Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India

What is Travel Insurance for Schengen?

Schengen travel insurance or Europe travel insurance is a policy necessary for visiting Europe's Schengen region. It is also mandatory for all non-EU visitors to Schengen countries. These countries allow entry once you meet all the requirements they set for the Schengen visa.

Travel health insurance for Schengen is valid for the whole region, whether you visit one or more countries in this zone. Europe travel insurance from India protects you from financial emergencies including medical care, personal liability, evacuation, personal accident, baggage loss, etc.

Schengen Zone: A Quick Rundown

Take a look at the table below to learn more about this plan's features:

Why Schengen Travel Medical Insurance?

While travel medical insurance is necessary for a Schengen Visa, you must always prioritise your safety. You must buy as an essential step, not a mere formality. While visiting an unknown country, you can face many issues that can ruin your budget. However, there are several reasons for having Schengen travel health insurance:

1. Mandatory Visa Requirements

   Meets mandatory travel medical insurance requirements for the Schengen Zone. Offers cashless hospitalisation in case of illness or injury-related treatments, emergency medical evacuation & repatriation.

2. All-rounder Coverage

   Provides comprehensive coverage for trip and flight-related emergencies. It also provides personal liability coverage.

3. Available for Everyone

   Available for individuals, families, senior citizens & corporate travellers. It is valid throughout the Schengen Zone and meets the necessary requirements.

Having travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa from India will protect you from such risks. Many risks may arise - from flight delays to baggage loss and trip curtailments. But your travel health insurance Europe will cover them all.

Schengen Zone: Compulsory Entry Requirements

Most non-EU nationalities, including Indians, need a visa before travelling to this zone. There is no Schengen visa on arrival available, and for tourism you must have a Uniform Schengen Visa. Having travel insurance for Europe trip will ensure your financial safety and peace of mind, but more than that it will tick off an important Schengen entry requirement. Your travel insurance for Schengen visa should meet the following requirements:

1. Coverage of EUR 30,000

   Your travel medical insurance for Schengen visa from India should have a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros.

2. Extent of Coverage

   It should cover any unforeseen medical emergencies, including medical illness, accidental injury and medical repatriation of remains.

3. Geographical Validity

   Your travel health insurance Europe should be valid in all 29 member Schengen countries.

You must submit a Schengen visa application at least 15 days before the trip date. Most travel experts advise applying it at least 30 to 60 before your trip. In some cases, the consulate may ask for additional documents. The coverage of your Europe travel insurance for Schengen visa from India will vary with the visa type. For example, there is also specific student travel insurance for Schengen visas.

Documents Required for Schengen Travel

Travelling to Schengen requires a lot of paperwork. From planning that dreamy European itinerary to buying travel insurance plan, you need to start with preparing your documents.

Schengen Visa from India

You need to prepare the following documents for your Schengen visa:

• Visa Application: Completed Schengen visa application
• Photos: Recent passport-size coloured photos following the Schengen visa photo specifications
• Passport: Your Indian passport with a minimum 6 months validity
• Photocopies: You must provide copies of any previous visas, and pages containing your biometric data
• Travel Medical Insurance: Provide the front page of your Schengen travel medical insurance with at least EUR 30,000 coverage, including costs of repatriation
• Visa Fee: Visa fee payment
• Documents Corroborating Travel Specifics: Cover letter, flight bookings, hotel bookings, proof of financial ability, invitation letter, academic records, etc.

Travel Insurance Purchase

• Passport number of travellers
• ID proof like PAN or other government-issued documents for proposal form
• KYC for Europe travel insurance from India is required before purchase*

*You must also have your travel dates and destination for the proposal form.

Travel Insurance Claim

Here is an exhaustive list of documents that you will be asked to provide depending on your emergency:

• FIR or police report for criminal cases
• Identity Proof
• Copy of your passport with immigration stamps
• Completed claim forms
• Copy of your Original Policy
• Original bills and receipts

You may be asked to provide all of these or more documents depending on your claim.

Types of Schengen Travel Insurance

You can buy travel medical insurance for Schengen visa depending on how many times you can enter the area. You will be either allowed single entry, two entry or multi-entry depending on your visa. You can choose from two types of travel Schengen travel medical insurance:

1. Single Trip Schengen Insurance

   This is for people who can only enter the Schengen area once, usually for a short stay for tourism. They can buy this policy to secure the specified time in the area.

2. Multi Trip Schengen Insurance

   Visitors with multiple-entry Schengen visas can opt for this type of travel insurance. Business persons, frequent flyers etc., can buy multi-trip travel insurance for Schengen countries, saving them the hassle of buying a policy again and again.

List of Schengen Countries

Travel insurance for Europe trips offers coverage in all 29 European countries in the Schengen area. Please note that not all European countries are part of the Schengen territories. Out of 44 European countries, only these countries comprise the Schengen state.

What does the Schengen Travel Insurance Policy Cover?

Travel insurance for Schengen from India covers several things. Some of the common inclusions are as follows:

Medical Cover

• Coverage for Medical Expenses
• Facility for emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation of mortal remains to India
• Coverage for medical treatment continues in India
• Daily hospital allowances
• Dental treatment in an emergency

Baggage Cover

• Loss of checked-in baggage
• Delay of checked-in baggage

Flight-related Cover

• Flight hijacking
• Delay of trip, cancellation and curtailment
• Missed connection of flight

Trip-related Cover

• Trip Interruption
• Trip Curtailment

Others

• Compassionate visit of a family member in case of hospitalisation
• Refund of Visa Fee
• Adventure sports coverage
• Home burglary insurance

While most travel insurance for Schengen visas from India provides a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, the exact benefits vary considerably. Go through their policy wordings and compare different plans before you buy Schengen travel insurance before your trip.

What's Not Covered under Travel Insurance for Schengen?

Some common exclusions under travel insurance for Schengen tourist visas are as follows:

• Health Exclusions- Costs related to pre-existing diseases not covered unless specified, costs for planned medical treatments, routine check-ups or diagnosis
• Self Harm: Attempted suicide, self-inflicted injuries, etc. not covered
• Drugs/Intoxication Induced Losses: Any expenses incurred in substance abuse
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases: STDs including AIDS/HIV are not covered
• Illegal Activities: Loss or damage due to breach of law is not covered
• Participation in Dangerous Activities: Loss or damage caused in hazardous sports (coverage for adventure sports is only available after purchasing add-ons)

The exact benefits vary from insurer to insurer. So, check the documents properly while purchasing travel insurance for Schengen from India.

Visa Procedure for Schengen Zone

• Know Your Purpose: Why are you visiting the Schengen region? Determine if its for business, tourism, short courses or others.
• Pick your Destination: There are 29 countries in the Schengen Area. Apply to the country where you will spend maximum time.
• Sort your Application: Complete your Schengen visa application form.
• Prepare Documents: Prepare your cover letter, Schengen itinerary, passport, etc. as per your visa requirement.
• Book Visa Appointment: You must book a slot at the applicable Visa Application Centre. Most Schengen countries have designated VFS Global as their official VAC.
• Attend the Interview: Visit the VAC on the selected slot, and submit your documents and biometrics.
• Fee Payment: Pay the required fee and wait for an update on your Schengen visa status.

How to Buy Travel Insurance for Schengen from India

Buying trip insurance for your Schengen visa is a short and straightforward process. If you wish to buy it online, you can follow these steps:

1. Research Insurers

   Look up different travel insurers available in India. Check their plans, scope of coverage, limitations, etc.

2. Compare and Shortlist Plans

   Shortlist the plans that suit your budget, trip duration and needs. They should meet the Schengen travel medical requirements along with essential coverage (trip cancellation, medical coverage, passport loss etc.)

3. Check Customer Feedback

   Once you zero in on a plan, check the insurer's website for reviews. Focus on claim and assistance-related customer feedback.

4. Talk to Experts

   In case of any doubts, reach out to Policybazaar. You can find all the details related to the plan of your choice and get end-to-end claim assistance if you buy a plan from us.

Why Buy from Policybazaar.com?

Travelling to Europe is costly, and cutting costs can be difficult. However, having Schengen visa travel insurance for Europe is the first step in reducing unexpected expenses abroad. These can be the loss of a passport, accidentally damaging someone's property, etc. You can easily cut down on a lot of unexpected expenses by securing your trip through policybazaar

• Easy Comparison: Compare multiple policies on the go
• Visa Compliant: All the policies Schengen-compliant travel medical insurance
• Budget-friendly: Find the cheapest travel insurance for Schengen Visa
• Instant Issuance: Get your policy within minutes
• Global Support: Emergency & claim assistance throughout the world

If you're unsure about the cost of travel insurance for Schengen visa, you can easily find plan variants across different budgets. If the basic low-cost plans provide the necessary coverage, you don't need to opt for more expensive ones.

Choose any add-ons carefully. For example, if you are not interested in adventure sports, there is no need to buy optional coverage.

How Do You Claim Travel Insurance for Schengen?

If unfortunately, you face an emergency in Europe, you can raise a claim under your Schengen travel insurance policy. You can do this through Policybazaar Claim Support or by reaching out to your insurer. Here are the steps to raise a travel insurance claim for Schengen visa:

• Head to the Claims page of Policybazaar.com
• Select 'Travel Insurance' from the list of products
• You will be directed to the 'Request Claim Assistance' form
• Select the insurer you have purchased your policy from
• You will see their respective helpline details, including contact numbers and email

You must inform your insurer within 30 days of your trip. In case of medical emergencies abroad, you can opt for a cashless hospitalisation facility. Your insurer will guide you through the process and help you get the necessary treatment.

Eating Out in Schengen Countries

From Michelin-star restaurants to street foods, a wide variety of food options are available in the Schengen region.

• Palermo is a Michelin-star restaurant in Italy, and Naples has some of the best Pizzas.
• Try Girona, Arzak, and Mart'n Berasategui for some of the best Spanish and a variety of cuisines
• In Prague (Czech Republic), try having lunch at Karlin and experience the best fine dining at La Degustation
• San Sebastian in Spain is another food paradise. Some popular restaurants are Mugaritz, Akellare, and Martín Berasategui.

Every Schengen country has something distinctive about their cuisine. Though we have highlighted some great options, don't forget to check with the locals for some of the best eating-out joints.

Most Visited Destinations in Schengen Countries

There is no end to the number of attractions in Europe. It's almost impossible to cover it all in a single trip. Here is a list of the most famous destinations across each of the 29 Schengen countries, highlighting the top spot in each country:

• Austria: Vienna – Known for its grand palaces, classical music heritage, and beautiful architecture.
• Belgium: Brussels – Famous for its medieval architecture, the Atomium, and the European Union headquarters.
• Czech Republic: Prague – Renowned for its charming Old Town, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge.
• Denmark: Copenhagen – Famous for its canals, the Little Mermaid statue, and vibrant city life.
• Estonia: Tallinn – Known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Finland: Helsinki – Famous for its stunning architecture, design scene, and proximity to nature.
• France: Paris – The City of Light, home to the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and rich cultural history.
• Germany: Berlin – Known for its iconic Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall history, and vibrant arts scene.
• Greece: Athens – Famous for the ancient Acropolis, Parthenon, and rich history of Greek civilization.
• Hungary: Budapest – Known for its beautiful riverfront, Buda Castle, and thermal baths.
• Iceland: Reykjavik – Famous for its unique landscapes, geysers, and the Northern Lights.
• Italy: Rome – Home to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City.
• Latvia: Riga – Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant Old Town.
• Liechtenstein: Vaduz – Known for its medieval Vaduz Castle and the stunning Alpine landscapes.
• Lithuania: Vilnius – Famous for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, historic churches, and vibrant culture.
• Luxembourg: Luxembourg City – Known for its fortified Old Town, bridges, and medieval architecture.
• Malta: Valletta – Famous for its historical sites, including St. John's Co-Cathedral and grand fortifications.
• Netherlands: Amsterdam – Renowned for its canals, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.
• Norway: Oslo – Known for its museums, Viking Ship Museum, and beautiful fjords.
• Poland: Krakow – Famous for its medieval Old Town and the historic Auschwitz concentration camp.
• Portugal: Lisbon – Known for its colourful streets, the Belem Tower, and the historic Alfama district.
• Slovakia: Bratislava – Famous for its medieval Old Town and proximity to the Danube River.
• Slovenia: Ljubljana – Known for its picturesque Old Town, Ljubljana Castle, and beautiful parks.
• Spain: Barcelona – Famous for its modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
• Sweden: Stockholm – Known for its archipelago, royal palaces, and beautiful museums.
• Switzerland: Zurich – Famous for its lakeside setting, Old Town, and as a financial hub.
• Norway: Bergen – Famous for its stunning fjords, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, and surrounding nature.
• Finland: Lapland – Known for its beautiful winter landscapes, Santa Claus Village, and Northern Lights.
• Poland: Warsaw – Famous for its historical Old Town and beautiful palaces.

Money-Saving Tips in Schengen Countries

Timely and careful planning can help save a lot of money during your Schengen trip. But there are various other ways to save money when travelling to Europe:

• Save Money by Rail: To save on transportation costs, consider travelling by rail. Booking it in advance can save a massive amount of money and even get great discounts and deals.
• Buy Train Pass: You can purchase a Eurail pass that can last three months and is available to locals and tourists.
• Book Tickets in Advance: Buy tickets in advance, as overnight or high-speed trains may not be available due to high demand. You should also track winter and summer timetables for trains and tourist attractions.
• Avail Free Wi-Fi Connectivity: Visitors can access free Wi-Fi everywhere and stay connected without spending a penny.
• Avoid Museum Fees: Those on a budget can visit museums that do not require a fee. There are particular days when museum entry is free of cost. Check the days and plan the visit accordingly to save money.

Europe is considerably costly for many Indians, and you must be mentally prepared. There's a lot to account for from food, stay, travel and health care. Keeping that in mind, make sure to buy Schengen travel insurance from India that provides sufficient coverage.