Since Brexit, UK nationals planning European trips face new requirements — including mandatory Schengen travel insurance for visa applications and longer stays. This guide explains exactly what coverage you need, which plans qualify, and how to get an official insurance certificate accepted by European consulates.
Quick Answer
UK nationals need Schengen travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 in emergency medical and repatriation coverage, valid across all 27 Schengen countries, for the full duration of their trip. The policy must come with an official insurance certificate for visa applications. Tower Hill offers compliant plans with instant certificates.
Brexit Changed the Rules for British Travellers
Before Brexit, UK nationals travelled freely within the EU as EU citizens. Since January 2021, that has changed. British passport holders are now third-country nationals under EU law for stays over 90 days in any 180-day period — subject to the same visa and insurance requirements as non-EU nationals.
For short stays of up to 90 days, UK nationals can still visit Schengen countries visa-free. However, when applying for a Schengen visa for longer stays (study, family visits, extended tourism), proof of qualifying travel insurance is a mandatory part of the application. Even for visa-free short trips, carrying adequate travel insurance is strongly recommended — European healthcare, while generally good, can be expensive for non-EU visitors without EHIC coverage.
EHIC/GHIC Note: UK nationals can still apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which provides access to state healthcare in EU countries at local rates. However, GHIC does not cover private treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, or non-emergency care — and it is not accepted as proof of Schengen visa insurance. You still need a separate travel insurance policy.
Schengen Insurance Requirements for UK Nationals
For a Schengen visa application, your insurance must meet these minimum requirements set by the European Commission:
- Minimum €30,000 in medical coverage — covering emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation.
- Repatriation coverage included — covers emergency transport back to the UK if medically necessary.
- Valid in all 27 Schengen member states — even if you plan to visit only one country, the policy must cover the whole Schengen zone.
- Covers the entire trip duration — from your arrival date to your departure date, plus ideally a 1–2 day buffer.
- Official insurance certificate — the insurer must provide a document showing coverage dates, territory, and benefit amounts for submission to the consulate.
All 27 Schengen Countries
Your policy must be valid across all of these countries:
Best Schengen Insurance Plans for UK Nationals — 2026
IMG
Patriot International Lite
Meets all Schengen requirements with coverage valid worldwide including all Schengen countries. High medical limits, emergency evacuation, and an official certificate suitable for visa applications.
Medical Limit
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Territory
Worldwide
- ✓Exceeds €30,000 Schengen minimum
- ✓Valid across all 27 Schengen countries
- ✓Emergency evacuation and repatriation covered
- ✓Instant insurance certificate for visa applications
- ✓Flexible durations from 5 days to 12 months
Trawick International
Safe Travels International
Strong choice for older UK travellers visiting Europe. Covers acute onset of pre-existing conditions and includes telemedicine for minor illnesses — useful during longer European stays.
Medical Limit
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Pre-Existing
Acute onset
WorldTrips
Atlas International
Excellent coverage limits at competitive prices. Up to $2,000,000 in medical coverage — well above the Schengen minimum — with worldwide validity. Good option for younger UK travellers on a budget.
Medical Limit
Up to $2M
Evacuation
$1,000,000
Territory
Worldwide
How to Get a Schengen Insurance Certificate
When you purchase a qualifying plan through Tower Hill, the process is straightforward:
- Get a quote — enter your travel dates, destination region (Europe/Worldwide), and age.
- Select a plan that meets the €30,000 Schengen minimum (all three plans above qualify).
- Complete the purchase online — takes about 2 minutes.
- Receive your policy documents and official insurance certificate by email instantly.
- Submit the certificate with your Schengen visa application.
Tip: Buy Early
Most Schengen visa applications require insurance that begins on your planned entry date. Buy your policy as soon as your travel dates are confirmed — you can always cancel for a refund if your visa is denied (check individual plan terms).
Get a Schengen Insurance Quote
Instant certificate accepted by European consulates. Compare plans from IMG, Trawick, and WorldTrips in 2 minutes.
Get My Certificate →Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK nationals need a Schengen visa?
For short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, UK nationals can travel to most Schengen countries visa-free. For longer stays — or for work, study, or family reunification purposes — a Schengen visa is required. Insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications.
Does my UK travel insurance count as Schengen insurance?
Only if it explicitly meets the Schengen requirements: minimum €30,000 in emergency medical coverage, repatriation included, valid across all Schengen countries, and covering your full trip duration. Many standard UK travel insurance policies do not meet all of these criteria, or do not provide the official certificate format required by consulates.
Is GHIC enough for travel to Europe?
The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives access to state-provided healthcare in EU countries, but it does not cover emergency evacuation, repatriation, private treatment, or non-emergency care — and it is not accepted as Schengen visa insurance. You still need a separate travel insurance policy.
What happens if my Schengen visa is denied after I buy insurance?
Most travel insurance plans offer a refund if your visa is denied before your trip starts and no claim has been filed. Check the specific plan's cancellation terms when purchasing — Tower Hill's team can help clarify the refund policy for each plan.
Do I need Schengen insurance if I'm just passing through an EU airport?
Airport transits of under 24 hours generally do not require a Schengen visa or insurance. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, Schengen rules apply. Check the transit visa requirements for your specific nationality and transit country.
What is ETIAS and does it affect UK nationals?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel authorisation system similar to the US ESTA, launching in late 2025. UK nationals will need to register for ETIAS before short visa-free trips to Europe. ETIAS is separate from travel insurance, but both will be required.