Schengen travel insurance is a special type of insurance you need when you travel to 29 countries in Europe, including France, Germany, and Spain. If you need a Schengen visa to visit these countries you also need this insurance. But what if you’re visiting from the UK?
Yes and no. It depends on why you’re visiting and how long for.
UK citizens don’t need a visa to travel within the Schengen Area for short stays. You can visit visa-free for any of the following reasons for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Remember, whether you’re making one visit to the Schengen Area or many within a rolling 180-day period, they all count towards the total.
If you’re from the UK and want to visit a country in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days out of 180, you need a Schengen visa and Schengen travel insurance.
Your Schengen travel insurance must:
No matter how long you’re staying, it’s smart to get travel insurance that meets local rules and covers your activities.
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) only gives limited medical cover. It won’t help with medical emergencies, getting you home for treatment (repatriation), trip cancellations, or other travel problems
Read more: Applying for a Schengen Visa from the UK
Schengen travel insurance helps protect you from losing money if things go wrong. Here’s what it usually covers:
The Schengen Area is made up of 29 countries that allow people to move between them freely:
UK citizens only need a Schengen visa and Schengen travel insurance if they stay in the area for more than 90 days out of 180. For shorter trips, travel insurance isn’t mandatory. But it’s a good idea to have it for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and other problems.
To get a Schengen visa, you need travel insurance with at least €30,000 for medical costs. It must be valid for your whole stay and cover all Schengen countries.
No, the UK Global Health Insurance Card (Ghic) isn’t the same as travel insurance. It gives some healthcare coverage in the EU. But it doesn’t cover everything, like trip cancellations or personal liability.
It depends on where you’re going. If you’re travelling outside the Schengen Area, you might need extra insurance. Always check what your policy covers.
As a UK citizen, you need a Schengen visa if you plan to:
For these longer stays, you also need Schengen travel insurance.
For trips of up to 90 days out of 180, you don’t need a Schengen visa or travel insurance. But it’s still a good idea to get covered for extra protection.
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