Why you need travel medical insurance for your trip (and visa approval)
If you’re travelling internationally, travel medical insurance isn’t optional. For many visas it’s mandatory, and it’s the only thing that pays for emergency treatment and medical repatriation if something goes wrong abroad. This guide explains when it’s required, what valid medical cover must include, and how to choose a policy that won’t let you down.
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 require medical travel insurance with at least €30,000 in medical expenses and medical repatriation, valid across all Schengen states for the full trip dates.
- Student and many long-stay visas (such as work, family reunion) often require medical cover for the 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 where it isn’t a legal requirement, carrying medical cover is strongly recommended.
What counts as travel medical insurance
A policy that’s marketed as “travel insurance” isn’t automatically visa-compliant. For the purposes of visas and real-world emergencies, your policy should clearly include:
- Emergency medical treatment (GP, A&E, hospitalisation, surgery, prescriptions).
- Medical repatriation/evacuation to your home country when medically necessary.
- Coverage for your exact dates (entry to exit) with no gaps.
- Territory that matches your trip (e.g. all Schengen countries if you’ll be in France, Germany, Italy, etc.).
- A certificate/letter naming the traveller, showing dates, territory and monetary limits.
- No exclusions that clash with your situation (residency, pre-existing conditions, age limits).
What does travel insurance cover?
The core of travel medical insurance is medical care and getting you home safely. Typical inclusions:
- Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery and ambulance costs.
- Medical repatriation or evacuation when needed.
- 24/7 medical assistance, including advice, triage and help finding suitable clinics.
- Where available, direct billing so you’re not paying large sums up front.
Many policies also bundle trip cancellation, baggage and travel delay benefits. These are helpful, but visa officers are primarily looking for the medical elements above.
Why insurance matters even in developed countries
Good public healthcare doesn’t mean free access for visitors. In destinations like the United States or Japan, even a short hospital visit can cost thousands of euros. Private clinics may be the fastest route to care but can turn you away without proof of insurance or a large deposit. A solid policy removes cost anxiety so you can focus on getting treated quickly and safely.
What about the EHIC, GHIC or reciprocal healthcare agreements?
If you hold an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (UK Global Health Insurance Card), or you’re travelling between countries with a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you may access state-provided emergency care, but these do not cover medical repatriation and won’t include non-medical benefits like lost baggage or trip cancellation. They also don’t meet Schengen insurance rules. Think of them as a complement, not a replacement.
Where to check the rules (and what to look for)
- Pick a medical limit above the minimum (e.g. €50k–€100k) for real-world headroom.
- Ensure medical repatriation is explicitly included.
- Check for a visible 24/7 assistance number on the documents.
- Match the territory to your itinerary (single country, Schengen-wide, worldwide except home, etc.).
- Declare pre-existing conditions if required and read how they’re covered.
- Review excess, age limits, and activity exclusions (winter sports, hiking above certain altitudes, riding a motorbike, volunteering, light work placements).
- If you’re visiting multiple countries (let's say Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland in one trip), make sure the certificate states a territory that covers them all.
Proof of insurance for your visa
When you apply, attach your insurance certificate showing:
- Your full name (matching your passport).
- Policy number, insurer or broker name.
- Cover dates that match your trip or full period of stay.
- Territory (e.g. All Schengen countries).
- Medical expenses limit (at least €30,000 for Schengen) and medical repatriation.
Keep a digital and paper copy with you when you travel.
Choose a reliable provider
Not all insurance policies will be accepted for visas. To avoid delays, pick one that’s specifically designed for international travel.
Travelisa partners with Insurte, a registered insurance broker that specialises in visa-compliant travel medical insurance. They issue certificates with the right wording and limits, so you can attach them to your application with confidence. You can check prices and compare policies in minutes.