Europe is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, with many countries, cultures, and climates accessible in a relatively small geographic area. To make it easier for visitors to move freely between nations without border controls, 27 countries comprise what is known as the Schengen area:

Schengen area countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Citizens of certain countries must get a Schengen visa to visit Schengen area countries for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. This applies to many non-U.S. citizens visiting Schengen counties, or U.S. citizens traveling to Schengen countries for longer than 90 days.

If you are traveling to any of the 27 member countries on a Schengen visa, it is required that you show proof of compliant medical insurance at the time of visa application. To ensure your travel planning goes as smoothly as possible, research and purchase adequate Schengen area travel insurance that meets all requirements before beginning the visa application process.

Schengen visa compliant travel insurance must provide:

• Medical coverage in the amount of at least €30,000 - Even though the exact rates vary daily, when purchasing from US-based companies, you would purchase a policy maximum of $50,000
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains

You can make an instant purchase online for the insurance plan that will meet the above requirements. Immediately after purchasing the insurance, you will get an email confirmation to download the visa letter, print and submit along with the rest of the documents to get a Schengen visa.