Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa: How to Get One

The Schengen Agreement is a treaty that led to the creation of the Schengen Area, which agreed to abolish borders and allow free movement between them. The Schengen Area comprises 26 European countries. The Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that will enable people from non-Schengen countries to travel within the Schengen area.

The Schengen Area consists of these countries:

Although Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are not members of the EU, they are also part of the Schengen area.

Medical expenses may arise when traveling to Europe or anywhere in the world in case of an accident or illness and for any unforeseen event. For this reason, insurance companies offer travel insurance plans.

Our iVisa expert advisors are here to help you with any questions about purchasing travel insurance for your Schengen visa. Below are some essential questions that will help you in your decision.

What is Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen travel medical insurance is a mandatory requirement to apply for the Schengen visa. However, it is still advisable that every traveler has travel insurance; the expenses that may arise for any eventuality are very high when traveling without travel medical insurance.

Who Needs to Get Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Anyone who travels temporarily to Schengen countries and needs to apply for a Schengen visa must purchase Schengen travel insurance. When you fill out the Schengen visa application, you will be asked for the travel insurance certificate.

People who do not need a Schengen visa are not obliged to take out travel insurance. Even so, the best recommendation is to always travel with insurance to protect you and have a pleasant and hassle-free trip.

What are the Schengen Visa Travel Insurance requirements?

The travel medical insurance must meet the following requirements:

• It must have a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical expenses.

• It must be valid in all Schengen member countries to be used there.

• It must cover the entire time you are traveling.

Most travel insurance companies provide a Schengen insurance certificate to apply for your Schengen visa. They also give you the alternative to extend your plan to have more coverage in various aspects to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

How to Buy Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

It is now simple to buy your Schengen travel insurance online because most travel insurance companies do all their business online.

When purchasing travel insurance, you only need to follow these simple steps:

• Before filling out the application form, review all the questions and have all the information you will be asked for. Once you have everything ready, fill out the application form indicating your name, nationality, date of birth, the destination you are traveling to, and departure and arrival dates.

• Consider obtaining additional coverage beyond those requested by the Schengen visa that you can acquire; knowing that your luggage is safe or that you can have all the ease in case your flight is delayed or canceled gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip.

• Once you have checked everything is correct, make the payment; you can pay with a debit or credit card.

• Download and print your travel insurance certificate; you must attach it with the other documents required to apply for the Schengen visa.

What is the cost of Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

The price of Schengen travel health insurance depends on three factors:

• The age: People over 60 have to pay higher premiums than younger people, which is why the insurance cost is higher.

• The trip duration: Normally, travel insurance companies charge per day; for short trips, the price varies according to the number of days you travel.

• Minimum coverage: The minimum coverage to apply for a Schengen visa is 30,000 euros. Insurance Companies have other plans with indemnities for medical emergencies of higher value and additional travel factors such as lost luggage, emergency trip cancellation, flight delays, etc.

It is always helpful to keep in mind that the price of travel insurance is minimal compared to the cost of the trip. But it guarantees any inconvenience and makes your trip more enjoyable.

What is the minimum Travel Insurance Requirement for a Schengen Visa?

When applying for a Schengen visa, purchasing travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros is mandatory. This coverage must cover hospital and medical expenses, evacuation in case of accident or medical emergency, or repatriation in case of death.

What does Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa cover?

Schengen travel insurance plans for applying for a Schengen visa usually cover the following.

• Medical expenses: In case of accident or illness, medical visits, medication, hospitalization, or surgery, the insurance covers all medical expenses.

• Emergency medical evacuation or repatriation: In case of an accident or severe illness, the insurance covers the cost of an air ambulance to return you to your country if you need to be evacuated. In case of death, it covers all necessary expenses for repatriation to the country of origin. In addition to the minimum Schengen visa coverage, travel insurance companies also have plans that cover other critical factors during your trip:

• Trip cancellation: If you have to cancel or interrupt your trip for reasons beyond your control, the insurance will reimburse you for non-refundable expenses.

• Flight delay or cancellation: The insurance company covers meals and accommodation until the new flight if your flight is delayed or canceled.

• Lost or delayed baggage: If your luggage does not arrive for your flight or is lost, we will cover the cost of the lost or delayed baggage.

Will I Get Covid-19 Coverage with Travel Insurance for the Schengen Visa?

Most travel insurance companies will cover medical expenses related to Covid-19 only if you follow the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Travel insurance covers the following:

• Medical emergencies related to COVID-19 include medical treatment, medicine, and hospitalization if necessary.

• PCR test (only on some occasions).

Important tips when traveling to Europe

• If you travel by train: Traveling by train in Europe is one of the best ideas. Before boarding the train, validate your ticket to avoid additional costs. You can also purchase rail passes that give you discounts.

• Always have cash with you: Sometimes, cards are not accepted in small or typical places.

• Water: The water from the taps is drinkable. In some restaurants, they can charge for water.

• Carry your medications: Always carry a larger quantity of the medicines you take; in other countries, the medication is not the same, and you may not find yours.

Where can I contact you?

Our experienced iVisa customer service team is available 24 hours a day, all year round. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, if you wish to write to us, you can email us at [email protected], where we will answer all your questions as soon as possible.