Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Applications: Best Options & Requirements (2025)

July 18, 2025

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Applications: Best Options & Requirements (2025)

Applying for a Schengen visa requires careful preparation—especially when it comes to travel insurance. Many applicants underestimate how crucial insurance is in the visa approval process. In fact, submitting non-compliant travel insurance is one of the most common reasons for visa rejection. This guide explains everything you need to know about travel insurance for Schengen visa applications—whether you're applying from Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, the Philippines, or other countries. Learn the key requirements, how to choose the right policy, and what mistakes to avoid. Why Travel Insurance Is Mandatory for a Schengen Visa Travel insurance is required for all Schengen visa applicants, regardless of your nationality or where you’re applying from. The purpose is to ensure that all travelers have coverage in case of: • Sudden illness or accident • Medical emergencies or hospitalisation • Emergency evacuation or repatriation To be accepted, your insurance policy must meet the following Schengen-wide criteria: • Be valid in all 27 Schengen countries • Offer minimum medical coverage of €30,000 (approximately SGD 44,000, IDR 520 million, PHP 1.8 million, or ZAR 600,000) • Cover the entire duration of your stay, from entry to exit • Include emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation • Be officially certified with your full name, dates of travel, and confirmation of Schengen compliance Who Needs Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa? If you are applying for a Schengen visa, you must submit valid travel insurance, even if you live in a country that normally enjoys visa-free access. You need travel insurance if you are: • A Singapore Permanent Resident with a non-exempt passport • A foreign national residing in Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, or the Philippines • A domestic worker or dependent applying with a sponsoring family • A business traveler, tourist, or student applying for a short-stay visa • A national of a country that requires a Schengen visa to enter Europe Even if you are living in a visa-exempt country, your passport country determines whether you need a visa—and thus insurance. What Should Your Travel Insurance Include? To avoid rejection, your policy must cover: • All 27 Schengen countries • A minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical and repatriation costs • The entire duration of your travel as stated in your visa application • Emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical evacuation • An official certificate showing your full name, trip dates, coverage amount, and confirmation that it is Schengen-compliant Some embassies may ask for extra documents, like a letter from your insurer confirming that the policy meets Schengen visa rules. How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Here are four key things to look for: 1. Embassy Compliance Ensure the policy clearly states that it complies with Schengen visa regulations. If this is not mentioned, it may be rejected. 2. Immediate Issuance of Certificate Choose a provider that instantly gives you a certificate with all necessary details: your name, trip dates, and policy coverage. 3. No Co-payment or Deductibles Some embassies reject policies with co-payments. Choose one that provides full coverage without exclusions for emergencies. 4. Refund Policy In case your visa is denied, look for providers that offer a refund option, especially if the insurance can’t be reused. ✅ Outbound Visa can help review your policy to ensure it meets embassy standards. Learn more about our visa support services. Common Mistakes to Avoid Incorrect insurance documents can lead to delays or outright rejection. Avoid these common issues: • Insurance covering only one country, not the full Schengen area • Coverage below €30,000 • Policy starts after your arrival date • Insurance includes deductibles or co-pays not accepted by the embassy • Certificate lacks key details such as your full name or coverage dates If you're unsure, seek assistance from a professional visa consultant. When to Buy Your Travel Insurance The best time to purchase travel insurance is after booking your flight, but before attending your visa appointment. Make sure the policy dates match your itinerary exactly and allow for any embassy-required buffer days. Some embassies may require coverage that starts one or two days before arrival and ends one or two days after departure. How Travel Insurance Fits into Your Visa Application Travel insurance is one of the documents you must submit together with: • Your completed visa application form • Your passport and photos • Flight reservation and itinerary • Proof of accommodation • Financial statements or sponsorship documents • A cover letter explaining your trip The insurance certificate must be in English or officially translated and clearly show the coverage area, dates, and medical limits. For a full checklist, refer to our guide on Schengen Visa Requirements. Does Travel Insurance Guarantee Approval? No. Travel insurance is essential, but it is just one part of your application. Visa officers will also assess: • Your ties to your home country (such as employment or family) • Your financial means • The accuracy and completeness of your documents • Your travel history and purpose of visit However, submitting non-compliant insurance is a guaranteed reason for rejection—something that can easily be avoided with the right help. Check out our article on Top Schengen Visa Rejection Reasons to avoid common pitfalls. Why Work with Outbound Visa? Understanding the specific requirements for each embassy can be confusing. Outbound Visa supports applicants across Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, the Philippines, and more by: • Recommending Schengen-compliant insurance policies • Reviewing all documents before submission • Booking embassy appointments • Giving tailored advice based on your nationality and destination We’ve helped hundreds of applicants navigate the Schengen visa process confidently. Final Reminders • Double-check that your policy covers all Schengen countries • Make sure insurance dates match your travel itinerary • Print your certificate and include it in your visa application • Consider speaking with a visa advisor to review your documents Need help? Contact Outbound Visa to make sure your insurance and visa documents are in perfect order. Disclaimer: Embassy rules can change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate or embassy where you're applying.