Schengen travel insurance FAQ: the 12 most-asked questions

1. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes — a required document under the EU Visa Code (Article 15) for every short-stay applicant. Missing or non-compliant insurance gets the file returned at submission. Full guide.

2. What's the minimum coverage?

Medical expenses of at least €30,000, including medical repatriation (including remains), valid across all Schengen states, covering the entire stay. How to read the terms.

3. How much does it cost?

Real LUMA quotes collected in August 2026: from $19 for 8 days in Zone 1-2 (e.g. Southeast Asia routes), from $21 for Schengen (Zone 3). Longer trips get far cheaper per day. Price guide.

4. Where to buy, how long does it take?

Online — enter the trip, pick a plan, pay, receive the certificate by email immediately after payment. About 5 minutes. Step-by-step.

5. Several Schengen countries — several policies?

One. The certificate must state "all Schengen states" — that single policy follows you across every internal border.

6. How far in advance should I buy?

After ticketing, before submitting the application — and mandatorily before the trip starts. Buy 1-2 buffer days beyond your flight dates to cover midnight-crossing returns.

7. Are pre-existing conditions covered?

No — excluded by a named list (cardiovascular, diabetes, hypertension, cancers, gallstones...). Newly arising illnesses and accidents remain covered normally. Details for seniors and families.

8. Can children and 70-year-olds buy it?

Yes — eligible ages run from 4 weeks to 75 years. Under-7s must travel with an insured adult on the same policy. Full age guide.

9. Can I buy it once I'm already in Europe?

No — the policy must be bought before the trip starts; events foreseeable at purchase aren't covered. This appears verbatim in the quote form's own warnings.

10. Do hospitals bill the insurer directly?

Only above USD 1,000, arranged by the insurer/assistance (ask about a Letter of Guarantee). Below that: pay, keep receipts, claim back. Claim guide.

11. Is the emailed certificate valid for submission?

Yes — print the PDF or submit the file per the receiving office's requirements. Run the six-line check first (limit, repatriation, geography, dates, name, deductible). The checklist.

12. Can I use my home country's health insurance?

No — it almost always fails all three tests at once: medical limit below €30,000, no international repatriation, no Schengen-area validity.