Planning a trip to Europe? If your destination includes one or more of the 29 Schengen countries, travel insurance isn’t only recommended, but also mandatory. Every Schengen visa applicant must show proof of insurance that meets specific requirements before their visa can be approved.
This guide explains why travel insurance for Schengen visa is essential, what coverage you need and how you can easily buy travel insurance online.
What is Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa. It protects you from financial losses that can arise due to medical emergencies, trip disruptions or unexpected incidents during your stay in any of the Schengen countries.
Why Schengen Countries Require Travel Insurance
Schengen member countries have made travel insurance a visa requirement to ensure that visitors are financially prepared for emergencies during their stay. This rule helps protect travellers and local healthcare systems alike.
Here’s why it’s mandatory:
- Medical emergencies: Healthcare in Europe can be expensive, especially for non-residents. Travel insurance ensures you can access medical care without financial stress.
- Visa compliance: Without valid insurance, your visa application can be rejected. It is as crucial as your travel itinerary or accommodation details.
Key Requirements for Schengen Visa Travel Insurance
When applying for a Schengen visa, your travel insurance policy must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage: The policy should provide medical cover of at least €30,000.
- Validity: It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
- Geographical coverage: The policy must be valid across all 29 Schengen countries.
- Repatriation cover: It should include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
What Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cover?
A typical Schengen travel insurance policy offers a wide range of coverage to safeguard travellers.
Common inclusions are:
- Medical expenses: Covers hospitalisation, doctor visits and emergency medical care.
- Emergency evacuation: Provides cover for transportation to your home country in case of severe illness or injury.
- Trip cancellation or interruption: Protects against financial losses if you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Loss of baggage or passport: Offers compensation for lost luggage or essential travel documents.
- Accidental death or disability: Provides compensation in case of accidental injury or death during your trip.
How to Buy Travel Insurance Online for a Schengen Visa
Buying travel insurance online is a quick and hassle-free process. Here’s how you can do it:
- Compare policies: Visit authorised insurance websites, recognised aggregators or a travel insurance app to compare different policies.
- Check visa requirements: Ensure that the plan meets Schengen visa conditions, including minimum coverage and geographical validity.
- Fill in your details: Enter your travel dates, destination and basic personal information.
- Choose your coverage: Select the coverage amount and optional benefits that best suit your needs.
- Pay and download the document: Once the payment is complete, you can instantly download your insurance documents, which must be submitted with your visa application.
Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Insurance Policy
Before finalising your policy, consider the following:
- Duration of stay: Choose a policy valid for your entire trip duration, including transit days.
- Nature of travel: If you are travelling for work, study or leisure, select coverage that matches your travel purpose.
- Existing health conditions: Some insurers may require additional medical details or premiums for pre-existing illnesses.
- Add-on benefits: Evaluate optional benefits like trip delay coverage or adventure sports protection if relevant to your trip.
What to Do if You Need to Make a Claim
In case you need to make a claim while abroad, here are the steps to follow:
- Contact your insurer immediately: Most insurers have international helplines that operate 24×7.
- Keep documentation ready: Preserve all bills, reports and receipts related to medical or travel incidents.
- Submit a claim form: Fill in the insurer’s claim form accurately and submit it along with supporting documents.
Processing time and claim approval depend on the insurer’s guidelines and the nature of your claim.
Conclusion
If you are planning a European holiday or business trip, travel insurance for Schengen visa is not just a visa formality; it is a financial safeguard. A comprehensive travel policy helps financially protect you from unexpected setbacks, so you can focus on enjoying your European experience without worry.
Buying travel insurance online ensures an easy and convenient experience.