Planning your trip to Europe from Latin America is exciting, but it also requires careful preparation. Travel insurance is not just a recommendation, it is an essential requirement to enter the Schengen Area, whether you need a visa or…
Planning your trip to Europe from Latin America is exciting, but it also requires careful preparation. Travel insurance is not just a recommendation, it is an essential requirement to enter the Schengen Area, whether you need a visa or not. In this comprehensive guide, we explain why it is mandatory, what coverage you need, and how to choose the perfect Baraglo plan to travel protected and without setbacks.
⚠️ Important: The Basic Plan (USD 20K) is not valid for travel to Europe/Schengen. The Schengen Agreement requires a minimum coverage of €30,000. For this destination, choose the Standard Plan (USD 35K) or higher.
Travel Insurance for Europe: Your Schengen Guide 2024
Traveling to Europe from Latin America: why is travel insurance essential?
The Schengen Area, made up of 29 European countries, is one of the most coveted destinations for Latin American travelers. From the history of Rome and the beaches of Spain to the museums of Paris and the canals of Amsterdam, Europe offers incomparable cultural and landscape diversity. However, to enjoy this experience, all travelers from Latin America must meet a fundamental requirement: having mandatory insurance for the Schengen Area.
This requirement is not a whim. A health system in Europe can have extremely high costs for a tourist. A simple medical consultation for the flu can cost hundreds of euros, and hospitalization for an accident can reach tens of thousands. Travel insurance is the guarantee for Schengen countries that you will not have to assume these debts or become a burden on their public system.
Beyond the obligation, traveling with adequate coverage provides invaluable peace of mind. Knowing that you are protected against medical emergencies, but also against common problems such as lost luggage, flight cancellations, or the need for legal assistance, allows you to focus on what matters most: enjoying your European adventure.
Schengen Insurance: mandatory for all Latinos (with and without Visa)
One of the biggest confusions among Latin travelers is about who actually needs travel insurance for Europe. The answer is simple: EVERYONE. The difference lies in when it will be required. Here we clarify the key distinction so you don't encounter unpleasant surprises at the consulate or immigration control.
It is essential to understand that, although the ultimate goal is the same (traveling safely and complying with regulations), the process varies depending on your nationality.
Group 1: travelers who require a Schengen Visa
If you are a citizen of Dominican Republic, Ecuador or Bolivia, you need to process a Schengen visa to travel to Europe for tourism. Within the list of requirements for the Schengen visa, one of the most important is to present a valid travel insurance policy.
For travelers from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Bolivia, travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 is not optional, it is an essential requirement to apply for a Schengen visa. The corresponding consulate will review that your policy meets all conditions (minimum coverage, repatriation, and territorial validity) before processing your application. Without adequate insurance, your visa will be automatically denied.
Group 2: visa-exempt travelers
If you have a passport from countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Panama, Costa Rica or Brazil (among others), you benefit from being able to enter the Schengen Area without the need for a prior visa for stays of up to 90 days.
However, this does not mean that you are exempt from complying with entry requirements! Upon arrival at the first immigration control point in Europe (for example, at the airport in Madrid, Paris, or Frankfurt), the immigration officer has the authority to request several documents from you to verify the purpose of your trip. These include:
- Valid passport.
- Round-trip ticket.
- Hotel reservations or invitation letter.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- And most importantly: your travel insurance policy.
Although you don't need a visa for Europe, as a citizen of Mexico, Colombia, or Argentina, upon arriving at immigration you may be asked for your travel insurance policy. Not having it can mean denial of entry and being sent back to your country on the next flight. Don't risk your trip over such a crucial detail.
The 3 key requirements of your policy for the Schengen Area
Not every travel insurance is valid for entering Europe. For your policy to be accepted, either at the consulate or at the border, it must compulsorily meet three specific and non-negotiable characteristics.
1. minimum coverage of €30,000 euros
The policy must guarantee a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros (or its equivalent in dollars) for medical expenses due to illness or accident. This amount is designed to cover everything from an emergency room visit to a surgical intervention or hospitalization. It is crucial to note that Baraglo's Basic Plan, with a USD 20,000 coverage, is NOT sufficient to meet this requirement. You must opt for plans that exceed this threshold. That's why Baraglo's Standard Plan offers USD 35,000 coverage (more than €32,000), comfortably exceeding the €30,000 minimum required for the Schengen Area for only $4.99 per day.
2. medical and remains repatriation coverage
This is a point that many travelers overlook, but it is equally mandatory. Your insurance must explicitly include coverage for:
- Medical repatriation: Transportation back to your country of origin in a specialized aircraft or with medical accompaniment if you suffer a serious illness or accident that prevents you from returning on a regular commercial flight.
- Repatriation of remains: Covering the costs associated with transporting the body back to your country in case of death during the trip.
Both coverages are required to ensure that the logistical and monetary costs of such a serious situation do not fall on the state of the European country you are visiting.
3. validity throughout the Schengen Area
Your insurance cannot be limited to a single country. The policy must specify that it is valid for the entire Schengen Area. This allows you to move freely between the 29 member countries (such as Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, etc.) with the same policy, for the duration of your stay. Make sure that your insurance validity dates cover from the day you arrive until the day you leave Europe.
Baraglo plans recommended for your trip to Europe
At Baraglo, we understand the specific needs of Latin travelers heading to Europe. That's why we have designed plans that not only comply with all Schengen requirements but also offer the best coverage-price ratio on the market. Here are our recommended options:
| Feature |
Schengen Visa Plan |
Standard Plan (Recommended) |
Essential Plus Plan |
| Medical Coverage |
USD 30,000 |
USD 35,000 |
USD 50,000 |
| Price per day (approx.) |
$2.99 USD |
$4.99 USD |
$5.29 USD |
| Meets Schengen €30,000 Requirement |
Yes (Barely covers) |
Yes (Exceeds minimum) |
Yes (Extensive coverage) |
| Medical/Funeral Repatriation |
Included |
Included |
Included |
| Ideal for... |
Meeting the visa requirement with the lowest budget. |
Traveling with peace of mind and coverage superior to the minimum. |
Travelers seeking maximum protection and additional assistance. |
Schengen Visa Plan ($2.99/day)
With USD 30,000 coverage, this plan is specifically designed to meet the minimum consulate requirement when applying for a visa. It is the most economical option to obtain the document, ensuring that your policy will be accepted. Although it is sufficient for the process, we recommend considering higher coverage for more robust protection during your trip.
Standard Plan ($4.99/day) - our main recommendation
For just two more dollars a day, the Standard Plan increases your coverage to USD 35,000. This amount not only comfortably exceeds the €30,000 threshold, giving you a safety margin against currency fluctuations, but also offers you greater peace of mind in case of any medical eventuality. It is the perfect balance between cost and solid protection for the average traveler.
Essential Plus Plan ($5.29/day)
For those seeking a superior level of security, the Essential Plus Plan offers medical coverage of USD 50,000. It is ideal for travelers with pre-existing conditions, families with children, or simply for those who want maximum peace of mind knowing they are covered for more costly medical scenarios. In addition, it usually includes higher amounts for other assistance. Explore all our Baraglo travel insurance plans and choose the one that best suits you.
Beyond obligation: coverages that save your trip
While medical coverage is the cornerstone of Schengen insurance, Baraglo plans include many other benefits designed to solve the most common and frustrating problems of a trip. These additional assistances are what can truly save your vacation and your wallet.
- Compensation for lost or delayed luggage: What happens if the airline loses your suitcase in Madrid and you have a connection to Rome? This coverage provides you with financial compensation so you can buy essential items (clothing, personal hygiene) while your luggage appears. If the loss is definitive, it indemnifies you up to the limit of your plan. Learn what to do if your luggage is lost with our guide.
- Reimbursement for trip cancellation or interruption: If a covered emergency (such as a serious illness of yourself or a direct family member) forces you to cancel your trip before it starts or to interrupt it and return home early, the insurance reimburses you for non-recoverable expenses for flights and hotels.
- Legal assistance: If you are involved in an accident or minor legal problem, your insurance offers telephone assistance and can cover attorney fees up to the amount specified in your policy.
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions: Some plans, such as Essential Plus or Premium, offer coverage for the first urgent medical assistance derived from a pre-existing condition, a crucial benefit for many travelers.
- Emergency dentistry: An unbearable toothache can ruin any trip. Most of our plans cover emergency dental treatments to relieve pain and resolve infection.
Quote and buy your Schengen travel insurance in 3 minutes
Getting your travel insurance for Europe with Baraglo is a quick, simple, and 100% online process. Forget the paperwork and endless calls. Follow these simple steps and have your policy ready to travel in less time than it takes to brew a coffee.
- Enter your travel details: Go to our quote page, indicate your country of origin, your destination (Europe/Schengen), the exact dates of your trip, and the number of passengers.
- Compare and choose your plan: The system will show you the recommended plans that meet the Schengen requirements. You can easily compare the coverages and prices of the Schengen Visa Plan, the Standard Plan, and the Essential Plus Plan. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
- Pay securely and receive your policy: Complete traveler details and make payment through our secure platform. Immediately after purchase, you will receive an email with your policy and insurance certificate in PDF format, ready to print and present at the consulate or immigration control.
It's that easy! In just three minutes, you will have the peace of mind of traveling protected and complying with all European regulations. Don't leave your safety to chance.
Ready for your European adventure?
Don't wait until the last minute. Quote your travel insurance now and travel with the protection you and your family deserve.
Quote your Schengen Insurance here
Frequently asked questions
I am from Colombia, do I really need travel insurance for Europe if I don't need a Visa?
Yes, it is mandatory. Although you don't need a visa for tourism, immigration authorities in the Schengen Area may require you upon arrival to demonstrate you have valid travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000. Without it, they could deny you entry.
What is the best travel insurance to apply for a Schengen Visa?
Baraglo's 'Schengen Visa' Plan meets the minimum requirements. However, we recommend the 'Standard' Plan which offers USD 35,000 coverage (exceeding the required €30,000), giving you more security for both visa approval and during your trip.
What is repatriation and why is it mandatory?
Repatriation is the transfer back to your country of origin, either due to a serious medical emergency (medical repatriation) or in case of death. It is a Schengen requirement to ensure that the costs of these events do not fall on the European country you are visiting.
How much does travel insurance for Europe cost?
At Baraglo, you can find plans that meet Schengen requirements from only $2.99 USD per day. The final price will depend on the duration of your trip and the level of coverage you choose, such as our recommended Standard Plan for $4.99 USD per day.
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