Following Brexit, there have been sweeping changes in European travel requirements and regulations – both abroad and in the United Kingdom. The UK recently went live with ETA, a new travel requirement for travelers coming into the United Kingdom for short trips. Later this year, the EU will launch a similar policy called ETIAS, directly impacting UK citizens intending to go to Schengen countries (including Spain, Italy, France, and others).
The combination of Brexit, ETIAS, and several individual Schengen countries bringing about local changes, a flurry of questions has arisen for British travelers. One of those is regarding Schengen travel insurance.
With all of the new policies, what happens if you have a medical emergency, such as a broken arm or a sudden illness while abroad? That’s where travel insurance comes in.
But Is Schengen travel insurance now mandatory for UK travelers? Well, it depends.
New requirements for UK travelers heading to the Schengen Area
Beginning later this year, British passport holders will need to apply for ETIAS, a pre-travel authorization, before going to the Schengen Area. This new policy is expected to launch in the Autumn of 2025. ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization that, when approved, permits you to enter a Schengen country. Done entirely online, the application process is relatively quick and easy but will cost applicants 7 euros per person (this fee is waived for anyone under the age of 18 or over 70). If you are planning to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days, or to work or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
On the other hand, residents of the United Kingdom (including Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland), who are notBritish passport holders, may be required to obtain a Schengen visa before entering any country in the Schengen Area.
Is travel insurance required when going to the Schengen Zone?
If you are a British passport holder, Schengen travel insurance isn’t a strict requirement if you are traveling without a visa, but it is strongly recommended and encouraged. If you’re not a British citizen but live in the UK, you will need to get Schengen insurance if you are applying for a Schengen visa. Travel insurance is a mandatory part of the Schengen visa application process.
Whether it’s a requirement or not, getting travel insurance is a good idea post-Brexit. International medical costs can be exorbitant, which means you could face hefty bills should a health emergency arise during your holiday. This isn’t only a large inconvenience, it can also be financially devastating depending on your specific situation.
What are the insurance requirements when applying for a Schengen visa?
If you need a Schengen visa (if you are an Indian passport holder residing in the UK, for example), Schengen travel insurance is mandatory. Without it, your Schengen visa application will be denied. This means that you’ll need to take out an insurance policy before you submit your visa application.
However, not all travel insurance policies are created equal. The policy that you choose must be Schengen-compliant. But what does that mean?
For visa applications in 2025, your Schengen travel insurance must:
Include coverage for emergency medical costs. Emergencies include broken limbs, severe and sudden illness, and more. Keep in mind that it doesn’t include pre-existing conditions.
Include emergency hospitalization and repatriation (including mortal remains).
Provide minimum coverage of € 30,000 for emergency medical costs.
Cover you in every Schengen country, regardless of how many Schengen countries you plan to visit.
Cover you for the entire duration of your stay.
What does Schengen travel insurance cover?
Whether you are applying for a Schengen visa or not, you should strongly consider Schengen travel insurance. While overseas, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that you’re covered for emergency medical costs, as well as several other events depending on the specific policy that you choose.
In addition to emergency medical, Schengen travel insurance can cover you for a wide array of travel risks. These include lost or stolen passports or luggage, search and rescue costs (for ski trips, for example), or even legal fees and assistance. The coverage you will get will depend on the plan that you select, so always pay close attention to the terms and conditions before purchasing.
Nowadays, travel insurance is highly customizable, especially with services like Insurte, a 100% online option specializing in Schengen insurance.
