Travel Insurance for Europe & UK
Compare Schengen-compliant travel insurance from €22/trip. Mandatory for visa holders, strongly recommended for everyone.
Why do you need travel insurance for Europe?
Legal Requirement
Under the EU Visa Code (Regulation EC No. 810/2009), all Schengen visa applicants must have travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Your visa application will be rejected without it.
Healthcare Costs
A single hospital visit in Western Europe can cost €5,000-50,000+. An ambulance ride alone averages €800-1,500. Medical evacuation back home can exceed €100,000.
For ETIAS travelers: While ETIAS applicants (visa-exempt travelers) are not legally required to have insurance, it is STRONGLY recommended and may be checked at the border.
Minimum coverage must include:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
Source: EU Visa Code — Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009, Articles 15 & 32
Compare Providers
Heymondo
Best overall value
Starting from
€38/trip
Coverage
€10,000,000
- 24/7 travel assistance app
- Instant claims processing
- COVID-19 coverage included
- Trip cancellation included
AXA Schengen
Cheapest Schengen-compliant option
Starting from
€22/trip
Coverage
€30,000
- Accepted by all Schengen embassies
- Specifically designed for Schengen visa
- Basic coverage at lowest price
- Instant certificate
Allianz Travel
Most comprehensive coverage
Starting from
€45/trip
Coverage
€1,000,000+
- Comprehensive medical coverage
- Baggage delay/loss protection
- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Wide provider network in Europe
SafetyWing
Digital nomads & long-term travelers
Starting from
$56/4 weeks
Coverage
$250,000
- Subscription model (monthly billing)
- No fixed end date
- Perfect for digital nomads
- Covers 185 countries
Links may contain affiliate tags. We only recommend providers that meet Schengen requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Heymondo | AXA Schengen | Allianz Travel | SafetyWing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | €38/trip | €22/trip | €45/trip | $56/4 weeks |
| Coverage | €10,000,000 | €30,000 | €1,000,000+ | $250,000 |
| Schengen Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Best overall value | Cheapest Schengen-compliant option | Most comprehensive coverage | Digital nomads & long-term travelers |
Heymondo
SCHENGENAXA Schengen
SCHENGENAllianz Travel
SCHENGENSafetyWing
SCHENGENFrequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for Europe?
For Schengen visa applicants, yes — travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory per EU Visa Code Regulation (EC) 810/2009. For ETIAS-eligible (visa-exempt) travelers, it is not legally required but strongly recommended. Border agents may ask for proof of insurance.
What must Schengen travel insurance cover?
It must cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. Coverage must be valid for the entire duration of your stay across ALL Schengen countries.
Can I buy insurance after arriving in Europe?
You should buy it before departure. If you need it for a Schengen visa application, you must have it before your appointment. Even for ETIAS travelers, having proof at the border is advisable.
Do I need separate insurance for the UK?
The UK is NOT part of the Schengen Area, so Schengen insurance typically does not cover it. If visiting both Schengen and the UK, choose a plan with worldwide or multi-country coverage.
How much does travel insurance for Europe cost?
Basic Schengen-compliant plans start around €20-40 per trip. Comprehensive plans with trip cancellation, baggage coverage, and higher medical limits typically range from €40-80 per trip. Long-term/nomad plans start around $56/month.
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