Can a Travel Insurance Certificate Be in a Different Currency From the Visa Requirement?

When you're applying for a Schengen visa, the insurance requirement is always stated in euros — specifically, a minimum of €30,000 in medical coverage. But what if your insurance certificate shows the coverage amount in a different currency, like US dollars or British pounds?

This guide explains whether a travel insurance certificate can be in a different currency, what embassies actually accept, and how to avoid rejection due to currency issues.

What the Schengen Visa Code Says

Under Article 15 of the Schengen Visa Code (Regulation EC/810/2009), the requirement is clear: your insurance must provide "a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR" for medical expenses.

According to the German Embassy Kigali, the requirement is "minimum cover of 30,000.00 Euros and valid for all Schengen countries."

The official Polish government guidance also confirms: "Healthcare insurance valid across all countries of the Schengen area for the amount not lower than EUR 30,000."

Can Your Certificate Show a Different Currency?

It depends on the embassy — but generally, yes, as long as the euro equivalent is clear.

According to Schengen Visa Support, "The €30,000 minimum must be visible in euros on the certificate." However, other sources suggest some flexibility.

For US applicants, Schengen Visa Support notes that "US carriers often quote dollars; choose a policy that clearly states the euro equivalent or a USD limit that meets or exceeds that bar."

What Embassies Actually Accept

Embassy practice varies, but the general rule is:

Why Currency Conversion Can Cause Problems

Currency fluctuations and exchange rate differences can create issues:

1. Borderline Amounts

If your certificate shows an amount in a foreign currency that's close to the €30,000 equivalent, exchange rate fluctuations could push it below the minimum. For example, GBP 25,000 might equal €29,000 or €30,500 depending on the rate.

2. No Euro Equivalent Stated

If the certificate only shows a foreign currency amount without the euro equivalent, the embassy may have to calculate the conversion — and they may use a rate that makes your coverage appear insufficient.

3. Confusion for Officials

Embassy staff are trained to look for the €30,000 figure. A certificate that doesn't clearly show this can cause delays or questions.

What to Do If Your Certificate Shows a Different Currency

Option 1: Choose a Policy That Shows Euros

The safest option is to purchase a policy where the certificate clearly states the coverage in euros. This eliminates any ambiguity.

Option 2: Ensure the Euro Equivalent Exceeds €30,000

If your policy shows USD, GBP, or another currency, ensure the amount clearly exceeds the €30,000 equivalent. For USD, a minimum of $35,000 is generally safe. For GBP, at least £26,000.

Option 3: Request a Certificate With Euro Amount

Some insurers can issue a certificate that shows the euro equivalent alongside the local currency. Contact your insurer to request this.

What the Certificate Must Show

Regardless of currency, your certificate must clearly show:

• Your full name — matching your passport exactly
• Policy number — clearly visible
• Coverage dates — covering your full trip
• Territory — "Schengen Area" or list of all 29 countries
• Coverage amount — at least €30,000 (or clear euro equivalent)
• Repatriation — explicitly included
• Insurer details — company name and contact information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my travel insurance certificate show USD instead of euros?

Often yes, as long as the USD amount clearly exceeds the €30,000 equivalent (typically $35,000+). However, for the safest approach, choose a policy that shows euros.

Will the embassy reject my certificate if it shows a different currency?

It depends on the embassy. Some accept foreign currency certificates if the euro equivalent is clear; others prefer euros. To avoid risk, choose a policy that shows euros.

What if my certificate shows GBP 25,000?

Risky. GBP 25,000 ≈ €29,000, which is below the €30,000 minimum. You should choose a policy with a higher coverage amount or one that shows euros.

Can I use a policy that shows $50,000 USD?

Usually yes, as $50,000 USD is well above the €30,000 equivalent. However, some embassies may still require the euro amount to be stated. Check with the specific embassy.

What if my insurer can't provide a certificate in euros?

Contact them and ask if they can add the euro equivalent. If not, consider purchasing a policy from a provider that shows euros on the certificate.

Does the currency affect my visa application?

Only if the amount appears insufficient in euros. As long as the certificate clearly shows coverage exceeding €30,000, the currency itself is not the issue.

Conclusion: Euros Are Safest — But Equivalents Can Work

While the Schengen visa requirement is stated in euros, some embassies accept certificates showing other currencies — provided the euro equivalent clearly exceeds €30,000.

• ✅ €30,000 in euros — safest, fully accepted
• ✅ $35,000+ USD — usually accepted if euro equivalent is clear
• ⚠️ Foreign currency without euro equivalent — risky, may cause delays or rejection
• ❌ Amounts near the €30,000 threshold in foreign currency — avoid

For the safest approach, choose a policy where the certificate clearly states the coverage in euros, or shows both the local currency and the euro equivalent. This eliminates any ambiguity and ensures your visa application proceeds smoothly.