Schengen Visa Insurance
Travel health insurance covers the costs you would otherwise incur in case of an illness or injury during your trip. It is not only recommended, but also mandatory for all travelers who plan to visit any of the Schengen countries. The period of validity of your travel insurance must match the period and the number of days you plan to spend in the Schengen country.
Schengen visa insurance is a pre-requisite in case you are travelling to a Schengen country from the country on the list of the countries whose citizens are required to apply for the visa.
If you are planning a trip to one or several countries in the Schengen area, and you need a Schengen visa, there are various formalities, including taking out a Schengen visa insurance for the period of your trip.
Schengen visa insurance can be purchased from the insurers whose policies are accepted in the country of destination.
Your local health insurance is normally valid only within the borders of your country of residence. Accidents or sudden illnesses are always possible. In addition, medical care or treatment may be very expensive, especially if a more substantial intervention or even repatriation is required. The cost of travel insurance is relatively low, and you may need to take out the insurance policy, not only for visa purposes, but also to cover the entire duration of your stay abroad.
A Schengen Visa Insurance offers you a safe stay in the Schengen States area, covering different losses suffered during the trip.
Make sure you inform your insurer about any pre-existing health conditions so that your policy can better fit your needs.
The pre-existing conditions may include:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular problems, etc..
If you intend to engage in certain sporting activities during your travel, you should report this to your insurer.
Possible risks depend on your destination and mode of transport. It is therefore very important to keep in mind all the details of your travel when buying the travel insurance policy.
Keep in mind that the coverage for the sports such as skiing, mountaineering or scuba-diving is not included in the standard travel insurance policy. You may request the additional coverage from your insurer.
A Schengen insurance is also necessary if you are living in a Schengen area country and are expecting guests from abroad.
If you expect visitors from other countries whose local health insurance does not cover the costs of medical care during their stay in your country of residence, you should consider advising them to take out travel insurance for the duration of their stay.
Schengen Visa insurance usually cover
- Medical emergency (illness or accident)
- Search and rescue costs
- Emergency evacuation
- Medical repatriation
- Repatriation of mortal remains
- Accidental death or injury
- Return of a minor
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Lost or stolen baggage
- Lost or stolen travel documents
- Delayed baggage
- Travel delay due to weather
The necessary coverage of the Schengen travel insurance policy is pre-defined: EUR 30,000.
The cover must be valid within the Schengen area and for the full duration of stay. This insurance should cover any expenses in connection with medical issues, urgent medical attention or death.
Read carefully the general and specific terms and conditions in your health insurance policy to avoid misunderstandings. You should know that your coverage may not apply in case you’re travelling to a war zone or in case of substance abuse.