If you’re planning to travel to Europe and visit any of the Schengen Area countries, one essential requirement is travel insurance for Schengen visa. This insurance is not just a formality — it’s a critical safety net that protects travelers from unforeseen medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or accidents during their stay.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Schengen visa travel insurance, including requirements, coverage, how to choose the best policy, and top insurance providers.
🌍 What Is the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area comprises 29 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. Some of the popular countries include France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, education, or visiting family, you’ll need a Schengen visa if you’re a citizen of a non-Schengen country.
📌 Why Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Schengen Visa?
The European Union mandates travel insurance for Schengen visa applicants to ensure travelers can cover medical emergencies without burdening the host country’s healthcare system.
Key reasons include:
- High healthcare costs in Europe
- Legal requirement for visa approval
- Financial protection during your stay
✅ Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements
To be accepted by Schengen consulates, your travel insurance must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | €30,000 (approx. ₹27 lakh) |
| Coverage area | All Schengen countries |
| Medical emergency coverage | Yes |
| Repatriation of remains | Yes |
| Evacuation due to illness/injury | Yes |
| Policy validity | Covers entire duration of the stay |
Make sure to get a certificate of insurance from the provider, which you’ll submit along with your visa application.
🏥 What Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cover?
Most standard Schengen visa travel insurance policies cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalization
- Doctor consultations
- Medical evacuation
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Trip cancellation/interruption (optional)
- Loss of passport or baggage (optional)
❌ What’s Not Covered?
While policies may vary, common exclusions include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless covered with add-ons)
- High-risk sports or adventure activities
- Pregnancy and childbirth-related expenses
- Injuries under alcohol/drug influence
- Non-emergency treatments
Always read the policy document carefully to understand inclusions and exclusions.
🇮🇳 Who Needs Schengen Travel Insurance in India?
If you hold an Indian passport and plan to visit one or more Schengen countries, you must purchase travel insurance before submitting your visa application. This applies to all types of short-stay visas:
- Tourist visa
- Business visa
- Family visit visa
- Transit visa
🧾 How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa
With dozens of providers offering similar plans, it’s important to compare based on:
| Criteria | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Premium cost | Affordable but not too cheap |
| Coverage amount | Minimum €30,000 (higher is better) |
| Reputation of insurer | Check reviews, IRDAI license |
| Claim settlement ratio | Aim for above 90% |
| Ease of purchase | Online buying and instant policy generation |
| Support | 24/7 customer and claim assistance |
🏆 Top Travel Insurance Providers for Schengen Visa (India – 2025)
| Insurance Company | Starting Price (approx.) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Tata AIG | ₹300 for 7 days | Cashless hospitalization, instant certificate |
| ICICI Lombard | ₹350 for 7 days | High claim ratio, digital support |
| HDFC ERGO | ₹400 for 7 days | COVID-19 coverage, multilingual support |
| Religare (Care) | ₹280 for 7 days | Medical evacuation, global assistance |
| Bajaj Allianz | ₹320 for 7 days | Schengen-compliant certificate in minutes |
These plans can be purchased online in less than 10 minutes and most insurers offer a printable certificate of insurance instantly.
💡 Tips for Buying Schengen Visa Travel Insurance
Here are some practical tips to ensure you get the best deal:
- Compare policies online using aggregator sites like Policybazaar or Coverfox.
- Opt for higher coverage than the minimum, especially if you’re a senior citizen.
- Include trip interruption/cancellation cover for added peace of mind.
- Check if your credit card offers travel insurance; if yes, ensure it meets Schengen criteria.
- Verify claim process and hospital network before finalizing the insurer.
⏱️ When Should You Buy the Insurance?
- You must buy it before applying for the Schengen visa.
- The policy should start from your date of entry and end on your departure date.
- Ensure your coverage dates match your flight and hotel bookings.
✈️ Can I Extend My Schengen Travel Insurance?
Yes. If your visa is extended or your stay is prolonged, you’ll need to buy a new policy or extend the current one (if allowed by the insurer). Inform both your insurance company and the local consulate in such cases.
👵 Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens (Above 60)
Many insurers offer custom plans for senior travelers going to Europe. These plans often include:
- Higher premium
- Extended medical checkups
- Pre-existing condition add-ons
- 24×7 emergency helpline
Ensure your policy covers comprehensive medical emergencies, especially if traveling alone or with mobility issues.
🧳 Is Travel Insurance Refundable?
Yes, but only in certain conditions:
| Condition | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Visa rejected | Yes (partial or full) |
| Trip cancelled before start | Yes (depending on T&C) |
| Trip started and used policy | No refund applicable |
To claim a refund, submit the visa rejection letter and original policy documents to the insurer within their specified time frame.
📃 Sample Travel Insurance Certificate (Schengen Visa)
A standard certificate includes:
- Policyholder name and passport number
- Policy number and insurer details
- Coverage amount and duration
- Coverage area: “Valid in Schengen States”
- Signature and stamp of insurer
Ensure you print and carry a physical copy of the certificate during your visa interview.
🛂 How to Submit Insurance During Visa Application?
- Purchase your policy online or through a trusted agent.
- Download the certificate with all required information.
- Attach the certificate with your Schengen visa application documents.
- Some embassies may ask for a hard copy, so carry a printout.
🔁 Travel Insurance vs. Health Insurance – What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Travel Insurance | Health Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage area | International (Schengen) | Primarily India |
| Medical emergencies abroad | Yes | No (unless global cover added) |
| Baggage, trip delay | Yes | No |
| Valid for visa | Yes | No |
🌐 Best Websites to Compare Travel Insurance Plans
These platforms let you compare quotes, see features side-by-side, and buy instantly.
✨ Final Thoughts
Getting the right travel insurance for your Schengen visa isn’t just a bureaucratic requirement — it’s a wise investment in your safety and financial well-being. With competitive pricing and easy online access in India, there’s no excuse to skip it.
Before you finalize your travel plans, remember:
- Always meet the €30,000 coverage rule
- Compare policies thoroughly
- Print and carry your certificate for the embassy
Safe travels and enjoy your European adventure!