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Why you need Travel Medical Insurance for your trip (and visa approval)

September 11, 2025

Travelling abroad is exciting, but one thing that’s essential, and sometimes legally required, is Travel Medical Insurance. Beyond being a visa formality, it’s your financial and medical safety net in case of unexpected illness or emergencies while overseas.

This guide explains when travel insurance is mandatory, what it must include to be visa-compliant, and how to choose a reliable policy that truly protects you.

Why you need Travel Medical Insurance for your trip (and visa approval)

Is Travel Medical Insurance mandatory for your visa?

Often, yes. Visa rules are set by embassies/consulates and many require proof of medical cover as part of your application.

  • Schengen visas demand medical travel insurance with at least €30,000 in medical expenses and medical repatriation, valid across all Schengen states for the full trip duration.
  • Student and many long-stay visas (such as work or family reunion) usually require continuous coverage for your entire stay.
  • Short stays in places like the USA, Canada or Japan may not mandate it, but travelling without medical cover is a serious financial risk given healthcare costs.

Even when it’s not a legal requirement, having travel medical insurance is highly recommended.

What counts as travel medical insurance

Not every “travel insurance” policy is suitable for visas. To be valid and visa-compliant, your policy must include:

  • Emergency medical treatment (GP visits, hospital care, surgery, prescriptions).
  • Medical repatriation or evacuation to your home country when medically necessary.
  • Coverage for your full trip, with no gaps.
  • Territory that matches your trip (e.g. all Schengen countries if you’ll be in France, Germany, Italy, etc.).
  • A certificate naming the traveller, with clear details on coverage limits and regions.
  • No exclusions that conflict with your circumstances (residency, pre-existing conditions, or age).

What travel insurance typically covers

A solid travel medical insurance policy focuses on keeping you safe and covered during emergencies. Standard inclusions are:

  • Hospital stays, surgery, and ambulance costs.
  • Medical repatriation or evacuation when needed.
  • 24/7 medical assistance with access to local clinics or hospitals.

  • In some cases, direct billing so you don’t pay large sums up front.

    Some plans also include trip cancellation, lost baggage, or travel delay protection, great extras, but remember that for visas, it’s the medical coverage that matters most.

Why insurance matters even in developed countries

It’s a common misconception that countries with good healthcare systems offer free treatment to visitors. They don’t.

In destinations like the United States, Japan, or Switzerland, even a short hospital stay can cost thousands of euros. Private hospitals may refuse treatment without proof of insurance or a deposit. Having a solid policy ensures fast access to care and peace of mind, wherever you are.

What about the EHIC, GHIC or reciprocal healthcare agreements?

If you have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card), or if your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you may get access to public emergency care.

However, these options don’t cover medical repatriation or non-medical incidents such as lost luggage or cancellations, and they don’t meet Schengen visa insurance requirements. Think of them as supplements, not substitutes.

Where to check the rules (and what to look for)

When comparing insurance options, make sure to:

  • Pick a medical limit above €30,000 (ideally €50,000–€100,000).
  • Confirm that medical repatriation is included.
  • Check that your documents show a 24/7 assistance number.
  • Match the territory to your travel plans (e.g. Schengen-wide or worldwide).
  • Declare any pre-existing conditions and check how they’re covered.
  • Read about age limits, excess, and activity exclusions (like winter sports or volunteer work).
  • Ensure your certificate covers all countries on your itinerary.

Proof of insurance for your visa application

When applying for a visa, attach your insurance certificate showing:

  • Your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport).
  • Policy number and insurer/broker name.
  • Coverage dates matching your stay.
  • Territory (e.g. All Schengen countries).
  • Minimum coverage limit (€30,000 or more) and inclusion of medical repatriation.

Always carry a digital and paper copy of your certificate while travelling.

Choosing a reliable provider

Not all insurers meet visa requirements. To avoid delays or rejections, choose one that specializes in visa-compliant medical coverage.

For example, Travelisa partners with Insurte, a registered insurance broker that offers fully compliant travel medical insurance designed for your applications. Their certificates include all required details and are accepted by embassies and consulates across the Schengen Area. You can check prices and compare policies in minutes.

FAQ

1. Is travel insurance really necessary if my destination has public healthcare?
Yes. Public healthcare doesn’t mean free access for non-residents, and private hospitals may require proof of insurance before treatment.

2. Can I buy travel insurance after applying for my visa?
You should purchase it before or during your application process. Many embassies require proof of coverage to process your visa.

3. What if I extend my trip?
Make sure your policy can be extended. Travelling without coverage after your visa’s validity period can cause both medical and immigration issues.

4. What happens if my policy isn’t accepted by the embassy?
Choose providers like Insurte through Travelisa, who issue embassy-approved certificates for visa applications.

5. Is travel insurance the same as health insurance?
Not quite. Travel medical insurance covers emergencies abroad, while regular health insurance usually applies only in your home country.