If you are Chilean and are planning your dream trip to Europe, this guide is for you. Although as a Chilean you are exempt from a Schengen visa for short stays, taking out travel insurance is not just a recommendation, it is a…
If you are Chilean and are planning your dream trip to Europe, this guide is for you. Although as a Chilean you are exempt from a Schengen visa for short stays, taking out travel insurance is not just a recommendation, it is a financial necessity and a safeguard that may be requested at the border. Here we explain the requirements, the costs you may face, and how to choose the best policy to travel with complete peace of mind.
Travel Insurance for Europe for Chileans: Requirements and How to Choose
Is travel insurance to Europe really mandatory for Chileans?
This is the first question many Chilean travelers ask, and the answer has important nuances. As a Chilean citizen, you have the benefit of being able to enter the Schengen Area and stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for a visa. This puts you in an advantageous position compared to other Latin American travelers. However, not having to apply for a visa does not mean that there are no entry requirements or crucial recommendations you should follow.
The key is to differentiate between a "visa application requirement" and an "entry requirement at the border." Unlike travelers from Bolivia or Ecuador, Chileans do not need to apply for a Schengen visa. This simplifies paperwork, but it does not eliminate the risk of facing a medical emergency costing thousands of euros abroad. Immigration officials at any European airport (Madrid, Paris, Rome, etc.) have the authority to request a series of documents from you that demonstrate the purpose and conditions of your trip. These usually include:
- Valid passport.
- Round-trip ticket.
- Accommodation reservations.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay.
- Valid travel medical insurance.
Although it is not always requested, not having travel insurance exposes you to two risks: first, that an immigration official considers that you do not comply with all the guarantees for your visit and denies you entry. Second, and more importantly, the catastrophic financial risk of a medical emergency in Europe, where healthcare costs are exorbitantly high for non-residents.
So, what is the standard to follow? EU regulation no. 810/2009, although it applies to visa applicants, establishes the travel insurance coverage standard at 30,000 euros, a figure that serves as a reference for all travelers. This policy must cover health repatriation expenses, urgent medical assistance, and hospitalization. Taking out insurance that complies with this standard is the smartest way to guarantee both your peace of mind and a smooth entry into Europe.
Attention: the new ETIAS permit for Chileans is approaching
As of mid-2025, the rules for traveling to Europe from Chile will change slightly with the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System, known as ETIAS. It is essential that as a frequent traveler or future tourist, you are aware of this new requirement to avoid surprises.
ETIAS is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorization designed for citizens of countries that are currently visa-exempt for entering the Schengen Area, as is the case for Chile. Its objective is to strengthen security controls and pre-screen travelers before their arrival at the border. The process will be completely online, fast, and relatively inexpensive, but it will be mandatory.
A Chilean citizen can enter the Schengen Area without a visa for 90 days, but starting in 2025 will need to apply for an ETIAS permit before traveling. During the online application process, you will be asked for personal information, passport data, and to answer a series of security and health questions.
Although the final details and all the fields of the form are still to be confirmed by the European Union, it is highly likely that evidence of valid travel insurance will be requested for ETIAS approval. The logic is simple: Europe wants to ensure that visitors do not become a burden on its public health systems. Requiring insurance with minimum coverage (probably aligned with the 30,000 euro standard) is the most effective way to guarantee this. Therefore, taking out travel insurance today not only protects you for your next trip, but also prepares you and accustoms you to a practice that will almost certainly be a mandatory prerequisite in the near future. You can find out more about requirements for traveling to Europe and how to prepare for these changes.
Medical costs in Europe: the real reason to insure your trip
Beyond any immigration requirement, the fundamental reason to take out travel insurance to Europe is to protect your assets. A simple sprained ankle while strolling through the Colosseum or food poisoning in Paris can turn into a financial nightmare. It is crucial to understand that your FONASA or ISAPRE plan does not have coverage abroad, leaving you completely exposed.
To give you a clear idea of what you are facing, we have compiled a table with the average costs of some common medical incidents in popular European destinations for Chileans. Compare them with the daily cost of insurance and the decision becomes obvious.
| Medical Incident |
Country (Example) |
Estimated Average Cost (EUR) |
| Consultation with a general practitioner for flu or discomfort |
Spain |
€80 - €150 |
| Emergency room visit for a simple fracture (without surgery) |
Italy |
€600 - €1,200 |
| Emergency appendectomy (includes 2-3 days hospitalization) |
France |
€10,000 - €20,000 |
| One night hospitalization in a standard room |
Germany |
From €800 per night |
| Ground ambulance for an emergency |
Various |
€400 - €900 |
| Health repatriation by medical plane |
From Europe to Chile |
€25,000 - €60,000+ |
Now, consider this: a medical consultation in Germany can cost €120, while appendicitis in France can exceed €15,000. Baraglo travel insurance protects you from just $2.99 USD per day. For the price of a coffee in Paris, you get coverage that can save you from lifelong debt. The cost of health repatriation, which is basically an air ambulance flight back to Chile, can easily exceed 50 million Chilean pesos. Travel insurance is your only safety net against these unpredictable events.
Furthermore, it's not all medical. Good insurance also protects you from other travel mishaps, such as the definitive loss of your luggage, the forced cancellation of your trip before departure, or the need to interrupt it due to a family emergency in Chile. These coverages protect the large investment you have already made in tickets and hotels.
Key coverages your insurance for Europe must include
When looking for travel insurance for Europe, it's easy to get lost in the technical details. To simplify it, focus on your policy including these five essential coverages. These are what make the difference between a "paper" insurance and real protection that will respond when you need it most.
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Medical assistance for illness or accident: This is the backbone of any travel insurance. Make sure the minimum coverage amount is 30,000 euros (approximately 33,000 US dollars). This will cover consultations, medications, examinations, hospitalizations, and emergency surgeries. For greater peace of mind, consider plans with higher amounts, such as USD 50,000 or more.
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Repatriation of remains and health: This coverage is as important as medical assistance. If you suffer a serious accident or illness that prevents you from returning to Chile on a commercial flight, health repatriation covers the cost of specialized transport, such as an air ambulance. Its cost is astronomical, so this coverage is non-negotiable. Repatriation of remains, although a delicate subject, is equally crucial to relieve your family of an enormous financial and logistical burden in a difficult time.
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Trip cancellation or interruption: Imagine that a week before your trip to Italy, you become seriously ill or a direct family member suffers an accident. Without this coverage, you would lose all the money invested in non-refundable flights, hotels, and tours. Cancellation coverage reimburses you for those expenses. Interruption coverage works if you are already in Europe and must return to Chile urgently due to a covered cause, reimbursing the unused part of your trip.
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Baggage coverage: Who hasn't felt a little anxiety waiting for their suitcase on the conveyor belt? This coverage gives you peace of mind. It indemnifies you in case of loss, theft, or damage to your checked baggage. Many plans also offer compensation for delays, so you can buy essential items if your suitcase arrives late.
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24/7 assistance in Spanish and legal assistance: An emergency does not warn and does not understand schedules or languages. It is vital that your insurance offers an assistance line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and that you can communicate in Spanish. This is a lifesaver when you are stressed and need immediate help. Legal assistance, which may include bail bonds, is a very valuable extra coverage in case you are involved in a legal problem, such as a traffic accident.
Baraglo plans for Chileans: which one to choose for your trip to Europe?
At Baraglo.com we understand the specific needs of Chilean travelers heading to Europe. That is why we have designed a range of plans that not only meet, but exceed Schengen Area requirements, offering an excellent balance between price, coverage, and peace of mind. All our plans include 24/7 assistance in Spanish and allow you to travel with the certainty that you are protected by experts.
To help you decide, we have created this comparative table with our three most recommended options for your European adventure:
| Feature |
Visa Schengen Plan |
Standard Plan |
Essential Plus Plan |
| Price USD/day (approx.) |
$2.99 |
$4.99 |
$5.29 |
| Maximum Medical Coverage |
USD 30,000 |
USD 35,000 |
USD 50,000 |
| Ideal for... |
Budget travelers looking to meet the minimum requirement and have essential protection. |
Most travelers. Offers a safety net above the minimum, ideal for leisure or business trips. |
Travelers seeking maximum peace of mind, families with children, or people with mild pre-existing conditions. |
Compliant option: 'Visa Schengen' plan
Starting from just $2.99 USD per day, this plan is the most economical option to comply with European regulations. It offers USD 30,000 coverage for medical expenses, which is equivalent to the EUR 30,000 requirement. It's perfect if you have a very defined budget and your main goal is to have the basic required coverage and be protected against moderate unforeseen events. It includes repatriation and full assistance.
Smart option (recommended): 'Standard' plan
For just a little more, from $4.99 USD per day, the Standard Plan raises your medical coverage to USD 35,000. This small increase in the amount provides you with a much more comfortable safety net. We recommend this plan as the best value option for most Chileans traveling to Europe. It gives you that extra peace of mind to enjoy your trip knowing that you have solid protection that goes beyond the strict minimum.
Superior option: 'Essential Plus' plan
If you are someone who prefers to leave nothing to chance, the Essential Plus Plan is your best ally. From $5.29 USD per day, your medical coverage soars to USD 50,000. This is the ideal option for long trips, for families, or simply for anyone who desires maximum peace of mind. With this policy, you are prepared to face more serious medical emergencies without having to worry about exceeding the coverage limit. If you are looking for robust financial shielding, this is your choice.
Important note: Please note that for travelers over 75 years old, a 50% surcharge applies to the price of the chosen plan to ensure full coverage. You can compare all our plans and their details to find the one that best suits you.
Don't leave your financial security to chance. A trip to Europe is a significant investment and protecting it is the smartest decision you can make. Quote and purchase your Schengen insurance with Baraglo in minutes and travel with the confidence of being backed by experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does travel insurance to Europe from Chile cost?
The cost of travel insurance to Europe for Chileans varies depending on the duration and coverage. At Baraglo.com, you can find plans that meet the Schengen requirement starting from $2.99 USD per day, such as our Visa Schengen plan.
Do Chileans need a Visa to go to Spain or Europe?
No. Chilean citizens do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Area (which includes Spain and most of Europe) for tourism or business for up to 90 days. However, from 2025 the online ETIAS permit will be required.
Which travel insurance for Europe do you recommend if I'm from Chile?
Although you don't need a visa, we recommend insurance that covers at least 30,000 euros. Baraglo's 'Standard' plan (USD 35K) is ideal for its balance between price and coverage. If you are looking for the most economical option that complies, the 'Visa Schengen' plan (USD 30K) is perfect.
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