Schengen travel insurance is a mandatory travel health insurance while visiting Europe's Schengen region. This region-specific Europe travel insurance covers medical and other financial emergencies abroad, like hospitalisation, COVID-19 emergencies, evacuation and repatriation, etc. It also offers coverage for passport & baggage loss, flight delay, etc., in all 26 Schengen countries.
* Price shown is for a 15 day trip to UK with a 1 lakh dollar coverage for an adult of age 25 years
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* Price shown is for a 15 day trip to UK with a 1 lakh dollar coverage for an adult of age 25 years
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* Price shown is for a 15 day trip to UK with a 1 lakh dollar coverage for an adult of age 25 years
Travel insurance for a Schengen visa is mandatory for anyone travelling to Schengen countries. Entry to these countries is allowed once all the requirements, including the Europe travel insurance for a Schengen visa.
These are 26 countries and require most non-European visitors to have a valid visa to enter their region. One has to buy the necessary travel insurance for a Schengen visa. Thus, before applying for a Europe visa, the traveller has to buy Schengen travel insurance from India. The policy keeps the visitor safe from financial emergencies and ensures that required medical coverage is available to the insured traveller.
Take a look at the table below to learn more about this plan’s features:
Categories | Specifications |
Number of European Countries Covered | 26 |
Eligibility | 0.6 to 70 years (or more) |
Visa Duration (For Tourism) | 90 Days (180 at maximum) |
Benefits | Trip Cancellation, Baggage and Passport Loss, Emergency Transportation and Treatment, Adventure Sports Cover, Trip Cancellation, etc. |
Minimum Sum Insured | €30,000 |
If Overseas Travel Insurance Mandatory for Visa | Yes |
COVID-19 Covered* | By Most Insurers |
Claim Settlement | Available 24x7, Facility of Missed Call Service |
Automatic Extensions | Provided |
Claim Procedure | Smartphone-enabled, paperless claim settlement |
Travel medical insurance for Schengen visas offers coverage in all 26 European countries that belong to the Schengen area. These are - Austria, Czech Republic, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Iceland, Malta, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Netherlands, Slovenia, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland, and, Sweden.
Please note that not all European countries are part of the Schengen territories. Schengen visa insurance will be valid in all the nations of its zone. However, it may only work for some European countries.
While buying a travel insurance policy is necessary to process the Schengen Visa application, this should be treated as an essential safeguard while travelling and not a mere formality. While visiting an unknown country, tourists may be exposed to certain contingencies that can ruin their budget.
Having the best travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa will protect them from many issues. From flight delays to baggage loss to trip curtailments, various other risks may arise but can be covered under a Schengen visa insurance plan.
To visit any of the 26 Schengen countries, a valid Schengen visa and travel insurance (30,000 Euros minimum coverage) is required. Depending on the purpose of the visit - be it tourism, business or medical treatment, every traveller needs to have a Schengen visa that grants permission to travel within these countries. However, for many nationals, including Indians, a Schengen visa should be obtained before travelling, as a visa on arrival isn’t available.
Since the pandemic, there have been several entry requirements by European countries, such as mandatory RT PCR tests for COVID-19, testing upon arrival, quarantine requirements, etc. Since different Schengen countries have varying entry requirements, checking their official websites for updates and planning the European trip accordingly is vital.
Opting for the best travel insurance for a Schengen visa will meet the official visa requirements and provide peace of mind. Schengen visa insurance should meet the following criteria to obtain a valid visa:
Schengen travel insurance for visas will vary with the visa type. For example, there are also specific Schengen travel insurance plans for students.
The visa for Schengen countries can be issued for a single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry visa depending on the purpose of the visit. Please note that a short-stay visa is valid for up to 90 days within 180 days for business or tourist purposes, not more than three months.
A resident of India needs to buy Europe travel insurance for a Schengen visa from India. They can apply for a Schengen visa in India only (permanent resident country). Indians need to apply for a visa and schedule an appointment at the consulate of the Schengen destination country they are planning to visit.
The list of documents required while applying for a Schengen visa would also depend on the type of visa one has applied for. Here are some of the documents that need to be submitted while applying for a Schengen visa:
Schengen visa application needs to be submitted at least 15 days before the trip date. However, applying it at least 30 to 60 before the trip is advised. In some cases, the consulate may ask for additional documents.
Depending on the duration of the stay and the purpose of visiting, different types of Schengen visas are available. Broadly, Schengen visa is divided into four main categories:
Uniform Schengen Visa (the most common Schengen visa) covers categories A, B & C. The general requirements are the same but may require additional documents depending on the visa type. Here is a brief overview:
Schengen Visa Type | Additional Documents Required |
Airport Transit Visa | Valid visa for the final country, Flight Ticket for the last country |
Visa to Visit Relatives or Friends | Affidavit of Support, Travel Itinerary, Means of Subsistence, Letter of Invitation |
Tourist Visa | Bank Statement of last 6 months, Affidavit of Support, Travel Itinerary |
Business Visa | Round trip reservation or itinerary, Cover Letter, Letter from Employer, Invitation Letter, Income Tax Returns, Employment Contract |
Training Visa | Enrollment Certificate from the attending institute, NOC from applicant's current institute |
Medical Visa | Letter from a doctor/health institute from the home country, Official confirmation from the medical institute in the EU, Proof of financial means, Birth certificate and Letter of consent if the patient is a minor |
Study Visa | Two application forms, Acceptance letter from the EU Educational institute, Proof of financial means |
Working Visa | Two application forms, Employment contract |
Travelling within Schengen Countries and throughout Europe is quite convenient and affordable. All the countries have a vast network of buses, trains, planes, and rideshares. Within the Schengen zone, one can cross borders without passing passport control checks in each country.
Europe is beautiful throughout all the weather and can be visited at any time of the year. Check out the below table with European weather details during all the seasons:
Travel Months | Temperature | Season |
December - February | 14°c to 24°c | Summer |
March-May | 7°c to 10°c | Winters |
June - August | 2°c to 18°c | Spring |
September - November | 7°c to 14°c | Autumn |
To ensure safety, don’t forget to carry the best travel insurance for Schengen visa. Getting sick here would undoubtedly cost more than how much a Schengen travel insurance costs, so make sure to invest in a good plan.
During summer, the weather is delightfully warm and a perfect time for Indians to explore most Schengen countries like France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, and Italy.
Autumn is popularly known as the shoulder season for tourism in Europe. This time of the year is best to visit Belgium, Netherlands, or Sweden. However, the rains are pretty common, and the weather can sometimes get cold and wet. Mediterranean Europe remains busy and expensive during this time, including Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, and Greece.
During the winter, the temperature can drop to -10 degrees in Poland. It can be biting cold, but it is the most mesmerising time of the year for visitors to enjoy the Christmas feels all around. Moreover, the cost of flights and hotels is comparatively cheaper during this time of the year.
Spring is also an excellent time to visit Schengen countries. The weather is neither too hot nor too cold, which makes it perfect for sightseeing as Europe is at its peak of beauty during this season. While travelling to these places, Europe travel insurance will ensure that the visitors are cared for. Specially if you’re planning some adventure sports then also purchase an adventure sports cover with your Schengen travel insurance policy.
Everyone from Amsterdam to Italy has their favourite destination and the set of things they want to do. While the whole Schengen area consists of 26 countries, visiting every country on the list is hard. Here are some of the most visited countries with the best things to do:
Moreover, there is Buda Castle and the Danube River in Hungary, and the blue lagoon and Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland. Whether visiting Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and other Schengen cities, galore options exist. Simply enjoy the experience and travel carefree with Schengen travel insurance from India.
Europe is considered one of the most famous shopping destinations. Different shopping outlets, expensive brand stores, malls, and even second-hand shops exist. Here are some must-visit attractions:
The French capital is every shopper's dream destination. Faubourg Saint-Honoré is a must-visit when in Paris. For vintage shopping, the Marais Quarter is the place to be. From chocolates to various teas and books, there is something for everyone to splurge in.
Milan is the best shopping place in Italy. Go to Via Montenapoleone and Corso Venezia for all the brands. Also, visit Corso Buenos Aires, the longest shopping street with more than 350 stores.
Passeig de Gracia is one of the most beautiful shopping streets and is home to many luxurious brands. Plaza Catalunya and Portal de L’Angel have several fashionable stores and traditional food cafes. La Rambla is another famous fashion street and is a must-visit for some of the finest shops, food cafes and drinks.
One of the most expensive shopping destinations in Switzerland is Geneva. For a good shopping experience, head towards Bon Genie - Grieder. For chocolate lovers, Chocolatier Auer is the place to be.
Berlin and Munich are some great cities for festive shopping. The most popular places are Sendlinger Straße, Kaufinger Straße, and Theatinerstraße. There are budget-shopping options for students as well.
It is a shopping paradise and is a famous shopping centre in Europe. From fashion to traditional products to a wide variety of food, visitors will find everything at Avenue Louise, Rue Neuve, and Rue Bailli.
Well, the list can go on. Since every Schengen country has something unique to offer, this list has some of the top shopping destinations during a short stay. Pro-tip: Busy streets and old shopping districts are often teeming with tourists and petty thieves. Stay alert and carry a strong bag. However, if you have the optional of baggage/wallet loss with your Schengen travel insurance, you can take it as a reliable backup.
There are many eating-out options in Europe, and the Schengen zone is no exception. From Michelin-star restaurants to street foods, there are a wide variety of food options that can offer the most delightful experience.
There is something special about every Schengen country. Though we have highlighted some top-rated eating-out places, feel free to check with the locals for some of the best eating-out joints.
Medical treatment costs are quite exorbitant, and the currency difference makes it all the more expensive. A Schengen travel insurance policy would cover any unforeseen medical expenses that may arise during the trip. Some of the most advanced hospitals for tourists in the Schengen Zone are as follows:
Hospital Name | Country |
Landspitali University Hospital | Iceland |
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois Lausanne, Universtäts Spitals Zürich, and Inselspital Universitatsspital Bern, | Switzerland |
Leiden University Medical Center | Netherlands |
Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach, and Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach | Germany |
Sahlgrenska University Hospital | Sweden |
Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii, | Poland |
Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven | Belgium |
Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris | France |
Note: Check with the insurer if these hospitals are covered under the Schengen travel insurance policy.
A Schengen travel insurance policy can save a lot of money in a medical emergency, third-party damage, accident, or loss of belongings. But there are various other ways to save money when travelling to Europe:
Europe is considerably costly for a lot of Indians and you need to be mentally prepared for that. From food, accommodation, travel and health care, there’s a lot to account for. Keeping that in mind, make sure to buy a good Schengen travel insurance plan that provides sufficient coverage. Try not to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa just because it is mandatory, instead spend some time to find the best possible option among available Schengen visa insurance.
Schengen visa insurance provides cover for several things. They are as follows:
Please note that while most travel insurance for Schengen Visa provide a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, the exact benefits vary considerably. Go through their policy wordings and compare different Schengen travel insurance plans before buying one for your trip.
While there are some things covered by most travel insurance for Schengen visa, the insurer will not cover certain situations. Some of the most common things that aren’t covered by Schengen travel insurance are as follows:
Some Schengen travel insurance policies do provide coverage for covid-19 medical expenses. However, the covid-19 insurance amount, as well as benefits, vary from insurer to insurer. So, while purchasing a Schengen insurance plan, check the insurance policy documents properly.
Travelling to Europe is costly, and cutting costs can be difficult. However, having Schengen travel insurance for Europe is the first step in reducing additional expenses arising from medical emergencies or problems abroad. These can be the loss of a passport, accidentally damaging someone’s property, etc. Additionally, here are some valuable tips for finding affordable travel visa insurance for Europe:
Ans: Yes, even if you travel for business purposes, you can get coverage under the Schengen travel insurance policy. However, if you are a frequent traveller, you can opt for a multi-trip Schengen travel insurance plan. In all circumstances, it is mandatory to have travel insurance for a Schengen visa.
Ans: Depending on the duration and benefits you want, Schengen travel insurance costs may vary. It is best to confirm these with the insurer or use a travel insurance premium calculator to get a better idea.
Ans: Yes, if your Europe travel insurance has included benefits for missed flights, it will be covered. However, not all Schengen travel insurance plans may offer this benefit, so its best to confirm with your insurer.
Ans: No, Europe travel insurance for Schengen visas is only valid in 26 Schengen nations. However, if you have purchased a plan after informing your insurer, it may cover other countries too.
Ans: Yes, if you have been issued a Schengen visa, you can travel anywhere within the Schengen area for the stipulated period. However, it must have been informed in your itinerary.
Ans: If you have been issued a single-entry Schengen visa allows you to enter the Schengen area only once and is valid for a particular period. As soon as you exit the Schengen Area, the visa expires. A multiple-entry visa allows you to travel in and out of the Schengen area until the visa expires.
Ans: A Schengen visa processing would take approximately 10 to 15 working days under regular circumstances. Make sure to provide all necessary documents like travel itinerary, letter of invitation, travel insurance for Schengen visa etc. Also, a Schengen travel insurance policy is mandatory for your visa process.