Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Embark on a Europe Trip with the Right Schengen Travel Insurance

With breathtaking landscapes, marvellous architecture and lush greeneries, Europe attracts more than 500 million tourists from across the globe every year.

A Schengen country is Europe’s passport-free zone of 27 European countries that allows travellers to move freely within their boundaries with a standard visa and Schengen travel insurance.

Whether you travel for a vacation, business tour, or as a student, any emergency in a European country may be enough to spoil your entire trip. Even a single-day hospital stay in a European country may ruin your trip budget. However, you do not have to worry if you have chosen to buy travel insurance for Schengen countries. Read more about how Schengen travel insurance secures your European trip most easily.

Is Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries Mandatory?

Carrying travel insurance for Schengen countries is mandatory if you visit any Schengen member countries. Whether travelling from India or anywhere else, you must have travel insurance for Schengen countries with a minimum coverage of Euro 30,000 to apply for a Schengen visa.

The Schengen visa insurance covers you for unexpected healthcare or travel-related emergencies, such as hospitalisation, accidents, passport loss, and more. Before your permit, the immigration officers check your travel insurance coverage for the Schengen area and other required documents that help you travel safely.

What are the Salient Features of Schengen Travel Insurance

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

• Budget-friendly premium: At Care Health Insurance, the premium of Schengen travel insurance starts from as low as INR 678* for a week-long journey for an individual with no pre-existing disease.
• Automatic Trip Extension: If you stay in Europe for a prolonged duration of up to 7 consecutive days due to reasons such as natural calamity, hospitalisation, or death, the travel medical insurance bought from Care Health Insurance automatically extends the duration of your policy.
• Cashless Claim Processing: The cashless claims benefit in Care’s Schengen Travel Insurance helps you avail emergency medical assistance through the wide network of healthcare providers in various European regions.
• All-inclusive Protection: Whether you have missed one of your checked-in baggage or have lost your passport in a burglary in Europe, Care’s travel insurance for the Schengen region promises to be at your rescue providing financial aid in retrieving your belongings.
• Useful Add-on Benefits: The Schengen travel insurance helps you to secure your trip by including customisable add-on benefits such as PED coverage, refund of visa fees, any reason cancellation, etc.

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

Schengen Travel Health Insurance at a Glance

While purchasing Schengen Travel insurance, always ensure to understand the plan highlights carefully. First, decide whether you need standalone, family travel or student travel insurance. Further, also consider if you wish to buy a single-trip or multi-trip option. Often various plans may confuse you on the minimum and maximum entry age of a travel insurance plan for Schengen regions. 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?

Our travel insurance from India to the Schengen zone promises access to quality medical care. Below are some top covers included under our Schengen travel plan:

• Hospitalization Expenses: The Schengen travel insurance for Indian Citizens covers you for any emergency medical assistance you need to recover from illness or injuries. The plan covers you for in-patient and out-patient care benefits.
• Daily Allowance: We will reimburse the daily expenses, for a specified amount per day, in case of hospitalization maximum of up to five days per claim.
• 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 the sum insured in the event of the insured’s death or long-term disability.
• COVID-19 Coverage: The Schengen travel insurance plan by Care Health Insurance covers standardized medical expenses incurred due to the infection of Covid-19 virus.
• Trip Delay & Cancellation: Any loss incurred due to delay or cancellations of flight shall be indemnified by your Schengen travel insurance bought from Care Health Insurance.
• Delay & Loss of Checked-in Baggage: The Schengen travel insurance at Care Health Insurance makes sure you are not alone when retreiving your lost belongings. Thus, the plan provides coverage for 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.

Exclusions under the Schengen Travel Cover

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

• Drug Misuse: Any expenses incurred due to use/ overuse/ misuse of alcohols, drugs or sedatives shall not be covered in the Schengen travel insurance.
• World War: Medical or non-medical claims arising due to national/ international wars or nuclear wars shall not be indemnified in the Schengen travel insurance.
• Self-inflicted Injury: Injuries caused due to intentional actions such as suicide attempts shall not be covered in your travel insurance.
• Hazardous Activities: Any claims involving hazardous activities, such as fire stunts, shall not be covered in your travel insurance plan.
• Breach of Law: Claims arising due to liability or breach of law shall not be covered in your Schengen travel insurance.
• 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.

What is the Premium of Schengen Travel Policy?

The travel insurance for the Schengen visas offered by Care Health Insurance are affordable and budget-friendly. CHI's travel healthcare insurance premium for the Schengen zone starts at around Rs. 450 *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 $50k 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 Premium of Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries

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 needs so that you can enjoy a hassle-free tour. Here are a few essential things to consider before finalising travel medical insurance for Europe:

• 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 buying Schengen travel insurance, always determine whether you are buying the plan for a once-in-a-lifetime trip or are going to fly to Europe frequently. A once-in-a-lifetime travel insurance for Schengen countries can be beneficial for tourists whereas a multi-trip travel insurance can save you from additional hassle everytime you pack your bags to fly to Europe for work or studies.
• Trip Duration: The 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: While buying a travel insurance for Schengen destinations, always ensure that your plan accommodates any of 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 File a Claim under Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries?

List of Countries in Schengen Region

The Schengen region is a zone in the European continent where 27 European countries have abolished their borders to allow visitors to visit without any hassle of applying and re-applying of visa.

Quick Facts about the Schengen Zone

Types of Schengen Visa

A Schengen visa allows visa-holders, a free movement across the entire Schengen Zone up to the visa's validity and period of stay. The Schengen visa can have different restrictions depending on the Embassy's directives. The different types of Schengen visas are as follows:

Uniform Schengen Visa

A Uniform Schengen Visa or USV is a permit given to Indian nationals traveling to any Schengen region country to transit or reside in the desired territory for a certain period of maximum up to 90 days. The USV has two types: Type A and B are Airport Transit Visas, and Type C is a short-term visa.

Airport Transit Visa 

Airport Transit Visa allows the holder of a visa to travel through the international zone of the Schengen Country Airport without entering the Schengen Area. An airport transit visa is mandatory for the citizens traveling from one non-Schengen state to another non-Schengen state through a change of flights in a Schengen country airport.

Single Entry Visa 

A single-entry visa allows the visa holder to enter the Schengen region only once within the given period, as mentioned on the visa sticker on the passport. Re-entry to the area is not permitted once the holder exits the Schengen region.

Double Entry Visa 

A double-entry visa allows the visa holder to enter the Schengen region only twice within the given period, as mentioned on the visa label on the passport. Re-entry to the area is permitted only once the region as per the limitations on the visa.

Multiple Entry Visa

Depending on the frequency of travel to the Schengen region, Indian nationals can get a Multiple Entry visa rule for the Schengen zone provided they do not violate the 90/180 Schengen Rule. This rule states that one cannot stay in the Schengen for more than 90 days within the 180 days limit. One must count 180 days backward and see if they were in the Schengen region for more than 90 days before traveling to any Schengen-member country again on a multiple-entry visa.

Limited Territorial Validity Visa

This type of visa obtained allows the visa holder to travel to the specific Schengen States when applying for the visa. The visa holder cannot travel to any other Schengen country. The first entry and final exit must be from the same country as mentioned in the visa.

National Visa Type D

The National visa Type D is granted to those who wish to study or work for a limited time in the Schengen area. This visa can be given as a single entry or multiple entries, depending on the requirement. Here are the criteria you must meet to qualify for a multiple entry national visa:

• Emergency Cases: Any medical condition that prevents the individual from leaving the Schengen Area at the designated time frame.

• A Professional Travel: A professional traveling to any Schengen country due to its expertise, be it a sportsman, an artist, or any other professional of its kind.

• International Student Travel: An international student about to start a complete course in Schengen countries. The visa is issued for a year with the possibility of an extension.

• International Student Program: An international student program will grant a visa for not more than one year.

Prerequisites for a Schengen VISA

The application rules for a Schengen visa are comparatively stricter than other nations, so you must qualify for the below-mentioned Schengen visa requirement:

• Schengen Travel Health Insurance: You need to buy travel insurance for Schengen to get the visa. If you are a Student, you can get a Student travel insurance, whereas a travel insurance for senior citizens can be useful for the elderly.

• Cover Letter:  You need to attach a cover letter along with your Schengen visa application. In this cover letter, you must explain the purpose of your visit, followed by your travel itinerary.

• Essential Documents: You need essential documents such as the visa application form, two identical photos, and bank statements showing a minimum balance of €30,000 for the last six months. Also, you need proof of civil status (birth certificates), employment contract, and income tax proof.

• Appointment with the Embassy: Next, you have to book an appointment at least a month back for an interview to ensure the timely process of your visa.

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 travel insurance for a Schengen visa 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 need to book an appointment with the embassy or consulate where you have applied. Appointments can be booked online or in person.

Step 5: Fill out 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 of them.

Step 6: Have Your Documents Handy 

Similar to any other visa application, you need to gather 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 your brief interview concerning 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

Generally, the visa fee is non-refundable as per the authorities. We will pay for reimbursement of the visa fee if only the visa rejection happens due to reasons other than negligence by the insured members. However, you must always check for the refund provision before paying the visa fee. You can pay the Schengen visa fee quickly through online modes of payment.

Step 9: Follow-up

Regularly with the embassy about your visa status. Once confirmed, await for your authorised passport to embark on your journey.

Documents Required 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.

Before buying a Schengen visa having Schengen travel insurance is a pre-requisite. Later, you can submit the below-mentioned documents 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

Moreover, you should also carry the offer letter, and proof of work such as employment if you are travelling for a business purpose. If you are a student, you should carry your mark sheet and/or admission proofs.