Peru is exempt from Schengen visas, but SIS and EsSalud don't protect you in Europe. Complete guide with real medical costs and how to protect yourself.
⚠️ Important: The Basic Plan (USD 20,000) is not offered for travel to Europe. The Schengen area requires a minimum coverage of €30,000. We recommend the Standard, Essential Plus, or Premium plans.
## Do Peruvians need insurance to travel to Europe?
Peru is one of the Latin American countries **exempt from Schengen visas** for tourist stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This means that as a Peruvian, you can enter any of the 27 Schengen area countries by simply presenting your valid passport. However, **not being required to apply for a visa does not mean you don't need travel insurance**: your Peruvian medical coverage simply does not work in Europe, and hospital costs can wipe out your travel savings in a single night.
### SIS and EsSalud do not work outside of Peru
Neither the Integral Health Insurance (SIS) nor EsSalud have international agreements that cover you in European hospitals. These systems are designed **exclusively for care within Peruvian territory**. If you have a medical emergency in Madrid, Rome, or Paris, you will have to pay out of pocket at tourist rates — which in Europe are several times higher than what you are used to in Peru.
The same applies to private Peruvian insurance policies such as Rímac, Pacífico, or MAPFRE Perú: most have very limited international coverage, with low caps and significant exclusions for prolonged hospitalizations or medical repatriation.
### Real medical costs in Europe for Peruvians
| Medical Service | Cost in Europe | Equivalent in Soles |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | €200 – €500 | S/810 – S/2,025 |
| Urban ambulance | €800 – €2,000 | S/3,240 – S/8,100 |
| Hospitalization (1 night) | €1,500 – €4,000 | S/6,075 – S/16,200 |
| Emergency surgery | €5,000 – €30,000 | S/20,250 – S/121,500 |
| ICU per day | €3,000 – €6,000 | S/12,150 – S/24,300 |
| Medical repatriation to Peru | €10,000 – €50,000 | S/40,500 – S/202,500 |
> 💡 A single night of hospitalization in France can cost more than the monthly minimum wage in Peru. An appendectomy in Italy costs around S/80,000 without insurance.
### ETIAS 2026: new requirement for Peruvians in Europe
Starting in 2026, Peruvians will need **ETIAS** (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization to enter the Schengen area. It is an electronic permit similar to the US ESTA, with an approximate cost of €7 and valid for 3 years.
**Important:** ETIAS DOES NOT include medical coverage or replace travel insurance. It is only an immigration authorization. Without travel insurance, you remain exposed to the same hospital costs.
### Baraglo plans for Peruvians traveling to Europe
| Plan | Medical Coverage | Daily Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | USD $20,000 | {{basic_price}}/day |
| Standard | USD $35,000 | {{standard_price}}/day |
| Essential Plus | USD $50,000 | {{essential_plus_price}}/day |
| Premium | USD $100,000 | {{premium_price}}/day |
For a typical 15-day trip to Europe with a Basic plan, the total cost is approximately **USD $48** (~S/195) — less than a dinner for two in Madrid.
### Coverage included in all plans
- ✅ Medical emergencies and hospitalization
- ✅ Emergency surgery
- ✅ Medical repatriation to Peru
- ✅ Emergency dental assistance
- ✅ Lost luggage
- ✅ Trip cancellation (Standard+ plans)
- ✅ 24/7 assistance in Spanish
- ✅ Coverage in all 27 Schengen countries + United Kingdom
### Popular European destinations from Peru
1. **Spain** — Madrid and Barcelona, favorite destinations due to shared language
2. **Italy** — Rome and the Italian-Peruvian cultural connection
3. **France** — Paris, a classic aspirational destination
4. **Germany** — Berlin and Munich for tourism and job opportunities
5. **Netherlands** — Amsterdam as a hub for connections from Lima
### Frequently asked questions
**Does my private Peruvian insurance (Rímac, Pacífico, MAPFRE) cover me in Europe?**
Most have very limited international coverage. Check your policy, but generally, the caps are insufficient for European hospitalization (which easily exceeds €20,000). Specific travel insurance is much more economical and comprehensive.
**Can I pay in Soles?**
Billing is in USD. Your Peruvian Visa or Mastercard applies the exchange rate of the day automatically.
**Does insurance cover activities like skiing or hiking in the Alps?**
Standard and higher plans cover recreational activities. For more intense adventure sports, we recommend Essential Plus or Premium.
**Do I need insurance if I only have a layover in Europe?**
If your layover includes leaving the Schengen airport transit area, yes. If it's just a connection without passing immigration, it's not mandatory but recommended.
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