Minimum Coverage Requirements for Schengen Travel Insurance

The €30,000 Schengen minimum is a regulatory floor, not a recommendation. While it satisfies visa requirements, it can leave significant gaps during a serious medical event in Europe. Smart travelers buy meaningfully more.

Why €30,000 Isn't Enough

European healthcare is more affordable than American, but a serious medical event still costs serious money. An ICU stay in Germany or Switzerland can run €1,500-€3,000 per day. Surgery and post-op recovery can quickly exceed €30,000. Medical evacuation back to the US easily costs €50,000+.

Recommended Coverage Levels

• Short trips (1-2 weeks): €50,000-€100,000
• Longer trips (2-4 weeks): €100,000
• Travelers over 60: €100,000-€250,000
• Multi-month stays: €250,000+

Cost Difference

The premium difference between €30,000 and €100,000 coverage is typically small — €5-€15 for a 2-week trip. The 3x coverage at minimal additional cost is one of the easiest insurance decisions you'll make.

Medical Evacuation

The Schengen minimum doesn't specify medical evacuation. For US travelers, evacuation back to a US hospital can cost €80,000-€150,000. Verify your plan includes adequate evacuation coverage, separate from the medical maximum.

Bottom Line

Don't buy the cheapest plan that meets the minimum. Buy the plan that actually protects you. Ombrela displays both the Schengen-required minimum and recommended coverage levels for your specific trip.