The European countries, also known as the Schengen countries, are a beautiful combination of pristine beaches, gigantic mountains and lush green forests. And visiting these mesmerising countries is on the bucket list of most Indians. But did you know that you require international travel insurance to get a visa to these Schengen countries?
Yes, having travel insurance is mandatory for these countries. Besides being a mandatory requirement, having insurance provides many other benefits, which we will find out in this blog.
Why Buy Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?
- Covers the Medical Expenses- It provides coverage for the medical expenses arising due to hospitalisation, sickness, accidents, etc. The cost of healthcare facilities in European countries can drain your savings. Thus, having insurance saves you from spending large sums of money on medical services.
- Provide Coverage for Lost Passports- Losing a passport is nothing less than a nightmare in a foreign country. But with the best travel insurance for a Schengen visa, you can get coverage and assistance to obtain a new passport.
For instance, TATA AIG offers coverage for lost passports, assisting you in getting a temporary passport in a foreign country and covering the expenses incurred for getting a new permanent passport.
- Coverage for Travel-Relates Issues- You can also get coverage for travel-related uncertainties such as missed flights, trip curtailment, flight delays and cancellations, trip cancellations, bounced bookings, and much more. Thus saving you from financial losses.
- Personal Liability Cover- If any third party suffers injury or damage because of you, international travel insurance also covers the expenses that must be paid as compensation to the third party.
- Baggage-Related Cover- You can also get compensation and assistance if your baggage is lost in transit or is delayed. The insurance company may pay you the necessary expenses to compensate for the delay or loss of belongings.
- Home Country Protection- Apart from protecting you in a foreign country, some insurance may also offer protection back in the home country, i.e. India. You may opt for accident protection or home burglary protection with your travel insurance for a Schengen visa.
- Emergency Evacuation- In case of any serious medical issue in a Schengen country, the best travel insurance for a Schengen visa provides medical evacuation coverage, transporting the insured back to the home country. It ensures you receive the best treatment in a familiar environment, so the recovery is quick.
- Add-On Cover- Many insurance plans also allow you to include add-on covers, which provide additional protection on your trip. It can include adventure sports cover, missed cruise cover and so on. However, you must know that including these add-ons may increase the travel insurance for a Schengen visa price.
List of Schengen Countries
Following is the list of Schengen countries which require you to have mandatory travel insurance to get a visa.
Austria | France | Latvia | Norway |
Sweden | Belgium | Germany | Lithuania |
Poland | Switzerland | Czech Republic | Greece |
Liechtenstein | Portugal | Denmark | Hungary |
Luxembourg | Slovakia | Estonia | Iceland |
Malta | Slovenia | Finland | Italy |
Netherlands | Spain | Austria | Romania |
Bulgaria |
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements
After reading about the benefits of Schengen visa insurance, we are sure you are already searching for the right insurance for your Europe trip. But before you pick one, let us quickly glance at the requirements of international travel insurance for a Schengen visa.
- Your insurance plan must have a coverage of at least €30,000.
- The insurance validity must extend for the entire duration of your stay in Schengen.
- It must be valid across all the Schengen area states if you plan to visit multiple countries.
- It must cover emergency medical care, medical repatriation, hospitalisation, etc.
- Some travel insurance may have minimum and maximum age limits. Thus, ensure that all the travellers fall within the age bracket.
Before you buy your insurance for a Schengen visa, make sure it meets all the requirements mentioned above. If any of the requirements are not met, there are chances that your visa may get rejected.
Wrapping Up
Now that you have learnt about the numerous benefits of having travel insurance for your trip to the Schengen country you can buy an efficient policy online. Whether you are a solo traveller or travelling with your family, insurance for a Schengen visa will cover it all for you.
With the right travel insurance, you can enjoy your trip thoroughly, as all aspects of your trip are rightly covered. So wait no more. Pack your bags and grab the best travel insurance to secure your European trip today!