The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's top sources of Schengen visa applicants. Whether you're heading to Spain, Italy, Germany, or France, every Filipino passport holder must show proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance before the embassy will process your application. This guide covers what's required, embassy-specific tips for Manila applicants, and which plans work best.
Quick Answer
Filipino nationals need Schengen travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 (approximately ₱1.9M) in emergency medical and repatriation coverage, valid across all 27 Schengen countries, for the full duration of their trip.
What Insurance Do Filipino Nationals Need for a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa insurance requirement is set by the European Commission under Regulation EC No 810/2009. Regardless of which country's embassy you apply through — Spain, Italy, Germany, France, or any other — the minimum requirements are the same:
- Minimum €30,000 in medical coverage — covering emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation to the Philippines
- Valid across all 27 Schengen countries — even if you only plan to visit one country
- Covers your exact travel dates — the policy must begin on or before your entry date and end on or after your departure
- Includes emergency medical evacuation — transport to the nearest adequate hospital and back to the Philippines if needed
- From a recognized international insurer — the carrier must be authorized in your home country or internationally recognized
The Philippines has a Schengen refusal rate of approximately 30% — one of the higher rates in Southeast Asia. Strong, complete documentation — including comprehensive insurance — significantly improves approval odds.
Important for Filipino applicants: VFS Global (which handles applications for France, Germany, Netherlands, and other EU countries in the Philippines) may offer insurance at their centers. This is optional — not mandatory. You can purchase from any recognized international provider, which often offers better coverage at a lower price.
Cost of Schengen Insurance for Filipino Nationals
Cost depends on your age, the length of your trip, and the coverage level. Here's a general pricing guide:
| Age | 15-Day Trip | 30-Day Trip | 90-Day Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–35 | $12–$18 | $22–$35 | $55–$90 |
| 36–50 | $15–$24 | $28–$45 | $70–$110 |
| 51–65 | $22–$38 | $40–$70 | $110–$180 |
| 66–75 | $35–$60 | $65–$110 | $180–$280 |
| 76–85 | $55–$90 | $100–$160 | $280–$420 |
Estimates for basic-to-mid plans. Actual prices depend on plan selection and exact dates. Use our quote tool for a precise rate.
Healthcare Costs by Schengen Country — What You're Insuring Against
European healthcare costs vary widely. Here's what Filipino travelers could face out-of-pocket without insurance in the most popular Schengen destinations:
| Country | Hospital/Day | ER Visit | Air Evacuation | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €700–€1,200 | €200–€600 | €25,000–€50,000 | High |
| 🇫🇷 France | €600–€1,100 | €150–€500 | €20,000–€45,000 | High |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | €1,500–€3,500 | €400–€1,200 | €30,000–€60,000 | Very High |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | €500–€900 | €100–€400 | €18,000–€40,000 | High |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €700–€1,300 | €200–€600 | €20,000–€45,000 | High |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | €300–€700 | €80–€300 | €15,000–€35,000 | Medium |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €400–€900 | €100–€350 | €15,000–€40,000 | Medium |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | €350–€700 | €80–€250 | €14,000–€35,000 | Medium |
Representative costs for non-EU/non-EEA travelers. The €30,000 minimum coverage typically covers most single incidents in medium-risk countries. For Switzerland or multi-country trips including Germany, higher coverage limits ($100,000–$500,000) are strongly recommended.
Best Schengen Insurance Plans for Filipino Nationals
For full plan reviews, see our detailed guides on WorldTrips Atlas International, IMG Patriot International, and Trawick Safe Travels First Class. For a cost-focused breakdown, see our Schengen travel insurance cost guide.
WorldTrips
Atlas International
from $8/wk
Medical
Up to $2M
Evacuation
$1,000,000
Max Age
79
- ✓Lowest price for young travelers
- ✓Instant digital certificate
- ✓Accepted at all EU consulates
IMG
Patriot International
from $10/wk
Medical
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
99
- ✓24/7 global assistance line
- ✓IPA hospital network in Europe
- ✓Best for travelers over 65
Trawick International
Safe Travels International
from $15/wk
Medical
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
89
- ✓Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- ✓Telemedicine included
- ✓Strong for family groups
Get an Instant Schengen Certificate
Compare plans, choose your coverage, and get a certificate in minutes — accepted by all EU embassies.
Embassy-Specific Tips for Filipino Applicants
While the insurance requirements are uniform across all Schengen embassies, consulates serving Filipino applicants in the Philippines have slightly different document review processes:
The Spanish Embassy in Manila processes the most Filipino Schengen applications. They require explicit repatriation coverage and often check that your policy start date matches your intended entry date exactly.
Italian Consulate in Makati accepts USD-denominated policies. Certificate must convert to €30,000+. WorldTrips Atlas and IMG Patriot are both accepted.
The German Consulate in Manila requires medical evacuation to be explicitly stated in your certificate. They handle Filipino OFW family visits and student visas.
French Embassy (via VFS) requires dates to match exactly. Add 1 buffer day at the end of your policy to avoid edge-case rejections.
Dutch consulate requires coverage for the full Schengen zone even for Amsterdam-only trips. Policy must include medical evacuation.
Greek consulate in Manila accepts all major international carriers. Popular with Filipinos visiting the islands — confirm sea/air evacuation is included.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Schengen Insurance in the Philippines
- Enter your trip details — destination country, your travel dates, and the number of travelers. This takes under 2 minutes.
- Choose a Schengen-compliant plan — WorldTrips, IMG, and Trawick all meet EU requirements. Select based on your age, budget, and any pre-existing health conditions.
- Complete payment online — secure checkout takes about 1 minute. Credit and debit cards accepted, including international Visa/Mastercard.
- Download your certificate instantly — your insurance certificate arrives by email immediately after payment. Print it or save it digitally for your visa appointment via VFS Global in Manila.
- Submit with your visa application — attach the certificate to your Schengen visa application documents. It meets all EU embassy requirements.
What if my Schengen visa is rejected?
If your visa application is denied before your travel starts, you can typically get a full or partial refund on your insurance policy. Contact Tower Hill at support@towerhillcorp.com or (832) 856-1704 with your embassy rejection letter and we'll coordinate the refund with the carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Filipino nationals need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes. Filipino nationals applying for a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 (approximately ₱1.9M) in emergency medical coverage. The policy must be valid across all 27 Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay.
What is the Schengen visa refusal rate for Filipino applicants?
The Philippines has a Schengen refusal rate of approximately 30%, one of the higher rates in Southeast Asia. This makes thorough documentation — including comprehensive insurance from a recognized international carrier — especially important for Filipino applicants.
Which embassy in Manila requires the most documentation?
Spanish and Italian consulates in Manila handle the most Filipino applications. Both require explicit repatriation of remains coverage in addition to the €30,000 medical minimum. The German Consulate requires medical evacuation to be explicitly stated.
How much does Schengen insurance cost for a Filipino national?
Schengen insurance for Filipino nationals typically costs $8–$25 per week depending on age and coverage level. A 30-day plan for a 30-year-old typically costs $24–$45 total. Use our quote tool for an exact price based on your trip dates and age.
Can I buy insurance before my visa appointment at VFS Manila?
Yes — and you should. Embassies require proof of insurance at your appointment. Buy a plan through Tower Hill, download the certificate instantly, and submit it with your application.
Is VFS Global's insurance offer mandatory for Filipino applicants?
No. VFS Global offers optional insurance at their Philippine centers, but it is not mandatory. You can purchase from WorldTrips, IMG, or Trawick through Tower Hill, which typically offers better coverage at lower prices.
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