Planning a trip to Europe? You may need a Schengen visa, so read on to find out more and how World Nomads travel insurance can help.

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The Schengen Visa - what is it?

Back in 1995 a treaty was signed that created a common border between 26 countries in Europe. This treaty is known as the Schengen Agreement and essentially it means that when you cross the border into one of these 26 countries, you’re in them all (that is, you're free to travel between these countries with no border controls and no passport checks).

These 26 countries in the 'Schengen Area' also agreed on a common visa application form for visitors from outside the area. So if your travels are taking you to Europe you might need to apply for this 'Schengen visa'. We say 'might' because not everyone needs one.......it all depends on where you're from and what countries you'll be visiting in Europe.

So which are the Schengen countries?

Here's the list of the 26 countries where you might need a Schengen visa if you want to visit:

A Austria B Belgium C Czech Republic D Denmark E Estonia F Finland, France G Germany, Greece H Hungary I Iceland, Italy L Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein M Malta N Netherlands, Norway P Poland, Portugal S Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Will you need a Schengen visa?

Whether you need a Schengen visa or not all depends on your nationality.

If you are a Canadian citizen with a Canadian passport traveling to Schengen countries for business or tourism, you will not need a visa long as your stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period. Keep in mind:

  • If you plan to stay in the Schengen area longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, you must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you plan to visit and obtain the appropriate visa before you travel.
  • It’s important to get your passport stamped when you enter your first Schengen country, especially if you’re departing from a different one, because they’ll have no record of how you got in, or when, and you’ll have all sorts of questions to answer about being an illegal arrival.

Does World Nomads travel insurance meet the Schengen visa requirements?

Yes…it does!

If you are from one of the countries that requires a Schengen visa, you need to prove that you have adequate travel insurance that is valid for the entire period of your stay (or transit) in the Schengen area.

World Nomads travel insurance policies do provide this cover (in fact, they cover much more than the required EUR €30,000) and therefore it should be accepted as part of your Schengen visa application.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Are you, your family sick, injured or deceased?
  • Strike at your departure or arrival point?
  • Official travel advisory warning not to travel?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $10 million
  • Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need prescription meds?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need to get to a hospital urgently?
  • You or a family member deceased?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Passport or gear stolen?
  • Tech trashed?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
  • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
  • Emergency Professional Services
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
  • Return to Your Trip Destination
  • Return of Remains
  • Travel Accident
  • Flight Accident
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
  • Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
  • Travel Documents Theft or Damage
  • Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
  • Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
  • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance
  • Adventure Travel Hotline
  • 24/7 Security
  • Travel Medical Assistance
  • Bag Trak
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

We cover 250+ activities you love

Snow 20 activities
Water 43 activities
Air 13 activities
Land 61 activities
Sports 75 activities
Experiences 12 activities
  • Scuba diving
  • Mountain biking
  • Surfing
  • Bungee jumping
  • Skiing
Activities shown in blue are automatically included in the Standard Plan and the Explorer Plan. Activities shown in orange require an optional upgrade for coverage to apply. Special conditions and exclusions may apply to certain activities, check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team
Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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