Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa? (2024)

ATK

New Delhi [India], February 21: The Schengen area, consisting of 27 European countries, is one of the world’s most widely visited tourist destinations. Apart from the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, what makes Schengen a hot pick among travellers is the fact that these countries have abolished mutual borders. The border-free Schengen area offers tourists free movement.

People planning to visit this area often question if they need travel insurance to apply for its Visa. If you have a similar question, read on to find the answer.

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: A Must

Yes, you need travel insurance for a Schengen visa. If you don’t have a travel insurance policy in tune with the standards set by Schengen countries, your visa application will get rejected. Schengen countries have made travel insurance mandatory to safeguard tourists financially against any medical emergencies and untoward incidents.

Requirements for Travel Insurance to Obtain a Schengen Visa

Not any travel insurance can help you get a Schengen Visa. Your travel insurance policy needs to meet certain requirements. These include:

* The sum insured offered by the policy should be a minimum of 30,000 euros

* It should be valid in all 27 countries in the Schengen area

* The validity of travel insurance should be for the entire duration of your time in Europe

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for a Schengen Visa?

The cost of travel insurance for Schengen Visa isn’t fixed and depends on various factors. These include:

* Your age

Your age is vital in determining the premium you must pay to obtain travel insurance for a Schengen Visa. The older you are, the more you need to pay for insurance and vice versa. As we age, the likelihood of experiencing health concerns rises. This translates to a higher potential for needing medical attention while travelling, which insurance companies see as a greater risk. To cover this risk, they set a high premium.

* Trip duration

Another essential consideration is the trip duration. Usually, insurance companies offering travel insurance for the Schengen zone calculate the cost on a daily basis. This implies that the longer your stay is, the higher the policy price. Longer stays translate to a greater window for potential mishaps, which is why your insurer charges higher premiums.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Besides being mandatory, travel insurance can help you in several ways during your visit to Schengen nations. These include:

* Coverage for Healthcare costs

Healthcare costs are high in Schengen countries. Travel insurance can help offset high medical expenses in the event of hospitalisation because of illness, accident, or injuries. Paying them from your pocket can disrupt your finances and throw your travel plans in disarray.

* Emergency Assistance Services

In case of an emergency, you might need services such as medical evacuation and repatriation, which can be crucial in case of serious illness or injury. This requires transportation to another medical facility or back to your home country and can be an expensive affair. A travel insurance policy can help you meet the cost of such services.

* Costs for Trip Cancellation and lost baggage

A travel insurance policy can reimburse you for non-refundable trip costs if your trip gets cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circ*mstances. That’s not all. You will also be reimbursed for lost or stolen baggage and important documents such as passports.

How You Can Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?

You can purchase travel insurance for Schengen Visa through:

* Travel insurance providers online

* Your travel agency

* Local Schengen-accredited travel insurance company

Irrespective of the mode of purchase, you need to remember certain things. These include:

* Minimum Coverage Amount

Ensure the insurance policy provides a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies, including repatriation due to medical reasons. Note that this is the minimum requirement set under Schengen visa regulations.

* Compare Different Travel Insurance Plans

Research different insurers and compare plans based on your needs and budget. Don’t simply select the cheapest option. Read online reviews and the insurer’s track record before buying the policy. Familiarise yourself with the claims process to ensure smooth handling if you need to make a claim.

* Read the exclusions

While comparing different plans, read the exclusions. Understand what’s covered in your policy and what’s not. This helps avoid surprises later and unnecessary stress. If you are unsure about something, get it cleared beforehand.

* Disclose pre-existing ailments

While buying travel insurance for Schengen Visa, disclose any pre-existing ailments you might have. Though this may increase the premiums for your policy, it helps avoid claim rejection later. Also, if your trip extends by any chance beyond the initial policy period, find out if you can extend the policy duration.

In Conclusion

Remember that travel insurance for Schengen Visa is not just about fulfilling a mandatory requirement. It’s also about safeguarding your trip from unforeseen circ*mstances. Travel insurance gives you much-needed peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your Schengen journey to the fullest.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by ATK. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa? (2024)

FAQs

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa? ›

Travel insurance is a requirement for the Schengen visa application process. You need at least €30,000 (US$32,800) in coverage in case you need medical attention during your stay in Europe, and you have to purchase coverage and obtain a certificate showing insurance to include with your visa application.

Is it mandatory to have health insurance for a Schengen visa? ›

Every applicant has to submit proof of medical travel insurance covering the entire length of the stay in Europe when applying for a Schengen visa. You can find additional insurance companies in your local Yellow Pages or on the internet (search for “health insurance Schengen visa”).

Is it mandatory to have health insurance to travel to Europe? ›

Travel insurance isn't required when visiting Europe; however, it can cover your prepaid and non-refundable trip costs in the event of travel delays, cancellations, a medical emergency or lost baggage.

Do you need travel insurance for a visa? ›

Many visas require travel insurance as a way to protect their visitors from unforeseen costly expenditures that would make for an otherwise unpleasant visit. You can apply for most visas online or from the embassy for the country you will be visiting.

Which travel insurance is best for a Schengen visa? ›

Fortunately, as the number one brand for Schengen Visa travel insurance online, AXA provides a number of insurance options for stress-free travel to and throughout the Schengen area.

Is travel insurance mandatory? ›

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory? As a general rule, travel insurance coverage is not mandatory to travel. However, some countries require travel insurance to enter. Travel advisories change constantly and the country you plan to visit for your next trip may implement a requirement on short notice.

What are the insurance deductible requirements for Schengen visa? ›

Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
  • Minimum Policy Coverage of €30,000 (equivalent to $50,000 USD)
  • Policy must have a $0 deductible with 100% Coverage.
  • Policy must cover all 26 Member Countries.
  • Must include the following benefits: Emergency Medical Evacuation. Return of Mortal Remains or Cremation/Burial.

Do you really need travel health insurance? ›

Travel health insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding. Check if your current health care covers emergencies that happen while traveling.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Italy? ›

It's not mandatory to purchase travel insurance to visit Italy. Most leisure and business travelers choose to purchase insurance in order to cover unexpected medical costs and protect their trip investment against unexpected cancellations.

Is travel insurance mandatory for France? ›

Is travel insurance mandatory for France? France isn't a country where it's compulsory to have travel insurance to visit but there are always risks associated with travel anywhere and it's important to safeguard against them.

Does visa automatically provide travel insurance? ›

When you pay the full price of your tickets with your valid and active Visa card, you, your spouse and dependent children under 23 years of age are each automatically covered for prepaid travel and/or lodging expenses that are not recoverable if a covered trip is cancelled due to serious illness or injury, or due to ...

Is visitor insurance mandatory? ›

Is Visitor Insurance Required in the U.S.? Visitor insurance is not required to travel to the U.S. on a B-2 visa. However, healthcare costs in the U.S. are often higher than those in other countries, so not having the proper coverage could leave you to pay thousands of dollars for any necessary medical care.

Is travel insurance really worth it? ›

Travel insurance can be useful, but it's not always necessary. The key to knowing if you need travel insurance is figuring out your specific risks for any given vacation, then deciding if you can buy coverage that adequately protects you from any financial losses and pitfalls that might occur.

Do Americans need travel insurance for Schengen? ›

Travel insurance is a requirement for the Schengen visa application process. You need at least €30,000 (US$32,800) in coverage in case you need medical attention during your stay in Europe, and you have to purchase coverage and obtain a certificate showing insurance to include with your visa application.

Do I need extra insurance to travel to Europe? ›

While it is not a legal requirement to have travel insurance for Europe, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) recommends holidaymakers take out a policy, even if they also have the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

Can I cancel travel insurance for a Schengen visa? ›

All countries in the Schengen Visa area and USA and Canada have made it mandatory to have health insurance. The insurance policy and Visa are linked. If you cancel the insurance policy, these countries will get an alert on their system and you will be sent back from the airport itself.

Is health insurance mandatory for a German visa? ›

To apply for a National Visa, you need public, private or expat health insurance. When you start working in Germany, you must switch to public or private health insurance. If you have a minijob, you can usually stay on expat insurance.

Do I need health insurance to go to the Netherlands? ›

When you apply for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands you must have health insurance or travel insurance that covers any medical expenses you may incur while in the Schengen area. Find out what the insurance requirements are.

Do I need health insurance to travel to Germany? ›

Germany travel insurance is a mandatory health insurance plan for travellers and visitors that covers your medical needs while in Germany. This insurance should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and apart from Germany, it should also be valid in other Schengen countries.

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