Planning a trip to Europe? Compare travel insurance policies that meet Schengen visa requirements, with the minimum €30,000 medical cover needed for your visa application.
the benefits
A Schengen visa requires your travel insurance policy to include a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage – covering emergency hospital treatment, medical evacuation to New Zealand, and repatriationof remains if you pass away during your trip. Not all standard travel insurance policies meet these specific requirements, so it’s essential to confirm your chosen policy is Schengen-compliant before submitting your visa application.
Your Schengen visa travel insurance must provide cover across all 29 Schengen countries for the full duration of your trip. This ensures you’re protected whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of Prague, skiingin Switzerland or island-hopping in Greece without needing separate policies for each destination.
Your policy must cover the entire duration of your time in the Schengen area, not just part of it. A policy that expires before your visa does could result in your visa application being refused or leave you unprotected during part of your trip. Always check that your policy’s start and end dates align exactly with your travel dates when applying.
Beyond the mandatory medical requirements, a comprehensive Schengen travel insurance policy also covers trip cancellations, travel delays, lost luggage, and other unforeseen disruptions – providing financial protection for the full range of risks that come with extended European travel.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, keep a copy of your travel insurance documentation from your insurer that states your conditions and the cover provided. Some conditions may be covered automatically, while others may require a medical assessment or attract an additional premium. Ensuring your conditions are properly declared and covered is especially important for a long-haul European trip.
Our Schengen visa travel insurance comparison is completely free to use. You’ll be directed straight to the insurer’s website to complete your purchase at their direct price – no markups, no surprises.
key considerations
The most important step when purchasing Schengen visa travel insurance is confirming that your policy explicitly meets all three mandatory requirements: a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage, cover across all Schengen countries, and cover for the full duration of your stay. Pay particular attention to the repatriation of remains requirement – many standard travel insurance policies include unlimited emergency medical cover but do not specifically include repatriation of remains, which could result in your visa being refused. If in doubt, contact your insurer directly to confirm before submitting your application.
When applying for a Schengen visa, you may be required to provide a letter from your insurer confirming that your policy meets the relevant visa requirements. Not all insurers provide this automatically, so contact your insurer as soon as possible after purchasing to request one. And allow a few days for the letter to be prepared. Submitting your visa application without this documentation where it is required could delay or jeopardise your application.
You can apply for a Schengen visa as early as six months before your departure date and no later than 15 days before you travel. The consulate should respond within 10 working days, though processing can take up to two months in some circumstances. Purchase your travel insurance and gather all required documents (including your insurance certificate, passport, itinerary, financial documents, and photos) as early as possible to avoid last-minute delays.
The Schengen area currently comprises 29 European countries, and the type of visa you apply for will determine how many times you can enter and exit. A single-entry visa allows one entry only – once you leave the Schengen area, you cannot return even if you have unused days remaining. A double-entry visa allows one re-entry, and a multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries provided you comply with the 90-day rule in every 180-day period. Make sure your visa type matches your planned itinerary before applying.
It’s important to know that travel insurance generally does not cover visa refusal, so if your application is declined because your policy doesn’t meet the requirements, your policy will not cover the associated costs. This makes it especially important to verify that your policy is Schengen-compliant before applying. If your visa is refused, you can appeal the decision – the reason for refusal will be stated in your notification along with instructions on how to resubmit.
If you’re a New Zealand citizen/resident visiting the Schengen area for 90 days or less, you do not need a Schengen visa. However, travel insurance is still strongly recommended. Yes, the mandatory €30,000 medical requirement only applies to visa applicants, but the financial risks of travelling in Europe without adequate medical cover remain just as real. Always compare policies carefully regardless of whether a visa is required for your trip.
further reading
Expert guides to help you make an informed decision about your travel cover.
get answers
New Zealand citizens and residents can travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in every 180-day period without a visa. If you’re planning to stay longer than 90 days, work, or study in a specific Schengen country, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. Read our complete Schengen Visa guide for more information.
Your travel insurance policy must include a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage to meet Schengen visa requirements. This must cover emergency hospital treatment, medical evacuation back to New Zealand, and repatriation of remains if you pass away during your trip. The cover must apply across all Schengen countries and for the full duration of your stay. Many standard travel insurance policies include unlimited emergency medical cover but do not specifically include repatriation of remains, so always check this requirement carefully before purchasing.
No, travel insurance generally does not cover visa refusal or the costs associated with a failed visa application. This is why it’s essential to ensure your travel insurance meets all the Schengen visa medical requirements before submitting your application. If your visa is refused, the reason will be stated in your notification along with instructions on how to appeal the decision and resubmit your application.
You can apply for a Schengen visa up to six months before your departure date, and no later than 15 working days before you travel. The consulate should respond within 10 working days of receiving your application, though processing can take up to two months in exceptional circumstances. It’s strongly recommended to start preparing your documentation (including your travel insurance certificate) as early as possible.
The standard Schengen visa fee is approximately €90 for adults and €45 for children under 12. Depending on your reason for travel and your country of residence, the fee may be reduced or waived in some circumstances. Contact the consulate where you plan to apply for the most current fee information.
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