Planning a trip to Europe from Latin America? One of the most frequently asked questions is whether travel insurance is really mandatory. The answer, as you'll see, depends on your nationality, but the recommenda…
Planning a trip to Europe from Latin America? One of the most frequently asked questions is whether travel insurance is really mandatory. The answer, as you'll see, depends on your nationality, but the recommendation to travel protected is universal.
Is travel insurance mandatory to travel to Europe?
The quick answer: Is insurance mandatory for Europe?
The mandatory nature of travel insurance for Europe directly depends on your country of origin in Latin America. It is crucial to understand this distinction to avoid unpleasant surprises in your planning or, worse, upon your arrival on the continent.
For **citizens of the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, and Ecuador**, the answer is a resounding YES. For them, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is not an option, it is a mandatory requirement to obtain a Schengen visa. Without insurance that meets the specific requirements, your visa application will be rejected or you will be denied entry to the Schengen Area.
In contrast, for the rest of Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and others, while it is not mandatory to enter the Schengen Area (as they do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days), it is highly indispensable and recommended. Immigration authorities, even if they don't ask for the policy at the counter, expect a responsible traveler to have this support. For travelers from Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina, although not mandatory, 99% of travel experts and consulates strongly recommend purchasing insurance. Not having it is the most common financial mistake for tourists.
It is important to mention that the future ETIAS system (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), expected to come into force soon, will introduce a new permit for visa-exempt citizens. While ETIAS will not make insurance mandatory per se for those who do not need a visa, it reinforces the idea of foresight and traveler responsibility, making the purchase of travel insurance even more sensible.
Insurance requirements for the Schengen Visa (mandatory)
If you are from the Dominican Republic, Bolivia, or Ecuador, pay special attention. For these travelers, travel insurance is a critical link in the Schengen visa application process. Without it, your European dream will be put on hold. The requirements are very clear and allow no exceptions:
- Minimum medical coverage of 30,000 euros (EUR): This is the minimum amount your insurance must cover for emergency medical expenses and hospitalization. Insurance offering less than this amount will be rejected.
- Coverage for medical repatriation: This means the insurance must cover the costs of your transfer back to your home country in case of a serious illness or accident that prevents your planned return trip.
- Coverage for repatriation of remains: In the most unfortunate event, the insurance must cover the cost of transferring the mortal remains to your country.
- Validity in all Schengen Area countries: Your policy must not limit its validity to a single country, but must be effective throughout the Schengen Area, allowing you to move freely between member countries.
- Must cover the entire duration of the planned stay: From the day of entry to the day of departure from the Schengen Area, your insurance must be valid.
At Baraglo, we understand the complexity of these requirements. That's why we have designed the 'Schengen Visa' plan specifically to meet these demands 100%, ensuring your visa process is as smooth as possible. For citizens of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Bolivia, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is not an option, it is a mandatory requirement to obtain the Schengen visa.
Travelers without a Visa: why is insurance still indispensable?
Even if you are from a Latin American country that does not require a visa for short stays in Europe, such as Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina, ignoring the need for travel insurance would be a costly mistake and irresponsible. The main reason lies in the extremely high cost of medical care on the continent.
Imagine the following situation: you are enjoying the charms of Paris or strolling through the streets of Rome and suddenly, a severe flu, a fall, or an unforeseen event leads you to need medical attention. A simple medical consultation in Europe can easily cost more than 100 euros, a bandage for a sprain a couple of hundred, and a night of hospitalization easily exceeds 1,000 euros. A case of appendicitis, requiring surgery and several days of hospitalization, could leave you with a bill of more than 10,000 euros. An emergency consultation in Germany or France can cost between €100 and €300, while hospitalization for appendicitis can exceed €10,000. A Standard Baraglo insurance protects you for only $4.99 per day.
But travel assistance coverages go far beyond medical. Good insurance also protects you against other unforeseen events that can ruin your trip and your wallet:
- Trip cancellation or interruption: If an unforeseen event (you or a close relative gets sick, force majeure) forces you to cancel or shorten your trip, the insurance can cover non-refundable expenses.
- Lost or delayed luggage: Can you imagine arriving at your destination without your suitcase? The insurance provides compensation to buy essential items and for the definitive loss of luggage.
- Legal assistance: In the event of an incident requiring legal advice, the insurance can cover the expenses.
- Repatriation: Not only medical, but also administrative or due to accidents.
Furthermore, immigration officers, even if they don't ask for insurance, may request proof of financial solvency. Having travel insurance not only protects you financially but also acts as proof of responsibility and foresight, demonstrating that you are prepared for any eventuality without becoming a burden on local health services.
Viewing travel insurance as an expense is a mistake. It is, in reality, a minimal investment that guarantees peace of mind and financial security for only a few dollars a day, allowing you to enjoy your European experience without worries, knowing that in case of any problem, you will have reliable support.
Baraglo plans recommended for your trip to Europe
At Baraglo, we understand that every traveler is unique and their needs vary. That's why we offer a range of plans designed to cover different levels of coverage and budget, always thinking about your peace of mind. Here are our specific recommendations for your trip to Europe:
For travelers requiring a Schengen Visa (Dominican, Bolivia, Ecuador):
If your nationality requires you to process a Schengen visa, as is the case for Dominican, Bolivian, and Ecuadorian travelers, your ideal and mandatory option is the:
- Schengen Visa Plan: With a cost of $2.99 USD/day and medical coverage of USD 30,000. This plan fully complies with all the requirements demanded by embassies and consulates for obtaining a Schengen visa, including the minimum coverage of 30,000 euros, medical and remains repatriation. Baraglo's Schengen Visa Plan ($2.99/day) was designed to meet 100% of embassy requirements, including €30,000 coverage and medical repatriation.
For all other travelers from Latin America (visa-exempt):
If you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Chile, Uruguay, among others, we strongly recommend considering the following plans, which offer superior protection and greater peace of mind:
- Standard Plan: From $4.99 USD/day with medical coverage of USD 35,000. This is the ideal starting point for robust protection. It offers coverage beyond the mandatory minimum if you needed a visa, and is perfect for most trips, covering medical, dental, medication expenses, and important basic assistance.
- Essential Plus Plan: For $5.29 USD/day, you get coverage of up to USD 50,000. Designed for those who want even greater support, this plan provides extra peace of mind in any medical or travel eventuality, without a large increase in cost.
- Premium Plan: From $8.99 USD/day, with maximum coverage of USD 100,000. If you are looking for the highest possible protection and to travel without any worries, this plan is for you. It covers a wide spectrum of situations with the highest limits, ideal for those who want to leave nothing to chance.
Here is a comparative table of the recommended plans for Europe:
| Baraglo Plan |
Cost (USD/day per person) |
Medical Coverage for Accident/Illness |
Medical/Funeral Repatriation |
Lost Luggage |
Recommended for |
| Visa Schengen |
$2.99 |
USD 30,000 (meets €30,000) |
Included |
USD 500 |
Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Ecuador (visa requirement) |
| Standard |
$4.99 |
USD 35,000 |
Included |
USD 800 |
Most travelers (greater peace of mind) |
| Essential Plus |
$5.29 |
USD 50,000 |
Included |
USD 1,200 |
Travelers seeking extra coverage |
| Premium |
$8.99 |
USD 100,000 |
Included |
USD 1,500 |
Maximum protection and peace of mind |
VERY IMPORTANT! We want to be transparent. Baraglo's Basic Plan (USD 20,000) is not recommended for travel to Europe, as its coverage does not meet the minimum requirement of €30,000 (approximately USD 32,000 depending on the exchange rate) for the Schengen Area. Choosing a plan with less coverage could lead to immigration problems or leave you unprotected in case of a serious incident.
Furthermore, if you are over 75 years old, please note that a 50% surcharge will be applied to the base rate of any plan, due to the higher risk associated with age. This is a common practice in the industry to adjust coverage to the specific needs of older adults.
Purchase your insurance for Europe in 3 simple steps
Acquiring your travel insurance for Europe with Baraglo is a quick, simple, and fully digital process, designed so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Forget about complicated paperwork and long waits. Follow these three steps and you'll have your policy in minutes:
- Step 1: Enter your travel dates and passengers' ages. Access our Baraglo.com quote tool. Enter the exact start and end dates of your trip to Europe, as well as the age of each traveler. This information is crucial to calculate the cost and available plan options.
- Step 2: Compare plans and choose the one that best suits your trip. Once the data is entered, our system will show you a detailed comparison of all our options: Standard, Essential Plus, Premium, or the Schengen Visa plan if your nationality requires it. Analyze the coverages, amounts, and prices to make the best decision according to your needs and budget.
- Step 3: Make the online payment and receive your policy instantly. Once you have selected your plan, proceed with secure payment through our online platform. We accept various payment methods for your convenience. Immediately after confirming the transaction, you will receive your policy and assistance certificate in your email. This certificate is the document you can present at immigration or at your visa appointment, guaranteeing you a smooth entry into Europe.
It's that easy! At Baraglo, we want your trip to Europe to start with the greatest possible peace of mind. Don't wait any longer to enjoy your adventure with the best protection!
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I travel to Europe without travel insurance?
If your nationality requires a Schengen visa (e.g., Dominican), you will be denied the visa or entry. If you do not need a visa, you run the risk of facing medical expenses of thousands of euros on your own in case of an accident or illness, which could ruin your finances and your trip.
What is the minimum insurance coverage for Europe?
The minimum medical coverage required for a Schengen visa is 30,000 euros. Even if you don't need a visa, it is highly recommended to purchase a plan with coverage of USD 35,000 (Standard Plan) or higher to be well protected against high medical costs in Europe.
Does travel insurance for Europe cover COVID-19?
Yes, Baraglo's travel assistance plans include medical coverage for illness and complications related to a COVID-19 diagnosis. We recommend reviewing the policy details to understand the full scope, limits, and specific conditions of coverage.
Do I need insurance to enter European countries outside the Schengen Area, like the United Kingdom?
Although the United Kingdom does not mandatorily require insurance for tourists, the cost of its health system for foreigners (NHS) is extremely high. Therefore, it is essential to travel with comprehensive insurance to avoid exorbitant medical bills in case of any emergency.
Ready to travel protected? Get your Baraglo travel insurance now!
Baraglo
