Schengen visa: travel health insurance (€30,000, €150 excess)

For a Schengen visa, the EU generally requires travel health insurance. The requirements are set out in the Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009, Article 15).

What the policy must provide: cover of at least €30,000 (or the equivalent in local currency), validity across the whole Schengen area, and a period matching the entire planned stay. It has to cover medically necessary treatment, including emergency care and repatriation. Many consulates also require a low maximum excess, in Germany around €150. The insurer should be based in an EU or EEA state so claims can be enforced there. And for the application you need an insurance confirmation.

Multiple entry

For a multiple-entry visa there is a relief: the proof is only needed for the first planned stay (Art. 15(2) Visa Code). On the form you also confirm that you are aware you must take out insurance for each further stay yourself. On later entries you carry the current proof; it can be requested at the border.

Who this affects

Mainly people applying for a Schengen visa for a short stay of up to 90 days: visit, tourist or business trips. Which documents are required in a given case is set by the competent consulate.

What to check when choosing

Cover starts before or on the day of entry, and ends no earlier than the date of exit. Validity for the whole Schengen area, not just individual countries. Name, period and cover amount should be stated exactly on the confirmation. And the cover includes outpatient and inpatient medical costs plus repatriation in case of illness or death.

Quick answers

Is €30,000 enough? The regulation sets this minimum; consulate information sheets may add details. Does it cover the family automatically? As a rule each person needs their own proof. How much does it cost? Short-term policies are usually cheap; the price depends on age, duration and provider. And without insurance? If the proof is missing, the visa can be refused.

Note: general information, not advice or a case-specific recommendation. The competent authority's requirements apply. Last updated: 16.10.2026.

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• National visa: health insurance – when it is required and when not
• Schengen visa refused: reasons, appeal, new application
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Sources

• Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 (Visa Code), Art. 15 (amended by Regulation (EU) 2019/1155): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02009R0810-20240611
• Information sheets and checklists of the competent consulates
• European Commission — Visa policy: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en