Travel insurance is essential for international trips. Schengen visa applications legally require it (minimum €30,000 medical coverage). This guide compares the best providers and shows how to apply in 10 minutes.
- Passport details
- Travel dates and destinations
- Credit card for payment
Types of travel insurance coverage
Medical emergency coverage (most important — hospital evacuation from Europe can cost €30,000–100,000). Trip cancellation/interruption. Baggage loss and delay. Flight delays. Adventure sports (separate rider if needed). Pre-existing conditions (check exclusions carefully).
Compare providers using aggregator sites
Use InsureMyTrip (USA), MoneySupermarket (UK), or Cover-More (Australia/Global) to compare prices. For Schengen visa requirements, ensure the policy specifically states: “Valid for all Schengen countries, minimum €30,000 coverage.”
Top global travel insurance providers
WorldNomads: popular with backpackers and gap year travellers, covers 150+ adventure activities. Allianz Travel Insurance: strong emergency evacuation coverage, good for families. SafetyWing (safetywing.com): subscription-based ($45.08/month), designed for nomads and long-term travellers. AXA Travel Insurance: widely accepted for Schengen visa applications.
Apply online in 10 minutes
Go directly to the provider website. Enter: travel dates, destinations, number of travellers, and trip cost. Select your coverage level. Review what is included vs excluded. Pay by credit card. Download your policy documents immediately — you need to print the insurance certificate for visa applications.
Read the fine print on pre-existing conditions
Most travel insurance excludes medical claims related to pre-existing conditions unless you purchase a “pre-existing condition waiver.” If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions, get a policy that specifically covers your condition — otherwise a claim could be denied.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest policies often have very low coverage limits (€30,000) which may be sufficient for Schengen visa requirements but inadequate for real emergencies. Medical evacuation alone can cost €50,000–200,000. A mid-range policy (€50–100 for 2 weeks) is usually worth the additional protection.
Most policies allow cancellation and full refund within a “free look period” (usually 10–15 days). After that, some providers offer partial refund if travel is cancelled for covered reasons. Check the cancellation terms before purchasing.
SafetyWing covers nomads in 180+ countries from $45.08/month. WorldNomads covers adventure sports and is accepted for Schengen visa applications.