A Guide to Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa from India

Planning a trip to Europe is exciting, but before you can explore its beautiful cities, you'll need to apply for a Schengen visa. A mandatory and crucial part of this application process is having valid travel insurance. This guide explains the specific requirements for Schengen visa travel insurance India and how to choose the right policy.

Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Area consists of 27 European countries that have abolished internal border controls. To ensure that visitors do not become a financial burden on their healthcare systems in case of a medical emergency, the visa regulations mandate that all applicants must have adequate travel medical insurance.

Mandatory Requirements for Schengen Visa Travel Insurance

Your travel insurance policy must meet the following minimum criteria to be accepted by the consulate or embassy:

1. Minimum Coverage: The policy must provide a minimum medical coverage of EUR 30,000 (or its equivalent in another currency).
2. Geographical Validity: The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in all Schengen Area countries.
3. Coverage for Repatriation and Medical Evacuation: The policy must cover expenses related to emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation (transport back to India), and repatriation of remains.
4. Cashless Facility: While not a written rule, it is highly advisable to choose a policy from an insurer that has a wide network of hospitals in Europe for cashless claim settlement.

What Else Should Your Travel Insurance Cover?

Beyond the mandatory requirements, a good travel insurance plan should also offer coverage for common travel mishaps. Look for these benefits:

• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to a covered reason.
• Loss of Passport: Provides assistance and covers the cost of getting a duplicate or new passport.
• Baggage Delay or Loss: Compensates you for the loss of checked-in baggage or reimburses you for essential items if your baggage is delayed.
• Personal Liability: Covers you if you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage their property during your trip.

How to Buy the Right Policy

You can easily buy Schengen visa travel insurance India online from various general insurance companies like Bajaj Allianz, HDFC Ergo, Tata AIG, and Care Health Insurance. Use online comparison portals to compare the features and premiums of different plans. Once you purchase the policy, you will receive a document that you need to submit along with your visa application.

Conclusion

Getting the right travel insurance is a non-negotiable step for your Schengen visa application. By ensuring your policy meets all the mandatory requirements and offers comprehensive coverage, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing you are protected against any unforeseen medical or travel-related emergencies.