Short answer
EU Visa Code Article 15 requires travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, valid for the entire Schengen area and for the full stay or transit period, including repatriation and emergency care (Source: EU_VISA_CODE_ARTICLE_15_2026, Article 15; verified 2026-01-15). Some routes add stricter requirements, so always check the local checklist.
Key findings at a glance
| Requirement | EU Visa Code Article 15 |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | EUR 30,000 |
| Coverage scope | Entire Schengen area |
| Coverage period | Full stay or transit |
| Required benefits | Repatriation, urgent medical attention, emergency treatment, death |
What the authority requires
Under EU Visa Code Article 15, applicants must have travel medical insurance that:
- Covers repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death.
- Is valid throughout the territory of the Member States and for the entire period of stay or transit.
- Has a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000.
Source: EU_VISA_CODE_ARTICLE_15_2026 (Article 15; verified 2026-01-15).
Normalized requirements table:
| Requirement | Source URL | Locator | Verified date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repatriation and emergency care covered | https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 | Article 15 | 2026-01-15 |
| Valid for entire Schengen area | https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 | Article 15 | 2026-01-15 |
| Valid for full stay or transit | https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 | Article 15 | 2026-01-15 |
| Minimum coverage EUR 30,000 | https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R0810 | Article 15 | 2026-01-15 |
Verified requirements (PASS/FAIL/UNKNOWN)
| Requirement | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum coverage EUR 30,000 | PASS | EU Visa Code Article 15 |
| Repatriation and emergency care | PASS | EU Visa Code Article 15 |
| Valid for full stay | PASS | EU Visa Code Article 15 |
How we evaluate
We compare these requirements against ProductFacts and route-specific checklists. If the policy does not explicitly state EUR 30,000 or does not list repatriation coverage, the result is UNKNOWN. If a route adds stricter requirements (for example, unlimited coverage for Spain DNV), those override the baseline Schengen rule. See /methodology/ for rule logic and the UNKNOWN > Wrong principle.
Proof package checklist
- Policy certificate showing EUR 30,000 minimum coverage.
- Evidence that repatriation and emergency care are included.
- Coverage dates matching the entire stay or transit period.
Common rejection traps
- Submitting a policy that omits repatriation or emergency treatment coverage.
- Coverage dates that do not match the full stay period.
- INFERENCE: Assuming Schengen baseline rules are enough for routes with stricter requirements.
FAQ
Q: Is €30,000 always required for Schengen visas?
A: Many Schengen routes require it, but always verify with the authority checklist (Source: EU_VISA_CODE_ARTICLE_15_2026, Article 15; verified 2026-01-15).
Q: Does deductible matter? A: Some routes require zero deductible (for example, Spain DNV). Use the checker to confirm evidence for your route.
Q: Does the policy need repatriation coverage? A: Yes. Article 15 explicitly requires repatriation coverage.
Q: Is this requirement the same as Spain DNV? A: No. Spain DNV is stricter and requires unlimited coverage with no deductible or co-payments.
Check in the engine
Use the compliance checker with a route-specific snapshot. Example:
Related reading
- Spain DNV insurance hub
- Spain DNV requirements (route page)
- Spain coverage cap trap
- Digital nomad insurance in Europe
- Methodology
Disclaimer + Affiliate disclosure
Not legal advice. Compliance results are evidence-based snapshots.
If a link is shown after results, it does not influence the evidence-based outcome.
Last updated: 2026-02-05
Evidence log
- Source: EU_VISA_CODE_ARTICLE_15_2026