Getting a Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa in UAE

One of the most important requirements while applying for a Schengen visa is getting travel insurance for the Schengen visa. Without it, your visa application will be rejected, no matter how strong the rest of your documents are. The good news is that finding the cheapest travel insurance for a Schengen visa doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right consultancy, you can save money while still getting embassy-approved coverage.

We have created this detailed guide for UAE residents to know everything about how to choose the best travel insurance for a Schengen visa in the UAE. This guide will explain what Schengen travel insurance is, why it’s required, the important things to keep in mind when buying it in the UAE, expert tips for finding the best deals, and answers to the most common questions.

Schengen visa travel insurance is a mandatory insurance policy required by all 29 Schengen member states for non-EU visitors applying for a Schengen visa. The insurance ensures that travelers are covered in case of emergencies during their stay in Europe.

The insurance must meet the following official Schengen visa requirements:

• Minimum medical coverage of €30,000 (about AED 120,000).
• Coverage must be valid in all Schengen states.
• Policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
• Includes emergency medical treatment and hospital care.
• Covers medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
  

This rule is strictly enforced, so your policy certificate must match the embassy’s guidelines exactly.

European embassies want to ensure that visitors won’t become financially stranded in case of medical emergencies. Hospitalization, repatriation, or medical evacuation in Europe can be extremely expensive. Having travel insurance:

• Protects you financially.
• Provides peace of mind to consulates that you’ll be covered.
• Speeds up the visa approval process since it shows compliance with requirements.

Always ensure the insurer is recognized by European consulates in the UAE. Reputable insurers provide embassy-compliant certificates instantly. Travnook visa experts understand the exact details and will help in choosing the right one.

Verify the minimum €30,000 requirement is met. Most UAE providers start their Schengen plans at this threshold.

The insurance should cover your exact travel dates. If you plan to apply for multiple-entry visas, consider a multi-trip annual policy, which may be cheaper in the long run.

Low-cost plans often exclude high-risk activities (skiing, adventure sports) and pre-existing medical conditions. Make sure exclusions don’t conflict with your travel plans.

Beyond embassy requirements, look at add-ons like:

• Lost baggage
• Delayed flights
• COVID-19 coverage (now included in most plans)

Don’t over-insure. If your trip is 10 days, buy coverage for exactly those days. Extra unnecessary days add to the cost.

Ensure your provider gives you a downloadable PDF certificate you can attach to your visa application. Some embassies require physical copies at submission.

While the cheapest travel insurance for a Schengen visa is something everyone looks for but it is important to remember that the lowest cost is not always the best choice. Some cheap policies may:

• Exclude pre-existing conditions.
• Provide limited hospital network coverage.
• Does not include important extras like lost baggage or trip cancellation.

1. Compare Multiple Providers Online
   Use UAE-based comparison platforms like Policybazaar or Bayzat to check side-by-side quotes. Prices can vary significantly for the same coverage.
   
2. Check Your Bank or Credit Card
   Some premium UAE credit cards offer free Schengen-compliant travel insurance as part of their benefits. Always check with your bank before buying separately.
   
3. Buy Early
   Purchasing in advance often comes with better pricing. Last-minute insurance can sometimes cost 10–15% more.
   
4. Consider Group Policies
   Families and groups can often buy a single family travel insurance policy, reducing per-person costs.
   
5. Annual Multi-Trip Insurance
   If you travel to Europe more than once a year, an annual plan is usually cheaper than buying single-trip insurance multiple times.
   
6. Bundle with Flights
   Many travel agencies and booking portals offer discounts if you buy insurance while booking flights.
   
7. Use Local UAE Providers
   International providers may charge higher premiums. UAE insurers often provide embassy-approved coverage at a lower cost.

Prices depend on duration, age, and coverage, but here’s a rough estimate:

• Short trip (7–10 days): AED 40–80
• 30-day trip: AED 100–180
• Annual multi-trip: AED 400–800
  

If you only need a single-entry visa, go for the short-term policy. If you’re a frequent traveler, an annual plan will save you more. Contact Travnook consultants to know the exact details.

1. National General Insurance CO (PJSC) – Affordable rates, competitive pricing.
2. AXA Gulf – Popular embassy-approved plans, quick online certificate.
3. Orient Insurance – Affordable rates, embassy recognition.
4. Allianz – Strong global presence, great for multi-entry plans.
5. RSA Insurance – Flexible options, competitive pricing.
6. Oman Insurance – Reliable and embassy-approved.
   

At Travnook, we understand that choosing the right travel insurance can feel overwhelming, especially with so many providers in the UAE. Our team simplifies the process by helping you:

• Compare multiple embassy-approved insurance providers side by side.
• Identify the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen visa that still meets all embassy requirements.
• Get expert guidance on coverage types, add-ons, and exclusions so you don’t overpay or miss an important benefit.
• Save time by receiving your insurance certificate quickly, ready to attach to your Schengen visa application.

Visiting Europe for business, a family vacation, or multiple trips a year, Travnook ensures you get the best-value Schengen visa travel insurance tailored to your journey.

Finding the cheapest travel insurance for a Schengen visa in the UAE is about more than just picking the lowest price. You need to balance affordability with compliance and reliability. Always check embassy requirements, compare multiple providers, and read the fine print before purchasing.

By following the expert tips in this guide, you can secure Schengen visa travel insurance that is both cost-effective and fully compliant. Contact Travnook to know the best travel insurance as per your travel plan.

1. Is travel insurance really mandatory for a Schengen visa?

Yes. Without valid insurance, the embassy will reject your application. It’s a non-negotiable requirement.

2. What is the minimum insurance coverage for a Schengen visa?

€30,000 (AED 120,000) in medical coverage, valid in all Schengen countries.

3. Where can I buy the cheapest travel insurance for a Schengen visa in the UAE?

You can buy directly from local insurers like AXA, Orient, or Oman Insurance, or through aggregator websites like Policybazaar for easy comparison.

4. Does my UAE health insurance cover me in Europe?

No, local health insurance plans are not accepted for Schengen visa applications. You must purchase separate, embassy-approved travel insurance.

5. Can I use credit card travel insurance?

Yes, if your bank provides Schengen-compliant insurance with a certificate, it’s accepted. Always confirm coverage limits with your bank.

6. What happens if I buy the wrong insurance?

If the insurance doesn’t meet Schengen requirements, the embassy will reject your visa application. Always double-check coverage, duration, and certificate format.

7. Can I cancel and get a refund?

Most insurers allow cancellation before your visa is processed. Refunds depend on provider terms, so check their refund policy before buying.

8. How long does it take to get a certificate?

Usually within minutes if bought online. Some providers email it instantly.

9. Do I need coverage for all Schengen countries even if I’m only visiting one?

Yes, the insurance must be valid across all Schengen member states.

10. What’s better, a single-trip or annual multi-trip insurance?

If you travel once, buy a single-trip. If you plan multiple trips, an annual multi-trip policy saves more money.