Schengen visa insurance

Ireland: what are the best Schengen visa insurances in 2025?

Insurance
Price
Features
Our Opinion
Offers
Special offer for new arrivals in Europe up to 70 years old
Price
From€17.70
Foreign medical expenses
€30,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Not included
Foreign medical expenses
€30,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Not included
Immediate certificate by email
  • Insurance approved for the Schengen visa
  • Immediate confirmation by email
  • Refund requests directly online
  • Refunds possible in a currency other than the euro
  • Insurance approved for the Schengen visa
  • Immediate confirmation by email
  • Refund requests directly online
  • Refunds possible in a currency other than the euro
with our partner ACS
Our detailed review

The ACS - Europax offer provides coverage for medical expenses abroad up to €30,000 per insured person, with a deductible of €30, which is the same as AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Low Cost and Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essential, but lower than AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel and Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Premium, which offer up to €100,000. Regarding legal liability, ACS - Europax offers high coverage of €4,575,000, which far exceeds Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Premium option, which covers up to €1,500,000. However, ACS - Europax does not offer cancellation insurance, unlike some competing offers that include this guarantee.

The price of ACS - Europax is €30.20, which is competitive compared to AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Low Cost at €55.00 and significantly cheaper than AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel at €81.00. However, it is slightly lower than Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort at €34.00.

The ACS - Europax offer is suitable for non-European travellers who need insurance that meets the requirements of the Schengen visa, with excellent coverage for medical emergencies and high liability coverage at a competitive price.

Valid for a short stay Schengen visa
Foreign medical expenses
€30,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Not included
Foreign medical expenses
€30,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Not included
Immediate certificate by email
  • Insurance accepted for a Schengen visa
  • Refund if visa is refused (-€15)
  • Immediate statement approved by consulates
  • Repatriation guarantee after hospitalisation in your country of origin
  • 24/7 Assistance
  • Does not cover pre-existing conditions
Pros
Cons
  • Insurance accepted for a Schengen visa
  • Refund if visa is refused (-€15)
  • Immediate statement approved by consulates
  • Repatriation guarantee after hospitalisation in your country of origin
  • 24/7 Assistance
via our partner Chapka
Our detailed review

The Chapka - Cap Schengen insurance provides coverage for medical expenses abroad up to €30,000 per insured person with a deductible of €80, which is standard compared to other offers like AVA Assurances - Ava Incoming Classic and Europ Assistance - Visa Schengen - Schengen. Medical repatriation is covered at actual cost, which offers premium coverage similar to Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essential and AVA Insurances - Ava Incoming Safe & Health. However, this offer does not cover trip cancellation, liability, loss or theft of luggage, or interruption of stay, making it less comprehensive than offers like ACS - Europax, which includes liability coverage up to €4,575,000 per insured person.
The price of Chapka - Cap Schengen insurance is €58.00, which is more expensive than competing offers such as Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essential at €37.00 and ACS - Europax at €30.20. On the other hand, it is cheaper than the AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel insurance at €81.00.
This offer is suitable for non-European travellers planning a trip to the Schengen area, as it meets Schengen visa requirements with adequate coverage for medical expenses and medical repatriation.

Valid for Schengen visa up to 3 months
Foreign medical expenses
€35,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual Costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Return Ticket
Foreign medical expenses
€35,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual Costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Return Ticket
  • Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
  • Immediate confirmation by email
  • 24/7 unlimited medical assistance by phone
  • Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
  • Immediate confirmation by email
  • 24/7 unlimited medical assistance by phone
with our partner MondialCare
Our detailed review

Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort offers solid guarantees for non-European travellers visiting the Schengen area, with a medical expenses ceiling abroad of €100,000, higher than ACS - Europax and Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Essentiel which only offer €30,000. However, private liability insurance is covered up to €1,500,000, less than the €4,575,000 offered by ACS - Europax. Medical repatriation is covered without cost limit, similar to most other offers. However, the offer does not cover luggage, cancellation or interruption of stay, which may be a disadvantage for some travellers.
The price of Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort is €34.00, which is competitive compared to other offers such as Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Premium for €44.00 and AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel for €81.00, although slightly more expensive than ACS - Europax for €30.20.
This offer is well suited for the non-European traveller who needs high medical cover and adequate liability insurance for a three-week stay in the Schengen area.

Valid for the Schengen visa up to 3 months
Foreign medical expenses
€100,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Return ticket
Foreign medical expenses
€100,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Return ticket
Immediate certificate by email
  • Insurance accepted for Schengen visa
  • Immediate certificate approved by consulates
  • €3,000 legal assistance
  • 24/7 unlimited telephone medical advice
  • Insurance accepted for Schengen visa
  • Immediate certificate approved by consulates
  • €3,000 legal assistance
  • 24/7 unlimited telephone medical advice
with our partner MondialCare
Our detailed review

Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Premium option offers coverage for medical expenses abroad of €100,000 per insured person, which is higher than the €30,000 of ACS - Europax and equivalent to AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel. Regarding legal liability, it offers coverage of €1,500,000, less than the €4,575,000 offered by ACS - Europax, but more than most other competitors who do not cover this guarantee. Medical repatriation is covered against actual costs, a standard among premium offers. However, guarantees such as cancellation and baggage cover are lacking, unlike Chapka - Cap Academy, which covers baggage up to €3,000.
The price of Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Premium option is €47.00, which is competitive compared to Assur Travel - Impact Schengen - Summum at €48.00 and significantly cheaper than AXA - Visa Schengen - Schengen Europe Travel at €81.00. However, it is more expensive than Mondial Care - Visa Schengen - Option Confort at €34.00 and ACS - Europax at €30.20.
This offer is suitable for non-European citizens travelling in the Schengen area, as it meets the requirements for a Schengen visa and provides adequate medical cover and liability cover.

Valid for Schengen visa + 3 months
Foreign medical expenses
€70,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Return ticket
Foreign medical expenses
€70,000
Trip cancellation
Not included
24/7 repatriation assistance
Actual costs
Baggage insurance
Not included
Early return
Return ticket
Immediate certificate by email
  • Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
  • Refund in case of visa refusal (-€15)
  • Immediate certificate approved by the consulates
  • 24/7 repatriation assistance
  • Insurance accepted for the Schengen visa
  • Refund in case of visa refusal (-€15)
  • Immediate certificate approved by the consulates
  • 24/7 repatriation assistance
with our partner Chapka
Our detailed review

Chapka - Cap Europa provides coverage for medical expenses abroad up to €70,000 per insured, with a deductible of €80, which is lower than ACS - Globe Partner and Mondial Care - World Travel which offer €300,000 and €300,000 respectively, without any deductible for the first and €50 for the second. Regarding medical repatriation, Chapka - Cap Europa covers the actual costs, similar to ACS - Globe Traveller and Mondial Care - World Travel. However, Chapka - Cap Europa does not cover luggage, unlike ACS - Globe Traveller which offers coverage of €2,000 per claim, and Mondial Care - World Travel which offers €1,000. Furthermore, cancellation insurance is not covered by Chapka - Cap Europa, while ACS - Globe Traveller provides coverage up to €9,000 per insured.
Chapka - Cap Europa is suitable for travellers journeying around the world for a year who prioritise medical coverage and repatriation, but they may encounter limitations due to the absence of coverage for luggage and cancellation.

Table of Contents
  • Why take out Schengen visa insurance?
  • What are the benefits of Schengen visa insurance?
  • How to choose the right Schengen visa insurance?
  • How much does Schengen visa insurance cost?

Are you planning to visit a country in the Schengen Area and need a visa? Be aware that specific travel insurance is mandatory to obtain this visa. It will cover your medical expenses and assistance costs during your stay. But it’s essential to choose it carefully, as not all policies offer the same level of coverage.

Prices, guarantees, exclusions, certificate… after comparing dozens of Schengen visa insurance plans available from Ireland, I summarise here everything you need to know to choose the right one for you.

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Schengen visa insurance: key points to remember

  • Mandatory to obtain a short-stay visa (type C).
  • Must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses.
  • Must include repatriation and 24/7 assistance.
  • Must be valid in all Schengen countries, even if you plan to visit only one.
  • Costs between €15 and €30 for one week of travel, depending on your age and the level of coverage selected.
  • Provides limited coverage and does not replace full travel insurance, which offers broader and better-covered benefits.
  • Credit card insurance almost never meets the Schengen visa requirements set by embassies.
  • Get your travel insurance certificate 100% online, securely and in less than 5 minutes on the HelloSafe website.

Why take out Schengen visa insurance?

1. What is it for?

Schengen visa insurance is required to protect both visitors and European healthcare systems. It ensures that medical expenses, repatriation or hospitalisation costs will be covered, even for a foreign traveller without local health coverage.

It is essential to obtain a visa to enter the Schengen Area, which can be granted for any of the following reasons: tourism, business trip, family visit, short training, internship, paid work activity (after obtaining a temporary work permit).

2. Who is concerned?

Anyone living outside the European Union and applying for a short-stay Schengen visa (type C, for stays of less than 90 days) must take out this insurance. This applies to tourists, family visitors or business travellers coming from a non-EU country.

Example: A Moroccan student invited by his sister in Spain for two weeks must provide a Schengen visa insurance certificate with his visa application.

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Good to know

Some foreign nationals are exempt from the type C visa and therefore from Schengen visa insurance for stays of less than 90 days:

  • People holding a residence permit or residence card issued by a Schengen State.
  • Holders of a diplomatic mission card.
  • Citizens of non-Schengen European countries (Cyprus, United Kingdom, Ireland, etc.).
  • Citizens of countries with specific agreements with the Schengen Area such as the United States, Japan, Australia, Brazil, Israel, and many others.

⚠️ Around sixty countries are exempt from the Schengen Visa. You can find the full list on the European Commission website.

If you are transiting through an airport without leaving the international zone of the terminal, some foreign nationals may need a type A airport transit visa (for example: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, etc.). However, a Schengen visa is not required in this case.

3. Is it mandatory?

Yes. Providing a valid insurance certificate, clearly stating that you have subscribed to an insurance policy meeting at least certain minimum requirements, is a prerequisite for processing your visa application.

4. What area must be covered?

The insurance must cover all Schengen countries, even if your trip only involves visiting one country (e.g. only France or Spain).

When purchasing your policy, you will need to provide your travel dates as well as the country or countries you plan to visit.

5. What are the minimum requirements?

  • Coverage of emergency medical expenses up to €30,000
  • Coverage of medical repatriation or repatriation of remains
  • Validity in all Schengen countries
  • Validity for the entire duration of the stay in the Schengen Area
  • Insurance certificate to be provided when applying for the visa

6. Are there different plans available?

Yes, there are usually several types of plans:

  • Short-stay plans – up to 90 days (type C visa)
  • Long-stay plans – from 90 to 365 days (type D visa)
  • Multi-entry plans – for travellers entering and leaving the Schengen Area several times

7. How to get the certificate?

The certificate is issued immediately after subscription, often by email. It meets consular requirements and must be printed and included with your visa application.

Keep in mind that the validity and duration of your Schengen visa insurance must match the length of your stay in the area. When purchasing your policy, you will need to provide your travel dates.

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Good to know

Schengen visa insurance is a requirement for travellers who want to enter the Schengen Area. This area is made up of 29 European countries that have abolished border controls between them. Here is the list:
Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland.

What are the benefits of Schengen visa insurance?

Here are the benefits usually included in Schengen visa insurance policies. For each of them, I have indicated whether it is an essential or optional benefit. I have also included common coverage limits and explained how the benefit can impact the overall price of the insurance.

1. Medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad – 🛑 Essential

  • Description: covers unexpected healthcare costs abroad (consultations, hospital stays, prescribed medication, urgent tests)
  • Excess: from €0 to €100 depending on the plan chosen
  • Reimbursement limit: from €30,000 to €500,000 for premium plans
  • Common exclusions: pre-existing conditions, comfort treatments, non-urgent care, mental health issues
  • Impact on price: 🔺 Very high – the higher the limit, the more expensive the insurance. €30,000 is enough for the visa but may be too low for serious emergencies
  • 💡Expert tip: medical care in the Schengen area is expensive. Opt for higher coverage than €30,000 if possible, especially for longer stays or for peace of mind during hospitalisation

2. Medical repatriation – 🛑 Essential

  • Description: covers transport to your home country or a better-equipped hospital in case of serious health issues
  • Excess: none in most plans
  • Reimbursement limit: actual costs (no limit if approved by the insurer)
  • Common exclusions: repatriation refused if not medically justified or without insurer approval
  • Impact on price: 🔸 Moderate – usually included in basic coverage
  • 💡Expert tip: choose insurers offering 24/7 assistance to handle emergencies quickly and manage logistics without stress

3. Repatriation of remains – 🛑 Essential

  • Description: covers the transportation of the deceased's body to their home country, including coffin or preparation costs.
  • Deductible: none.
  • Reimbursement limit: from €500 to €1,500 depending on the plan.
  • Common exclusions: suicide, death in a non-covered country, non-compliance with insurance conditions.
  • Impact on price: 🔸 Moderate.
  • 💡Expert tip: always check if funeral expenses are included on top of transportation costs.

4. Emergency dental treatment – 🟡 Optional

  • Description: covers urgent dental care in case of sudden severe pain (e.g. infected cavity, abscess).
  • Deductible: from €0 to €80.
  • Reimbursement limit: from €92 to €150 depending on the plan.
  • Common exclusions: dentures, cosmetic procedures, non-urgent treatments.
  • Impact on price: 🔻 Low.
  • 💡Expert tip: skip this coverage if you have no recent dental issues or ongoing treatments.

5. Personal liability abroad – 🟡 Optional

  • Description: covers bodily injury or material damage you unintentionally cause to a third party.
  • Deductible: from €0 to €100.
  • Reimbursement limit: from €76,000 to €4,575,000 depending on the plan.
  • Common exclusions: intentional damage, damage from driving a vehicle.
  • Impact on price: 🔺 High, especially with higher coverage limits.
  • 💡Expert tip: very useful if staying with friends, family, or renting an Airbnb.

6. Lost, stolen or delayed luggage – 🟡 Optional

  • Description: compensation if your personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during the trip.
  • Deductible: around €100.
  • Reimbursement limit: from €500 to €1,000 depending on the plan.
  • Common exclusions: valuables (jewellery, cash, official documents), unchecked or unattended luggage, delays under 12 or 24 hours.
  • Impact on price: 🔺 Medium to high, often included in premium plans or as a paid option.
  • 💡Expert tip: avoid low-cost plans if luggage coverage matters to you, especially when transiting through busy airports like Paris, Brussels or Frankfurt.

7. Trip cancellation or interruption – 🟡 Optional

  • Description: reimbursement of prepaid travel expenses if you cancel or interrupt your trip for valid reasons (illness, family death, unforeseen work issue).
  • Deductible: from €20 to €50 depending on the plan (not always applied).
  • Reimbursement limit: from €1,000 to €5,000 per person depending on the plan.
  • Common exclusions: cancellation without proof, known medical conditions, visa refusal, fear of travel.
  • Impact on price: 🔺 Significant (can increase the premium by 15% to 30%).
  • 💡Expert tip: highly recommended for long-haul flights or expensive stays in the Schengen area where cancellation costs can be substantial.
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Warning

Some very low-cost insurances (under €10) offer no assistance services and minimal unclear coverage. Always check the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing.

How to choose the right Schengen visa insurance?

Here are the key criteria you should absolutely keep in mind before choosing your Schengen visa insurance when travelling from Ireland.

CriteriaWhy it mattersExpert tip
AgeSome insurers refuse to cover travellers over 70Choose an insurer that covers up to 74 years old, as some impose stricter limits
Health conditionPre-existing conditions are often excludedIf concerned, look for a plan offering a medical declaration option
Countries visitedSome plans do not cover the entire Schengen areaMake sure all Schengen countries are clearly mentioned, even for transit
Length of stayMost plans are limited to 90 daysFor longer stays, you’ll need a long-stay visa insurance (D) or an extension
Purpose of travelTourism, internship, business: coverage may varyPick a plan tailored to your reason for travel, as guarantees can differ
Visa refusalRefund in case of visa rejection isn’t always automaticPrefer insurers offering clear refund conditions in case of visa refusal
Age
Why it matters
Some insurers refuse to cover travellers over 70
Expert tip
Choose an insurer that covers up to 74 years old, as some impose stricter limits
Health condition
Why it matters
Pre-existing conditions are often excluded
Expert tip
If concerned, look for a plan offering a medical declaration option
Countries visited
Why it matters
Some plans do not cover the entire Schengen area
Expert tip
Make sure all Schengen countries are clearly mentioned, even for transit
Length of stay
Why it matters
Most plans are limited to 90 days
Expert tip
For longer stays, you’ll need a long-stay visa insurance (D) or an extension
Purpose of travel
Why it matters
Tourism, internship, business: coverage may vary
Expert tip
Pick a plan tailored to your reason for travel, as guarantees can differ
Visa refusal
Why it matters
Refund in case of visa rejection isn’t always automatic
Expert tip
Prefer insurers offering clear refund conditions in case of visa refusal

How much does Schengen visa insurance cost?

Factors influencing the price

Several factors affect the cost of Schengen visa insurance:

  • Trip duration: Longer stays typically result in higher premiums, as the risk period is extended.
  • Traveler's age: Insurers often charge higher premiums for travelers over 60 or 70, considering them higher risk.
  • Coverage level: Basic plans meeting minimum Schengen requirements are cheaper than comprehensive plans that include baggage, personal liability, etc.
  • Number of countries visited: Some insurers may charge more if you plan to visit non-Schengen countries like the UK or Cyprus in addition to Schengen countries.
  • Country of residence: Insurers may adjust pricing based on the traveler's home country, reflecting perceived risk levels.
  • Insurer and options: Each company has its own pricing and reimbursement conditions. Options like trip cancellation or teleconsultation can affect the final price.

Sample insurance costs

Based on high-tier plans from various insurers, here are some average prices:

Trip durationTraveler's ageAverage price *
3 days35 years€7.50
1 week35 years€16.80
1 week65 years€19.00
1 month20 years€54.50
1 month65 years€72.90
3 days
Traveler's age
35 years
Average price *
€7.50
1 week
Traveler's age
35 years
Average price *
€16.80
1 week
Traveler's age
65 years
Average price *
€19.00
1 month
Traveler's age
20 years
Average price *
€54.50
1 month
Traveler's age
65 years
Average price *
€72.90

* These rates are indicative, as many factors influence the final price.

How to pay less for your Schengen visa insurance?

Now that you have an idea of the prices, here are a few smart tips to optimise your contract without sacrificing essential coverage.

Optimisation tipExplanation
⤴️ Choose a higher deductibleA €100 deductible instead of €0 for medical expenses can lower your premium
⏳ Limit your coverage durationThe shorter the stay, the cheaper the insurance
🎯 Cover only the essentialsRepatriation and emergency care are enough for visa requirements. If you are in good health, this might be sufficient
⚖️ Compare coverage limits€30,000 is enough for the visa. No need to overpay up to €500,000 or more. However, if you have fragile health, go for a higher limit in case of hospitalisation
💸 Take advantage of negotiated dealsHellosafe negotiates the best rates for you and gives access to exclusive promo codes
⤴️ Choose a higher deductible
Explanation
A €100 deductible instead of €0 for medical expenses can lower your premium
⏳ Limit your coverage duration
Explanation
The shorter the stay, the cheaper the insurance
🎯 Cover only the essentials
Explanation
Repatriation and emergency care are enough for visa requirements. If you are in good health, this might be sufficient
⚖️ Compare coverage limits
Explanation
€30,000 is enough for the visa. No need to overpay up to €500,000 or more. However, if you have fragile health, go for a higher limit in case of hospitalisation
💸 Take advantage of negotiated deals
Explanation
Hellosafe negotiates the best rates for you and gives access to exclusive promo codes
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Expert tip

Do not rely on your credit card insurance. While it’s true that some premium cards, such as Visa Platinum or Mastercard World Elite, offer insurance benefits, these included coverages rarely meet the specific requirements needed to obtain a Schengen visa. Medical coverage limits are usually too low.

Antoine Fruchard
A. Fruchard
Insurance expert
HelloSafe
Co-founder of HelloSafe and an experienced entrepreneur in the insurance and personal finance sector, Antoine uses his experience and in-depth knowledge of the market to help Internet users make the right choices. With an MBA in economics, he is a committed expert whose mission is to make personal finance and insurance issues simple and understandable. With a rich career marked by the creation of innovative companies, Antoine's ambition has always been to bring transparency to complex issues and to give power back to consumers. With HelloSafe, he continues to translate this vision by providing accurate advice, impartial comparisons and detailed explanations of travel insurance. He has analysed hundreds of contracts to reveal the best options available on the market.

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