Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa – How to apply
Travel insurance for Schengen is a compulsory travel health insurance while visiting Europe Schengen zone.
This region- specific plan covers health emergencies such as dental pain, medical, hospitalization, cashless hospitalization etc. It also covers coverage for passport and baggage loss, flight delay etc.
If you are planning to travel to any of the 26 Schengen area countries for tourism or business, you need to be sure that you have travel insurance for Schengen visa before your visa can be approved by the embassy.
The good news is that travel insurance is available for students, tourists and business travelers, and there are different types and providers of coverage to choose from.
Thus, the content of this page will cover Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements, where to get a travel insurance for Schengen visa and steps to apply for Schengen travel insurance.
Do I need travel health insurance for Europe?
If you need a Schengen visa to enter any country in the Schengen zone, then you will have to get a travel insurance that meets all the Schengen insurance requirements.
Even if you never leave your home country, there is a good chance that you will visit at least one European country while on vacation.
If something happens while you are there, travel health insurance can help cover the costs of medical treatment.
In addition, you have to submit a proof of having obtained it when you apply for a Schengen visa.
If you do not have a travel insurance policy, the embassy, consulates or visa application center will automatically reject your visa.
Benefits of Schengen Travel Insurance
The leading importance of a travel insurance for Schengen visa applicant is that it qualifies you for Schengen visa.
However, other benefits of the Schengen travel insurance policy are discussed below:
#1. Free emergency medical treatment
Putting your Schengen travel insurance in place will give you the opportunity to receive standard medical treatment when you fall sick in the Schengen zone without spending a dime.
In most cases, all or a substantial part of the cost for medical treatment in the case of an injury sustained in an accident will be covered by your Schengen travel insurance as well.
#2. Free emergency medical repatriation
Schengen travel insurance policy takes care of the cost in transporting you to the nearest medical center when you are ill or become injured.
In addition, this policy could also help cover the cost of transporting you back to your country of origin while you are recuperating from your illness.
#3. Covers cost of trip interruption
It is common for travelers to suspend their vacation and return home earlier than they have planned. However, changes in travel plans usually attract additional fees for flight day change and other necessities.
Whenever you find the need to shorten your travel period, your Schengen travel insurance may cover additional costs that comes with emergency trip interruption.
#4. They cover cost of returning body remains
Death is one of the characteristics of a living thing, which man is. For instance, if a traveler dies in the Schengen country, Schengen travel insurance could cover the cost of returning the remains to the country of origin.
The cost of returning a corpse back to its family at home is expensive. Nevertheless, a good policy in place could lessen the monetary effects of this on the family members of the deceased.
Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
The Schengen visa insurance requirements apply to all travelers who need a visa to travel to one of the Schengen countries, including citizens of member states of the European Union (EU).
Furthermore, the policy must cover any expenses that may arise if you are denied entry to a Schengen country, as well as medical expenses and evacuation costs.
Before the embassy, consulate or visa application center can accept your travel insurance policy to visit a Schengen zone, it has to meet some requirements:
- Your travel insurance document has to be valid in all Schengen member countries.
- It must have a minimum health coverage of €30,000.
- Must cover emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
- The travel insurance document must cover the expenses, which might arise as a result of the individual’s death.
- Must cover the entire period of the individual’s intended stay in the Schengen zone.
Where do I get a travel insurance for Schengen visa?
You can get travel insurance for your trip to any Schengen country using one of the following ways:
#1. Through medical insurance companies
You can buy a policy through a medical insurance company and print out the certificate you need for the Schengen visa application.
Some of the top insurance companies selling Europe travel insurance are DR-WALTER, MondialCare and AXA Schengen.
#2. Through your travel agency
If you are travelling to a Schengen area via an organized tour, your travel agency can include a travel coverage plan along with the tour package.
Sometimes, these complimentary plans tend to be overpriced, so make sure you read the policy well before signing up.
Who can purchase a travel insurance for Schengen visa?
If you are a citizen of any of the 26 countries that are part of the European Union, then you are eligible to purchase a travel insurance policy that covers your travels to and within the Schengen area.
However, not all travel insurance policies are accepted in the Schengen Area, so be sure to read the fine print before purchase.
In addition, make sure to check with your travel agent or insurer about any additional requirements that may be necessary for your country of residence.
Factors that affect the price of your travel insurance policy for Schengen visa
A few things can affect the price of your travel insurance policy for a Schengen visa. The following are some of the most important factors:
- The type of visa you are applying for: a standard or business visa will have different requirements and costs than a tourist visa.
- The coverage you need: certain policies may only cover medical expenses, while others may include coverage for lost luggage and other accidents.
- The duration of your trip: Usually, insurance companies calculate the cost of the policy on a daily basis. However, the longer you plan to stay in Schengen, the higher the price of your policy.
- Your age: The cost of the insurance policy increases along with your age. For example, older individuals who are over the age of 60 have to pay higher premiums for the same insurance plan than someone who is younger.
How to apply for a Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa
Most insurance companies operate online. Hence, you can simply purchase a travel insurance plan directly from their website.
To purchase one, visit the company website; look for the “Get a Quote” or “Start Now” button.
Step 1: Complete the online application form
The application form requires you to fill basic information such as name and surname, date of birth etc.
Step 2: Select which plan you want
There is usually more than one plan available. However, you can read the benefits of each plan to find one suited to your needs.
For example, if you purchase through MondialCare, one of the leading insurance companies, you can subscribe to various insurance policies.
Step 3: Make the payment
The next step is to make payment by using a credit/debit card or through PayPal.
In addition, the cost of the insurance plan depends on the information you provided (age, length of trip) as well as the plan you choose.
Step 4: Download and print the insurance certificate
You need to print the insurance certificate and submit it to the embassy or consulates when you apply for visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do minors need travel medical insurance?
Applicants under the age of 18 must also acquire travel medical insurance. However, many insurance companies provide free coverage for children under 18.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
You need a Schengen travel insurance policy as it is mandatory if you want to travel in any of the 26 countries constituting the Schengen continent.
Do US citizens need travel insurance for Europe?
Yes. US citizens absolutely need travel medical insurance for Europe, including the Schengen area.
Is it worth it to get travel insurance?
Travel insurance is often worth the investment for its potential to help reimburse you for thousands of dollars travel-related expenses like emergency evacuation, medical bills and costs related to trip cancellation.
Do I need to show my travel insurance at the airport?
No, it’s not essential to take copies of your travel insurance documents with you.
What is a travel insurance certificate?
The certificate is a proof of insurance during the period of validity of the contract.
The insurance certificate and must include at least the following information such as name, first name, date of birth, etc.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Europe?
Yes, if you need a visa to travel to Europe, then you will have to get travel insurance because it is a mandatory part of the visa application process.
Can business travelers buy a Schengen travel insurance policy?
Yes. If you are traveling for business purposes you can get coverage under the Schengen travel insurance policy.
However if you are a frequent traveler, you can opt for a multi- trip insurance plan.
How much time does it take to process a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa processing will take approximately 10 to 15working days under regular circumstances.
Conclusion
You cannot wish away Schengen travel Insurance if you desire to travel to a Schengen country. Schengen travel insurance is affordable and easy to get if you follow the procedure.
Most importantly, remember that Schengen visa travel insurance must meet several criteria. This is why it is better to use a travel specialist.
