11 FAQs For Schengen
Travel Insurance
Introduction
Embarking on a journey to Schengen countries is a thrilling prospect, but ensuring a smooth and secure trip involves more than just packing your bags. Among the essential components of travel planning is safeguarding yourself against unforeseen circumstances. To ensure that this experience does not become your nightmare, you should always remain covered by travel insurance for any unforeseen financial crisis.
In this Blog, I have highlighted 11 FAQs for Schengen Travel Insurance. Through these Frequently Asked Questions, I will navigate you through the ins and outs of why having travel insurance is necessary for your trip to Europe.
Table of Contents
Schengen Area
The Schengen Area comprises of 27 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders, facilitating seamless travel within this zone.
Schengen Countries
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| 27 Schengen Member Countries | Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. |
| Currency | Euro |
| Exchange Rate | USD 1=0.9 Euro |
| For more information Log in at | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area |
Schengen Travel Insurance Is it Mandatory ?
Yes. Travel Insurance policy is mandatory to enter Schengen area in addition to Schengen visa before setting foot in any of the the listed Schengen countries.
Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements
To be approved for a Schengen visa, your insurance policy needs to meet the following requirements :
What is Covered under Schengen Travel Insurance ?
Schengen travel insurance policies cover various aspects to ensure financial protection during the trip. It typically includes several specific types of coverage such as
- Medical Expenses: This is the primary focus of most Schengen travel insurance policies It covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation in case of illness or accident during the trip.
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: If you need to be evacuated or repatriated due to a medical emergency, the insurance may cover these expenses.
- Repatriation of Remains: In unfortunate cases of death during the trip, the insurance can cover the costs associated with repatriating the deceased’s remains back to their home country.
- Trip Interruption/Cancellation: Some policies offer coverage for trip cancellation or interruption due to specific reasons like illness, death of a family member, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events. This coverage reimburses non-refundable trip costs.
- Loss or Delay of Luggage: If your baggage gets lost, or delayed then your policy provides cover for such lost, stolen, or delayed baggage during the trip. Some policies may include reimbursement for essential items needed due to delayed baggage.
- Personal Liability: Most policies provide you cover for damages caused to a third party or their property during the trip.
- Travel Assistance: This can involve 24/7 emergency assistance services, such as arranging doctor appointments, medical translation services, or legal assistance.
Note :
- The extent of your policy coverage can vary among insurance providers and policy plans. It’s essential to review the policy details thoroughly to understand the specific terms, limitations, exclusions, and the procedure for making a claim.
- The minimum coverage required for Schengen visa purposes is €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. You need to ensure that the travel insurance policy selected meets the minimum requirements specified by the Schengen Area countries for visa application purposes.
What is not Covered under Schengen Travel Insurance ?
Most Schengen Travel insurance typically covers various aspects, but there are certain situations and items that are commonly excluded from coverage by most insurance providers. Some general exclusions that most insurance providers apply in their policies are
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Most policies exclude coverage for pre-existing medical conditions or may have limited coverage for such conditions. Your insurance policy might not cover pre-existing medical conditions if you have not declared them beforehand.
- Reckless Behavior: If you resort to any reckless or unlawful behaviour causing intentional harm under the influence of alcohol or drugs, then any related expenses may not be covered.
- High-Risk Activities: Any high-risk activity such as adventure sports may not be covered in your policy unless explicitly included. Such additions if any may entail payment of extra premium.
- Non-Medical Reasons for War/Civil Unrest: If god forbid, your Schengen trip gets affected by unforeseen events caused by war, civil unrest, or government actions, then such conditions might not be covered by your insurance policy
- Travel to Restricted Areas: Travel to countries or regions under travel advisories or deemed as high-risk by the insurer might not be covered.
- Loss of Unattended Belongings: If you suffer losses or theft due to any belongings left unattended or not stored securely then in such cases you may not get any policy coverage.
- Failure to Follow Medical Advice: If the insured disregards medical advice or fails to take prescribed medications leading to health complications, it might not be covered.
- Unapproved Extensions: If you stay in the Schengen area beyond the policy duration then any incident during this period may not be covered if your policy is without proper extension or renewal.
Note :
- It is essential to carefully read the policy documents to understand the specific exclusions, limitations, and conditions of coverage. If there are specific concerns or activities you plan to undertake during your trip, it’s wise to inquire with the insurance provider about coverage for those particular situations.
What is the Claims Process for Schengen Travel Insurance ?
The claims process for Schengen travel insurance typically involves several steps:
- Notification to Insurer: You need to inform your insurance provider about the incident or event that requires a claim as soon as possible. Most insurers have a helpline or an online claims notification process.
- Documentation: You need to gather all the necessary documents related to the incident. This might include police reports (in case of theft or loss), medical reports and bills, receipts for expenses incurred, travel tickets, and any other relevant paperwork
- Claim Form: Every Insurance company provides a claim form. You need to Obtain and fill out the claim form. This form will require details about the incident, your policy number, personal information, and specifics about the expenses incurred.
- Submission of Documents: You need to submit the duly filled claims form along with the required supporting documents to the insurance company. Many insurers allow online submission of documents, while some might require physical copies.
- Review Process: Your insurance company will review your claim along with the provided documentation. They may contact you for additional information if needed.
- Decision and Settlement: After assessing the claim, the insurer will make a decision regarding the coverage and the amount to be reimbursed. Once approved, they will proceed with the settlement.
Reimbursement: If your claim is approved, you’ll receive reimbursement for the covered expenses as per your policy terms. This might be through direct payment to you or through a reimbursement process where you pay initially and then get reimbursed.
Note :
- It is essential to thoroughly read your insurance policy to understand what is covered and the specific procedure for filing a claim.
- Additionally, keeping copies of all relevant documents and receipts can significantly facilitate the claims process. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the claims process, I recommend you to contact your insurance provider ASAP for guidance and clarification.
What are the Types of Schengen Travel Insurance?
Schengen travel insurance policies typically come in different types, each catering to various needs of travelers. You need to choose the type which is best suited to your travelling needs. Here are some common types offered by most insurance providers:
- Single-Trip Insurance: This covers a single trip for a specific duration. It’s ideal for individuals or families traveling once within a defined period. Once the trip ends, the coverage also ends.
- Multi-Trip Insurance: Also known as annual travel insurance, this type covers multiple trips within a year. Each trip usually has a maximum duration limit, and the policy remains active for a year from the start date.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Provides comprehensive insurance including medical expenses, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, emergency evacuation, and other benefits. It offers broad protection for various travel-related incidents.
- Medical-Only Coverage: This type of policy focuses primarily on covering medical expenses incurred during the trip, including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation. It might not include additional benefits like trip cancellation.
- Group Travel Insurance: This type of policy is tailor-made for groups traveling together, such as families, friends, or tour groups. It can provide coverage for multiple individuals under one policy, often at a discounted rate.
- Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: This type of policy is specifically designed to meet the minimum requirements set by Schengen countries for obtaining a visa. It typically includes coverage for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other stipulated aspects.
- Specialized Coverage: Some policies cater to specific needs like adventure sports coverage, coverage for older travelers, or business travel insurance, offering benefits tailored to those particular situations.
Note :
- When choosing the type of Schengen travel insurance, you need to consider factors such as the duration and frequency of travel, the level of coverage needed, specific requirements of the countries you plan to visit, and any additional benefits that might be essential for your trip. Always carefully review the policy details to ensure it meets your specific travel needs.
Which is the Best Schengen Travel Insurance ?
Determining the “best” travel insurance for travel to Schengen countries depends on individual needs, preferences, and coverage that aligns with your travel plans. However, several insurance companies are well regarded for their Schengen travel insurance offerings based on their coverage options, customer service, and overall reputation.
Some prominent insurance companies offering Schengen Travel Insurance are :
ICICI Lombard Schengen Travel Insurance
They offer comprehensive travel insurance plans with extensive coverage options for various aspects like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, etc. For more details on their specific Schengen Travel Insurance policy plans, log on to their portal at https://www.icicilombard.com/campaigns/travel-insurance/schengen-travel-insurance
HDFC ERGO Schengen Travel Insurance
They offer comprehensive travel insurance plans covering medical expenses, trip cancellations, loss of baggage, and more. They also offer plans tailored for different types of travelers. For more details on their specific Schengen Travel Insurance plans, log on to their portal at https://www.hdfcergo.com/travel-insurance/travel-insurance-for-schengen-visa-from-india
Reliance Schengen Travel insurance
They provide various travel insurance plans covering medical emergencies, personal accidents, loss of baggage, and more. They have customizable options for different travel needs. For more details on their specific Schengen plans you can access their website at https://www.reliancegeneral.co.in/insurance/travel-insurance/overseas-travel-insurance.aspx
Tata AIG Schengen Travel Insurance
They offer a range of travel insurance plans with comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, etc. Please log on to their website at https://www.tataaig.com/travel-insurance/travel-insurance-schengen for more details.
Bajaj Allianz Schengen Travel Insurance
They are known for their specific Schengen travel insurance plans covering various aspects of travel, including medical emergencies, trip interruptions, and loss of baggage. Please log on to their website at https://www.bajajallianz.com/travel-insurance-online/travel-insurance-schengen-countries.html for more details.
Schengen Visa
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which consists of 27 European countries that have officially abolished all border controls.
With a Schengen visa, travelers can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within 180 days for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends or family, business trips, or attending conferences.
Here are some key points about Schengen visas:
- Purpose: Schengen visas are suitable for short visits, such as vacations, business meetings, or conferences.
- Coverage: The Schengen Area is the largest passport-free travel zone globally, encompassing most European countries.
- Duration: You can stay up to 90 days within 180 days using a Schengen visa.
- Types of Schengen Visas:
- Short-Stay Visas: These allow travel or transit through a Schengen state.
- Multiple-entry visa: This visa allows you to enter the Schengen Area multiple times during its validity period.
- Airport Transit Visas: For transiting through Schengen airports.
- Longer Stays: If you plan to study, work, or live in a Schengen country for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a national visa specific to that country.
- Who Needs a Visa:
- Nationals of third countries without visa-liberalization agreements with the EU must obtain a Schengen visa.
- Citizens of countries with visa exemptions can enter the Schengen Area without a visa.
- Required Documents at Entry:
- Valid Passport: Issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from the EU.
- Schengen Visa: If you’re from a third country requiring a visa.
- Border officials may request additional documents, such as proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and round-trip tickets.
- Entry Stamp: Ensure you receive an entry stamp in your passport when entering or leaving the Schengen area to avoid fines or detention.
Note :
- It is essential to apply for a Schengen visa well before your planned trip, as processing times can vary, and delays are possible. Additionally, meeting all the requirements and providing accurate information is crucial to ensure a smooth visa application process.
- You can apply for a Schengen visa at the embassy or consulate of the Schengen country you plan to visit. In some cases, you may also be able to apply at the embassy or consulate of another Schengen country that represents the country you want to visit.
Schengen Visa Fee
The Schengen visa fees vary depending on the age group and the purpose of your visit. Here are the details:
| Schengen Visa - Age Group | Schengen Visa Fees |
|---|---|
| Adults | €80.70 (approximately INR 7,300). |
| Children (Above 12 Years) | €80.70 (approximately INR 7,300). |
| Children (6 - 12 Years) | €40.90 (approximately INR 7,300). |
| Children Below 6 Years | Nil |
Note :
- In some cases, the visa fee may be waived for specific groups, such as Participants (aged 25 or less) in certain cultural, educational, or sporting events
- Students and teachers on study or training trips
- Researchers traveling for scientific research
- Always check with the embassy or consulate of the country you’re applying to visit to see if you qualify for a fee waiver.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a suitable Schengen travel insurance coverage is not merely a requirement for your seamless travel within the Schengen Area, it is also a safety net that ensures peace of mind. Whether exploring vibrant cities, indulging in cultural experiences, or admiring natural wonders, having reliable insurance is a fundamental aspect of ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience within the Schengen Area.
Always choose the right Schengen travel insurance policy after careful consideration of your individual needs, duration of stay, and activities planned during the trip. While it might seem like an additional expense, it serves as a vital safeguard against financial and health-related risks.
FAQ
How much is the travel insurance for Schengen visa?
How to buy travel insurance for Schengen visa?
You can buy specific Schengen Travel Insurance plans from various insurance companies including HDFC Ergo, Tata AIG, Reliance , Bajaj Allianz to name a few by logging on to their websites.
Which age group is eligible for Schengen travel insurance?
Schengen Travel Insurance plans are available for individuals aged 0.6 to 70 years or older.