Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from the UK
Every Schengen visa application requires travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 medical coverage. But which UK providers are accepted by embassies, and which offer the best value? This comparison guide reviews the top options, their prices, coverage, and what to look for.
Minimum Requirements for Schengen Visa Insurance
Mandatory Requirements: Your travel insurance policy must meet ALL of these criteria to be accepted for a Schengen visa application:
Required Coverage
- Minimum medical coverage: €30,000 (approximately £26,000)
- Territory: Valid across ALL Schengen countries (not just one)
- Duration: Must cover the entire trip duration plus any additional days
- Repatriation: Must include emergency repatriation/medical evacuation
- Emergency hospital and treatment: Must cover hospital stays and emergency surgery
UK Provider Comparison
| Provider | Price (7-day trip) | Medical Cover | Schengen Compliant | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Care | £15-25 | €30,000+ | Yes | Purpose-built for Schengen visas. Instant certificate. Widely accepted. |
| AXA Schengen | £18-30 | €30,000+ | Yes | Schengen-specific product. Strong brand. Refund if visa refused. |
| Europ Assistance | £12-22 | €30,000+ | Yes | Competitive pricing. Good coverage. Certificate available online. |
| True Traveller | £8-18 | £5M+ | Yes | UK-based. Very competitive pricing. Popular with backpackers. |
| Staysure | £15-35 | £10M+ | Yes | Good for pre-existing conditions. Over-50s specialist. |
| World Nomads | £20-40 | £5M+ | Yes | Adventure activities covered. Good for active travellers. |
| Battleface | £10-20 | €30,000+ | Yes | Schengen-specific plans. Quick online purchase. |
Prices are approximate for a single adult on a 7-day trip. Actual prices depend on age, destination, and coverage level.
Our Recommendations
Best Overall: AXA Schengen
Purpose-built for Schengen visa applications. Provides a certificate that embassies instantly recognise. Offers a refund if your visa is refused. Available online with instant documentation.
Best Budget: True Traveller
UK-based insurer with very competitive prices. Coverage exceeds Schengen minimums. Certificate clearly states Schengen compliance. Popular with UK-based travellers.
Best for Pre-Existing Conditions: Staysure
Specialises in travel insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions and older travellers. Schengen compliant with high coverage limits.
Common Mistakes with Travel Insurance
Mistakes That Cause Visa Refusal
- Coverage too low: Must be at least €30,000 — not £30,000 (currency matters)
- Wrong dates: Insurance must cover the entire trip. If your trip is 7-14 March, insurance must start no later than 7 March and end no earlier than 14 March
- Single-country only: Must cover ALL Schengen countries, not just one
- No repatriation: Must include emergency medical repatriation
- Expired policy: Do not submit an expired or inactive policy
Tips for Getting It Right
- Buy from a UK or European insurer — embassies are familiar with these brands
- Get the certificate/policy document and check it explicitly states Schengen compliance
- Ensure the certificate shows your name, coverage amount, territory, and dates
- Buy insurance after booking flights and hotels so dates match
- Keep a digital and printed copy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum insurance coverage for Schengen visa?
The minimum is 30,000 euros of medical coverage, valid across all Schengen countries, including emergency repatriation. Most recommended providers exceed this minimum significantly.
Can I buy travel insurance online for my Schengen visa?
Yes. All recommended providers offer online purchase with instant policy documents. You can buy, download, and print your certificate in minutes.
Does the insurance need to cover all Schengen countries?
Yes. Even if you are only visiting one country, your insurance must be valid across the entire Schengen area. This is a mandatory requirement.