Schengen Travel Insurance

Key Features of Schengen Travel Insurance

Schengen travel insurance by Care Health Insurance comes with the following features:

*Please note that the features mentioned in the plan are for reference purposes only. Readers should refer to the brochure for more details on product features

Schengen Travel Insurance: Plan at a Glance

When purchasing Schengen Travel insurance, always understand the plan highlights carefully. First, decide whether you need standalone, family or student travel insurance. Further, consider whether you wish to buy a single-trip or multi-trip option. Often, various plans may need clarification on the minimum and maximum entry age of a travel insurance plan for a Schengen insurance visa. Here, the table mentioned below can be of help:

*Family option is only available on Single Trip Policies.

What is Covered Under Schengen Travel Insurance?

When choosing Schengen travel insurance from India, you must assess the coverage to ensure you are comprehensively covered for your overseas trip. The best travel insurance for the Schengen region will offer medical assistance and back you up in non-medical contingencies.

Let us discuss the coverage provided by Care health insurance under the Schengen area Travel Insurance plan: 

• Hospitalisation Expenses: Our travel insurance for the Schengen region covers you for expenses incurred in seeking medical assistance in a foreign country. The medical insurance covers you for in-patient and out-patient care benefits.
• Daily Allowance: We will reimburse the daily expenses for a specified amount per day, up to a maximum of five days per claim, in case of hospitalisation.
• Compassionate Visit: The Schengen travel insurance by Care Health Insurance reimburses the 2-way cost of economy class flight tickets for the immediate family member of the insured under the “compassionate benefit”.
• Personal Accident: The Schengen travel insurance bought from Care Health Insurance offers a lump sum amount up to a maximum of five days per claim, in case of hospitalisation, the sum insured in the event of the insured’s death or long-term disability.
• Trip Delay & Cancellation: Any loss incurred due to delay or flight cancellations shall be indemnified by your Schengen travel insurance bought from Care Health Insurance.
• Delay & Loss of Checked-in Baggage: The travel health insurance for Schengen visa makes sure you are not alone when retrieving your lost belongings. Thus, the plan covers non-medical emergencies such as trip delays or loss of checked-in baggage.
• Loss of Passport & International DL: The travel insurance plan by Care Health Insurance helps you reduce stress by giving financial aid when you are stuck in problems such as losing a passport or an international driving license.
• COVID-19 Coverage: The travel insurance for Schengion region covers standardised medical expenses incurred due to the infection of Covid-19 virus.

What is Not Covered Under the Schengen Travel Insurance Policy?

The Schengen travel Insurance does not offer coverage in the following scenarios:

• Drug Misuse: Any expenses incurred due to use/ overuse/ misuse of alcohol, drugs or sedatives shall not be covered in the Schengen tourist insurance. 
• World War: Medical or non-medical claims arising from national/ international wars or nuclear wars shall not be indemnified in the Schengen travel insurance.
• Self-inflicted Injury: Injuries caused by intentional actions, such as suicide attempts shall not be covered in your travel insurance.
• Hazardous Activities: Your travel insurance for the Schengen region shall not cover any claims involving hazardous activities, such as fire stunts, road stunts, etc.
• Breach of Law: Your Schengen area travel insurance shall not cover claims arising due to liability or breach of law.
• Dental Treatment: Expenses incurred due to a planned dental treatment or surgery shall not be covered until mandated by a dentist due to acute pain.

Note: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Please refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.

Benefits of Buying Schengen Travel Insurance

While travel medical insurance is necessary for a Schengen Visa, it must also be prioritised for your safety. You must consider buying a comprehensive Schengen tourist insurance for your Europe trip as an essential step, not a mere formality. Here are some of the benefits discussed of buying the Schengen insurance:

• Medical Coverage: Getting sick or injured in another country can be expensive. Schengen travel insurance helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, and emergency treatment. This way, you can get the treatment you need without worrying about the hefty bills.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: In some cases, plans change because of illness, injury, family emergencies, or natural disasters. If you need to cancel or cut your trip short, the insurance can pay you back for things like non-refundable tickets or hotel bookings.
• Lost or Delayed Checked-in Baggage: If your checked-in luggage gets lost, stolen, or delayed, the insurance will compensate you up to a specified limit so that you’re not stuck without your stuff.
• Trip Delay: If your flight is delayed and you have to spend extra on food or a place to stay, the insurance may pay you back for those extra costs.
• Personal Liability: If you accidentally hurt someone or damage a third party property during your trip, Schengen tourist insurance can help you deal with the liability charges, so you don’t have to go through the hassle alone.
• 24/7 Help Anywhere: The Schengen travel insurance plans give you access to a 24/7 helpline. You can talk to someone in your language to get help with medical emergencies, lost passports, or any travel problems.
• Value-Added Services: With Schengen travel insurance from Care Health Insurance, you get access to value-added services such as Medical Evacuation, Emergency Medical Repatriation, and a psychological hotline through the Assistance Service Provider. 

*Please refer to the policy wording to understand how Value Added Services work, or you can take a quick call to understand the coverage in detail.

What is the Premium of Schengen Travel Insurance?

The travel health insurance for Schengen visa offered by Care Health Insurance is affordable and budget-friendly. Our travel healthcare insurance premium for the Schengen zone starts at around Rs. 390# for a single traveller on a week-long visit. For instance, if you are travelling from India to France, Spain, and Italy on a week-long, one-time visit, the approximate premium cost of your travel insurance with a sum insured of € 30K  is calculated as below:

*The above-mentioned travel insurance premium is calculated subject to no pre-existing medical conditions of the insured member. It considers that the insured members have not been diagnosed, hospitalised, or undergone any treatment in the last 48 months. Also, the premium amount is subject to change if the insured person has already claimed any travel policy before.

Factors Affecting the Premium of Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Choosing the right travel insurance plan can be challenging, especially if this is your first European journey. At Care Health Insurance, we will assist you in finding the perfect travel health insurance that meets your unique healthcare and trip-related needs so that you can enjoy a hassle-free tour. Here are a few essential things to consider before finalising travel medical insurance for Schengen countries:

• Schengen Approved Travel Insurance: While travelling to the Schengen territory, it is necessary to cross-check if the travel insurance is valid for a Schengen visa.
• Frequency of Trip: Before opting for Schengen travel insurance, always determine whether you travel once in a while or will take multiple trips during the year! Suppose you have plans to also travel to Dubai and Thailand in the coming year then, rather than opting for separate travel insurance for Dubai, Schengen region and travel insurance for Thailand, you can opt for multi-trip travel insurance that caters to your needs.
• Trip Duration: The Schengen tourist insurance premium is calculated based on the number of days you plan to spend in Schengen destinations. The shorter the trip, the lower the premium.
• Medical history: Although mentioning a pre-existing condition may result in a hike in your premium, you must always ensure that your plan accommodates your pre-existing health conditions.
• Adventure Sports Activities: Your adventurous trip to Europe doesn’t mean it has to be vulnerable to your pocket. If you are heading to a Schengen country famous for adventurous activities, you must check if your policy covers adventure or sports injuries.

How to Buy the Best Travel Insurance for Schengen Online?

Documents Required While Travelling from India to Schengen Area

If you're planning a trip from India to Schengen countries, here is a simple guide to help you prepare all the required documents:

• Travel Insurance Certificate: This official document proves you have purchased Schengen travel insurance. It outlines the specific coverage you have, which should be in line with the Schengen visa requirements.
• Visa Application Form: The Schengen visa application form is required to apply for a visa to any Schengen Area country.
• Passport Copy: A photocopy of the biometric page of your passport, showing your personal details and photograph.

How to File a Claim Under Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries?

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a short-term visa that lets people who are not from the EU visit and stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days. It is for purposes like tourism, business trips, visiting family, or just passing through the area on your way to another destination.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa?

The application procedure for a Schengen Visa is seamless and straightforward. One needs to gather all the required documents and purchase a Schengen visa travel insurance before applying. Here are the steps to apply for a Schengen visa:

Step 1: Choose Your Visa Type

Decide on the type of visa, from uniform, airport, single, double, or multiple-entry visas as per your travel requirements. To find out which visa suits you, scroll down to the 'Types of Visa' section.

Step 2: Select Where to Apply

Find out where you need to apply—a visa centre where your destination country's embassy has outsourced visa submission, or the embassy itself.

Step 3: Check for the Ideal Time

Find out the perfect time to apply for a Schengen visa. Ideally, you should submit your Schengen visa application three to four weeks before your trip starts.

Step 4: Book an Appointment

To start your application process, you must book an appointment with the embassy or consulate where you have applied. Appointments can be booked online or in person.

Step 5: Fill out the Visa Application Form

There's a common Schengen visa application form for all, no matter which country you are applying from. Fill in all your details, including personal information, background, and the purpose of travelling, among other trip-related information. Don't forget to print out two copies of the form and attest both.

Step 6: Have Your Documents Handy

Like any other visa application, the Schengen visa application requires documents. While gathering your documents, you should collect your valid passport, two identical photos, a travel insurance policy, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, etc.

Step 7: Attend Visa Interview

Present your documents to the visa counsellor, who will conduct a brief interview about your background, travel purposes, security-related checks, etc. The interview ensures that your trip and others are safe and sound.

Step 8: Pay Visa Fees

The visa fee is generally non-refundable, as per the authorities. However, we will reimburse the fee if the visa is rejected due to no fault of your own. You must always check for the refund provision before paying the visa fee. You can pay the Schengen visa fee quickly through online payment methods.

Step 9: Follow-up

Stay in touch with the embassy regularly to check on your visa status. Once your visa is approved, wait to receive your passport with the visa, and then you’ll be ready to start your journey. 

Documents for Schengen Visa

You can apply for a Schengen Visa for up to 6 months to 15 days before your travel date. However, the visa authorities may take 10-15 days to approve/ reject your visa, it is recommended to not wait till the last minute to apply for a Schengen Visa.

Later, you can submit the below-mentioned documents for Schengen visa to the embassy or consulate near to you:

• Travel Insurance Policy
• A signed copy of the visa application form
• Two recently clicked passport-sized photographs
• Proof of Date of Birth
• Address proof
• Employment Contract
• A valid passport (that is not older than ten years)
• Travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation
• Bank account statement
• Income tax proof

Most Popular Destinations in Schengen Countries

The Schengen area is home to some of Europe’s most iconic travel destinations. From historic capitals and cultural hubs to stunning coastlines and alpine getaways, here's a detailed look at the must-visit spots across various Schengen countries:

• France: France is a top travel destination, with Paris at the heart of it all. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris offers world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the charming streets of Montmartre.
• Italy: Italy is a cultural, art, and history treasure trove. In Rome, visitors can explore ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican City. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is renowned for its museums, cathedrals, and Tuscan cuisine.
• Spain: Spain combines a rich heritage with a lively modern culture. Travellers admire Gaudí’s unique architecture in Barcelona, including the Sagrada Família and Park Güell. Madrid, the capital, boasts elegant boulevards, the Royal Palace, and world-class art museums like the Prado. 
• Netherlands: The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, is famous for its scenic canals, historic buildings, and museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation, giving the city a relaxed and eco-friendly vibe.
• Germany: Germany blends modern cities with medieval towns and natural beauty. In Berlin, visitors explore historical sites such as the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Museum Island.
• Switzerland: Switzerland is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Cities like Lucerne, Zurich, and Geneva are clean, well-organised, and rich in culture.

Best Time to Visit Schengen Countries

The best time to visit Schengen countries depends on your travel style, what you're hoping to do (sightseeing, skiing, hiking, festivals, etc.), and which specific countries you're visiting.

• April to June: Flowers bloom, especially in the Netherlands. The weather is nice across most countries.
• September to October: Still warm in many places. Great for seeing fall colours and enjoying food festivals.
• December to March: Best for winter sports. Christmas markets are beautiful in December. Just be prepared to deal with the cold weather.

Things to Do in Schengen Countries

There’s so much to do across the Schengen Area since it includes diverse countries with different cultures, landscapes, and communities. Here’s a list of exciting things to do:

• Adventure & Outdoor Activities: If you love nature, hiking, skiing, and outdoor exploration, the Schengen Area has plenty to offer. You can also explore the Dalmatian Coast, kayak, or sail through the hidden coves and beaches.
• Cultural & Historical Exploration: If you enjoy diving into the past and exploring historic landmarks, these activities are for you:
  • See Hohenwerfen Castle or Schloss Ort in the Austrian Alps.
  • Visit Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, which is the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
  • Explore Berlin’s Museum Island, which has many historical museums.
• Food & Drink Experiences: If you’re a foodie, the Schengen countries offer incredible local food, drinks, and culinary experiences. Discover wines in Tuscany and Piedmont while enjoying traditional Italian food.

List of Countries in the Schengen Region

The Schengen region is a zone in the European continent where 29 European countries have abolished their borders to allow visitors to visit without any hassle of applying and re-applying for a visa.

Quick Facts about the Schengen Zone