Blog

Travelling to any country in the Schengen Area from Nigeria needs more than just a valid passport and visa. One of the most important requirements is getting the right Schengen visa travel insurance. If you don’t get it right, your visa application can be rejected. This article shows Nigerian students, working‑class citizens, and other travellers how to choose the best travel insurance for Schengen visa.

What is Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance is a special kind of travel medical insurance that shows you are covered for certain health and emergency risks while in the Schengen countries in Europe. When you apply for a Schengen visa (short‑stay visa, up to 90 days in most cases), you must provide proof of this insurance. It assures the embassy or consulate that if you fall sick, get injured, or something bad happens, you have protection.

Difference Between Normal Travel Insurance and Schengen Visa Travel Insurance

• Normal travel insurance may cover many travel‑related things: lost baggage, flight cancellation, some medical cover, etc. But Schengen visa travel insurance has specific minimum rules set by European law.

• The minimum coverage must meet certain amounts (e.g. at least €30,000 medical expenses, repatriation, etc.).

• The policy must be valid in all Schengen states for the full duration of your trip.

• It must cover certain things like emergency medical care, hospitalization, repatriation of remains.

Why Schengen Visa Insurance is Mandatory for Nigerians

If you are a Nigerian planning to travel to Europe (countries in the Schengen Area: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.), travel insurance for Schengen visa is not optional. Here is why:

• Legal requirement by Schengen rules: Regulation EC No 810/2009 and related laws demand that visa applicants from non‑EU/Schengen countries have valid travel medical insurance.

• Minimum medical coverage: Embassies check that your policy covers at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation, death.

• Full‑stay coverage: The policy must cover you from the day you enter to the day you plan to leave. If your travel dates are extended or changed, the insurance must still be valid.

• Valid in all Schengen states: Even if you plan to visit only one or two countries in the Schengen Area, your insurance must work in all of them.

• Proof during visa application: You must present the insurance certificate or policy document showing that you meet all the requirements. Without it, your visa can be refused.

Key Requirements: What Your Insurance Must Cover for Schengen Visa

To avoid problems, make sure your travel insurance meets all of these criteria:

Minimum Medical Cover Amount (At Least €30,000)

• Your policy must provide at least €30,000 coverage for medical expenses. This includes emergencies, hospitalization, doctor visits, and treatment.

• It must also include repatriation of remains in case of death abroad.

Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

• If you get really sick or injured, your insurance must cover evacuation to nearest suitable hospital or even to your country if necessary.

• It must also cover bringing back your body if death happens.

• Validity Period Must Cover Entire Stay

• The insurance must start on or before your arrival in the Schengen Area and finish on or after your planned departure date.

• If your travel plans change (you stay longer or leave late), you must ensure insurance remains valid.

Valid in All Schengen Member Countries

• Even if you plan to stay in only Germany or France, the insurance must say it covers all countries in the Schengen Area.

• This is to protect in case you travel through or transit through other Schengen countries.

Other Required Coverages

• Urgent hospital treatment / Emergency Medical Care

• Out‑patient treatment (if illness happens outside hospital)

• Doctor visits

• Death & repatriation

• Sometimes emergency dental care depending on the embassy’s rules.

Exclusions to Watch Out For

Even good insurance will exclude some things. Make sure you understand them:

• Pre‑existing medical conditions (unless declared and covered)

• High risk sports or dangerous activities (mountaineering, extreme skiing, etc.)

• Conditions caused by drug or alcohol abuse

• Travel during war zones or political unrest

• Some policies may exclude epidemics or pandemics unless special cover added

Best Qualities to Look for in Travel Insurance for Schengen from Nigeria

When comparing policies, these factors help you choose the best.

Recognized / Approved Insurers

• Use insurance companies that are accepted by Schengen embassies or consulates in Nigeria.

• Local insurers like AXA Mansard, Leadway Assurance, AIICO, Allianz Nigeria often have Schengen‑visa‑friendly plans.

• Also look for international insurers whose policies are acceptable globally.

Fast & Clear Documentation

• The insurance certificate must clearly show your full name, dates of travel, amount of cover, Schengen countries coverage, repatriation clause.

• The document should be printable and accepted in embassies.

Good Customer Support

• 24/7 helpline in case of emergencies abroad.

• Easy claim process (some claims might arise while in Europe).

• Local contact or agent in Nigeria can help if anything goes wrong.

Cost vs Value

• Don’t pick just the cheapest. If it scrimps on essential cover, it might lead to visa rejection or big bills later.

• Balance premium cost, coverage limit, and quality.

Add‑Ons & Extras

• Some policies offer extra features like lost baggage, trip cancellation, flight delays.

• Insurance with COVID‑19 cover is increasingly important.

Policy Duration & Flexibility

• If you are going for a short stay (1‑2 weeks), get a policy that matches exactly; avoid paying for extra days.

• If you travel often, a multi‑trip or annual plan may be more cost‑effective.

Top Travel Insurance Providers that Serve Nigerians for Schengen Visa

These are some of the insurance companies known to offer valid Schengen visa travel insurance options for Nigerians. Always confirm current offerings, because policies change.

Cost of Schengen Visa Travel Insurance for Nigerians: What to Expect

What Drives the Cost

These factors will decide how much you pay:

1. Age – Older people cost more.

2. Trip length – More days = higher premium.

3. Coverage amount – Policies with medical limit more than the minimum (e.g. €50,000, €100,000) cost more.

4. Extras / add‑ons – Cancellation, baggage, sports etc.

5. Deductibles – If you accept a higher deductible (you cover small first amount of any claim), premium reduces a bit.

Estimated Price Ranges

Here are examples of approximate costs for Nigerians applying for Schengen visa travel insurance:

How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from Nigeria — Step by Step

Here is a clear guide, in simple steps, to help you buy valid travel insurance for Schengen visa, so you don’t make mistakes.

Step 1: Check Your Travel Details

• Travel dates: when you depart Nigeria and return

• Which Schengen countries you’ll visit (even if passing through others)

• Whether you need single‑entry visa or multiple‑entry

Step 2: Confirm Your Embassy’s Rules

• Even though European law says you need €30,000 medical cover + other requirements, sometimes specific embassies may have extra requirements (e.g. emergency dental, COVID cover).

• Check the website of the embassy you will apply to (France, Germany, Spain, etc.) or VFS centre in Nigeria.

Step 3: Compare Quotes from Good Providers

• Collect quotes from local Nigerian insurers (AXA Mansard, Leadway, AIICO, Allianz) and also international ones if allowed.

• Use online tools or insurers’ websites.

Step 4: Study the Policy Document Carefully

Make sure it clearly shows:

• Your full name

• Travel dates (start & end)

• Coverage amount (at least €30,000)

• Repatriation / evacuation clause

• Valid in all Schengen Area countries

• What is excluded

If anything is unclear, ask the insurer.

Step 5: Buy the Policy

• Many local companies allow online purchase or visiting branch.

• Payment methods: bank transfer, card payment, sometimes cash.

• After payment, you should receive a certificate or insurance policy document (PDF or printed).

Step 6: Attach the Insurance Certificate to Your Schengen Visa Application

• Print the insurance document nicely.

• Submit it along with other required documents to embassy / VFS.

• Make sure the certificate meets all the criteria; if embassy finds something missing, your application might be delayed or refused.

Step 7: Keep Policy & Emergency Contacts While Travelling

• Take a copy of the insurance certificate with you when you travel.

• Keep helpline numbers from insurer handy (in case illness or accident).

Pros & Cons of Buying Locally vs International Travel Insurance

There are two main options: using a Nigerian insurance company or using an international provider. Each has advantages and drawbacks.

Often the best choice is local insurer whose plan meets Schengen requirements well. If you go international, ensure the embassy accepts it.

Real‑Life Examples: Students & Workers Getting Insurance for Schengen Visa

Here are some stories to help you see how this works in real life.

Example 1: Akin – Student Going to Study in Germany

• Akin is from Kaduna. He got admission in Berlin for a 3‑month Exchange Programme.

• He checked embassy site (German Embassy Lagos) for which insurance is accepted.

• Got quotes from AXA Mansard, Allianz Nigeria, and an international insurer (AXA Schengen). He noticed international one offers more benefits but cost was higher.

• He chose AXA Mansard because cost was lower, documentation met all requirements (name, days, €30,000 medical, repatriation, valid in all Schengen states).

Example 2: Funke – Worker Going on Holiday to Spain and France

• Funke works in Port Harcourt. She plans 2 weeks holiday: 7 days in Spain and 7 days in France.

• She got a local plan that includes emergency medical + repatriation + evacuation. Also a clause for lost baggage. Cost was moderate.

Example 3: Chukwu – Frequent Business Traveller

• Chukwu travels every few months to Europe for work.

• He found that getting a multi‑trip Schengen travel insurance (annual cover) is more economical than buying separate polices each trip.

These examples show that matching the policy to your trip and knowing what the embassy wants makes a big difference.

Tips to Get Cheap but Good Schengen Travel Insurance

You don’t need to overpay. Here are tips to get good value:

1. Buy only exactly for the number of days you need – Do not over‑insure.

2. Avoid unnecessary add‑ons if you don’t need them (e.g. adventure sports, very expensive baggage cover).

3. Look for student discounts – Some insurers offer cheaper rates for students.

4. Compare at least 3 quotes – from both local and international.

5. Choose higher deductible (if okay) to reduce premium.

6. Pay in Naira when local insurer allows; avoids foreign‑currency fees.

7. Buy early – You get failure‑of‑visa refunds in some policies.

Summary Table: Key Comparisons & Checklist

Here’s a quick table summarizing what to check, comparison between local vs international, and must‑haves.

Conclusion

Getting the best travel insurance for Schengen visa from Nigeria is about more than just buying any insurance. You must get a policy that meets all requirements: minimum coverage (€30,000), valid in all Schengen states, covering the full duration of your travel, with repatriation.

Always compare options, verify what embassies require, read policy documents carefully, and choose an insurer (local or international) that gives value and good support. For students and working class travellers in Nigeria, there are very good local options, but sometimes paying a bit more for international perks may be worthwhile.

Travel safely, carry your proper documents, and enjoy your time in Schengen Area!