Mandatory Schengen Travel Insurance

In March 2004 the EU decided to implement as from June 1st, 2004 a mandatory travel insurance as a precondition for visa issuing.
 
A visa applicant has to submit, together with his visa application for a short stay in the Schengen member states, proof of a valid personal or collective travel insurance covering:

• Expenses for repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical care and/or urgent medical treatment in a hospital
  
• The minimum value of the mandatory travel policy is determined at Euro 30,000
  
• Insurance premiums for these policies are charged by the insurance company and not by the diplomatic or consular representation.
  
• In case you have a longer duration multiple-entry Schengen-visa you have to show the embassy proof of a medical travel insurance for your first trip. You will be asked to sign a declaration that you will be in the possession of a medical travel insurance every subsequent time you travel to Schengen.
  
• Don't buy this insurance before your visa application has been approved, unless you are applying for a transit visa.