When planning a trip to Europe’s Schengen Area, one of the essential documents you must include with your visa application is valid schengen travel insurance. Not only is it a legal requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa, but it also offers critical protection for travelers in case of medical emergencies, accidents, or unexpected events during the trip. AXA Schengen delivers a trusted solution, offering insurance that both meets visa requirements and gives peace of mind.

What Is Schengen Travel Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is a specific type of travel health policy designed to satisfy all the requirements set by the EU Visa Code and the various consulates of Schengen member countries. It covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation in case of severe illness or death, and remains valid for the entire duration of stay in the Schengen Area. Crucially, it must provide a minimum coverage of €30,000

Why Is It Mandatory?

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you must enclose proof of insurance that satisfies these compulsory criteria. Without it, your application can be rejected. In many cases, people underestimate the risk of not having sufficient medical coverage while abroad — even the cost of a single emergency hospital visit can be exorbitant in Europe. The requirement ensures that travelers won’t become a burden on public health systems

What the Requirements Are

To be accepted by consulates, your schengen travel insurance policy must:

  • Be purchased from an insurer recognized by consular authorities in all Schengen states.
  • Provide at least €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, plus repatriation (including in case of death)
  • Be valid throughout all Schengen countries (not just the country you plan to enter first).
  • Cover the entire duration of your stay.

These rules apply whether your stay is for short tourism, visiting family, business, or carrying out study obligations. If your plans include multiple entries or long stays, you’ll want to ensure your policy covers those conditions

AXA’s Schengen Travel Insurance: What They Offer

AXA is one of the leading providers of travel insurance tailored for Schengen visa applicants. Their plans are structured to satisfy visa requirements while offering additional benefits. Here are some of the key features:

  • Several plan options: “Low Cost”, “Europe Travel”, “Multi‐Trip”, etc., so you can select based on how often and how long you travel.
  • Coverage limits up to €100,000 depending on the plan.
  • 24/7 assistance, medical consultations, and services like repatriation.
  • Policies that cover not just Schengen countries, but also EU countries (even non-Schengen ones), and European microstates in some plans.
  • Instant issuance of the insurance certificate, which is required as part of your visa application documents.
  • Refund of the insurance cost if the visa application is denied (provided you provide the proper documentation).

How to Choose the Right Plan

Here are some tips when comparing schengen travel insurance policies:

  1. Check coverage limits – The minimum is €30,000, but more may be better depending on your length of stay or medical concerns.

  2. Geographical coverage – Ensure the insurer covers all Schengen countries and any other European places you may transit through.

  3. Duration – Pick a policy that is valid for your full stay; multiple-entry visas or frequent trips may call for an annual plan.

  4. Additional benefits – Sometimes optional extras like coverage for lost baggage, travel delays, or emergency evacuation are worth it.

  5. Certifications & recognition – Make sure your policy is recognized by the embassy/consulate where you apply. A policy letter or certificate must explicitly state that it meets visa insurance requirements.

Getting Your Insurance with AXA

Securing a policy with AXA is straightforward:

  • Choose the plan type that suits your travel profile (single trip, multiple trips, etc.).

  • Provide your travel dates, identity information, etc., then purchase online.

  • Receive the certificate immediately or very quickly, print it and include it in your visa application.
  • If your visa is not granted, you can request a refund (with proof of denial) rather than bearing the cost of an unusable policy.

Conclusion

Travel brings excitement, discovery, and delight. But unforeseen events — illness, injury, accidents — can change everything. That’s why schengen travel insurance is not just a bureaucratic checkbox for your visa application: it’s protection for you, your health, and your finances.

When you select a compliant insurance product such as those offered by AXA, you fulfil your visa requirements and travel with confidence. If you want to compare options or get a quote, checking out AXA’s official offerings is a smart step.

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