What is travel health insurance?

Travel health insurance provides financial protection against medical emergencies you may encounter while travelling abroad. It covers emergency medical treatment, hospital expenses, ambulance costs and, where necessary, medical evacuation expenses arising in a foreign country.

Schengen visa: For Schengen short-stay visa applications, the scope and validity requirements for travel health insurance are set by the EU Visa Code. Medical repatriation, emergency medical treatment, emergency hospitalisation and death-related expenses, as well as validity covering the entire travel period in all relevant countries, must be verified. Confirm the specific requirements of your application with the consulate.

Difference from long-term residency: Short-term travel policies are designed for emergency situations. Health insurance valid for residency in Turkey for foreign nationals residing long-term is assessed separately.

Coverage scope

Core coverage

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Emergency inpatient treatment

Emergencies requiring surgery, intensive care or unexpected hospitalisation abroad.

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Ambulance & emergency transport

Ground or air ambulance services in the country you are travelling to.

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Medical evacuation

Repatriation to Turkey or a suitable medical centre in cases where treatment cannot be provided in the country where you are located.

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Emergency outpatient treatment

Emergency outpatient visits, prescription and diagnostic test expenses.

Optional additional coverage

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Baggage loss & delay

Compensation for baggage lost, stolen or delayed by the airline.

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Flight cancellation & delay

Accommodation and rebooking assistance in the event of unexpected flight cancellation or significant delay.

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Adventure sports coverage

Additional coverage for adventurous activities such as skiing and diving (non-standard, must be purchased separately).

Schengen requirements: Compare the policy document with the EU Visa Code and the current document checklist of the consulate to which you are applying. Arranging insurance is not a guarantee of visa approval.

Chronic illness: Emergency flare-ups of pre-existing chronic conditions may be excluded. Declare your medical history when taking out a policy and clarify the coverage limits.

Exclusions

Note: The following situations are outside the scope of a standard policy. Always read the special conditions of the policy.

  • Routine treatment of pre-existing chronic conditions (emergency flare-ups are subject to the policy)
  • Planned medical tourism where the purpose of travel is to receive treatment abroad
  • Adventure sports (unless additional coverage has been purchased)
  • Losses arising in war, conflict or civil unrest zones
  • Incidents occurring under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Who is it for?

  • Schengen visa applicants: Mandatory for travel to EU/Schengen countries.
  • Everyone travelling abroad: Strongly recommended even for those travelling to countries where no visa is required.
  • Package tours and group travel: Usually included at a minimum level in package tour coverage; check the coverage details.
  • Business travellers: Annual multi-trip policies may be more economical for frequent travellers.

Frequently asked questions

How much coverage (in euros) is required for a Schengen visa?
Under the EU Visa Code, the minimum coverage is 30,000 EUR. For Schengen short-stay visa applications, the scope and validity requirements for travel health insurance are set by the EU Visa Code. Medical repatriation, emergency medical treatment, emergency hospitalisation and death-related expenses, as well as validity covering the entire travel period in all relevant countries, must be verified. Confirm the specific requirements of your application with the consulate.
Should I get an annual multi-trip or single-trip policy?
If you travel abroad more than once a year, an annual multi-trip policy is generally more economical. A separate single-trip policy may be more appropriate for a one-off trip. We can carry out a comparison based on your travel frequency.
For baggage loss, is travel insurance or credit card insurance better?
Baggage insurance provided by credit cards generally operates with more limited limits. A travel policy offered by an insurer may provide more comprehensive protection; we recommend comparing the coverage details.
Can I get travel insurance if I have a chronic illness?
Yes, however coverage for pre-existing conditions may be restricted or a waiting period may apply. Fully declaring your health status when taking out a policy both ensures the correct coverage and prevents future disputes.

Get a travel health insurance quote

Share the countries to be visited, travel dates, ages and preference for single-trip or annual plan. Baggage and cancellation coverage is checked separately from standard health coverage. Official source: EU Visa Code, travel health insurance requirements.

Coverage minimum limit verification: EEAS Schengen Travel Medical Insurance.