Travel insurance for Schengen visa, also known as Schengen travel insurance or Schengen visa insurance, is a type of insurance coverage that is mandatory for individuals applying for a Schengen visa to travel to the Schengen area in Europe. It is a requirement imposed by the Schengen countries to ensure that visitors have adequate medical and health coverage during their stay.
The purpose of Schengen travel insurance is to protect travelers from potential medical expenses and other unforeseen events that may occur during their trip. It provides coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation of remains, and other related expenses. Additionally, it may also include coverage for trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability.
When applying for a Schengen visa, it is generally required to provide proof of travel insurance coverage that meets specific criteria set by the Schengen countries. The insurance policy should meet the following requirements:
Minimum coverage: The insurance must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros or its equivalent in other currencies. This coverage should include medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Validity: The insurance should be valid for the entire duration of the intended stay in the Schengen area. The coverage should start from the day of entry into the Schengen area and continue until the day of departure.
Geographical coverage: The insurance coverage should be valid for all the Schengen countries.
Insurance provider: The insurance policy should be provided by a reputable insurance company recognized by the Schengen countries.
It is important to obtain travel insurance from a reliable insurance provider and carefully review the policy terms and conditions to ensure it meets the Schengen visa requirements. The insurance policy should be obtained before submitting the visa application and the proof of insurance should be included as part of the application documents.
In case of a visa application refusal, some insurance providers offer a refund of the premium paid if the visa is denied. It is advisable to check the refund policy of the insurance provider before purchasing the policy.
Remember to retain a copy of the insurance policy and carry it with you during your trip as you may be required to present it upon entry into the Schengen area or if requested by immigration authorities during your stay.
