Are you planning a trip to the Schengen states? Make sure you have travel insurance! In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about obtaining travel insurance for your Schengen visa and why it's essential. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive in!
Why do you need travel insurance for the Schengen Area?
It's simple - if you want to travel to the Schengen states with a visa, you must have health insurance. Without it, your visa application will be rejected. So, to ensure your travel plans go smoothly, make sure you have a valid travel insurance policy in hand.
Understanding the Schengen insurance policy requirements
The EU Visa Code sets the standards for Schengen insurance policies. These policies must provide coverage in all 27 Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. The policy should cover expenses related to emergency medical care, hospitalization, and even repatriation to your home country in case of medical reasons or unfortunate events like death.
It's important to note that the insurance policy should be valid for the entire duration of your trip and an additional 15 days in case of unexpected changes. Always double-check the validity period to avoid any issues during your journey.
Which countries require valid insurance?
As a traveler, you must have valid insurance if you're visiting any of the following countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Don't forget to include your insurance documents when applying for a European Union entry visa. Failure to do so will result in your visa application being refused.
What do Schengen visa insurance policies cover, and how much do they cost?
The cost of your Schengen visa insurance policy depends on several factors, including your age, coverage requirements, the validity period of the insurance, and the list of risks covered. On average, a one-week insurance policy for a relaxing holiday in the Schengen Area can range from €20 to €40 for individuals aged between 20 and 45 years.
If you make frequent trips to the Schengen states (at least 10 trips per year), you can opt for an annual insurance policy with costs starting from €100. However, do keep in mind that specific activities like skiing or extreme sports can increase the cost of insurance.
Additional options to consider for your insurance policy
Apart from health and life coverage, your insurance policy can include additional options such as trip cancellation, flight delay, lost or delayed baggage, lost or stolen documents, forced quarantine, legal assistance, damage to the vehicle, and civil liability. Each option comes with its own benefits, so choose wisely based on your travel needs.
Caption: "Baggage insurance" option: If the airline mishandles your baggage, you'll receive compensation.
Does Schengen visa insurance cover COVID-19 cases?
Most insurance plans now include coverage for COVID-19 treatment. In case of an emergency, your insurance will compensate for medical care, transportation to the clinic, and COVID-19 treatment at a hospital or home. However, it's crucial to review your insurance contract to ensure COVID-19 coverage is explicitly mentioned.
Additionally, you can also add options for PCR test coverage and coverage of transportation costs if your trip gets delayed due to mandatory quarantine measures.
How to obtain travel insurance for the Schengen Area?
Getting travel insurance for the Schengen Area is a straightforward process. You can choose to obtain it in person or remotely. In either case, all you need is your passport. If you're obtaining insurance for a child or a disabled person, you'll need the passport of a parent, guardian, or legal representative.
Some visa application centers collaborate with insurance companies, offering you the option to get insurance through them when applying for a visa. However, keep in mind that this convenience may come at a higher cost due to the application center's commission.
For a more cost-effective approach, we recommend applying for insurance yourself. Fill out a form on the insurance company's website, providing your personal data, email address, and trip information. After making the payment, you'll receive the policy via email.
To apply for a Schengen visa, print out the insurance policy and include it in your application documents. If you already possess a valid visa, saving the digital copy of the policy on your smartphone is sufficient. However, we advise carrying a printed copy as a backup in case of unforeseen circumstances.
What if you need assistance during your trip?
If an emergency occurs during your trip, follow these steps:
- Call the 24-hour service center of your insurance company (the phone number is provided in your insurance policy).
- Provide the operator with all the incident details.
- Follow the instructions given by the operator.
- Remember to save all receipts related to the insured event, including taxi ride bills.
If you require medical assistance, the operator will coordinate with a healthcare provider and send a guarantee letter to ensure you receive treatment without charge. For non-medical emergencies, the operator will guide you on how to proceed with covering your expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need travel insurance for the Schengen Area? A: Yes, all travelers with a Schengen visa are required to have travel insurance. It is essential for your visa application.
Q: What does Schengen visa insurance cover? A: The insurance must cover emergency medical care, hospitalization, repatriation for medical reasons or death, and be valid in all 27 Schengen countries.
Q: Can I add additional options to my insurance policy? A: Yes, you can add options such as trip cancellation, flight delay, lost baggage, legal assistance, and more. Choose options based on your specific travel needs.
Q: How do I obtain travel insurance for the Schengen Area? A: You can obtain insurance either in person or remotely. Fill out a form on the insurance company's website, provide necessary information, and make the payment.
Q: What should I do during an insured event? A: Call the 24-hour service center of your insurance company, describe the incident, and follow the instructions provided. Make sure to save all relevant receipts.
Traveling to the Schengen states is an exciting adventure, but it's crucial to have the right insurance coverage to ensure a worry-free trip. By following the guidelines mentioned in this article, you can obtain the necessary travel insurance with ease. Stay safe, enjoy your travels, and make unforgettable memories!
