What the policy must cover
- Minimum cover of EUR 30,000 for emergency medical expenses, hospital treatment and repatriation.
- Valid in all Schengen states, not only the country you apply to.
- The full stay: the policy dates must cover your whole trip from entry to exit.
- Your name and passport number spelled exactly as in the passport.
Single trip or multiple entry
For a single-entry visa one policy covering the full dates is enough. If the consulate may grant a multiple-entry visa, ask your insurer how cover is arranged for each trip. Follow your destination embassy's checklist.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a policy that covers only one country or a lower amount.
- Dates that do not match the flight reservation and itinerary.
- Name or passport-number typos on the certificate.
- Buying the cheapest policy without checking that it is accepted by embassies.
- Paying for an expensive policy before you know your travel dates are final.
When to buy
You need the certificate with your application, so buy it just before your appointment once your dates are settled. Ask whether a refund is available if the visa is refused, because some insurers offer it and others do not.
How KPK Travel helps
We check the policy against your itinerary and the embassy checklist before you submit. See our travel insurance service, the Schengen visa guide or the Schengen country pages. We cannot guarantee a visa.
FAQs
How much insurance cover does a Schengen visa need?
The standard requirement is a minimum of EUR 30,000 for emergency medical care and repatriation, valid in all Schengen states for the whole stay.
Does the policy have to match my flight dates?
Yes. The policy should cover the entire period of stay, and the dates should match your reservation and itinerary.
Is a refund possible if my visa is refused?
It depends on the insurer. Ask before you buy and keep the certificate and receipt.