If you are planning to migrate to Europe in 2026 you are in the right place and blog. Whether you’re heading there for work, study, or family reunification, one requirement you cannot afford to skip is valid health or travel insurance.
Every visa category — from Schengen tourist visas to long-term work permits — comes with specific insurance rules. Missing the right coverage could mean a visa denial, border refusal, or expensive medical bills.
This post breaks down the Europe visa insurance rules, explains the Schengen health insurance minimums, and helps you pick the right EU migration insurance policy before your departure.
🧮 EU Migration Insurance Cost Estimator (2026)
Estimate your insurance cost for migrating to any EU country based on duration and visa type.
💶 Estimated Insurance Cost: €0
📋 Embassy-Approved Insurance Provider Comparison
| Provider | Coverage Range | Accepted For | Instant Certificate | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Schengen | €30,000 – €100,000 | Schengen, Work, Study | ✅ Yes | Visit |
| CareMed | Up to €1,000,000 | Students, Workers, Family | ✅ Yes | Visit |
| Mawista | €30,000+ | Germany, Students, Blue Card | ✅ Yes | Visit |
| Foyer Global Health | Flexible | France, Work Visas | ✅ Yes | Visit |
✅ Is Insurance Mandatory for Europe Visa Holders?
Yes — in most cases, insurance is either legally required or strongly recommended before entering the EU.
| Visa Type | Insurance Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa | ✅ Yes | Mandatory €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage |
| Long-Term Work Visa | ✅ Yes | Required unless covered by national health systems |
| Student Visa | ✅ Yes | Often required for entire study period |
| Family Reunification | ✅ Often | Varies by country and relationship type |
| EU Blue Card | ✅ Yes | Valid public or private health insurance required |
| Permanent Residency | 🔶 Maybe | Proof of coverage may be required for approval |
🌍 Schengen Area: Minimum Insurance Requirements
To apply for a Schengen Visa (for travel up to 90 days within 26 countries), you must present insurance that meets the following criteria:
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Coverage amount | At least €30,000 |
| Valid across all Schengen states | ✅ Required |
| Covers emergency medical expenses | ✅ Required |
| Covers repatriation of remains | ✅ Required |
| Insurer accepted in EU countries | ✅ Required |
| Duration | Full stay period |
Failing to meet even one of these requirements can lead to visa rejection.
🛂 Long-Stay Visas: Country-Specific Insurance Rules (2026)
If you’re migrating for work, study, or family reunion, here’s what you need to know per country:
🇩🇪 Germany
- Visa Types: Work visa, Blue Card, student visa
- Insurance Required: Yes — either public (e.g. TK, AOK) or private (e.g. Mawista)
- Minimum Duration: Entire visa period
- Special Notes: Must be accepted by German authorities for visa approval
🇫🇷 France
- Visa Types: Talent Passport, student, family
- Insurance Required: Yes — private coverage until enrolled in state health insurance
- Minimum Coverage: €30,000+
- Special Notes: Required even for job seekers entering on long-stay visas
🇮🇹 Italy
- Visa Types: Work visa, family visa, student visa
- Insurance Required: Yes, private or regional registration
- Special Notes: Insurance must be valid before visa is issued
🇳🇱 Netherlands
- Visa Types: Highly skilled migrant, student, family
- Insurance Required: Yes — required within 4 months of arrival
- Special Notes: You may use travel insurance for the first 3 months
🇪🇸 Spain
- Visa Types: Non-lucrative, work, study
- Insurance Required: Yes — private insurance covering the full visa period
- Special Notes: Insurance must exclude co-payments and be valid in Spain
🇵🇱 Poland
- Visa Types: National D (work/study)
- Insurance Required: Yes
- Minimum Coverage: €30,000
- Special Notes: Must cover treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
💼 Insurance Providers Accepted Across Europe
| Provider | Countries Accepted In | Coverage Amount Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXA Schengen | All Schengen states | €30,000 – €100,000 | Instant certificate |
| CareMed | Schengen + long-stay countries | Up to €1 million | Student/work migration plans |
| Mawista | Germany + Schengen | €30,000+ | Ideal for Blue Card & students |
| Allianz Travel | EU-wide | Customizable | Premium-level coverage |
| Foyer Global Health | France, Germany, Italy | Full hospitalization | Suitable for family migration |
💡 What to Look for in an EU Migration Insurance Policy
Before purchasing, check if your policy:
- Covers emergency treatment and hospitalization
- Includes repatriation of remains
- Has at least €30,000 in medical coverage
- Is valid in your entire destination country or EU zone
- Includes a certificate in English or the destination language
- Matches your exact visa duration
📋 Sample Cost: Insurance for Europe Migration (2026)
| Duration | Estimated Cost (€) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | €20 – €50 | Schengen tourist insurance |
| 6 Months | €150 – €300 | Temporary work/student insurance |
| 1 Year | €250 – €500+ | Full migration coverage |
| Family (1 year) | €600 – €1,000 | Includes spouse and dependents |
Prices vary depending on provider, age, and coverage level.
🧠 FAQs
Q: Do I need insurance if I’m applying for permanent residence?
👉 It depends. Some countries ask for proof of coverage until you’re enrolled in their public system.
Q: Can I use my travel credit card insurance for a visa?
👉 Unlikely. Most embassies require official policy documents with your name and visa duration.
Q: What if I cancel my insurance after visa approval?
👉 This can be risky. Immigration officers may ask for proof upon arrival.
Q: What’s the best insurance for long-term work visa holders?
👉 Choose plans like CareMed, Mawista, or AXA international that support migration and long-term coverage.
📎 Helpful Resources
- AXA Schengen Insurance
- CareMed Travel Insurance
- Mawista Health Plans
- EU Immigration Portal
- Germany Blue Card Info
Key Takeaways
- Most migrants need valid health insurance before receiving a European visa
- For Schengen, the minimum is €30,000 in coverage for emergency and repatriation
- Country-specific work and family visas often require private insurance until public registration
- Choose policies that provide instant certificates, full coverage, and are accepted by embassies
- Never travel to Europe without confirming your visa-related insurance obligations
Things you can find here: Top 10 High-Paying Remote Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in 2026, Pathways to UK Citizenship, Migrating to Schengen Countries for Individuals from Africa, Asia, and Other Continents, Applying for Canada Student Visas, Graphic Designer Jobs in the USA and Canada: Application Process, Visa Types, and Sponsorship Opportunities.
Pro Tip: For the best visa sponsorship jobs and insurance options for immigrants, explore our Visa Sponsorship section and Insurance category.
Written by our team of international travel and visa experts based in Canada. Read more helpful guides like this here.
