Europe is the dream destination for every traveler. The picturesque landscape has always attracted the attention of travelers from all over the world. It also has some of the finest universities when it comes to education. A Europe trip, especially a trip to Schengen states, is made easier and comfortable if one has travel insurance for Schengen Visa. Before going into what that is, let’s understand all about Schengen states.
Schengen states or Schengen area comprises of 26 European states where all passport and border controls have been abolished officially at the mutual borders. This region functions under single jurisdiction with a common visa policy for international traveling. This means that one can travel freely without the need to produce a passport and visa, every time they enter another country of this zone. A single visa works for the 26 countries of this region. A Schengen visa allows one to stay in the Schengen region for tourism or business purpose for up to 90 days. However, if one is traveling for more than 90 days for studies, work or for living, then national visa for European country is applicable and not a Schengen visa.
Uncertainty is the way of life, which makes it wise for us to be ready for unexpected events and emergencies. European Union, thus ensures that anyone visiting them carries a valid Travel insurance policy and thus, has made it compulsory for every foreigner to have international travel insurance.
Travel insurance takes care of emergencies like theft, loss of baggage, medical expenses, and emergencies, personal liability, personal accidents during the trip, delayed or canceled trips, etc. A travel insurance for Schengen is mandatory for Schengen Visa, irrespective of your travel purposes. You must have a travel insurance to get a Schengen visa. This also applies for students who are traveling to study at Schengen to have a valid international travel insurance policy. The minimum sum insured should be EUR 30,000 (equivalent to 50,000 USD) for every visa applicant.
Schengen visa travel insurance covers the following basic inclusions under it, which may vary from company to company providing an insurance policy.
Every insurance company has a different policy, both in terms of inclusions and exclusions under the cover. The following are some of the general exclusions that most policies have:
There are many general and health insurance companies who provide Schengen Travel insurance visa, covering various emergencies during the travel. A few of them are :
The Schengen visa allows the travelers to travel the European region of Schengen which requires a single visa for 90 days or fewer days of the trip. Anyone who wants to visit must have proof of medical coverage while applying for the visa. The Schengen visa insurance requires one to fulfill the following criteria
Anyone who is traveling to Europe, especially the Schengen region from a country that does not falls under the Schengen region whether is group or individual is required to purchase Schengen Travel Insurance visa.
The cost of Schengen Travel insurance Visa cost varies in terms of duration of stay and from company to company. The cost of Schengen Travel insurance depends on many factors, the primary being the duration of the trip. Other factors that affect the cost of the travel insurance are health and age of the insured. The risk of health problems with age and pre-existing medical issues increases the cost of the travel insurance plan. One can also avail add-on covers to enhance the coverage provided by the insurance company. The cost varies between 20 EUR to 168 EUR for 8 days to 180 days for the Schengen region. For Europe, this varies from 30 EUR to 271 EUR for 8 days to 180 days. These are approximate costs that occurs and these vary from company to company.
The Schengen region consists of 26 countries which are collectively called Schengen countries which includes Italy, Belgium, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, France Estonia, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Luxemburg, Norway, Netherlands, Slovakia, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden and Slovenia.
If someone is traveling to any of these 26 countries listed above for business purpose or tourism purpose, a proof of travel visa insurance policy will have to be provided for visa application. A travel visa insurance policy covers all these 26 countries of the Schengen region.
If you want to book Schengen travel visa insurance from USA or UK, you will have to follow the steps to assure that you don’t land up in any trouble and the process quite similar everywhere.
The visa form is similar to that of every country with almost the same information fields as your personal details, background information, the reason for visiting Schengen and others. Always download the latest form and fill the details completely. If there are fields that you are not required to fill, fill them with N/A.
Be on time for the interview with the visa consular. You will be asked some personal questions and questions about the trip. Answer everything correctly with the right information. You will be asked about the purpose of your trip, your own personal background, and history, how long do you plan to stay there, your accommodation details and itinerary, your medical history, your documents will be checked that you produce before the consular. Be truthful and confident when you face the visa interview because this has a great impact on your visa approval.
Traveling to Europe and Schengen region is a dream come true for everyone who is visiting there for the first time. The insurance companies these days, customize the plans according to needs and also according to the comfort of the traveler. Since this insurance is going to play a major role throughout your trip, it is best to have travel insurance for Schengen from a trusted insurance company in India.
Before you just buy any travel insurance, do complete research about the different insurance companies and compare their covers, policies, claims and customer care services. Take help from someone who is familiar with the process and understand it thoroughly. You can also look online to understand the basic framework of how things work.
The insurance companies these days pay a lot of attention to their customers and thus always go for a company which provides round the clock assistance. Read the terms and conditions carefully to check the covers and exclusions, medical claims and everything. Ensure that the policy covers all your needs.
If you want to make your trip comfortable and easy, then you must not compromise on the travel insurance part because you never know what might cross your path when you are on your trip. The important thing is that the processes have been made so easy for travelers today that you don’t have to worry about anything at all. The Schengen region is one of the regions which gives you a sense of freedom while being in a foreign land by allowing you to travel with a single visa for 26 countries together. Ensure that you have a valid passport and valid travel insurance for Schengen Visa when you apply for Schengen visa to get easy approvals.
What is mandatory for Schengen Travel Insurance visa?
For Schengen visa travel insurance, you must ensure
Why need travel insurance for Schengen visa?
A travel insurance for Schengen Visa is important because the insurance covers you for emergencies during the trip. It covers medical expenses, loss, and theft of passport and baggage, emergency treatment at the hospital, unexpected return, delays, and cancellation, etc. In fact, a travel insurance for Schengen is mandatory.
What is Time Period of Schengen visa travel insurance?
A Schengen Visa Insurance is applicable for 90 days when traveling for tourism or business purpose. However, if one is traveling for more than 90 days for studies, work or living, then national visa for that European country is applicable and not the Schengen visa.