Having a travel insurance has many fruitful advantages. It is very essential when you are travelling a highly developed country. This article is about the travel insurance for the US citizens traveling to Schengen countries for study, business, or a vacation. The US citizens can choose from several numbers of Schengen travel insurance plans. Choosing a right Schengen travel insurance plan from a well named and good company will save you from your canceled travel plans or losing your precious money.
Europe traveling is never easy for most of the countries. The US citizens have always shown their interest in traveling to Europe countries. The US people often get confused when they need to apply for a Schengen visa prior to their plan to any of the Schengen countries.
Do You Need a Travel Insurance for Schengen Area if you are a US Citizen?
Schengen travel insurance for a Schengen area for US citizens is not mandatory. However, it’s necessary if your length of stay is above 90 days. Any US citizen with a valid US passport can travel to the list of 26 Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days without any Schengen visa or any short-term travel/business visa. The non US residents however needs a visa depending on their nationality. The high healthcare cost in Europe makes it essential for travelers traveling to Europe from the USA to buy a good travel insurance plan.
For a long-term stay in a Schengen area, you must apply for a residence permit. All instructions for a residence permit is available on the respective consulate or embassy’s website. It’s mandatory to have a Schengen visa insurance for a long-term stay in a Schengen area.
Long-term Schengen Visa Insurance
The US citizens traveling to the Schengen countries for more than 90 days within a 180-day period must apply for an extended stay visa. A travel medical insurance with up to €30,000 coverage is a mandatory requirement for an extended stay visa. The insurer must provide a visa letter with the limit of coverage indicating that the traveler is insured for any medical expenses, hospitalization, and emergencies through the stay in the Schengen area.
Even if you do not need a visa(if traveling for less than 90 days), you must apply for a Schengen travel medical insurance due to expensive healthcare budgets in Europe(the US domestic insurance rarely travels beyond the national borders of the US). A travel medical insurance is mandatory to be financially safe while you are traveling.
Visit our website for information related to travel medical insurance plans we offer. Contact us for any help or assistance.
Documents Required by the US Citizens to Enter a Schengen Area
You require some documents to enter Europe visa free zone even if do not need to obtain a visa prior to your travel to the Schengen area.
Requirements for the US citizens, and US residents (non US citizens) traveling to the Schengen area:
- A valid US passport with a validity of 3 months beyond the date of departure from the Schengen area.
- A good and valid reason for the travel.
- Proof for enough financial source for your support during the entire stay in a Schengen country.
- Any entry/compliance requirements specific to the country of travel/transit.
On an approved entry, you will receive a stamp with your arrival date into the country. If you are rejected from entering into any of the EU member states, you will have to return to the US and apply for a regular Schengen visa.
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
Schengen travel insurance requirements for the US citizens include medical benefits of a minimum of €30,000(as per the Schengen visa guidelines) with accidents, illness, and repatriation coverage. The insurance company that you are applying to must have their representative office in Europe. In short below are the Schengen visa requirements:
- Medical coverage of a minimum of €30,000 that is equivalent to $50,000 USD.
- An emergency medical evacuation benefit.
- repatriation benefits.
- Your insurance provider must have an office in Europe.
Choosing a Best Travel Insurance for Europe?
Choosing a travel insurance varies from traveler to traveler depending on their needs. Some looks for the cheapest Schengen travel visa insurance while some opt for the most expensive one. The price is higher if you need a travel medical insurance. You must first compare different low cost Schengen visa travel insurance plans with different coverage options and prices.
Schengen travel insurance is mandatory to apply for a Schengen visa as per the requirements of the Schengen state consular.
European Travel Information and Authorization (ETIAS) Rule Starting from 2021
Starting from January 1, 2021, the Us citizens must have to apply for an ETIAS prior to their trip for an entry to the territory. ETIAS, the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The ETIAS visa waiver will require the US passport holders to apply for an entry permit in Europe before entry. It’s similar to the ESTA used by the US.
The travelers have to pay €7 while applying for an ETIAS. It will hardly take 10 minutes for the application process to complete. An ETIAS is issued for 3 years. It can be used to enter and stay in Europe for 90 days within six months.
List of Schengen Countries where the US Citizens can Visit without a Visa
| Austria | Hungary | Norway | Belgium | Iceland |
| Poland | Czech Republic | Italy | Portugal | Denmark |
| Latvia | Slovakia | Estonia | Liechtenstein | Slovenia |
| Finland | Lithuania | Spain | France | Luxembourg |
| Sweden | Germany | Malta | Switzerland | Greece |
| Netherlands |
A travel medical insurance for Schengen area is necessary. All US citizens should be aware about the fact that the local insurance health plans and the US Medicare insurance offers a little coverage in Schengen countries. So if you want to be in a comfort zone, then it’s important for you to buy a good travel insurance medical plan that will ensure a peaceful trip for you and your family.
Do research about the insurance plans on our website or contact us for an ease. A little research before your trip can help you a lot.