Schengen Visa Insurance FAQ Hub

Schengen visa insurance is a mandatory travel insurance policy required by all Schengen Area embassies for short-stay visa applicants. It must provide minimum medical coverage of €30,000 (approximately £25,000) and cover emergency medical expenses, hospital treatment, and repatriation across all 27 Schengen countries. Without valid proof of this insurance, your visa application will be rejected. Nova Travel provides compliant policies with $50,000 coverage (over €43,000), exceeding the minimum requirement.

All 27 Schengen Area countries require Schengen visa insurance: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. If you are applying for a visa to visit any of these countries, you must present proof of compliant insurance at your VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International appointment.

The Schengen visa regulation requires a minimum of €30,000 (approximately £25,000 or $32,000) in medical coverage. This must cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, and medical repatriation to your country of residence. Nova Travel's policies provide $50,000 coverage (equivalent to over €43,000), comfortably exceeding this legal minimum. Having higher coverage strengthens your visa application and provides greater peace of mind during your trip.

Yes. Schengen visa insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the Schengen Area, from the day you arrive until the day you depart. The policy dates must match or exceed the travel dates stated on your visa application. If there is a gap in coverage, the embassy will reject your application. We recommend adding 1-2 extra days on each end as a safety buffer.

No. Not all travel insurance policies meet Schengen visa requirements. The policy must specifically provide at least €30,000 in medical coverage, include repatriation cover, and be valid across all Schengen countries. Many standard holiday insurance policies do not meet these criteria. Nova Travel's Schengen insurance is purpose-built to satisfy every embassy requirement, ensuring your application is not delayed or rejected due to insurance issues.

Repatriation means the insurance company will cover the cost of transporting you back to your country of residence (in this case, the UK) if you suffer a serious medical emergency abroad and need to be moved for ongoing treatment. This can include air ambulance, medical escort, or scheduled flight with medical support. Repatriation cover is mandatory for Schengen visa insurance and is included in every Nova Travel policy.

No. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) provide access to state-provided healthcare at reduced cost or sometimes free, but they are NOT a substitute for Schengen visa insurance. They do not cover repatriation, they do not satisfy the €30,000 minimum requirement, and embassies will not accept them as proof of insurance. You must have a dedicated travel insurance policy that meets Schengen requirements.

Schengen visa insurance must cover all 27 Schengen Area countries, even if you only plan to visit one. The Schengen visa allows free movement across the entire zone, so the insurance must provide protection wherever you travel within it. Nova Travel's policies automatically cover all Schengen countries, so you do not need to specify individual destinations.

No. You must have valid Schengen insurance before submitting your visa application. The insurance certificate is a mandatory document that must be included in your application pack at VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International. Without it, the visa center will not accept your application. We recommend purchasing insurance the same day you book your visa appointment to ensure all documents are ready.

If you arrive at VFS Global, TLScontact, or BLS International without proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance, your application will not be accepted and you will need to book a new appointment. This can delay your travel plans by weeks. Insurance is one of the mandatory documents checked at the counter. Purchasing your policy online in advance ensures a smooth appointment experience.

Yes. If you hold an eVisa (UK Visas and Immigration digital immigration status) but are not a UK or EU citizen, you need Schengen visa insurance when applying for a Schengen visa. Your eVisa confirms your legal residency in the UK, but it does not exempt you from the insurance requirement. All non-EU nationals applying for a Schengen visa must present compliant travel insurance at their appointment.

UK citizens do not need a Schengen visa for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, so they are not required to present Schengen visa insurance at a visa center. However, travel insurance is still strongly recommended for any trip to Europe. UK citizens can purchase our worldwide travel insurance for personal protection, even though it is not a visa requirement for them.

Indian passport holders legally residing in the UK must apply for a Schengen visa and present compliant travel insurance at VFS Global. The insurance must meet the €30,000 minimum coverage requirement and cover all Schengen countries for the entire trip duration. Nova Travel specialises in helping Indian passport holders in the UK obtain Schengen visa insurance quickly and affordably, with instant online policy delivery.

Pakistani passport holders living in the UK with valid residency (eVisa, settlement, or work/study visa) must obtain Schengen visa insurance when applying for a Schengen visa. The process is the same as for any non-EU national: purchase a compliant policy with at least €30,000 coverage, valid for your entire trip across all Schengen countries. Nova Travel provides instant insurance tailored for Pakistani passport holders in the UK.

Yes. If you are in the UK on a student visa and hold a non-EU passport, you need Schengen visa insurance to apply for a Schengen visa. Your UK student visa confirms your legal residency but does not exempt you from the insurance requirement. You will need to show your passport, eVisa, UK university enrollment letter, and Schengen insurance certificate at your visa appointment.

If you have EU Settlement Scheme (settled or pre-settled) status and hold a non-EU passport, you may still need a Schengen visa depending on your nationality. If a visa is required, Schengen insurance is mandatory. However, some non-EU family members of EU citizens may qualify for a free Schengen visa under EU law. Check with the relevant embassy or contact Nova Travel for guidance on your specific situation.

Asylum seekers typically cannot apply for a Schengen visa as they do not hold a valid passport or have legal residency status in the UK. Refugees with UK refugee status and a Convention Travel Document may be able to apply for a Schengen visa and would need compliant insurance. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss your specific documentation and eligibility.

Generally, no. If you are in the UK on a Standard Visitor visa, you are not a UK resident and cannot apply for a Schengen visa from the UK. Schengen visa applications must be submitted in your country of legal residence. Schengen insurance from Nova Travel is designed for UK residents with valid residency status (eVisa, work visa, student visa, settlement, etc.).

Yes. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) grants permanent residency in the UK, but if you hold a non-EU passport, you still need a Schengen visa and compliant insurance. ILR holders are among the most common applicants we serve. With ILR, you have strong residency evidence which supports your visa application, and our insurance policies are designed to complement this.

Absolutely. UK work visa holders with non-EU passports need Schengen visa insurance just like any other non-EU UK resident. Your valid UK work visa and eVisa serve as proof of legal residency, which is required for the visa application. Nova Travel serves many Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, and Tier 2 visa holders with instant Schengen insurance policies.

The €30,000 minimum covers emergency medical expenses incurred during your stay in the Schengen Area. This includes emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, emergency surgery, and medical repatriation to your country of residence. It does not typically cover routine check-ups, elective procedures, or non-emergency dental work. Nova Travel's $50,000 policy (over €43,000) provides a comfortable margin above this minimum.

We provide $50,000 coverage (equivalent to over €43,000) to exceed the €30,000 minimum requirement with a significant margin. This gives you better protection in case of serious medical emergencies, where costs can escalate quickly — for example, an air ambulance repatriation can cost €15,000-€25,000 alone. Higher coverage also demonstrates to embassy officials that your insurance is robust, which can strengthen your visa application.

Schengen visa insurance typically covers emergency medical treatment that arises unexpectedly during your trip. Pre-existing conditions may or may not be covered depending on the specific policy terms. If you have a pre-existing condition, we recommend disclosing it during the application process. For specific medical coverage questions, please contact us before purchasing so we can advise on the best policy for your situation.

Basic Schengen visa insurance focuses on medical emergencies and repatriation, which is what embassies require. Trip cancellation cover is typically an optional add-on or included in comprehensive policies. If you need cancellation protection, contact Nova Travel and we can advise on the best policy option. The mandatory requirement for your visa is medical coverage and repatriation only.

Baggage cover is not a mandatory requirement for Schengen visa approval. Some policies include it as a benefit, while others focus purely on medical and repatriation coverage. If baggage protection is important to you, let us know and we can help you choose a policy that includes it. The essential requirement for your visa is the €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage.

Yes, emergency dental treatment is typically included in Schengen travel insurance policies. This covers immediate dental pain relief and emergency dental procedures needed during your trip. It does not cover routine dental work, cosmetic dentistry, or planned treatments. Nova Travel's policies include emergency dental coverage as part of the comprehensive medical protection.

Yes, emergency medical repatriation is both included in our policies and is a mandatory requirement for Schengen visa compliance. If you suffer a serious illness or injury abroad and need to be transported back to the UK for treatment, the insurance covers the cost of medical repatriation, including air ambulance if necessary. This can cost tens of thousands of pounds without insurance.

Common exclusions include: pre-existing conditions (unless declared and accepted), self-inflicted injuries, injuries from extreme sports or high-risk activities (unless additional cover is purchased), drug or alcohol-related incidents, routine medical check-ups, cosmetic procedures, and mental health treatment. Always read your policy document carefully. If you have specific concerns about coverage, contact us before purchasing.

Emergency medical treatment related to pregnancy complications is typically covered. However, routine maternity care and planned childbirth abroad are generally not covered. If you are pregnant and planning a Schengen trip, we recommend disclosing this during the application and checking the policy terms. Most policies have a cut-off point (often around 28-32 weeks) after which pregnancy-related coverage is limited.

Winter sports and skiing are often excluded from standard Schengen insurance policies unless you purchase an add-on or a specialist policy. If you plan to ski or engage in winter sports during your Schengen trip, let us know when applying so we can ensure your policy includes appropriate coverage. Medical treatment for skiing injuries can be very expensive in Alpine countries.

Our Schengen visa insurance is available for applicants of all ages. Some policies may have age-related coverage limits or premium adjustments for older travellers. There is no upper age limit imposed by Schengen visa regulations — the requirement applies equally to all applicants regardless of age. Contact us if you have specific concerns about coverage for older travellers.

A 24/7 emergency assistance hotline is a dedicated phone line operated by the insurance provider that you can call anytime from anywhere in the Schengen Area if you need medical help. They can arrange hospital admission, authorise treatment, coordinate repatriation, and provide translation support. This is a standard feature of our Schengen insurance policies and is essential for getting help quickly in a medical emergency abroad.

In most cases, your Schengen insurance policy is issued instantly after you complete the online form and payment. You will receive a PDF certificate by email immediately. If any details require manual review or there is an error in the information provided, delivery may take 1 to 6 hours. Either way, your policy arrives digitally — no waiting days for postal delivery. You can print it and bring it to your visa appointment the same day.

Yes. All insurance documents — including your policy certificate, terms and conditions, and emergency contact details — are sent to you by email as PDF attachments. You can download, save, and print them immediately. The email confirmation serves as your official proof of insurance for your visa application. Make sure to check your inbox (and spam folder) after purchasing.

Yes. The entire process is 100% online. You do not need to visit any office or speak to anyone in person. Simply fill in the online form with your travel details, make payment securely online, and receive your policy by email. The whole process takes under 5 minutes. This is ideal for applicants who need insurance urgently before a visa appointment.

Yes. VFS Global, TLScontact, and BLS International require a printed copy of your insurance certificate as part of your visa application documents. The document must clearly show: your name, coverage amount, coverage dates, and that it covers all Schengen countries. We recommend printing at least two copies — one for your application file and one as a backup.

Refund policies depend on the specific insurance provider and whether the policy has already started. In some cases, if your visa is refused and the policy has not yet begun, a cancellation refund may be possible (subject to the provider's terms). We recommend checking the refund policy before purchasing. If your visa is refused, contact us immediately with your refusal letter and we will advise on the refund process.

If your travel dates change after purchasing, contact us as soon as possible. Date changes may be possible before the policy start date, subject to the provider's terms and any applicable fee. If your visa appointment is rescheduled, you may need to adjust your insurance dates to ensure they cover your new travel period. Do not leave gaps in coverage.

You will need: your full name (as it appears on your passport), passport number, date of birth, travel start and end dates, email address, and phone number. The process takes less than 5 minutes. Make sure all details match your passport exactly, as discrepancies can cause issues at your visa appointment. Double-check dates to ensure coverage spans your entire trip.

Yes. Payment is processed through a secure, encrypted payment gateway. We do not store your card details. The transaction is protected by industry-standard SSL encryption. You will receive an instant payment confirmation by email. If you have any concerns about payment security, you can contact us before completing your purchase.

Yes. You can purchase insurance for multiple family members in a single application. Each person will receive their own policy certificate. Family policies are often more cost-effective than individual ones. Make sure to provide accurate details (name, passport number, date of birth) for each family member. If you are applying as a family, all members' insurance must cover the same travel dates.

Yes. Our Schengen travel insurance is 100% accepted at all VFS Global visa application centers in the UK. The policy meets all mandatory requirements: €30,000+ medical coverage, repatriation cover, valid for all Schengen countries, and covers the full duration of your trip. VFS Global checks for these elements when reviewing your application documents. Our policies have been accepted thousands of times without issue.

Yes. Our insurance is fully accepted at all TLScontact visa application centers in the UK. TLScontact processes Schengen visa applications for several countries including France, and our policy meets all their requirements. The certificate format clearly displays all required information that TLScontact staff need to verify: coverage amount, validity dates, covered territories, and policyholder details.

Yes. Our Schengen insurance is accepted at all BLS International visa application centers. BLS International handles Schengen visa processing for countries including Spain, and our policies meet all their documentation requirements. The insurance certificate is presented in a format that BLS staff can easily verify against their checklist.

The most common reasons insurance is rejected at visa centers: (1) Coverage below €30,000 — always ensure at least this amount; (2) Missing repatriation cover — it is mandatory; (3) Dates not matching the trip — insurance must cover your entire stay; (4) Not covering all Schengen countries — even if visiting one country; (5) Policy in a language the embassy doesn't understand — our policies are in English, which is universally accepted; (6) Expired policy — check dates carefully before submitting. Nova Travel's policies avoid all these issues by design.

Call the 24/7 emergency assistance number on your insurance certificate immediately. The hotline operates in multiple languages and can: direct you to the nearest suitable hospital, arrange direct payment so you do not pay out of pocket, coordinate emergency repatriation if needed, and provide translation support. In a life-threatening emergency, call 112 (the European emergency number) first, then contact your insurance assistance hotline as soon as possible.

Embassies and visa centers typically verify insurance by checking the policy certificate you submit. They look for: coverage amount (minimum €30,000), repatriation inclusion, validity dates matching your trip, and coverage across all Schengen countries. In some cases, they may contact the insurance provider to verify authenticity. All Nova Travel policies are genuine, verifiable, and issued by regulated insurance providers, so there is no risk of verification failure.

Yes, English is the universally accepted language for Schengen visa insurance certificates at all UK visa application centers (VFS Global, TLScontact, BLS International). All Nova Travel policies are issued in English, so there is no translation needed. If you are applying at an embassy outside the UK, check whether they require a translated certificate — some embassies may accept English, while others may require a local language translation.

No. Each Schengen visa application requires its own insurance policy that covers the specific dates of that trip. If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, your insurance must cover the period of your first intended visit. For subsequent trips under a multiple-entry visa, you should purchase new insurance for each visit. Using an expired policy for a new application will result in rejection.

Yes. Always carry a printed copy of your insurance certificate and the emergency assistance hotline number with you while travelling. Store a digital copy on your phone as well. If you need medical treatment, the hospital or clinic will ask for your insurance details. Having the certificate readily available ensures quick access to treatment and helps the assistance team coordinate care on your behalf.

Yes. All insurance policies sold through Nova Travel are underwritten by regulated, FCA-authorised insurance providers. This means your policy is genuine, your policy is backed by a financial guarantee, and you have full consumer protection rights under UK financial regulations. We only work with reputable insurers to ensure our customers receive reliable, embassy-approved coverage.