How to Get Travel Insurance for a Visa (2026 Guide)

For many destinations — especially the Schengen countries of Europe — travel insurance isn’t optional; it’s a compulsory part of the visa application. Even where it isn’t required, it’s strongly recommended. Here’s a clear guide to getting the right travel insurance for your visa from Pakistan.

Why travel insurance is required

Embassies want to know that if you fall ill or have an accident abroad, you can cover the medical costs without becoming a burden on their health system. Travel insurance guarantees that. For Schengen visas it’s a firm rule; for others it strengthens your file and simply protects you during your trip.

The Schengen requirement

For a Schengen visa, your travel insurance must meet specific minimums: coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all Schengen countries, and covering your entire stay. The policy certificate is a required document — without it, the application is incomplete.

• Minimum €30,000 medical cover
• Valid in all Schengen states
• Covers your whole trip
• Includes emergency repatriation

How to get it

Travel insurance is easy to arrange in Pakistan — through insurance companies, banks, travel agents, or online providers that issue an instant certificate. You’ll provide your travel dates and destination, choose a plan that meets the requirement, and receive a policy document to submit with your application. It’s usually one of the more affordable parts of the whole process.

Other destinations

Countries like the UK, USA, Canada and Australia don’t always demand insurance as a visa condition, but including it shows preparedness — and travelling without cover is a real risk. Some countries (and airlines) may ask for it on arrival. For peace of mind and a stronger application, insurance is always a wise choice.

Tips

• Choose a policy that meets the exact rules
• Keep the certificate handy for travel
• Check the coverage amount and region
• Buy for the full trip duration

Frequently asked questions

Is insurance mandatory for all visas? It’s mandatory for Schengen and recommended for most others. How much does it cost? It varies by age, duration and cover, but it’s typically modest. When should I buy it? Before you apply for Schengen (the certificate is needed); for others, before you travel.

Choosing insurance that meets the exact requirements avoids a simple but costly refusal. If you’d like help selecting the right policy for your destination, we’re happy to guide you.

Insuring a family or group

Travelling with your spouse and children? Each traveller needs their own valid cover, though many providers offer convenient family or group policies that insure everyone under one certificate. Make sure every member’s name appears correctly and that the coverage amount meets the requirement per person — especially for Schengen, where the €30,000 minimum applies to each traveller.

Beyond Schengen

While Schengen makes insurance compulsory, it’s genuinely worth having for any trip. Medical care abroad can be extremely expensive, and a good policy also covers things like trip cancellation, lost baggage and emergencies. For destinations that don’t require it, a modest policy still protects you — and shows the embassy you’ve planned responsibly. Read what each plan actually covers before you buy, not just the headline price.

• One valid cover per traveller
• Check per-person coverage limits
• Look beyond price to what’s covered
• Keep the certificate for your trip