The Schengen Area encompasses 27 European countries and provides a world of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Sounds exciting, right? However, in order to visit the Schengen countries, you must obtain a visa. Travel insurance is an important component in obtaining a Schengen visa. But what is travel insurance?
Travel insurance for Schengen visa protects you financially against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, baggage loss, delayed flights, and more. Moreover, selecting the most appropriate travel insurance for a visa can be an overwhelming task. Continue reading to know more.
Requirements for the Schengen Visa
When applying for a Schengen visa from India, you require several documents to visit all 27 European countries hassle-free. Let’s take a look at them.
⦁ A valid Indian passport for at least three months after the planned date of departure from the Schengen area
⦁ Proof of the purpose of entry
⦁ Bank statements or other financial proof showing your means of surviving in the country
⦁ Proof of accommodation
⦁ Return tickets
How to Choose the Appropriate Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
By reading this far, you know what documents are required for the visa. Now, let’s talk about how to find the right one for your needs.
Follow the steps outlined below to select an appropriate insurance policy.
Assess your Needs
The first and foremost essential step is to assess your needs. Consider the following requirements when assessing your needs:
:
⦁ Evaluate the duration of your trip as it influences the costs of premiums; extended trips result in higher premiums.
⦁ If you have any pre-existing conditions, ensure that your health insurance Schengen visa provides coverage for them.
⦁ Additionally, if you intend to engage in any high-risk activities, such as scuba diving or mountain climbing, ensure that your insurance provides coverage for them.
Understand the Requirements
It’s essential to understand the requirements set by Schengen countries. The Schengen visa
mandates the following conditions:
⦁ Your travel medical insurance for Schengen visa must cover medical emergencies with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. This is to ensure that you can get adequate medical care without paying exorbitant fees.
⦁ Your travel insurance should also provide coverage for the emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains in case of unfortunate demise.
⦁ Your insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your trip and should cover all Schengen countries you intend to visit.
Compare the Insurance Policies
After assessing your needs and understanding the requirements, compare the different insurance policies based on the following:
⦁ Every insurance policy offers different exclusions and inclusions. Ensure that your policy covers the activities and destinations you intend to visit.
⦁ The insurance policy has several aspects, including deductibles, coverage limits, premiums, and co-payments. Understanding these aspects is essential to avoid problems when making claims.
Verify the Insurance Policy
Check that the Schengen authorities accept the insurance policy you’re considering. You should get a certificate from your insurer that meets Schengen requirements. This certificate is a crucial document required when applying for a visa.
Look for Additional Benefits
Some insurers offer additional benefits, which can enhance your experience while travelling. Some of them are listed below:
⦁ If you cancel or shorten your trip due to unforeseen circumstances, such as medical or family emergencies, ensure your insurance covers the cost of cancelling the trip.
⦁ If your baggage is delayed and you incur additional costs such as food, clothing, or accommodation while waiting for your luggage, make sure your insurer reimburses you for those expenses.
⦁ When choosing an insurance policy, make sure your insurer provides round-the-clock assistance. This allows for a more efficient claims process and is valuable in case of emergencies.
⦁ If your luggage is stolen or lost during the journey, ensure that your insurer compensates you for the same.
Review the Policy
Before finalising your insurance policy, make sure you understand what is and is not covered. Understand the process of filing a claim, as well as the process of cancelling your policy in case you change your mind. Reviewing the policy’s terms and conditions can help avoid problems when filing claims.
Wrapping Up
Travel insurance is a small investment that can save you from major expenses in the future due to unexpected events such as medical emergencies, delayed flights, baggage loss, and so on. Choosing the right travel insurance for your Schengen visa involves several steps, including assessing your needs, comparing insurance policies, looking for additional benefits, reviewing the policy’s terms and conditions, and more. However, following these steps, you can easily find a suitable insurance policy that meets your requirements.
If you are looking for a reliable insurance provider for your trip to Schengen countries, then Niva Bupa Travel Insurance is highly recommended. They not only offer financial protection but also provide additional benefits, including cashless claims for medical emergencies, access to proper healthcare facilities, and protection against personal liabilities. Contact them or visit their official website for more information.
