Matthew Kayser
 |  Contributor

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has continued to increase year after year – especially in popular countries in Europe – like France, Spain, and Greece. 

Requirements are also growing and changing in response to the large influx of people and ongoing security threats. 

While travelers from the US can expect to see some big changes in the next few years when it comes to European travel, there are some requirements to be aware of today, like Schengen travel insurance. 

But what countries require it? And why? And what other requirements should you be aware of?

European Countries Requiring Travel Insurance

Whether or not travel insurance is mandatory depends on one main thing: Whether or not the traveler is applying for a Schengen visa.

While the Schengen Area does have agreements with several countries as far as who needs a visa and who doesn’t, the fact is that millions of people every year have to obtain one before visiting the majority of European countries. 

What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a group of 29 countries in Europe that have eliminated border security checks between them. Schengen countries include popular Western destinations like France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. Other popular countries like the UK and Ireland are not in the Schengen Zone. 

Who Needs a Schengen Visa?

Travelers from countries that do not have visa waiver agreements with the Schengen Zone need a Schengen visa to enter any country in the Zone. In this case, “from” refers to nationality. 

If you’re a citizen of India, but a resident of the United States for example, you will require a Schengen visa to enter. India does not have a visa waiver agreement with the Zone, even if you’re a legal resident of New York. 

With that being said, citizens of countries with visa waiver agreements (such as the US, UK, Canada, and others) can only stay in the zone for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Beginning in 2026, exempt citizens will also need to obtain a pre-travel authorization called ETIAS. Any trip longer than 90 days requires a visa. 

Which Schengen Countries Require Travel Insurance? 

All Schengen countries require travel insurance when applying for a Schengen visa. 

This includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. 

However, not any old insurance will do. Visa applicants are required to get Schengen-compliant insurance, which means that the policy you choose must adhere to specific criteria. 

Requirements include: 

  • Coverage in all Schengen member states (the countries listed above). 
  • A minimum of €30,000 coverage for medical emergency costs, including hospitalization/relevant surgery.
  • Medical evacuation/repatriation (including mortal remains).
  • Validity during the entire period of your stay.

Why Does the Schengen Zone Require Travel Insurance? 

The Schengen Zone requires its visa holders to hold policies for the traveler’s well-being and the country in question. 

Medical emergency costs can be overwhelming in the Schengen Zone, especially if you require lifesaving efforts. Because the Schengen Area operates on publicly provided healthcare, travelers generally do not have access to it. This means that any medical emergency will cost you, the traveler, out of pocket.

This sort of financial blow can be devastating. Travel insurance can ensure that if an emergency happens, you won’t suffer from a significant economic loss while you get the care you need.

Secondly, travel insurance protects the countries in the Schengen Area. If a traveler gets into a severe accident during their trip and does not have the funds to pay, the country then has to foot the bill, suffering a financial loss. This is detrimental to their economy. 

The Schengen travel requirement can help everyone. 

Do you need travel insurance if you are visa-exempt?

The European Union requires that visa-holders have insurance, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re scot-free otherwise. 

European countries can require their visitors to take out travel insurance, regardless of visa status. For example, the European Union and National regulations in France clearly state that all travelers, visa or not, should take out a valid travel insurance policy before traveling to France. In fact, border agents can even ask to see proof of it. 

No matter which country you’re traveling to, you should always check the entry requirements on their Embassy’s website to make sure that you have what is required before boarding your flight.

All of this to say, whether travel insurance is mandatory or not, it’s always a good idea to safeguard your health, protect your trip, and travel easily, knowing that you’re covered if something goes awry. 

The new EES policy for travelers

Travel insurance isn’t the only Schengen Area policy you should be aware of. While there are several requirements for travelers heading to the Schengen Area, especially for visa applicants, there are new and upcoming policies you need to understand, too. 

The Entry/Exit System, or EES for short, is a new policy being adopted by all Schengen member countries. While there isn’t anything special you have to do ahead of time, the next time you travel, you may need to go through a new process at the border called EES.

The Schengen Area is digitally automating its border processes. Instead of simply waiting in line for a manual check with a border agent and a passport stamp, you’ll go through a fully digitally automated process, and then a border agent will verify your identity. 

In order to verify your identity, the first time you go through EES, a border agent will take your photograph and/or fingerprints. This information will be stored in a secure system in the European Union.

A big change is that Schengen Area countries will no longer stamp your passport upon Entry and Exit. 

EES is fully operational as of October 12, 2025, but there is a multi-month transition process for participating countries. All Schengen countries will fully adopt the Entry/Exit System by April 10, 2026.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.