- The Best Schengen Travel Insurance Plans
- What exactly is Schengen travel insurance?
- The price of Schengen travel insurance
- Schengen travel insurance coverage
- The conditions of Schengen travel insurance
- Why take out Schengen travel insurance?
- How to Choose the Right Schengen Travel Insurance
- Does my current insurance policy meet Schengen travel insurance requirements?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Schengen travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Mandatory medical insurance for UAE residents to get a visa for the 27 Schengen Area countries.
2. Price: A one-week policy from the UAE typically costs between 180 and 280 AED per person.
3. Coverage: It covers emergency medical care and repatriation but often excludes pre-existing conditions and non-urgent treatments.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: UAE bank cards and local health plans like Daman rarely meet the mandatory Schengen visa requirements.
5. Tips: Choose a policy that provides an instant insurance certificate required for your VFS or embassy appointment.
6. Other useful info: For frequent travel, an annual multi-trip policy is often more cost-effective than single-trip insurance plans.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in the UAE, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best Schengen travel insurance.
The Best Schengen Travel Insurance Plans
Here is a selection of the best Schengen travel insurance plans available for residents of the UAE in 2025. These policies stand out due to their high medical coverage, low deductibles and streamlined visa-compliant terms, supporting a smooth and safe trip to Europe.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 400,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 400,000 AED | 200 AED |
|
| Tourist Card | 300,000 AED | 150 AED |
|
| World Travel | 350,000 AED | 250 AED |
|
| Globe Partner | 280,000 AED | 180 AED |
|
| Globe Traveller | 300,000 AED | 180 AED |
|
- Policy instantly issued for visas.
- Includes emergency medical repatriation.
- 24/7 Arabic and English support.
- Covers family emergencies and trip interruption.
- Mobile app for claims and documents.
- Direct billing to European hospitals.
- 24/7 multilingual telephone support.
- Immediate delivery of compliance certificate.
- Fast online policy purchase.
- Claims managed by UAE-based team.
- WhatsApp support for inquiries.
- Documentation ready for all embassies.
- Upfront hospital payment guarantee.
- Family/group discount available.
- Emergency cash advance for travelers.
- Wide European medical network.
- Schengen visa accepted guarantee.
- Quick claim approval.
- Arabic-language helpline.
- Doctor-on-call hotline.
- Long trip coverage up to 180 days.
- Covers multiple Schengen entries.
- Multilingual support by phone or email.
- Policy can be extended from abroad.
The best Schengen travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareWhat exactly is Schengen travel insurance?
Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory health insurance policy required for UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa.
It must provide at least €30,000 (about AED 120,000) coverage for emergency medical care and medical repatriation. Emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation to the UAE are compulsory guarantees.
Coverage must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries for the entire stay, including planned entries and exits.
Schengen travel insurance is also known as Europe travel insurance and must meet specific embassy requirements for visa approval.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out Schengen travel insurance is especially important if you live in the United Arab Emirates:
- It is mandatory for your Schengen visa application from the UAE.
- To cover high emergency medical costs within the Schengen Area.
- For expensive medical repatriation back to the United Arab Emirates.
- If your pre-booked trip is cancelled or interrupted for valid reasons.
- When traveling with children or elderly family members from the UAE.
- If you have any pre-existing health conditions, even minor ones.
- To protect against theft or loss of your baggage and valuables.
The price of Schengen travel insurance
On average, Schengen travel insurance costs between 80 AED and 45 AED per week, depending on the duration, age, and specific coverage requirements.
| Trip | Trip cost (AED) | Indicative price per person (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend in Paris (3 days) | 2,000 | 60 to 100 |
| Two-week family holiday in Italy | 12,000 | 180 to 320 |
| 21-day multi-country tour in Europe | 15,000 | 260 to 420 |
| One-month business stay in Germany | 9,000 | 120 to 250 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your Schengen travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: longer stays and additional buffer days required for visa compliance increase the price.
- traveller’s age: older travellers, especially above 65, pay more.
- level of coverage: plans with higher medical limits, lower deductibles, or additional options such as baggage loss are more expensive.
- number of travelers: family policies or group coverage may offer discounts compared to single-person policies.
- selected options: coverage for sports, pre-existing conditions, or multi-entry can increase the cost.
Schengen travel insurance coverage
Schengen travel insurance is a type of policy required for UAE residents who want to visit Europe’s Schengen Area. It is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa, and must cover all Schengen countries for the stay plus buffer days.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Key guarantee. Pays urgent medical costs for illness or injury abroad. | 🔴 Required for Schengen visa. We recommend a minimum reimbursement of AED 120,000 with a maximum deductible of AED 200. Routine care, pre-existing conditions and planned treatment are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Organises and pays for return to UAE after a serious medical event. | 🔴 Required for Schengen visa. Coverage must be at least AED 200,000 and preferably unlimited, with a low deductible. Claims may be denied if traveller refuses repatriation or in non-emergency cases. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Urgent dental treatment due to accident or sudden pain. | We recommend at least AED 2,000 and avoid deductibles above AED 100. Cosmetic treatments, planned dental work, and orthodontics are excluded. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or delay | Compensation for lost, stolen or delayed luggage during the trip. | Minimum AED 3,000 cover is advised with a low deductible. Exclusions: cash, high-value electronics, and unattended items. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of non-refundable travel costs if trip is cancelled for covered reasons. | Minimum AED 10,000 is suggested. Deductibles should be under AED 200. Change of mind and visa refusal without valid reasons are not covered. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or property damage you unintentionally cause to others. | At least AED 50,000 is standard. Deductibles should not exceed AED 200. Damage to family, rented accommodation and deliberate acts are usually not covered. |
| 🕒 Trip interruption | Reimbursement for unused services if travel is cut short due to emergency. | Choose policies with at least AED 15,000 cover and minimal deductible. Voluntary itinerary changes and minor illnesses are excluded. |
| 🚗 Emergency evacuation | Provides transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility if local care is insufficient. | Look for a minimum of AED 100,000 cover. Non-medical evacuations and evacuation from warzones are excluded. |
We recommend a minimum reimbursement of AED 120,000 with a maximum deductible of AED 200.
Routine care, pre-existing conditions and planned treatment are excluded.
Coverage must be at least AED 200,000 and preferably unlimited, with a low deductible.
Claims may be denied if traveller refuses repatriation or in non-emergency cases.
Cosmetic treatments, planned dental work, and orthodontics are excluded.
Exclusions: cash, high-value electronics, and unattended items.
Change of mind and visa refusal without valid reasons are not covered.
Damage to family, rented accommodation and deliberate acts are usually not covered.
Voluntary itinerary changes and minor illnesses are excluded.
Non-medical evacuations and evacuation from warzones are excluded.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the Schengen travel insurance best suited to your needs, easily compare plans on HelloSafe.
The conditions of Schengen travel insurance
For a Schengen travel insurance policy to be considered valid, specific conditions must be met.
- Policy purchase timing: the insurance must be bought before applying for the Schengen visa or before travel begins from the UAE.
- Coverage amount: the policy must cover at least AED 120,000 in emergency medical expenses and repatriation, as required.
- Geographic scope: coverage must be valid in all 27 Schengen area countries for the full stay.
- Duration compliance: the insurance should match or exceed the travel period, including any additional days required by visa regulations.
- No ongoing travel: the policy is only valid if purchased while the traveler is still in the UAE and not already in Europe.
- Document presentation: a valid insurance certificate must be provided to the embassy or consulate during the visa application process.
- Exclusion zones: coverage may be invalid if the traveler visits countries or regions under official travel advisories.
- Immediate notification: prompt notification to the insurer is required in the event of medical emergencies, hospitalisation, or repatriation.
Watch out!
A critical error for UAE travellers is assuming pre-existing conditions are automatically covered. Most Schengen policies require you to declare them for coverage to be valid. Non-disclosure can lead to claim rejection, leaving you with substantial medical bills in Europe. Always verify your policy's specific terms.
Why take out Schengen travel insurance?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa.
When travelling in Europe, even a minor health issue can result in substantial expenses that are your sole responsibility without proper insurance.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost in the Schengen Area | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to AED 120,000 per claim, often 100% covered |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to AED 500,000, usually 100% covered |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to AED 400,000, typically 100% if urgent |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to AED 120,000, generally 100% |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Up to AED 8,000, subject to sub-limits |
- AED 800 to AED 1,200
- AED 80,000 to AED 150,000
- AED 25,000 to AED 45,000
- AED 600 to AED 1,000
- AED 1,000 to AED 1,800
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
In addition to medical expenses, Schengen travel insurance may include other useful guarantees such as personal liability, trip cancellation, lost luggage, 24/7 assistance services, and medical repatriation, providing essential protection during your stay.
Good to know
A medical emergency in Europe can cost over 45,000 AED. This insurance is not just a visa requirement; it's essential financial protection. A plan from an insurer like Mondialcare covers high medical bills and repatriation, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
How to Choose the Right Schengen Travel Insurance
Coverage, reimbursement ceilings, and exclusions can vary significantly between Schengen travel insurance plans. It is important to compare all criteria to select guarantees truly adapted to your trip, legal needs, and personal situation.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Schengen law requires minimum medical cover of €30,000 per person. | Always check that the plan covers at least AED 120,000 for emergencies in every Schengen country. |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher deductibles mean you pay more in a claim situation. | Select a policy with low or zero deductible for medical expenses abroad, especially for hospital care. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Some guarantees only apply if the insurance is purchased at booking or before travel begins. | Purchase insurance before your visa appointment, and verify that the effective dates fully cover your trip. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Some policies exclude seniors or increase premiums significantly over age 65. | Check age-related exclusions and maximum coverage, especially when insuring older family members. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Coverage and price may differ for families, business travelers, or solo trips. | Confirm all family members or group details are listed to ensure everyone is covered under the Schengen certificate. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies must match your exact dates, including visa validity and buffer days. | Check that insurance covers your entire stay plus required days, as embassies may reject mismatched dates. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Schengen policies must cover all 27 countries and sometimes microstates or border regions. | Make sure both your entry and any stopovers fall within the listed geographic coverage of your plan. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | UAE health or bank card insurance almost never meets Schengen visa requirements. | Bring an official Schengen-compliant certificate, as embassy staff routinely reject bank card and non-compliant plans. |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Immediate issuance is useful, especially when applying for a last-minute visa appointment. | Favour insurers that provide instant policy documentation and embassy-ready certificates online for quicker approval. |
Does my current insurance policy meet Schengen travel insurance requirements?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurance plans, like credit card or health insurance, can provide Schengen travel insurance, but unfortunately this is almost never enough.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Schengen travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Dubai Health Authority) | Never | Emergency care within the UAE only, maximum limit: AED 20,000. No overseas medical, no repatriation, no coverage for baggage, liability or trip cancellation. | Travel insurance reimburses up to AED 400,000 for medical, repatriation, baggage and legal assistance, which are not included. |
| Private health insurance (Daman Health, AXA Gulf) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical abroad, max: AED 30,000–60,000, often excludes repatriation. No coverage for cancellation, baggage, or liability, and does not meet Schengen visa requirements. | Travel insurance guarantees up to AED 400,000 plus all Schengen-mandatory and extra travel guarantees for full legal compliance. |
| Classic credit card (Emirates NBD Standard, ADCB Classic) | Never | Basic accident or delayed baggage, max: AED 3,000–5,000, rarely any medical or repatriation. No comprehensive medical, no repatriation coverage, no Schengen visa compliance, no personal liability. | Travel insurance provides up to AED 400,000 with medical, repatriation and documents required for Schengen visa acceptance. |
| Premium credit card (FAB World Elite, HSBC Premier) | Limited coverage | Emergency medical, trip cancellation, repatriation, max: AED 80,000–100,000, often with restrictions. No guarantee for full Schengen compliance or high-value medical/repatriation expenses. | Travel insurance routinely covers up to AED 400,000 and includes all legal and practical requirements for Schengen travel. |
No overseas medical, no repatriation, no coverage for baggage, liability or trip cancellation.
No coverage for cancellation, baggage, or liability, and does not meet Schengen visa requirements.
No comprehensive medical, no repatriation coverage, no Schengen visa compliance, no personal liability.
No guarantee for full Schengen compliance or high-value medical/repatriation expenses.
Expert advice
Trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death is often excluded from bank card and health insurance contracts. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa, regardless of purpose, as embassies require proof of coverage. Travelers with UAE or GCC passports who do not need a visa are not legally required to purchase it, but it is strongly recommended. For instance, a tourist experiencing a medical emergency in France would benefit greatly from having valid insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase Schengen travel insurance?
The best time to purchase Schengen travel insurance is before submitting your visa application, as the policy certificate is required for the visa process. It is wise to arrange coverage as soon as you confirm your travel dates. Buying insurance early ensures cancellation cover is included and avoids last-minute policy issues.
How do I purchase Schengen travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best plan for your needs. Next, check all guarantees and exclusions, making sure the policy is fully compliant with Schengen requirements. Then, purchase your chosen plan online. You will immediately receive the required insurance certificate for your visa application.
Can I purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking your trip, but always buy it before applying for your visa. Purchasing early can also protect you against trip cancellation and certain unexpected events that may arise before departure.
How do I make a claim with Schengen travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible by contacting their helpline or claims portal. You will need to provide your policy details, evidence of your loss or expense, and supporting receipts. It is important to keep all official documents and follow your insurer’s specific claims procedure.
Does Schengen travel insurance cover COVID-19 expenses?
Most Schengen insurance plans today include COVID-19 coverage, such as medical treatment or quarantine costs in Europe. However, policy terms vary, so check that COVID-19 is explicitly included before purchasing. Always review the insurer’s guidelines for pandemic-related emergencies.
Is Schengen travel insurance valid for multiple countries?
Yes, as long as all destinations are within the Schengen zone, your insurance is valid in every country you visit. The policy must cover your entire travel period and remain active throughout all your movements across Schengen borders, regardless of the entry and exit points.
Is Schengen travel insurance mandatory?
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for UAE residents applying for a Schengen visa, regardless of purpose, as embassies require proof of coverage. Travelers with UAE or GCC passports who do not need a visa are not legally required to purchase it, but it is strongly recommended. For instance, a tourist experiencing a medical emergency in France would benefit greatly from having valid insurance.
When is it recommended to purchase Schengen travel insurance?
The best time to purchase Schengen travel insurance is before submitting your visa application, as the policy certificate is required for the visa process. It is wise to arrange coverage as soon as you confirm your travel dates. Buying insurance early ensures cancellation cover is included and avoids last-minute policy issues.
How do I purchase Schengen travel insurance?
First, compare offers using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform to find the best plan for your needs. Next, check all guarantees and exclusions, making sure the policy is fully compliant with Schengen requirements. Then, purchase your chosen plan online. You will immediately receive the required insurance certificate for your visa application.
Can I purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking my trip?
Yes, you can purchase Schengen travel insurance after booking your trip, but always buy it before applying for your visa. Purchasing early can also protect you against trip cancellation and certain unexpected events that may arise before departure.
How do I make a claim with Schengen travel insurance?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible by contacting their helpline or claims portal. You will need to provide your policy details, evidence of your loss or expense, and supporting receipts. It is important to keep all official documents and follow your insurer’s specific claims procedure.
Does Schengen travel insurance cover COVID-19 expenses?
Most Schengen insurance plans today include COVID-19 coverage, such as medical treatment or quarantine costs in Europe. However, policy terms vary, so check that COVID-19 is explicitly included before purchasing. Always review the insurer’s guidelines for pandemic-related emergencies.
Is Schengen travel insurance valid for multiple countries?
Yes, as long as all destinations are within the Schengen zone, your insurance is valid in every country you visit. The policy must cover your entire travel period and remain active throughout all your movements across Schengen borders, regardless of the entry and exit points.
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