What Schengen travel insurance do I need for Latvia

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 12/25/12

Latvia Travel Insurance: Schengen Visa for Riga & Baltic Adventures

Planning a trip to Latvia? Well, you’re not alone. With a population of just over 1.8 million people, this somewhat hidden Baltic gem manages to attract almost twice that in international visitors annually.

And it’s no wonder why. Its UNESCO World Heritage site and capital city Riga, for example, boasts some of the oldest and finest Art Nouveau architecture on the planet. Beyond its Gothic spires, a land of dazzling contrasts awaits you. More than half the country is pristine green forestland. And yet, its breathtaking sandy coastline stretches over 500 km. In between, modern cosmopolitanism blends flawlessly with stunning natural beauty. And all this sprinkled with world-class cuisine, exceptional brews, bustling nightlife, and art, history, and culture galore. Oh, and where else can you immerse yourself in either a 20-minute beer bath, a one-night Soviet-prison-themed hotel stay (with, um, all the “amenities”), or both?

But no matter how immersive or laid-back your upcoming trip to Latvia may be, some proper travel insurance is a good call. And a mandatory one if you need a Schengen visa. Fortunately, you’re not alone there either! Because AXA has the comprehensive Schengen travel insurance for Latvia - and all you need to know about it - below.

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

Is travel insurance mandatory for Latvia?

If you need a Schengen visa, then yes. That’s because, for two decades (and counting), Latvia has been one of the countries currently in the ever-growing Schengen Zone. So if you don’t happen to be a citizen of the Schengen Zone (and/or the EU), chances are you will need a visa to enter its borders (see below).

And one of the first mandatory Schengen visa requirements is that you have the proper Schengen travel insurance. More on what “proper” means in a sec.

But first, here’s a quick breakdown of who does and doesn’t need that Latvian visa:

Which travelers don’t need a Schengen visa to come to Latvia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

Generally speaking, the “Land of Blue Lakes” (aka “Livonia, aka Latvia) is visa-free for:

• Citizens of one (or more) of the Schengen countries


• Holders of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen Area member country


• Citizens of one (or more) of the non-Schengen European Union member countries


• Citizens of one of the 60+ non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU (such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., and the U.S.)

PRO-TIPS: And double-check with your country’s official website (and that of Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) just in case too,

Which travelers are required to apply for a visa to Latvia (for stays of less than 90 days)?

On the other hand, if you’re a citizen of any African nation, most Asian and Middle Eastern ones, China, India, or Russia, then you will indeed need to apply for a Schengen visa for Latvia (and, therefore, Schengen travel insurance).

And that’s because your home country is one of over a hundred that has yet to sign a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

PRO-TIPS: Fortunately, the European Commission provides full lists of countries that are and aren’t exempt from a Schengen visa. But double-check with your home country’s official government website (and that of Latvia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs) just in case too.

And AXA, of course, can also help you quickly answer one of the most asked questions about European travel in the world (including for Latvia): Do I need a Schengen visa?

IMPORTANT NOTE: And whether you need a visa or not, keep in mind that you can not stay in Latvia for more than three months (90 days) without more paperwork (such as a residence permit or Long-Stay (aka Type D or “national”) visa), for example).

PRO-TIP: But don’t worry - AXA can gladly help you understand the Schengen visa 90/180-day rule in no time too!

How do I get a Schengen visa for Latvia?

And if you do need that Latvian visa, don’t panic - you’re already halfway there. Because AXA has gone ahead and compiled a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on

And just to make sure you’ve got all your Latvian visa bases covered, we’ve also got answers to all of the following:

• What type of Schengen visa do I need?


• How much does a Latvian Schengen visa cost?


• How long does it take to process a Schengen visa?


• How long will my Latvian Schengen visa be valid for?

So explore, because if you’ve got Schengen visa questions, chances are AXA’s got the answers.

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Schengen visa for Latvia?

So, again, a proper travel insurance plan is mandatory to even be considered for a Schengen visa. Be your visa for Latvia or any of its dozens of Schengen neighbors.

IMPORTANT PRO-TIP: And remember that your plan must have already been purchased before you apply!

Moreover, your Schengen visa travel insurance plan will also have to adhere to specific criteria set forth by the European Commission. And these mandate that your plan:

• be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries (not just Latvia)


• have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation – including in case of death)


• cover you in all Schengen member countries (again, not just Latvia)


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

PRO-TIP: With AXA, you, of course, meet all the EU criteria above - and then some (and no matter the plan)! But if you’re feeling extra geeky, we can also tell you more about the specifics of travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa (such as the reasons behind them).

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

Technically and legally speaking, no. That is, if you don’t need a Schengen visa, travel insurance is not a requirement for entering Latvia.

That said, wild forests, Baltic shorelines, beer baths, Eastern European party capitals (such as Riga), voluntary prison stays — all these things can be quite unpredictable by their very nature.

But even if you’re skipping most or all of the above, life itself can be quite unpredictable too. Especially away from home. And even though Latvia is generally a relatively safe place to visit, you never really know what can go wrong when traveling abroad.

So when it comes to your and your family’s health and safety, you definitely don’t want to take any risks.

After all, medical costs abroad can be surprisingly high, especially for prescription drugs, emergency treatment, or repatriation. And if you are pregnant and/or have a preexisting medical condition, your general risk factors are that much higher. Meanwhile, figuring out and navigating a foreign medical system can be tricky, to say the least. And with all the unfamiliar red tape - sometimes even downright excruciating.

So, in short, the best way to be as prepared as possible for the unexpected in Latvia is by being properly insured.

A comprehensive insurance plan can save you time, hassle, money, worry, and so much more. And having one in place also means peace of mind — 24/7, wherever you are, and throughout your entire trip (beer baths or not).

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Latvia?

And here are just a few reasons why having an AXA plan on hand is the surest way to stay safe and worry-free in Latvia, as well as your foot in the door when it comes to that Schengen visa. All of AXA’s travel insurance plans:

• Meet all the criteria required by the EU for being granted a Schengen visa


• Offer a fast and easy online subscription


• Provide a certified, world-renowned travel insurance certificate instantly


• Are accepted by all Schengen embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide


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

In addition, they also:

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


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


• Include civil liability and personal liability insurance


• Include death and disability coverage


• Offer baggage insurance (either included or optional, depending on the plan)


• Are customizable, offering multiple upgrade options


• Are available for one day, up to six months, or even as an annual subscription


• Are valid for the Schengen area, the European Union, and depending on plan, even the UK


• Provide 24/7 emergency assistance


• Offer free remote medical consultation via Doctor, Please!


• Can be purchased on behalf of someone else

And last but not least, from your Schengen visa application all the way to Latvia and back, AXA gives you the added peace of mind of knowing you’re supported by a one-of-a-kind, world-renowned, and decades-trusted Schengen travel insurance brand!

What options does AXA Schengen travel insurance offer for Latvia?

AXA offers several coverage options for you and your family when traveling to Latvia. Here’s a clear overview of each plan:

PRO-TIP: Click through the links, learn more, and compare the plans side by side to make the best choice for your needs!

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


• AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: this one offers complete and still budget-friendly, reliable coverage, meets all EU Schengen visa requirements, and also covers you and yours in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates above, plus the UK!


• AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: also meets all EU Schengen visa requirements and covers you in all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the European microstates + the UK), but offers all-inclusive, absolutely zero-stress and worry coverage options (with plenty of perks).


• AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: nd our year-long plan is designed specifically for holders of (or applicants for) a multiple-entry visa, and/or those going to Europe and back often. It also meets all EU Schengen visa requirements and is valid across all Schengen countries + all EU countries + the microstates + the UK. However, it’s unique in that it offers a single contract for a full year of European travel!

To further help you decide whether BASIC, ESSENTIAL, PREMIUM, or ANNUAL is best for your Latvian adventure, you can also

What to do if injured or ill while in Latvia

If something does go wrong during your Latvian adventure — stay calm, breathe, get out of that beer bath if you have to, and remember that AXA's here for you.

Then get your phone out and contact our 24/7 AXA call center, the number for which will also be provided with your insurance policy.

Day and night, AXA’s medical professionals are standing by to answer your questions, provide guidance, help you find the nearest medical facility if need be, and offer general support.

What to Provide When Contacting AXA's Call Center

But also be sure that you have the following saved in a secure place (maybe even on an old-school piece of paper, in case of phone troubles):

• 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: Always keep all invoices related to medical expenses for your records. And make sure your phone is charged (and dry).

A few more practical tips for planning your trip to Latvia

And, finally, because AXA cares - here are a few non-Schengen travel insurance pointers to help you along your Latvian journey.

Safety and Security in Latvia

Again, Latvia as a whole is pretty safe and tourist-friendly. However, as with any growing tourist destination, you should use caution and stay alert. Purse-snatching and pickpocketing are not uncommon, especially in Riga’s Old Town and other generally crowded, touristy areas (and during peak tourist season).

On the other hand, in smaller, more rural parts, try to avoid unlit streets, parks, shady alleys, and so on. Especially if alone, and especially at night. Fraudulent prices and credit card scams sometimes occur too - so use diligence and ask trustworthy, official locals about your best options for shopping, banks, and so on.

Public transport in Latvia

With half the country being pristine green lands, nearly half of Latvia’s population lives in Riga and its surrounding suburbs. Public transportation outside Riga can, therefore, be somewhat limited. Nevertheless, you do have options — including buses, trams, trolleybuses, and trains — providing convenient access to most major cities and attractions.

Riga itself features an extensive network operated by Rīgas Satiksme (with schedules, routes, and general info available on their site in both Latvian and English). Intercity travel is mostly facilitated by regional buses — and plenty of info about that is available on the website 1188, as well as Pasažieru Vilciens (specifically for trains).

Opening hours in Latvia

Opening hours for shops, restaurants, and attractions can vary. Most stores in the bigger cities tend to be open from 9 or 10 AM to 7 or 8 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM to 6 PM on weekends, with some going on lunch breaks.

Meanwhile, museums and tourist attractions usually operate from 10 AM to 6 PM, with many — as per universal custom — closed on Mondays. And, of course — the more tourists there are, the more open things tend to stay.

Driving license in Latvia

Tourists in Latvia can drive using their valid foreign driving license for up to six months. However, while EU/EEA licenses are recognized without additional requirements, non-EU/EEA visitors should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.

PRO-TIPS: For more detailed info, you can consult Latvia’s official Road Traffic Safety Directorate (or, again, the official tourism site above). Meanwhile, AXA can also help understand exactly which driving licenses are accepted in Europe.

Restaurants in Latvia

Restaurants typically serve from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (with some going on lunch break as well). However, in Riga — with its thriving night-time economy — you’re sure to find a place or two open until 11 pm or even later.

In more rural areas, it’s best to consult Google, the restaurant’s website, and talk to a human whenever possible to make sure you’re not left out in the cold.

TIPPING PRO-TIP: Tipping in Latvia is not mandatory but appreciated, with 5-10% being a good amount for service you liked.

Weather in Latvia

Latvia experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers - i.e., June to August - are mild to warm, with temperatures averaging 16-20°C (61-68°F).

Meanwhile, winters (December to February) are —yep, cold, with numbers often dropping below freezing (averaging -2 to -10°C (28-14°F). Spring and autumn are cool and pleasant, but can be rainy.

PRO-TIP: If you’re feeling extra curious and/or adventurous, take a look at the official website of the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. There you’ll find the latest official weather updates, forecasts, and general climate stuff too.

Currency in Latvia

And, finally, in terms of cash, the official currency of Latvia is the Euro (€). Euros are, therefore, accepted throughout all shops, restaurants, and hotels. But you also might get away with a few dollars in a tourist shop or two in Riga.

ATMs are mostly readily available in cities and towns for cash withdrawals, and credit/debit cards are also commonly used. Just remember — the more rural the area, the fewer chances of ATMs, exact change, credit/debit, and so on.

PRO-TIP: You can also learn more about the dos and don’ts of exploring Latvia via Latvia.travel, its official tourism site. AXA, meanwhile, can help get you there and back safely and legally. Oh, and, finally, if you are heading to prison for a night and/or jumping in a beer bath… well, we’re sure you’ll figure it out.

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FAQ

Is healthcare free in Latvia?

Healthcare in Latvia is not entirely free, but it is publicly funded and subsidized - for residents - through the National Health Service (aka Nacionālais veselības dienests, aka NVD). Residents are required to make co-payments for certain services and medications. Tourists and non-residents, however, are typically required to pay for medical services (which is just one more reason to opt for an AXA plan).

Can I get AXA Schengen travel insurance for Latvia for a friend?

Yes! AXA will easily let you take out a plan for a loved one, a friend, and/or any visiting guests. You’ll just need to fill in your beneficiary's personal info - such as their DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary.

Can I travel to Latvia if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country?

Yes. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to and throughout Latvia and all the other Schengen countries, no matter which country you got it from. However, you must apply with the country in which you plan to spend the most time.

FINAL PRO-TIP: And AXA can also gladly tell you all about the Schengen visa First Point of Entry rules too.