🛡️ 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
| Provider | Coverage | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 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
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your insurance policy during travel. You may need it at immigration or in case of emergency.