Are you planning to apply for a Schengen visa to explore the beautiful countries of Europe?
Then you must be aware of the essential requirement for your visa application – Schengen travel insurance.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about Schengen travel insurance, from its mandatory nature to the cost, coverage, and more. Let’s embark on this journey together.
1. Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Schengen Visa?
Absolutely! If you are planning to apply for a Schengen visa, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement. Without a valid insurance policy, your visa application will automatically be rejected.
Even if you don’t need a visa to travel to the Schengen Area, having travel insurance is highly recommended to ensure your safety and well-being during your trip.
2. Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements
To meet the Schengen visa travel insurance requirements, your insurance plan must fulfill the following conditions:
- It should cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
- The insurance should be valid in all 27 countries in the Schengen Zone.
- It should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Europe.
Companies such as Europ Assistance and MondialCare offer travel insurance certificates that are required when applying for a Schengen visa.
3. How Much Does Schengen Medical Travel Insurance Cost?
Schengen insurance is generally not too expensive in comparison to the overall cost of your trip. For instance, for a one-week trip, the policy typically costs between €20 to €50, depending on the chosen plan.
The cost of your travel insurance policy is influenced by three main factors:
- Your age: Older individuals, especially those over 60, usually have to pay higher premiums.
- The duration of your trip: Insurance costs are calculated on a daily basis, so the longer you stay in the Schengen Area, the higher the policy’s price.
- The maximum coverage limit: Different insurance plans are available, with varying coverage limits. A basic plan with coverage of up to €30,000 will be cheaper than a plan with a maximum coverage of €100,000 or more.
4. Where Can I Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
You have multiple options for purchasing your Schengen visa insurance:
Online travel insurance providers: Several companies, such as Europ Assistance, MondialCare, AXA Schengen, Allianz, and Bupa, offer online purchase options. You can compare these providers to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Through your travel agency: If you’ve booked your visit to Europe through a travel agency, they may offer you an insurance policy as part of your travel package. However, these policies are often more expensive.
Local insurance companies: Visit the offices of an insurance company in your country, request a Schengen insurance policy, and purchase one.
5. How To Buy Schengen Visa Insurance Online?
Most insurance companies offer online purchasing options. To buy a travel insurance plan online, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the insurance company’s website.
- Look for the “Get a Quote” or “Start Now” button.
- Complete the online application form with your personal details, destination, and travel dates.
- Select the insurance plan that best suits your needs, considering factors like the coverage and cost.
- Make the payment using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
- Download and print the Insurance Certificate in PDF format, which you’ll need to submit to the Embassy when applying for your visa.
6. How to Present Proof of Purchased Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
When you apply for a Schengen visa, you will be required to provide proof of purchased Schengen travel insurance, often referred to as the “travel insurance certificate.” Your insurance company will provide you with this certificate when you subscribe to one of their insurance plans. Make sure to keep it handy to show to the Embassy.
7. What Should the Schengen Travel Insurance Plan Cover?
A valid Schengen travel insurance plan should cover the following aspects:
- Cost of medical treatment, including in-patient and out-patient medical treatment, doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medication, and emergency dental care.
- Cost of repatriation or evacuation in case of serious illness or accidents that require medical attention from your home country. This coverage also applies in the event of death.
Additionally, insurance companies may offer extra coverage, such as trip insurance or liability coverage.
8. How Do I Get Schengen Visa Insurance From the USA?
If you are from the USA and planning to travel to Europe, you can purchase Schengen visa travel insurance online just like any other traveler. Companies like Europe Assistance and MondialCare allow you to subscribe to travel insurance through their websites, and you can download the Insurance Certificate for visa application.
9. How Exactly Does Travel Medical Insurance Work?
Travel health insurance protects you from financial losses resulting from medical emergencies during your European trip. When you seek medical attention and have a valid insurance policy, the insurance company handles the costs. There are two common ways insurance works:
- The hospital sends the bill directly to the insurance company, eliminating the need for you to make upfront payments.
- You pay the medical bill yourself and then make a claim with the insurance company to get reimbursed. Ensure that you retain the hospital bill for this purpose.
In case of an emergency, contact the assistance center as soon as possible to receive guidance on the necessary steps.
10. Should I Purchase Schengen Health Insurance If I Have Domestic Insurance?
Yes, it is advisable to purchase Schengen health insurance even if you have domestic insurance. Domestic insurance typically covers only the country in which it was purchased and does not provide coverage during international travel. To ensure you have coverage while in Europe, you should obtain a Schengen visa insurance plan.
11. Can I Get a Refund If My Schengen Visa Application Is Refused?
While many insurance companies offer refunds for policies in the event of a Schengen visa refusal, not all do. You can usually find information about refund policies in the FAQ section of the insurance company’s website or by contacting them directly.
12. Does Schengen Medical Insurance Cover me for Countries That Are Not Part of the Schengen Area?
No, Schengen insurance exclusively
covers countries within the Schengen Area. If you plan to travel outside this zone, you should consider an international travel insurance plan or additional coverage specific to the countries you’ll be visiting.
13. Will I Get Covid-19 Coverage When Buying a Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?
Covid-19 coverage varies depending on travel recommendations and regulations. Most travel insurance companies will cover Covid-19-related medical costs if you follow the travel recommendations of your home country, the destination country, and international health organizations like the World Health Organization. Be sure to adhere to travel bans and health guidelines during your trip.
As you plan your journey to the Schengen Area, remember that Schengen travel insurance is not just a requirement; it’s your safety net. Ensure you choose the right insurance plan that aligns with your travel needs, and embark on your European adventure with confidence.
Conclusion
Schengen travel insurance is an indispensable aspect of your journey to the Schengen Area.
It safeguards your well-being and ensures that you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
By understanding the mandatory requirements, costs, coverage, and the process of obtaining Schengen travel insurance, you can make the most of your European adventure. So, get your travel insurance in place, and prepare to explore the charm and beauty of the Schengen countries.
FAQs
1. Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa applicants?
Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when applying for a Schengen visa. Without a valid insurance policy, your visa application will be rejected.
2. What are the key requirements for Schengen visa travel insurance?
The Schengen visa travel insurance plan must cover at least €30,000 for medical expenses and emergency evacuation, be valid in all 27 Schengen Zone countries, and remain in effect for the entire duration of your stay in Europe.
3. How much does Schengen medical travel insurance cost?
The cost of Schengen insurance varies based on factors such as your age, the duration of your trip, and the maximum coverage limit. For a one-week trip, the policy typically costs between €20 to €50, depending on the selected plan.
4. Where can I purchase travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
You can purchase travel insurance for a Schengen visa from online providers, travel agencies, or local Schengen-accredited insurance companies.
5. How can I buy Schengen visa insurance online?
To purchase Schengen visa insurance online, visit the insurance company’s website, complete the application form, select your preferred plan, make the payment, and download the Insurance Certificate for visa application.
6. What should the Schengen travel insurance plan cover?
A valid Schengen travel insurance plan must cover the cost of medical treatment, including in-patient and out-patient care, doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medication, and emergency dental care. It should also cover the cost of repatriation or evacuation in case of severe illness or accidents.
7. Does Schengen medical insurance cover countries outside the Schengen Area?
No, Schengen insurance is specifically designed for countries within the Schengen Area. If you plan to travel outside this zone, you should consider additional international travel insurance.
8. Will Schengen visa travel insurance cover Covid-19-related costs?
Covid-19 coverage depends on travel recommendations and regulations. Most travel insurance companies will cover Covid-19-related medical costs if you follow the recommended guidelines from your home country, the destination country, and international health organizations like the World Health Organization.
9. Can I get a refund if my Schengen visa application is refused?
Many insurance companies offer refunds for policies in case of a Schengen visa refusal, but not all do. You can check the refund policy on the company’s website or contact them directly for details.