Fake Schengen travel insurance: verify the policy behind the certificate

An insurance document can carry a familiar logo, a policy number and your name without proving that an insurer will cover you. When someone sells a cheap certificate “just for the embassy”, check what has actually been purchased.

This is different from choosing between legitimate policies. The first question is whether the policy exists; the second is whether its cover fits your journey and visa requirements.

Understand what the document must represent

For a Schengen visa application to the Netherlands, the government’s guidance requires evidence identifying the insured person and showing appropriate medical cover throughout the Schengen area for the intended stay. Its stated minimum is EUR 30,000, including relevant emergency treatment and repatriation expenses.

Use the current checklist of the country handling your application, including any applicable exceptions. A seller’s statement that a certificate is “accepted everywhere” is not a substitute for that check.

Confirm issuance independently

Our practical recommendation is to contact the named insurer using details obtained independently from its official website or the relevant financial regulator. Do not rely only on the telephone number printed on the certificate supplied by the seller.

Ask the insurer to confirm the policy number, insured person, travel dates, geographical cover and whether the policy remains in force. Request the schedule and full terms through the insurer’s recognised channel. If a broker arranged it, ask which insurer carries the risk.

The UK Financial Conduct Authority warns that fake insurance sellers can provide convincing documents or arrange cover using inaccurate details. For UK-regulated firms, its Firm Checker helps establish authorisation and the services permitted. Elsewhere, use the appropriate local regulator.

Check the details yourself

Compare the confirmed policy with the application you intend to submit:

• Does your identity match the passport?
• Are all intended travel dates included?
• Does the territorial cover match the trip?
• Are medical and repatriation benefits actually covered?
• Have your answers about age, residence and health been recorded accurately?

Do not ask an agent to edit the certificate to fix a discrepancy. Ask the insurer to correct the underlying policy and issue updated documentation where appropriate.

If the insurer cannot verify it

Pause reliance on the document and preserve the seller’s messages and receipt. Ask the insurer whether the document uses its identity without permission. Contact your payment provider about possible recovery options.

If the document has already been submitted, seek guidance through the application channel about correcting the record. Avoid travelling on the assumption that a visa submission or visa approval independently proves your insurance is valid.