Essential provides complete and reliable coverage at an affordable price.
Another perfect choice to obtain your Schengen visa. Not only does it meet all visa requirements and is valid in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates, it also offers coverage in all the EU countries as well as the UK.

3- AXA Schengen Premium

AXA Schengen Premium is THE all-inclusive plan allowing you to obtain your Schengen visa and to travel stress-free all over Europe.
Its coverage is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK.

4- AXA Schengen Annual

AXA Annual is the ideal yearly travel insurance plan for frequent travellers to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders.
One contract for a full year of travel coverage across Europe!
It is valid in all Schengen countries + the EU countries + the 4 microstates + the UK

Not quite sure which one to choose for your trip to Estonia?
Compare AXA’s different travel insurance coverage and benefits.

What should you do in case of a medical emergency during your trip to Estonia?

Before you leave

Make sure to:

1. Prepare all the important information to easily contact AXA Schengen assistance:

• AXA’s International phone number (+32 2 552 53 98).

• Your contract number (starting with SCH)

• The address of the Doctor Please platform.

• Your Doctor Please login code featured on your contract

2. Save these numbers and addresses as well as those of your travel companions on your phone.

We also highly recommend keeping a written copy, as phones can be lost, stolen or broken.

Having this information close at hand will avoid additional complications in case of an emergency and allow you to save precious time when you contact the AXA assistance teams.

During your stay in Estonia

If you need to contact our assistance teams, prepare to answer the following types of questions:

1. What is the purpose of your call: why do you need assistance and of what kind?

2. Can you describe the events which have led to your current situation and need for help?

3. What is your contract number?

4. What are the phone number and email address where you can be reached (ideally a landline)?

5. What is your exact location: address or GPS coordinates (you can find them using the compass on your phone)?

6. What are your name, age and relationship with your travel companions?

7. Who can you contact locally?

Important!

• During your first call to the AXA platform, you will be given a file reference number. Write it down and keep it as you will have to provide it each time you are in contact with the assistance team.
• Preparing your answers beforehand will help the operator provide efficient assistance.

How to prepare a safe trip to Estonia?

General information about Estonia

• Tallinn is the country’s capital city. However, it was Tartu, one of Estonia’s other major cities, which was chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
• In 2011, the Estonian kroon was replaced by the euro as the country’s official currency.
• More than 50% of the country’s 45.336 km² surface area is covered by forest.
• In 2024, Estonia shrank by 4 km² when a new map of its territory was established but it gained 95 new islands, reaching over 2, 230 islands in total.
• With a population of 1.374.687 inhabitants in 2024, Estonia is one of the least populated European countries (28.4 people per km²).
• While Estonian is the official language, more than half of the population also speaks Russian and English.

Bonus info

• Estonia enjoys legally enforced “silent hours” which means that between the hours of 10.00 pm and 6.00 am on weekdays no repeated loud noise or light effect must disturb the population’s peace and quiet. So pack up your torupill!
• Technology is everywhere in Estonia from robot garden mowers to the distribution of mail. In 2024, Estonia even became the first country in the world to fully digitalise its government services.
• Remember to check the country’s official public holidays as opening hours of museums, shops and restaurants can differ from regular days. It also means that special celebrations might take place, giving you another outlook on Estonian traditions.

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• Estonia is considered as a rather safe country. However, tourists remain, as always, easy targets. A little reminder of risks to look out for:
  • Theft and pickpocketing, particularly in popular areas.
  • Nonofficial taxis and unscrupulous drivers.
  • Credit card fraud.
  • Drugs administered without your knowledge (particularly GHB or date rape drug).
  • Online scams facilitated by the country’s high level of digitalisation.

If you want to find out more, read our article on the most common tourist scams in Europe.

• To avoid trouble which could ruin your stay, remember these safety tips:
  • Don’t carry large sums of money with you.
  • Leave your valuables and ID documents at your hotel or place of accommodation. Only carry copies.
  • Don’t show off money or jewellery in public.
  • Always remain vigilant when interacting with a stranger.
  • Try not to attract attention by being overly loud in public places.
  • Always look and act confident while walking on the streets.
  • Ask locals about possible dodgy neighbourhoods to avoid.
  • Don’t leave your phone or wallet on tables when having a drink or meal outdoors.

For more advice, read our safety tips when travelling to Europe.

Good to know!

• In 1991, the EU decided to implement one single emergency number for all European countries. It allows callers from anywhere in Europe to reach the police, medical emergency services and the fire brigade. So remember, in case of trouble dial 112, the EU emergency phone number.

• Always carry with you the international phone number to block your credit card in case of loss or theft.

• The Estonian government has designed an official website to help the population prepare and react in case of different types of crises. Don’t forget to read it before you leave, it might give you precious info on what to do and where to take shelter in case of emergency.

A few tips for a healthy trip to Estonia

• Visit your dentist before you leave: toothaches can ruin a holiday, particularly when abroad!

• No specific vaccine is mandatory to enter Estonia, however, make sure you are up to date on your shots, particularly against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus and polio as well as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

• The number of cases of TBE (or tick-borne encephalitis) has increased in central and northern Europe and thus possibly in Estonia. Consequently, if you plan on going hiking in the beautiful Estonian forests, try to get your shot against this disease. Ask your doctor for advice.

• Estonian pharmacies are open every day, usually from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm non-stop. Some offer 24-hour service, and an “on-call” pharmacy system is also in place in major cities.

• To end on a positive note, in Estonia, tap water is safe to drink! Enjoy your trip!

Don’t leave without us!

Mandatory or highly recommended, travel insurance is your best ally for a safe and stress-free trip!

Don’t think twice and get your free online quote now.

Related Articles

• How to obtain a visa for Estonia?
• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• What are the safest and most welcoming destinations in Europe?

FAQ

I’m traveling to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Do I need to subscribe to specific travel insurance for each country?

No, you don’t need to subscribe to different plans for each country! One Schengen travel insurance is enough. It is valid in all the countries of the Schengen area, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and covers your needs during the entire duration of your stay. You can thus travel carefree in all three countries protected by the same insurance.

Is my luggage covered by AXA Schengen travel insurance?

It depends on the plan and the options you have chosen. This guarantee is included in the Premium and Annual plans. It is available as an additional option in the Basic and Essential plans.

Can I subscribe to Schengen travel insurance for another person?

Yes. AXA allows you to subscribe to travel insurance for a relative or even a guest. All you need to do is provide their personal data such as their date of birth, their home address, their passport number and their travel dates.