SchengenSure is a free-to-use comparison platform that connects travelers with destination-based travel medical insurance providers. We do not sell insurance, we help you find, compare, and purchase directly from trusted local insurers.
Mandatory visa-compliant coverage · €30,000 minimum
Why local insurers make a difference
Step-by-step guide for travelers
Common mistakes and how to prevent them
Why coverage matters — real cost data
SCHENGEN VISA REQUIREMENT · EU REGULATION (EC) NO. 810/2009 · ARTICLE 15
Minimum Medical Cover
€30,000
Emergency Medical Treatment
Mandatory
Emergency Hospitalization
Mandatory
Medical Repatriation
Mandatory
Geographic Validity
All Schengen States
Duration
Full Travel Period
Document Required
Certificate of Insurance
Any traveler applying for a Schengen visa must hold a valid travel medical insurance
policy that meets EU-defined minimum standards. This is a legal requirement under
Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 — not an optional recommendation.
A policy must explicitly cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and
repatriation, with a minimum insured sum of €30,000, valid across all 27 Schengen
member states for the full duration of the visa period.
Certificate of Insurance required — embassies need the insurance certificate, not
just a brochure or summary. The certificate must state the policy holder’s name
exactly as it appears in the passport, coverage dates, coverage amount in EUR,
and all Schengen states covered.
Common rejection triggers: Coverage below €30,000 — missing repatriation
clause — incorrect travel dates — policy valid for only one country — coverage
stated in INR without EUR equivalent — name mismatch with passport.
Credit card insurance is not accepted — policies bundled with credit cards almost
universally exclude emergency medical evacuation and do not provide a
standalone Certificate of Insurance in an embassy-accepted format.
Destination-based insurers — plans from insurers based in the destination
Schengen country are typically better aligned with local healthcare systems,
hospital networks, and embassy documentation standards.
COVERAGE SOURCE MATTERS
When buying travel medical insurance, travelers can choose between insurers in their home country or insurers based in the destination. Here is how the two approaches compare.
Local provider in your destination country
Strong local hospital partnerships — cashless treatment more widely available
Often easier and faster — hospital bills settled directly with the insurer
Local support teams familiar with local hospitals, ambulance systems, and healthcare protocols
Better coordination with local hospitals — fewer translation delays during emergencies
Often faster with local billing integration — no cross-border processing delays
Policies frequently designed specifically for Schengen visa requirements — embassy- accepted formats
Direct settlement with hospitals possible — travelers avoid paying upfront
Indian or origin-country provider
Limited or indirect local partnerships — may depend on third-party assistance networks
May require reimbursement — travelers often pay upfront and claim later
Support may operate remotely — less familiar with destination healthcare systems
Possible communication delays — translation may be needed for hospital documentation
Cross-border processing may take longer — additional documentation often required
Some plans may need extra verification — not always formatted for embassy submission
Travelers typically pay first and claim reimbursement after returning
FOR TRAVELERS
If you face a medical emergency in Europe, following the correct claim
process is essential to ensure your costs are covered.
Visit the nearest hospital or call 112 (EU
emergency). Inform the hospital you have
travel insurance. Health is the priority —
paperwork comes second.
Call the 24/7 emergency number on your
policy. Share your policy number and
location. Ask for a claim reference number.
Delays can complicate your claim.
Hospital admission and discharge summary,
doctor’s diagnosis, prescriptions, original
bills and receipts, diagnostic reports (X-ray,
MRI, blood tests).
Fill the claim form accurately. Submit within
7–30 days of treatment (check your policy).
Track your claim status via the insurer portal.
Respond promptly to document requests.
WHY COVERAGE MATTERS
European healthcare is among the most expensive in the world for uninsured international travelers. Understanding these costs shows why adequate coverage is essential — not optional.
APPROXIMATE COST RANGES FOR UNINSURED TRAVELERS
Emergency Room Visit
€300–€1,500
Hospital Admission
€2,000–€10,000+
Surgery
€5,000–€50,000
ICU Treatment
€2,000+ / day
Medical Evacuation
€15,000–€100,000
Repatriation to India
€20,000+
Source: General estimates from travel insurance providers and industry reports. Actual costs vary by country,
hospital, and treatment required.
Data published by the Association of British Insurers reflects the cost environment
international travelers face when visiting Europe.
Source: Association of British Insurers (ABI) — www.abi.org.uk. Data covers UK travelers; reflects the general cost environment for international travelers visiting Europe. Indian travel to Schengen countries rose 18.95% in Q1 2025 (ETTravelWorld). The €30,000 minimum set in 2009 has not been adjusted for inflation — many travelers now consider higher coverage amounts more appropriate.
HOW IT WORKS
SchengenSure is a free comparison platform. We do not sell or underwrite
insurance. We connect travelers with destination-based insurers so they
can compare and purchase directly.
Select your Schengen country, travel dates, date of birth, and type of trip. Add any pre-existing conditions for more relevant results.
We connect you with insurers based in your destination country — not home-country
plans. Results show coverage details as provided by the respective insurers.
You purchase the policy directly from the insurance provider — not through us. There is
no additional cost to using Schengensure. Always read the full policy document before
purchasing.
Your Certificate of Insurance and policy documents are issued by the insurance
provider. For visa applications, use the documents issued by the insurer — not any
Schengensure-generated output.
A free comparison platform — not an insurer
Schengensure is a comparison and referral platform. We do not provide insurance advice. All policy terms, coverage, pricing, and claims handling are the sole responsibility of the
respective insurance providers.
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only. SchengenSure is a comparison platform — we do not sell, underwrite, or provide insurance. All insurance policies, coverage terms, pricing, exclusions, and claims processes are determined solely by the respective insurance providers.
This content is based on publicly available information from EU regulations, industry data, and insurer documentation. Regulatory requirements, coverage terms, and market information may change. Schengensure makes no warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of this information. Nothing on this platform constitutes legal, financial, or insurance advice. Travelers are responsible for verifying all policy terms and visa requirements independently before travel.
GET STARTED
Compare plans from local insurers at your destination — free of charge. Schengen visa
compliant documentation included.
