Do I need travel insurance for Schengen visa?

Traveling to Europe is a dream of many people, and the Schengen visa makes this dream accessible by allowing travel across 26 European countries with a single visa. However, obtaining a Schengen visa involves meeting certain requirements, one of which is having valid travel insurance.

Travel insurance is not just a visa requirement but also a safety net that protects travelers from unexpected financial burdens due to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings. In the context of a Schengen visa, travel insurance becomes even more critical as it is mandatory for visa approval.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of travel insurance for a Schengen visa, helping you have a clear answer for the question: “Do I need travel insurance for Schengen visa?”

Travel insurance is mandatory for visa approval to Schengen

1. What is Schengen travel insurance?

Schengen travel insurance is a specific type of travel insurance designed to fulfill the visa requirements for individuals traveling to the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders, allowing for easier travel within the region.

This type of insurance is designed specifically to comply with Schengen visa criteria of minimum coverage and validity requirements. It’s a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa

2. Do I need travel insurance for Schengen visa? 

Schengen Visa Insurance is required for individuals who need a Schengen visa to travel to the Schengen Area. This includes citizens of more than 100 countries, such as Cambodia, China, Cuba, Egypt, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam.

However, passport-holding American citizens do not need a Schengen visa or Schengen visa insurance. Similarly, countries that are exempt from the visa requirement include the United States, Canada, Israel, Japan, Mexico, and South Korea.

Even though travel health insurance is worth having for all travelers to Europe, it is mandatory only for travelers applying for a Schengen visa. This group of travelers is always required to have the needed coverage for the entire period of their stay in Europe, regardless if they go there for business, tourism, studying, holidays, or other reasons.

Schengen travel insurance is a specific type for individuals traveling to the Schengen Area. 

3. What does Schengen travel insurance cover?

A comprehensive Schengen travel insurance policy typically covers the following: 

• Trip Delay

Schengen travel insurance covers for trip delays if the other party cancels, leaving us without a place to stay. This policy will reimburse all unused costs, even if travel and lodging were skipped for private reasons.

• Flight Cancellations/Delays

The providers of Schengen travel insurance are aware of how upsetting it can be to have flight cancellations or delays when it is not your fault. For this reason, they pay the extra costs associated with obtaining an additional night or two of hotel stays and additional reservations. Additionally, you are covered in the event that a flight is canceled or missed.

• Accident and Medical Treatment

Schengen travel insurance pays for all medical expenses resulting from an accident or illness (not counting pre-existing conditions), including surgery, hospital stays in intensive care units, hospitalizations, hotel rent, and other incidentals.

• Personal Accident Treatment

All medical costs resulting from an unanticipated accident are covered by our Schengen travel insurance, including hospital stays, stays in critical care units, surgeries, diagnostic tests, ambulance rides, hotel rental charges, and other incidentals.

• Medical Evacuation

In the event of an unexpected medical emergency, Schengen travel insurance will pay for the costs of an immediate evacuation to the closest hospital in the Schengen nation. The expense of a medical evacuation back to India will also be covered by the travel insurance, should the need arise.

• Emergency Dental Care

You may be surprised to learn that our Schengen travel insurance also pays for emergency dental care. For a variety of reasons, such as a tooth that needs to be filled for medical reasons, surgery that is necessary, or any other dental care that is required, this policy will offer a financial dental benefit. All dental benefits, however, will only apply to treatment provided for healthy natural teeth—that is, no artificial teeth.

• Personal Liability

We would like to take financial responsibility for you in the unusual event that you injure someone else. We shall pay for all of the harm done to the third party if you and the third party are engaged in an accident and the third party is injured.

Schengen travel insurance policy typically covers various unforeseen events

4. What does the Schengen travel insurance policy not cover?

Even while we would love to protect you against every conceivable disaster, there are some situations in which our travel insurance is ineffective. Among them are:

• Cosmetic treatment

Unless it is due to an injury sustained in a covered accident, Schengen travel insurance does not pay for the costs of elective, cosmetic, or plastic surgery while our travel insurance policy is in effect.

• War and civil unrest

This policy does not provide coverage for any damages resulting from war, civil war, invasion, insurrection, revolution, foreign enemy action, declared or unannounced hostilities, revolt, mutiny, use of force, usurpation of authorities by force, or civil disturbance.

• Adventure sports

If participation in adventure sports results in any form of harm or injury, Schengen travel insurance does not offer financial assistance. These include, among other risky sports, river rafting, bungee leaping, paragliding, and scuba diving.

• Mental illnesses

Schengen travel insurance does not cover mental disorders, pre-existing conditions, or sexually transmitted diseases (including but not limited to HIV/AIDS).

• Alternative Treatment

Schengen travel insurance does not cover any alternative therapies used widely in India, such as homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, and other complementary and alternative medicines.

• Journey Exclusions

This policy does not pay for expenses incurred for lab, x-ray, or diagnostic tests unrelated to the disease or injury. We do not pay for medical care provided by a physician that is not provided by another medical professional, nor do we pay for medical bills incurred by a close relative or person living with you.

Read the policy carefully to understand the limitations of your plans

5. Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa. The European Commission’s 810/2009 Regulation mandates submitting valid travel medical insurance for Schengen visa applications. This insurance must cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment or death, during the stay(s) on the territory of the Member States. The insurance should be valid throughout the Schengen Area Member States territory and cover the entire period of the person’s intended stay or transit. The minimum coverage shall be €30,0001. If you don’t have a travel insurance policy in tune with the standards set by Schengen countries, your visa application will get rejected.

6. What are the requirements for Schengen Visa insurance?

The requirements for Schengen Visa insurance typically include:

• Medical coverage: The insurance must cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death during your stay in the Schengen Area. The minimum coverage is usually €30,000 (or the equivalent in your local currency).
• Coverage area: The insurance policy must cover all 26 Schengen countries.
• Validity: The insurance policy should be valid for your entire duration of stay in the Schengen Area.
• Repatriation: The insurance should cover repatriation costs (returning you to your home country) for medical reasons or in case of death.

7. Get Schengen travel insurance for students - the best choice for international student 

Studying abroad poses health and financial risks. Health risks include unexpected medical expenses and the need for adequate health insurance. Also, when studying abroad in Europe it is very expensive, so you can face financial risks involving costs such as tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, and insurance. Proper preparation can help mitigate these risks and ensure a successful study abroad experience.

Schengen travel insurance is particularly beneficial for international students for several reasons, especially in terms of peace of mind and financial protection:

• Peace of Mind

Studying abroad is an exciting but also challenging experience. Having travel insurance provides peace of mind, allowing students to focus on their studies and cultural experiences, knowing that they are protected against unforeseen circumstances.

• Financial Protection

Medical care in foreign countries can be extremely expensive. Travel insurance can cover the costs of medical emergencies, saving students from potential financial burdens. It also covers other financial risks such as trip interruption, lost or stolen luggage, and travel delays.

Travelner Insurance is a trust companion in your trip to the Schengen area

In conclusion, Schengen travel insurance is an essential component for anyone planning to explore the Schengen Area. It not only fulfills visa requirements but also provides peace of mind and financial protection during your travels. Choosing the right policy requires a balance between cost and coverage, and understanding the minimum requirements is crucial. With the right Schengen travel insurance, travelers can ensure they are adequately covered without overspending, making their journey through the Schengen Area a smooth and worry-free experience

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Secure your journey now with Travelner Insurance’s comprehensive Schengen travel insurance.