The 3 Most Common Mistakes People Make with Schengen Travel Insurance

Here are the three most common mistakes travelers make when buying or using Schengen travel insurance, along with tips to avoid them:

1️⃣ Choosing Inadequate or Insufficient Coverage
- Many travelers pick the cheapest plan that only meets the minimum visa requirement (€30,000 medical coverage).
- In reality, medical costs in cities like Paris or Zurich can easily exceed this limit.
- Tip: Select a plan with comprehensive coverage that includes hospitalization, emergency evacuation, trip delays, personal liability, and (if possible) pre-existing conditions.

2️⃣ Entering Wrong Policy Dates or Destinations
- A common error is mismatched policy dates (e.g., starting after arrival or ending before return).
- Another mistake is assuming coverage for non-Schengen countries like the UK or Croatia when the policy only covers Schengen states.
- Tip: Match your policy dates exactly with your travel itinerary and confirm coverage for all destinations you plan to visit.

3️⃣ Ignoring the Fine Print
- Travelers often skip reading the exclusions section.
- This leads to rejected claims for activities like skiing, adventure sports, or issues with pre-existing conditions.
- Confusion also arises between cashless vs. reimbursement procedures.
- Tip: Read the policy carefully, clarify terms with your insurer, and keep both digital and printed copies handy during your trip.

Bottom Line
Schengen travel insurance isn’t just a visa formality—it’s your safety net abroad. Avoiding these mistakes ensures you’re protected against medical emergencies, lost luggage, or unexpected cancellations, making your European trip stress-free.