Schengen visa insurance and pre-existing medical conditions
Does Schengen visa insurance cover a pre-existing condition? Generally no. Every policy wording we have read excludes it, with only narrow exceptions: life-threatening emergencies (EKTA, AURAS), an unforeseeable complication treated until the patient is stable (Heymondo), or a sudden emergency after 28 days on the policy (SafetyWing). Europ Assistance's wording has no exception.
Schengen policies are built to cover emergencies, not ongoing care. If you or the person you are buying for has a known condition, the exclusion clause matters more than the price. We read the exclusions in each provider's policy document so you can compare them.
How each provider treats a known condition
| Provider | What is excluded | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Europ Assistance | Any condition that existed or was treated before the policy start, including its presentation or deterioration | None found in the wording |
| Heymondo | Pre-existing, chronic or congenital illness, or any ailment under treatment before departure | Unforeseeable complication of a chronic or previously diagnosed illness: expenses covered until the patient is stabilized |
| SafetyWing | Pre-existing conditions generally | Sudden, rapidly progressive emergency treated within 24 hours, only once the policy has been active 28 days; not for chronic or worsening conditions. Evacuation capped at $25,000 lifetime |
| EKTA | Chronic, congenital and pre-existing conditions; complications that are not life-threatening; oncology, diabetes, autoimmune disease, cirrhosis, kidney failure | Life-threatening emergencies |
| AURAS | Anything that showed up in the 24 months before the start (GP visit, medication, pending tests or surgery); the same chronic-disease exclusions as EKTA | Life-threatening emergencies |
| AXA Schengen | Not verified: we have no AXA policy wording. Read AXA's terms and ask in writing before relying on it | |
Source: policy documents in our internal fact table (Europ Assistance Schengen T&Cs, Heymondo general conditions, SafetyWing Description of Coverage, EKTA and AURAS policy wordings) · Verified 2026-10-14. Heymondo and SafetyWing do not sell past age 69-70; EKTA and AURAS have age limits and caps covered in our over 70 and 80+ guide.
What counts as pre-existing
The definitions differ, and the broadest one decides your risk. Europ Assistance counts any health problem that existed or was treated before the policy started. Heymondo counts any illness previously diagnosed, treated or even purely symptomatic. AURAS uses a 24-month lookback. Buying the policy later, or on the day of departure, does not reset any of this.
Two traps in the exceptions
"Emergency" does not mean "my condition flared up." EKTA and AURAS cover life-threatening emergencies only, and AURAS excludes non-life-threatening complications of chronic disease outright. A hospital visit for a diabetes or heart problem that is serious but not immediately life-threatening may not be paid.
Caps apply on top of the exclusion. EKTA and AURAS both limit any single event to $3,000 per person, and SafetyWing caps evacuation for a pre-existing emergency at $25,000 for life. A policy that technically covers your emergency may not cover its real cost.
Does it matter for the visa?
The Schengen visa rule requires medical cover of at least €30,000 for emergencies and repatriation. We have not seen consulates ask for pre-existing condition cover, so an exclusion by itself does not make a certificate unacceptable. Confirm with the consulate you apply to.
What to do if the traveler has a condition
- Ask the insurer in writing how your specific condition would be treated, and keep the reply.
- Choose a higher cover tier where the risk is real; AXA's tiers run €30,000, €100,000 and €2,000,000.
- Carry a doctor's letter and enough regular medication for the whole trip.
- Never conceal a condition when buying: an incorrect declaration can void a claim.
Frequently asked questions
Does Schengen visa insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
What counts as a pre-existing condition?
Will a pre-existing condition affect my visa application?
Is there a Schengen policy that covers a chronic condition?
What should I do before buying if I have a medical condition?
See how each provider's cover limits and rules stack up, or estimate the price for your exact trip in 10 seconds.