SchengenVisaSupport
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
Our recommendation: EKTA
If you want a fast, affordable Schengen-compliant certificate that embassies accept, EKTA is the easiest option. From ~€0.80/day, instant PDF delivery, and the certificate wording is designed around what consulates check.
Get EKTA insurance →You can also buy from local Indian insurers — here are popular domestic options:
| Provider | Coverage | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| EKTA Traveling | €50,000+ | From ~€0.80/day |
| 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 |
Complete your visa file
Once your documents are in order, line up the three bookings every Schengen embassy expects to see — refundable hotel, flight reservation, and travel insurance.
Most Questions Asked by Visa Applicants
When should I buy travel insurance?
Buy it once you have your travel dates planned — you need it before your visa appointment since it's a mandatory document. Don't wait until after. Most good providers issue instant certificates, so you can buy travel insurance here and have your PDF ready in minutes. It's a small cost that also protects your trip if anything goes wrong.
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.
Can I use my regular medical/health insurance instead?
No. Your regular medical insurance covers you at home, not in Europe. It can't produce a Schengen-compliant certificate, doesn't include repatriation, and won't mention "all Schengen countries." You need a separate Schengen travel insurance policy. Read the full explanation: Travel Insurance vs Medical Insurance — What's the Difference?
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.
🔥 Most Asked by Applicants
All Documents → Insurance Guide →