In brief: Travel medical insurance for trips abroad from the Republic of Moldova is mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa. The policy must provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, include emergency medical assistance, hospitalization, and repatriation, and be valid throughout the entire Schengen Area for the full duration of the trip. For Moldovan citizens traveling visa-free with a biometric passport, travel medical insurance is not mandatory, but it is strongly recommended, as any medical expenses incurred abroad must be paid by the traveler. You can purchase a policy online at Superpolis.md.
Travel medical insurance is one of the first things you should consider before purchasing airline tickets, booking accommodation, or submitting documents for a visa. Unexpected situations can arise during any trip: sudden illness, injury, worsening of a medical condition, the need for urgent medical attention, hospitalization, or medical transportation. Abroad, these services can be very expensive, especially in European countries, where even a routine medical consultation may cost more than the price of the insurance policy itself.
Travel medical insurance helps protect travelers against unexpected medical expenses and provides access to assistance through an international assistance company. Whether you are traveling within Europe with or without a visa, having insurance is important: for visa-free travel it is strongly recommended, while for obtaining a Schengen visa it is mandatory and must comply with the official visa requirements.
In this article, we explain why travel medical insurance is important, whether it is required for Moldovan citizens traveling visa-free to Europe, what the Schengen visa insurance requirements are, what a standard policy typically covers, which risks are usually excluded, how to choose the appropriate coverage amount, and how to purchase travel medical insurance online in Moldova.
Why you need travel medical insurance abroad
Travel medical insurance is not required solely for obtaining a visa. Its primary purpose is to protect travelers from potentially significant medical expenses if they need medical treatment while abroad. Even a short trip may involve unforeseen situations such as food poisoning, high fever, injuries during excursions, falls, worsening of a medical condition, allergic reactions, dental emergencies, or the need for urgent hospitalization.
Without insurance, travelers generally have to pay all medical expenses out of pocket. In many countries, medical consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, ambulance services, and hospital treatment can cost hundreds or even thousands of euros. If emergency medical transportation or repatriation is required, the costs can be substantially higher.
A travel medical insurance policy helps resolve such situations through the insurance company and its assistance provider. Depending on the policy terms, it may cover emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, medical transportation, prescribed medications, emergency dental care, medical repatriation, and other expenses related to an insured event.
For residents of the Republic of Moldova, such insurance is especially important when traveling to Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, and other European countries. Even for a short trip, having insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection without having to rely solely on personal savings.
If you are traveling abroad by car, in addition to travel medical insurance, it is also advisable to arrange an international motor insurance policy — a Green Card — before leaving Moldova.
→ Purchase travel medical insurance for Europe on Superpolis.md
Is travel medical insurance required for visa-free travel to Europe from Moldova?
Citizens of the Republic of Moldova holding a biometric passport are entitled to visa-free short-term travel within the Schengen Area (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). For visa-free travel, travel medical insurance is generally not a mandatory requirement for crossing the border.
However, this does not mean that insurance is unnecessary. The absence of a visa requirement does not eliminate the traveler's financial responsibility. If medical assistance is needed during the trip—whether for a doctor's consultation, ambulance services, hospitalization, or medical transportation—all related expenses must be paid by the traveler.
For this reason, travel medical insurance is strongly recommended for any trip abroad, regardless of visa requirements. It protects against unexpected medical expenses and provides access to assistance services while traveling in a foreign country.
If you are applying for a Schengen visa—for example, because you do not hold a biometric passport or due to your specific travel circumstances—travel medical insurance becomes mandatory and must fully comply with the official Schengen visa requirements.
Schengen visa travel insurance requirements
If you are applying for a Schengen visa, your travel medical insurance must comply with the requirements established by Regulation (EC) No. 810/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council (the Visa Code, Article 15). It is important not just to purchase any insurance policy, but to ensure that it fully meets the requirements for submitting your visa application.
For the Schengen Area, the policy must:
- be valid throughout the entire Schengen Area (29 countries, including Bulgaria and Romania as of 2025);
- cover the entire duration of the planned stay;
- provide a minimum insurance coverage of EUR 30,000;
- cover emergency medical treatment;
- include emergency hospitalization;
- include medical repatriation;
- cover repatriation in the event of death;
- be issued in the applicant's name and correspond to the travel dates.
If your trip is planned from the 10th to the 20th of the month, the insurance policy must remain valid throughout that entire period. It is advisable not to purchase insurance for the exact minimum duration, in case your travel dates change, your flight is delayed, or your stay is extended. The information in the policy must match the details in your passport and the documents submitted to the visa application center or consulate.
If you are applying for a multiple-entry Schengen visa, the insurance requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. In most cases, applicants must provide proof of insurance covering at least their first planned trip. If you travel frequently, it is generally more convenient to purchase a policy with a longer validity period or one that better matches your travel plans.
Important: As of 2025, the Schengen Area consists of 29 countries, following the accession of Bulgaria and Romania. If your itinerary also includes countries outside the Schengen Area, you should choose a policy whose territorial coverage includes your entire route.
What travel medical insurance covers
Travel medical insurance generally covers unexpected medical expenses that arise during your trip. The exact scope of coverage depends on the insurance company, the selected insurance program, the insured person's age, and the insured amount. Therefore, it is important to carefully review the policy terms before purchasing insurance.
A standard policy typically covers:
- emergency medical treatment for sudden illness;
- medical assistance in the event of an accident or injury;
- doctor's consultations;
- emergency hospitalization;
- prescription medications;
- transportation to a medical facility;
- medical repatriation;
- repatriation of remains in the event of death;
- emergency dental treatment within the limits specified in the policy;
- assistance services provided by an international assistance company.
For example, if a traveler is injured, becomes ill, or urgently needs medical attention during the trip, they contact the assistance company, receive instructions, and are referred to an appropriate medical facility. Depending on the policy terms, the insurance company may pay the medical provider directly or reimburse the traveler after the required supporting documents have been submitted.
It is important to understand that travel medical insurance is not intended to cover planned medical treatment abroad. If a person travels specifically to receive medical examinations, surgery, dental treatment, or any other planned medical procedures, these expenses are generally not covered under a standard travel insurance policy. Such situations require special insurance arrangements and a different type of insurance product.
What is typically not covered by a standard policy?
One of the most common misconceptions is that travel medical insurance covers every possible situation. In reality, every policy contains exclusions, which are specified in the insurance contract and should be reviewed before purchasing the policy—not after an insured event occurs.
Depending on the policy terms, standard travel insurance generally does not cover, or covers only partially:
- planned medical treatment and preventive medical examinations;
- treatment of medical conditions that existed before the trip;
- certain chronic illnesses and their complications;
- injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- injuries resulting from professional sports or extreme sports unless additional coverage has been purchased;
- cosmetic procedures;
- planned dental treatment;
- pregnancy in its later stages, if excluded by the policy conditions;
- medical treatment received without first contacting the assistance company, when prior notification is required under the policy;
- expenses that cannot be supported by the required documentation.
Special attention should be paid if you are planning an active holiday. If you intend to go skiing, scuba diving, hiking, motorcycling, or participate in other high-risk activities, a standard insurance policy may not provide sufficient coverage. In such cases, you should inform the insurance company before the policy is issued and purchase additional coverage for these activities.
The same applies to elderly travelers and people with chronic medical conditions. If there is a possibility that a chronic illness may worsen during the trip, it is important to verify in advance how such situations are treated under the policy and what limitations may apply.
How to choose the right coverage amount
For obtaining a Schengen visa, the minimum required insurance coverage is EUR 30,000. This is the basic requirement that must be met when submitting your visa application. However, the minimum required amount does not necessarily provide the best protection for every type of trip.
If you are traveling for only a few days to a neighboring country, the minimum coverage may be sufficient. However, if you are planning a longer trip, visiting several countries, traveling with children or elderly relatives, or participating in sports activities, choosing a higher coverage limit is advisable. The higher the insured amount, the greater your financial protection in the event of a serious medical emergency.
Situation | Recommendation |
Short trip within Europe (up to 90 days) | Minimum coverage of EUR 30,000; mandatory when applying for a Schengen visa |
Family trip with children | Choose extended coverage and verify the limits for emergency medical assistance |
Traveling with elderly relatives | Check age limits and coverage conditions for chronic illnesses |
Active holidays or sports activities | Add coverage for sports and high-risk activities |
Long-term travel across several countries | A higher coverage amount than the minimum requirement is recommended |
The cost of travel medical insurance in Moldova depends on the duration of the trip, the destination country, the insured amount, the traveler's age, and any additional coverage options selected. Therefore, the exact premium should be calculated individually before purchasing the policy.
How to choose travel insurance for families, children, and elderly travelers
If you are traveling alone, choosing travel insurance is relatively straightforward. However, when traveling with your family, it is important to consider the age, health condition, and specific needs of each traveler. Depending on the insurance company's terms and the policy issuance process, one policy may be issued for multiple travelers or separate policies may be issued for each individual.
For children, it is important that the policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, prescription medications, and doctor's consultations. Children are more likely to experience fever, viral infections, digestive disorders, injuries during vacations, and allergic reactions.
Choosing travel insurance for elderly travelers requires even greater attention. Some insurance companies apply additional premiums for senior travelers or impose certain coverage limitations. It is also important to review the policy terms regarding chronic medical conditions, as not all policies cover the exacerbation of pre-existing illnesses.
If your trip includes children, elderly relatives, or travelers with special medical needs, you should carefully verify in advance:
- age limits;
- the insured amount;
- emergency medical coverage;
- terms related to chronic illnesses;
- emergency dental treatment limits;
- the procedure for contacting the assistance company;
- reimbursement procedures for medical expenses;
- options for extending coverage.
How much does travel medical insurance cost in Moldova?
The cost of travel medical insurance depends on several factors. There is no universal price because each policy is calculated based on the specific details of both the trip and the insured traveler.
The insurance premium is determined by:
- the destination country or region;
- the duration of the trip;
- the age of the insured person;
- the insured amount;
- the number of travelers;
- additional risks (sports and other high-risk recreational activities);
- optional coverage extensions;
- visa-related insurance requirements.
For example, travel medical insurance for a short trip to Romania or Bulgaria is generally less expensive than a policy covering an extended journey through several European countries. A policy for an elderly traveler may cost more than one for a younger traveler. Likewise, comprehensive coverage will typically cost more than a standard insurance package.
If you would like to know the exact cost of travel medical insurance in Moldova, it is best to request an individual quote before purchasing the policy. This ensures you receive an accurate premium based on your specific travel plans rather than relying on approximate estimates.
→ Calculate the exact cost of travel medical insurance for your trip on Superpolis.md
How to purchase travel medical insurance online
In the Republic of Moldova, travel medical insurance can be purchased entirely online. This is a convenient option if you are preparing visa documents, booking flights, or simply want to arrange your insurance quickly before departure. On Superpolis.md, you can select your destination country, travel dates, the number of insured travelers, the desired coverage amount, and receive your policy electronically.
The process usually consists of the following steps:
- Select your destination country or region.
- Choose your travel dates.
- Enter the details of all insured travelers.
- Select the desired coverage amount.
- Add any additional coverage options if needed.
- Carefully verify all the information before payment.
- Pay for the policy online.
- Receive your insurance policy electronically.
Before completing your purchase, carefully verify that your full name matches your passport, your date of birth is correct, the policy validity period matches your travel dates, the destination country or territorial coverage is accurate, the insured amount is correct, and the email address for policy delivery is entered correctly. Errors in personal information may create difficulties both when applying for a visa and when requesting medical assistance abroad.
If the insurance is required for obtaining a Schengen visa, make sure that the policy is valid throughout the entire Schengen Area and complies with the minimum insurance coverage requirements. The information in the policy must exactly match the details in your passport and the documents submitted to the visa application center or consulate. If your itinerary includes both Schengen and non-Schengen countries, you should choose a policy with territorial coverage that includes your entire journey.
What to do if an insured event occurs during your trip
If you require medical assistance while traveling, it is important to follow the procedure outlined in your insurance policy. In most cases, the first step is to contact the assistance company, whose contact details are provided in your policy.
The assistance operator will explain what you need to do, recommend the nearest suitable medical facility, or arrange medical care depending on your situation. In many cases, the assistance company coordinates the treatment process directly with the medical provider.
The general procedure is as follows:
- Contact the assistance company immediately.
- Provide your policy number, your name, and your current location.
- Describe in detail what happened and explain your symptoms.
- Follow the operator's instructions.
- Keep all medical documents and receipts if you pay for any services yourself.
- Do not arrange treatment independently if your policy requires prior authorization from the assistance company, except in life-threatening emergencies.
In some cases, the insurance company pays the medical provider directly. In others, the traveler pays the medical expenses first and then applies for reimbursement by submitting the required supporting documents. The exact procedure depends on the terms of the insurance policy and the insurer's internal rules.
For this reason, it is advisable to save the assistance company's phone number in your mobile phone before departure and keep your insurance policy readily available, either electronically or in printed form.
How the assistance service works
An assistance service is a support service that helps insured travelers abroad when an insured event occurs. It is not simply a call center but an intermediary between the traveler, the insurance company, and medical providers.
The assistance service can help:
- find the nearest medical facility;
- arrange a doctor's consultation;
- coordinate hospitalization;
- explain which documents are required;
- provide guidance on the next steps;
- communicate with the medical facility;
- arrange medical transportation;
- assist with repatriation, if covered by the policy.
That is why it is important to save the assistance service's contact number before your trip—in your phone, messaging app, notes, and on paper. Before traveling, it is also advisable to email the policy to yourself, save the PDF on your phone, and send a copy to a trusted family member or friend. If you are traveling with your family, every adult should know where the insurance policy is stored and how to contact the assistance service.
The assistance service operates within the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. It cannot cover services or expenses that are not included in the policy, but it helps organize the process correctly and reduces the risk of mistakes when seeking medical care.
Frequently asked questions about travel medical insurance
Is travel medical insurance mandatory for visa-free travel to Europe?
No. For citizens of the Republic of Moldova traveling visa-free with a biometric passport, travel medical insurance is generally not mandatory. However, it is strongly recommended, as medical treatment abroad can be very expensive.
What is the minimum insurance coverage required for a Schengen visa?
According to European Union requirements, the policy must provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 and include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Is the policy valid throughout the entire Schengen Area?
Yes, provided that it is issued for the Schengen Area. Before purchasing the policy, always verify its territorial coverage.
Can I purchase travel medical insurance online?
Yes. You can purchase a policy online through Superpolis.md, and the insurance policy will be issued electronically.
Are chronic illnesses covered?
Not always. Coverage for chronic medical conditions depends on the specific policy terms and the insurance company. It is advisable to clarify these conditions before purchasing the policy.
Does the policy cover dental treatment?
In most cases, it covers emergency dental treatment only, within the limits specified in the insurance policy.
What should I do if I become ill while traveling?
First, contact the assistance company listed in your insurance policy. The operator will tell you where to seek medical care and explain the necessary procedure.
Purchase travel medical insurance online at Superpolis.md
If you are planning a trip to Europe, applying for a Schengen visa, or simply want to protect yourself while abroad, arrange your travel medical insurance in advance. A policy will help you receive medical assistance in the event of a sudden illness, injury, hospitalization, or another unexpected situation during your trip.
At Superpolis.md, you can purchase travel medical insurance online in Moldova by selecting your destination country, entering your travel dates, choosing your coverage amount, and receiving your policy electronically.
Purchase your travel medical insurance online at Superpolis.md and travel with confidence, knowing you are protected throughout your journey.
→ Compare insurance offers and purchase travel medical insurance through Superpolis.md
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The exact scope of coverage, exclusions, policy limits, and claims procedures depend on the insurance company you choose and the specific terms of your insurance contract. Travel medical insurance is a voluntary insurance product and does not replace the mandatory health insurance system of the Republic of Moldova. Coverage is provided only within the limits of the policy terms, the selected territorial coverage, the insured amount, and the applicable exclusions. Before purchasing an insurance policy, carefully review the policy conditions or consult the specialists at Superpolis.md.