Schengen Visa Support
🛡️ Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen visa applications. Without valid insurance, your application will be rejected. Here's everything you need to know.
Minimum Requirements
- Coverage: Minimum €30,000 (approximately ₹27 lakhs)
- Validity: Entire duration of stay + extra days recommended
- Territory: All Schengen countries (not just one)
- Covers: Medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation
What Must Be Covered
- ✅ Emergency medical treatment
- ✅ Hospital stays
- ✅ Emergency surgery
- ✅ Repatriation (return to home country if needed)
- ✅ Repatriation of remains (in case of death)
- ✅ Emergency evacuation
Nice to Have (Optional)
- Trip cancellation coverage
- Lost baggage protection
- Flight delay compensation
- Personal liability
What Your Insurance Certificate Must Show
- ✅ Your full name (matching passport)
- ✅ Coverage amount (€30,000 or more)
- ✅ Validity dates (covering entire trip)
- ✅ Geographic coverage (Schengen area / Europe / Worldwide)
- ✅ Policy number
- ✅ Insurance company name and contact
Popular Insurance Options
| ICICI Lombard | €50,000 | ₹800-1500/trip |
| Bajaj Allianz | €50,000 | ₹700-1400/trip |
| HDFC Ergo | €50,000 | ₹900-1600/trip |
| Tata AIG | €35,000-100,000 | ₹600-2000/trip |
Prices vary by age, trip duration, and coverage level.
Tips for Buying Insurance
- Buy from reputable provider - known insurance companies
- Check Schengen-specific plans - designed for visa requirements
- Add buffer days - buy for 2-3 extra days beyond travel dates
- Get instant certificate - PDF for visa submission
- Read exclusions - know what's not covered
- Pre-existing conditions - may need declaration
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Coverage less than €30,000
- ❌ Doesn't cover all Schengen countries
- ❌ Dates don't match travel dates
- ❌ Name doesn't match passport
- ❌ Buying too cheap/unreliable policy
Insurance Requirements by Country
All Schengen countries require the same minimum €30,000 coverage, but some countries apply stricter scrutiny than others:
| Country | Minimum Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| France | €30,000 | Must cover all Schengen countries; repatriation required |
| Germany | €30,000 | Policy document must be in English or German; German consulates are strict |
| Spain | €30,000 | Blank dates not accepted — exact travel dates required on certificate |
| Italy | €30,000 | VFS Global may ask for original policy; email printout sufficient at most centres |
| Netherlands | €30,000 | Certificate should state "all Schengen states" or list each country |
| Greece | €30,000 | High approval rate; standard insurance from reputable provider accepted without issue |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy travel insurance after booking the appointment?
Yes — in fact, this is the recommended approach. Buy insurance only after your appointment is confirmed, so you can match the exact travel dates. Buying too early risks having an expired policy by the time of your interview, especially if appointments are weeks away.
Does my credit card travel insurance count?
Generally no. Credit card travel insurance typically does not come with a standalone certificate that shows the €30,000 minimum medical coverage, all Schengen countries, and emergency repatriation — all of which are required on the document you submit. Purchase a dedicated Schengen travel insurance policy.
Can I buy insurance for more days than my trip?
Yes, and it’s recommended. Buy for 2–3 days beyond your intended return date to provide a buffer for flight delays, last-minute changes, or border crossing timing. The insurance simply needs to include your full travel period — not match it exactly.
What if I need to extend my stay in Europe?
If you extend your stay (and have the necessary visa validity), you must also extend your travel insurance to cover the additional days. Contact your insurer to extend the policy before the original expiry date.
Do children need separate travel insurance?
Yes. Each person named on the visa application must have their own insurance certificate — or be explicitly named on a family policy. A policy in the parent’s name alone is not sufficient for a child’s application.
All Documents → Insurance Guide →