Are you planning a trip to Europe from Latin America and wondering if you need travel insurance? The answer depends on your nationality. For some, it's a mandatory requirement to obtain a Schengen visa, while for o…
Are you planning a trip to Europe from Latin America and wondering if you need travel insurance? The answer depends on your nationality. For some, it's a mandatory requirement to obtain a Schengen visa, while for others, even if not required, it's an indispensable investment to protect yourself from costly medical emergencies.
Is Travel Insurance to Europe Mandatory for Latins?
The Quick Answer: Is Insurance for Europe Mandatory?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for certain Latin American citizens who wish to enter the Schengen Area. Specifically, for those countries that require a Schengen visa for entry, such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. For these travelers, insurance is a mandatory document that must comply with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros.
For the rest of Latin American countries, such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, or Peru, although it is not a mandatory entry requirement enforced at immigration, traveling without it is a risky decision. Medical costs in Europe are extremely high, and travel insurance becomes an indispensable tool to protect your finances and well-being throughout your stay.
Case 1: Mandatory for Travelers with a Schengen Visa
If you are a citizen of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, or Bolivia, travel insurance is not just a recommendation, it is a legal and indispensable requirement to obtain your Schengen visa. Without a policy that meets the specifications, your visa application will be rejected. For citizens of the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Bolivia, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is a mandatory requirement to apply for a Schengen Visa.
Travel insurance for the Schengen visa must meet the following characteristics:
- Minimum coverage of €30,000 (or USD 35,000): This amount is the approximate equivalent and is essential to cover potential medical expenses.
- Validity throughout the Schengen Area: The policy must be valid in all member countries of the Schengen area, meaning the insurance must cover any destination within the 27 European states.
- Repatriation coverage: It must include medical repatriation in case of serious illness or accident, as well as repatriation of remains.
- Validity: It must cover the entire duration of your planned stay in Europe.
At Baraglo, we have designed the Schengen Visa Plan specifically to meet all these requirements. With USD 30,000 coverage starting from $2.99 USD per day, it is the most affordable and reliable option to ensure your visa approval and your peace of mind. You can quote your Schengen insurance here.
Case 2: Indispensable for Visa-Exempt Travelers
For a large part of Latin America, traveling to Europe is simpler, as countries like Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, or Panama are exempt from the Schengen visa requirement for stays of up to 90 days for tourism purposes.
However, this exemption does not mean you should travel unprepared. Although it may not be required at immigration control upon entering Europe, traveling without travel insurance is taking an enormous financial risk. European healthcare systems, though high quality, are not free for tourists.
To give you an idea of the costs:
- An emergency medical consultation can range from €100 to €300.
- A simple emergency room visit for a sprain or flu can cost between €300 and €500.
- One night of hospitalization in Germany or France can cost more than 1,000 euros, a cost that travel insurance covers completely.
- Minor surgery, like an emergency appendectomy, can easily exceed €10,000. Although Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina do not require insurance to enter Europe, the cost of an appendectomy can exceed 10,000 euros, a debt avoided with insurance for $4.99 a day.
It is crucial to understand that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which allows European Union citizens to access medical care in other member countries, does NOT apply to Latin American tourists. Thus, any medical expense will fall directly on you if you do not have travel insurance.
Which Baraglo Plan to Choose for Your Trip to Europe?
When selecting your travel insurance for Europe, it is essential to choose a plan that provides adequate protection, exceeding the minimum required by the Schengen Area.
At Baraglo, we recommend:
- Standard Plan (USD 35K): This is our smart recommendation for most visa-exempt travelers. With USD 35,000 in coverage, it exceeds the minimum of €30,000 required by Schengen and offers solid protection against a wide range of unforeseen events at a very affordable price, starting from $4.99 USD per day. Baraglo's Standard Plan offers USD 35,000 in coverage, exceeding the €30,000 minimum required by the Schengen Area and providing greater peace of mind.
- Essential Plus Plan (USD 50K): If you are looking for greater peace of mind and more robust coverage, this plan is ideal. With USD 50,000 in assistance, it protects you against more complex medical scenarios and offers additional benefits that make a difference for only $5.29 USD per day.
- Premium Plan (USD 100K): For those who want maximum protection and are willing to invest in the highest coverage available. USD 100,000 in benefits means complete peace of mind in the face of any eventuality, including serious or prolonged medical situations. From $8.99 USD per day.
We never recommend the Basic Plan (USD 20K) for Europe, as its coverage does not meet the requirements of the Schengen Area nor does it offer the necessary peace of mind given European healthcare costs.
Baraglo Plan Comparison for Europe
| Baraglo Plan |
Medical Coverage |
Price per Day (approx.) |
| Visa Schengen |
USD 30,000 |
$2.99 USD |
| Standard |
USD 35,000 |
$4.99 USD |
| Essential Plus |
USD 50,000 |
$5.29 USD |
| Premium |
USD 100,000 |
$8.99 USD |
Remember that for those over 75, a +50% surcharge applies to the daily price.
Ready to travel protected? Quote and purchase your Europe travel insurance with Baraglo, ensuring compliance with requirements and your peace of mind.
Key Coverages You Should Look for in Your Europe Insurance
Beyond the insured sum, it is essential that your travel insurance for Europe includes certain essential coverages to guarantee comprehensive protection. This is what Baraglo offers you:
- Medical assistance for accident or illness: This is the main coverage and must, at a minimum, reach €30,000 or its equivalent in USD. It includes consultations, medications, hospitalization, and surgeries.
- Medical and funeral repatriation: It is crucial that the insurance covers the costs of your return to your home country for serious medical reasons, as well as the repatriation of remains in case of death.
- Emergency dental expenses: A toothache can ruin your trip, and costs can be high. Make sure the plan covers emergency dental care.
- Additional valuable benefits: Many Baraglo plans include complementary coverages that are very helpful:
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Covers non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut short your trip for justified reasons.
- Lost, stolen, or delayed baggage: Offers compensation for these common inconveniences.
- Legal assistance: In case you need legal advice during your trip.
- Civil liability: Protects you if you accidentally cause damage to third parties.
Choosing insurance with these coverages not only guarantees your entry to Europe if your nationality requires it, but also offers you peace of mind to fully enjoy your adventure, knowing that you are protected against any unforeseen event.
Why Contract with Baraglo?
At Baraglo, we understand the needs of Latin American travelers and specialize in offering tailored solutions for your trip to Europe. Contracting your insurance with us guarantees you:
- Competitive and transparent prices: We offer plans that fit your budget and needs, from our Schengen Visa Plan to Premium options, with clear daily prices and no surprises.
- Complete and adapted coverages: Our plans are designed to meet and exceed Schengen Area requirements, including emergency medical assistance, repatriation, dental expenses, and much more, so you travel with complete security.
- 24/7 support and assistance in Spanish: We are with you every step of the way. Our multilingual team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide you with the help you need in your own language, no matter the time or place.
Don't leave your protection to chance. Travel with the peace of mind of being backed by Baraglo.
Don't wait any longer. Secure your trip and your peace of mind. Quote and purchase your Europe travel insurance with Baraglo today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I travel to Europe without insurance as a citizen of a visa-exempt country?
Although you may enter, if you suffer an accident or illness, you will be responsible for paying all medical costs out of your pocket, which can amount to tens of thousands of euros. Not having insurance is a very high financial risk.
How much does travel insurance for Europe cost?
The cost varies, but at Baraglo you can find plans that meet Schengen requirements from $2.99 USD per day (Schengen Visa Plan). For greater protection, the Standard Plan costs only $4.99 USD per day.
For which countries is insurance to Europe mandatory?
For citizens of Latin American countries who need a Schengen visa, such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for the process.
Is my credit card insurance sufficient for traveling to Europe?
Generally not. Credit card insurance usually has very low coverages (less than €30,000), many exclusions, and requires you to pay first and seek reimbursement later. It is crucial to verify that it meets Schengen requirements, and a dedicated plan like those from Baraglo is safer.
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