EKTA vs. Other Travel Insurance for German and Schengen Visa: Which One Is Better?
I actually had this same question when I was helping my cousin apply for her Schengen visa last year. She saw EKTA advertised somewhere and asked me "this one ehn, e go work abi na scam?" So I did the digging.
Here's what I found.
Ekta travel insurance is fully Schengen compliant . That
means it meets the strict requirements German embassies look for:
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage (German embassy's non-negotiable requirement)
- Valid across all 29 Schengen countries including Germany
- Covers emergency hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation
- 24/7 emergency assistance
My cousin used EKTA for her visa application. Got approved.
No questions asked about the insurance.
How much does EKTA cost?
For a 15 day trip, GOLD plan costs about $26 (₦40,000) . The website usually has discounts, I saw 37% off when I checked last.
Get your EKTA policy here: instant certificate for visa application
But
Here's the Thing: You Have Options
EKTA is solid. But if you want to compare or just prefer
something else, here are other providers that work for Nigerians:
Option 1: NEM Insurance (Nigerian Company, Very Reliable)
NEM Insurance Plc offers Schengen travel insurance
specifically designed for Nigerians applying for European visas . They
partnered with MAFRE ASSISTENCIA for global coverage.
Why Nigerians like NEM:
- Local company, you can walk into their office if something goes wrong
- Specifically mentions "Schengen Travel Insurance" as a product
- Covers all Schengen states including Germany
- Suitable for tourists, business travelers, and students
Estimated cost: Around ₦12,000 to ₦25,000 for 1 to 2 weeks
Option 2: Mutual Benefits Assurance
Another Nigerian option that's gaining traction. They've
been pushing travel health insurance heavily in 2026, especially for Schengen bound
travelers .
The good: Local support. Naira payment. Familiar brand. The
catch: Make sure you specifically ask for their Schengen compliant policy, not
just their standard travel insurance.
Option 3: AXA Schengen (International Giant)
AXA is one of the biggest insurance companies in the world.
Their Schengen plan starts at very low rates .
Why consider AXA:
- Global brand: German embassies know them well
- Low cost basic plan available
- 24/7 international support
Cost: Can be as low as €15-25 for short trips
Option 4: Allianz, For Higher Coverage Needs
Allianz offers plans with up to €100,000 medical coverage.
Some Nigerian travelers use this for Germany visas, especially if they want
extra protection or have pre-existing conditions .
Best for: Older travelers, people with health concerns, or
anyone who wants more than the minimum €30,000.
Option 5: Local Banks (GTB, UBA, Access)
Many Nigerian banks now offer travel insurance as an add on
when you book flights through them or hold certain account tiers.
How to check: Call your bank's customer service and ask "do you offer Schengen travel insurance?" Some do. Some don't. Worth a try if you already bank with them.
Quick Comparison Table
What Your German Visa Insurance MUST Have (Don't Get This Wrong)
I've seen people get their visa delayed because of small
mistakes. Here's what the German embassy actually checks :
Non-negotiable requirements:
- Minimum €30,000 medical coverage (not $, not ₦, Euros)
- Valid in ALL Schengen countries (not just Germany)
- Covers the ENTIRE duration of your stay
- Includes emergency hospitalization AND repatriation
- Certificate must show your name and passport number exactly as they appear on your passport
Things that will get your visa rejected:
- Policy that says "valid in France only",: Germany will reject it
- Coverage that ends one day before your flight back: rejected
- No mention of "repatriation" in the policy wording: rejected
- A screenshot or booking confirmation instead of an actual certificate: rejected
Here's a mistake my friend made: He bought insurance, got a
"booking confirmation," printed it, and went to the embassy. They
sent him back. You need the actual insurance certificate or policy document,
not a receipt.
Step by Step:
How to Get Your Insurance Certificate (Fast)
For visa application, you need the certificate BEFORE you
submit. Here's how:
Using EKTA:
- Go to their website
- Enter trip details (dates, destination = Germany/Schengen)
- Choose plan (GOLD is best value)
- Pay with card
- Download certificate instantly: it will show €30,000+ coverage and Schengen validity
- Visit any NEM Insurance office or their website
- Request "Schengen Travel Insurance"
- Provide travel dates and passport details
- Pay in Naira
- Get certificate (may take 1 to 2 days)
Get instant EKTA certificate here: takes 2 minutes
Which One Should You Actually Pick?
Here's my honest take:
Pick EKTA if: You want everything online, need the
certificate instantly, and don't mind paying in USD. It's what I recommend to
most people because it's straightforward and visa officers know it.
Pick NEM if: You prefer dealing with a Nigerian
company, want to pay in Naira, or like having a physical office you can visit
if something goes wrong.
Pick AXA if: You're on a tight budget and want the
absolute cheapest option that still meets requirements.
For your Germany visa: EKTA is perfectly fine. I've seen it work. Multiple times.
One More Thing: Timing Matters
Buy your insurance as soon as you book your flight or decide
your travel dates. Use Avisales for flight booking
Why? Some cancellation benefits only apply if you purchase
within 14 days of your first booking . And you absolutely must buy it before
you submit your visa application, not after.
Insurance purchase → Visa application → Wait for decision
→ Travel
That's the order. Don't mix it up.
Have you used any of these for your German visa before?
Which one worked for you? Drop your experience in the comments, it helps the
next person figure out what to choose.
Disclaimer: This information is for general purposes only.
Always verify current insurance requirements with the German embassy or
official visa office before applying, as policies can change.
