Insurance seems like a small detail, but the wrong policy gets visa applications refused. Here's what consulates actually check.
Why it matters
Many visas — Schengen above all — require proof of travel medical insurance before they'll approve you. The consulate wants to know that if you fall ill or have an accident, you won't become a cost to their health system.
The Schengen standard
For a Schengen visa, your policy must:
- Cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses
- Be valid across all Schengen countries
- Cover your entire stay (and ideally a few days either side)
- Include emergency medical care, hospitalisation and repatriation
Other countries set their own minimums, but €30,000 and full-trip coverage is a safe benchmark for most visa applications.
Mistakes that cause refusals
- Buying too little coverage — under the required minimum.
- Dates that don't match your travel itinerary, leaving gaps.
- A policy from an unrecognised provider — some consulates reject unknown insurers, so use a reputable, visa-compliant one.
- No repatriation cover, which is specifically required for Schengen.
A simple rule
Buy a visa-compliant travel medical policy that clearly states the coverage amount, the regions covered and the exact dates, then submit the certificate with your application. It's one of the cheapest parts of the process — and one of the easiest to get wrong.
