Everything you need to know about traveling in the Schengen area
Schengen visa, mandatory insurance, Neat guarantees... This guide answers all your questions to facilitate your visa application and travel with peace of mind.
SubscribeFAQ - Insurance and travel in Schengen: everything you need to know
The Schengen Area is a free movement zone comprising 29 countries (as of 05/2025), including 25 European Union members and 4 associated non-EU states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland). The 29 member countries are: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, and Switzerland. Note: Cyprus and Ireland are not part of the Schengen Area. A specific visa may be required to travel there.
For European citizens, entry into the Schengen Area is granted upon presentation of a valid ID card or passport. Once inside the Schengen Area, movement is free and without internal border controls. For non-European citizens and those not residing in a visa-exempt country, entry is subject to certain conditions: a valid passport, a Schengen visa, proof of the purpose of stay, evidence of sufficient financial resources, and travel insurance covering medical and repatriation expenses.
It is a mandatory document for traveling in the Schengen Area if you are not a European citizen or a resident of a visa-exempt country. You must apply at the consulate or embassy of the relevant Schengen country. If visiting several countries, apply to the country where you will stay the longest or enter first. All Schengen member countries can issue a Schengen visa, which is valid throughout the area. There are three types of Schengen visas: - Type A: Airport transit visa, allowing passage through the Schengen Area - Type C: Short-stay visa, valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period - Type D: Long-stay visa, for stays over 90 days
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for anyone traveling to Europe and the Schengen Area who does not reside in the European Union or a Schengen member country. However, some non-EU or non-Schengen countries have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU. Nationals of these countries can enter without a visa for short stays and are not required to purchase insurance, though it is highly recommended. For long stays, these nationals must apply for a type D visa and insurance is mandatory.
To obtain a Schengen visa, insurance must meet the following criteria: - Cover medical expenses for at least €30,000 - Include repatriation in case of emergency or death - Be valid in all Schengen member countries - Cover the entire duration of the stay - Be recognized and approved by embassies or consulates of member countries With Neat insurance, you benefit from enhanced guarantees: - Medical expenses up to €80,000 - Repatriation of accompanying persons - Repatriation assistance, medical transport - Emergency dental expenses - Funeral expenses - Legal assistance in case of dispute - Transmission of urgent messages to your relatives - Specific protections for COVID-19 (optional)
Yes, if you reside outside the Schengen Area and wish to travel to a country or territory within the Schengen Area. Yes, if you are traveling worldwide and do not reside in the country of stay.
Yes, Neat insurance is recognized and approved by embassies and consulates of Schengen member countries. It meets all official requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa, especially regarding medical coverage (minimum €30,000), repatriation, and territorial validity. For transparency, you can verify your contract's authenticity in the 'Manage Contract' section
Yes, when you subscribe to our insurance, you can change your contract's coverage dates. Just go to the 'Manage Contract' section. Note: Your modification request must reach us before the effective date shown on your subscription certificate.
Subscribing to Neat travel insurance is very simple. Visit our website www.travel-protect.neat.eu, fill out the online form, and complete your subscription in a few clicks. No documents or proof are required. Payment is secure and made by credit card. You will receive your insurance certificate by email in just a few seconds. You can then apply for your visa and travel with peace of mind throughout the Schengen Area and worldwide.
Yes, in case of visa refusal, Neat will refund your insurance fees. Simply email us at [email protected] with the official letter stating the visa refusal. Note: The refund request must reach us before the effective date shown on your subscription certificate.
Yes, you can purchase a policy for a relative. Simply provide all the required information about them. Once the subscription is complete, you will immediately receive their insurance certificate, which you can forward to them.
The only difference between the Silver Plan and the Gold Plan is the amount of medical coverage. The Silver Plan covers your medical expenses up to €30,000, while the Gold Plan extends this coverage up to €80,000.
No worries, if you made a mistake entering your information, just go to the 'Manage Contract' section. A new insurance certificate will then be sent to you by email.
Yes, you can extend your insurance contract if your stay is prolonged. Just ensure your visa remains valid for the desired period, then go to the 'Manage Contract' section.
Neat travel insurance coverage is valid in all countries and territories of the Schengen Area, as defined in your contract, and also applies worldwide, according to your subscription plan's conditions.
You are covered from the date specified on your subscription certificate, provided the insurance premium has been paid. The contract must be subscribed before your travel departure date.
Schengen travel insurance is designed to meet the specific requirements of Schengen member country embassies, including: - Medical coverage of at least €30,000 - Repatriation in case of serious illness or death - Validity in all Schengen Area countries Standard travel insurance may not meet all these criteria and is not recognized by embassies for Schengen visa applications.
Yes, you can add the 'COVID-19 Guarantee' extension for extra peace of mind. This option is available with all our plans and covers: - Repatriation/medical transport - Medical expenses (according to your contract limits) - Accommodation costs in case of 'COVID-19' quarantine
If you hold a residence permit issued by a Schengen country, you can enter and travel within the Schengen Area without a visa. Note: You must still have a valid passport and your residence permit.
In case of a claim, you must contact our VYV INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE platform as soon as possible, available 24/7, at +33.5.86.85.01.09 or by email at: [email protected]. During your call, you will be asked for information to process your request quickly. Please prepare the following details: - Name and surname - Contract number - Country and city where you are calling from - Phone number where you can be reached - Nature of your problem Note: You must contact the assistance service before taking any action, otherwise no coverage can be granted.
To request a refund for your advanced expenses, please contact the VYV INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE platform as soon as possible: [email protected] Claims management service +33.5.86.85.01.09 3 Passage de la Corvette 17000 La Rochelle Refunds to the insured will only be made upon presentation of original paid invoices, corresponding to expenses incurred with our prior agreement.
