Securing Schengen Travel Insurance is one of the gateways to exploring the beautiful scenery in Europe. When we mention Schengen travel insurance, what comes to mind? It may look like a complex and daunting task to navigate the intricacies of Schengen Travel Insurance, but we hope to provide a simplified and comprehensive explanation of what this insurance entails.
In this article, we will provide in-depth information on Schengen Travel Insurance, including what it covers, what it does not cover, how to purchase it, and other relevant tips that will broaden your knowledge about this travel insurance.
What is Schengen Travel Insurance?
Schengen Travel Insurance provides extensive coverage to individuals who wish to travel to any country within the Schengen area. The minimum coverage for this insurance is €30,000, which is about $33,300. With this, it provides medical insurance for emergency situations like evacuation and body displacement in the event of death.
Individuals who wish to purchase Schengen travel insurance must meet the requirements specified by the insurance company they’re buying from. You may be required to purchase medical travel insurance along with your Schengen travel insurance.
What Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cover?
Typically, Schengen Travel Insurance covers medical expenses, compensation, and other related expenses associated with the policyholder’s stay in the Schengen area. This policy may also offer coverage for a doctor’s prescription, medical tests, and other forms of treatment, such as dental care. A comprehensive policy should be able to cover trip interruptions and cancellations.
If you purchase a broad policy, it can compensate for unplanned expenses if your flight gets delayed.
Schengen visa insurance typically includes:
- A minimum coverage of €30,000 in all Schengen countries.
- Coverage for transportation expenses for travelers who are to be taken back home due to one medical reason or another.
- Coverage for emergency medical treatment expenses and other related hospital care.
- Coverage for the period of time the policyholder intends to stay in the Schengen country.
There are certain insurance companies that offer coverage that goes beyond the ones outlined above. It is advisable to conduct research and shop around for the best insurance company that offers loads of benefits and broad coverage.
What It Does Not Cover
Despite the fact that the insurance policy covers a wide range of things, there are limitations to what it covers. It does not cover
- Fines and penalties during your stay in the Schengen area.
- It will not cover flights and other forms of transportation while staying there.
- Car rentals or lost and stolen luggage.
- Pre-existing medical conditions and illnesses.
How to Purchase the Right Schengen Travel Insurance
The most important thing to consider before buying Schengen visa insurance is the coverage of the policy, including the policy limits. Once you’re able to assess this, you should check if your credit card can offer any type of insurance. Using your credit card protects you from buying a separate Schengen visa insurance policy, which would ultimately help reduce the cost of purchasing this insurance policy.
Afterwards, check into a travel insurance policy that is capable of covering certain issues that may not be addressed in the Schengen visa insurance. You can also compare quotes from numerous companies that offer coverage under Schengen visa insurance; this would enable you to choose the right policy that meets your needs and preferences.
Where You Can Get Schengen Visa
The primary sellers of Schengen visas are AXA and Europ Assistance. The former coverage does not have an age limit, and it also sells Schengen visa insurance to citizens from any country.
The latter also offers coverage for certain countries, except for those residing in Belarus, Iran, Syria, Burma (Myanmar), North Korea, Cuba, Somalia, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. Individuals who are under age 74 when the policy is purchased are eligible to receive coverage under Schengen visa insurance.
Documents Needed to Apply for a Schengen Travel Insurance
Travelers who intend to apply for Schengen visas will be required to provide the following documents:
- A valid ID card.
- Completed visa application.
- Travel itinerary.
- Two identical passport-size photographs.
- Travel insurance that covers up to €30,000 of medical costs.
For clarity, it is important to note that the application process and requirements for Schengen visa differ. Some countries have their own qualifying criteria and required documentation. So, it is essential to check with the embassy of the country you intend to visit before leaving.
FAQs
How much travel insurance do I need for Europe?
For any Schengen travel insurance plan, the minimum coverage amount is €30,000. However, policyholders who desire coverage against certain travel disturbances, such as trip interruptions or cancellations, will have to purchase a broader insurance policy.
This will help to offer certain protection against such inconveniences. It is important for travelers to check other requirements before setting off on their journey.
What countries does Europe travel insurance cover?
Europe travel insurance covers all 27 countries within the Schengen area, such as Germany, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
