One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether they can use travel insurance from a non-European company for their Schengen visa application. The short answer is yes — but with important conditions.
This guide explains what embassies require from non-European insurers, which countries have specific restrictions, and how to ensure your policy will be accepted.
The Bottom Line: You can use a non-European insurance provider for a Schengen visa application, as long as the policy meets all Schengen requirements — €30,000 minimum coverage, Schengen-wide validity, repatriation, and full trip duration coverage. However, some countries have specific restrictions on non-European insurers.
Yes — Non-European Insurance Is Generally Accepted
According to official Schengen visa regulations, travel insurance does not have to be purchased from a European company. The key requirement is that the policy meets the mandatory Schengen standards.
For example, the VFS Global application center states that insurance "may be purchased in Ghana or abroad" — confirming that non-European providers are acceptable as long as the policy complies with Schengen requirements[citation:11].
Many international providers based outside Europe offer policies specifically designed for Schengen visas:
- Insubuy (Atlas Premium) — A US-based company offering Schengen-compliant policies with a visa letter available approximately 15 minutes after purchase[citation:1]
- WorldTrips (Atlas Travel) — Provides Schengen visa insurance with a visa letter that "specifies that the coverage meets Schengen visa requirements, including medical benefit amounts and insurance coverage period"[citation:12]
- Trawick International — Offers Schengen travel insurance plans that "cover travel to any of the Schengen countries and offer benefits required by most consulates to get your visa approved"[citation:6]
💡 Pro Tip: US-based companies like Insubuy provide an instant visa letter that is sufficient proof for the consulate. No other insurance documents are required[citation:1][citation:2].
Non-European Insurers Must Meet All Schengen Requirements
Whether your insurer is European or non-European, the policy must meet the following mandatory requirements[citation:4][citation:8]:
But Some Countries Have Restrictions
While most Schengen countries accept non-European insurance, some have specific restrictions that you must be aware of:
Czech Republic
The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that they "can no longer accept Iraqi health insurance policies" for Schengen visa applications. Applicants must provide proof of Czech or European health insurance that meets Schengen requirements[citation:10].
They specify that recognized providers include:
- Allianz Travel
- AXA Assistance
- Europ Assistance
- PVZP
⚠️ Important: The Czech authorities are currently reviewing which non-European/Iraqi insurance providers they may accept. This shows that country-specific restrictions can apply[citation:10].
Greece
The Greek Embassy in Pakistan provides a specific list of approved insurance companies in Pakistan that can issue Schengen travel insurance[citation:9]. This list includes mainly local Pakistani companies (non-European), such as:
- ACE
- AIG
- EFU General
- IGI
- NJI (New Jubilee Insurance)
- TPL Direct Insurance Ltd
- UBL Insurers Ltd
💡 Pro Tip: The Greek Embassy in Pakistan notes that you are required to contract a "full Schengen travel insurance" covering at least €30,000 for medical, hospitalization, and repatriation costs[citation:9]. This confirms that local (non-European) insurers are accepted as long as they meet Schengen standards.
What Non-European Insurers Need to Provide
If you choose a non-European insurance provider, your certificate must include:
- Your full name — exactly as it appears on your passport
- Policy start and end dates — matching your travel dates
- Coverage amount — minimum €30,000 clearly stated
- Schengen wording — "Valid in all Schengen States" or list of all 29 countries
- Repatriation coverage — explicitly mentioned
- Policy number — clearly stated
- Insurance company details — name and contact information
Key Point: According to Allianz, your certificate should clearly state "Schengen Area" as the coverage territory. Some policies include a digital stamp and digital signature, making them "fully valid and acceptable for official use, including visa applications"[citation:3].
Why Choose a Non-European Insurer?
There are several reasons travelers opt for non-European insurance:
- Lower cost — International providers often offer competitive rates
- Instant certificates — Many non-European insurers provide immediate download[citation:1][citation:2]
- Better customer service — In your timezone and language
- Familiarity — Easier to work with a company you know
- Flexibility — Some offer higher coverage limits (up to $2,000,000)[citation:1]
💡 Pro Tip: US-based companies like Insubuy offer policies with $0 to $5,000 deductible options and coverage up to $2,000,000. However, for Schengen visa purposes, the €30,000 minimum is sufficient, and a lower deductible is recommended[citation:1].
Risks of Using Non-European Insurers
While non-European insurance is generally accepted, there are potential risks:
1. Embassy-Specific Restrictions
As seen with the Czech Republic, some embassies may temporarily or permanently stop accepting non-European policies from certain countries[citation:10]. Always check with your specific embassy before purchasing.
2. Language Issues
Your certificate must be in English or the destination country's language. Non-European insurers should provide this[citation:10].
3. Verification Delays
Embassies sometimes verify insurance policies by contacting the insurer. If the insurer is in a different timezone or doesn't respond quickly, this could delay your application.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Non-European Insurer
Step 1: Choose a Reputable Non-European Provider
Select an insurer that explicitly offers Schengen-compliant policies — like Insubuy, WorldTrips, or Trawick International.
Step 2: Verify Schengen Compliance
Check that the policy meets all mandatory requirements:
- €30,000 minimum coverage
- Valid in all Schengen countries
- Full trip duration coverage
- Repatriation included
Step 3: Check Embassy-Specific Restrictions
Visit the embassy website of the country you're applying to. Look for any specific restrictions on non-European insurers.
Step 4: Purchase and Download Your Certificate
Purchase the policy and download your certificate immediately. Check that:
- Your name matches your passport exactly
- Dates cover your full trip
- Schengen wording is explicit
- Repatriation is mentioned
Step 5: Submit With Your Visa Application
Include the original certificate with your visa application. Keep a copy for the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a non-European insurance company for a Schengen visa?
Yes. As long as the policy meets all Schengen requirements — €30,000 minimum coverage, Schengen-wide validity, and repatriation — it will generally be accepted.
Do all embassies accept non-European insurance?
Most do. However, some countries like the Czech Republic have specific restrictions on non-European policies from certain countries. Always check with your specific embassy.
Is Allianz a European company?
Allianz is a German-based global insurance company. While it is European in origin, it operates worldwide. Allianz policies are accepted by all Schengen embassies[citation:3].
What if my non-European policy is in a different language?
The certificate must be in English or the destination country's language. Most non-European providers offer certificates in English[citation:10].
Can the embassy reject a non-European insurance policy?
Yes. If the policy doesn't meet Schengen requirements or if the embassy has specific restrictions (like the Czech Republic's current policy on Iraqi insurers), it will be rejected[citation:10].
Conclusion: Non-European Insurance Works — But Check First
You can absolutely use travel insurance from a non-European company for your Schengen visa application. The key is ensuring the policy meets all Schengen requirements and checking that your specific embassy doesn't have restrictions on non-European insurers.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently purchase insurance from a non-European provider and submit a compliant certificate to the embassy.
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