If you're planning to visit the Schengen area, one of the key requirements for your visa is travel medical insurance. It's essential to have the right policy that meets the coverage and validity criteria for the entire duration of your stay. However, with numerous options available in the market, choosing the right travel insurance for your Schengen visa can be challenging.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss everything you need to know about Schengen visa travel insurance and how to select the best policy.
What is Schengen Travel Medical Insurance?
Schengen travel insurance refers to an insurance policy designed specifically for travelers visiting the Schengen area. This type of insurance plan complies with the minimum coverage and validity requirements set by the Schengen visa criteria. It's also a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa.
Who Requires Schengen Travel Health Insurance?
If you're a visitor from a country that requires a visa to enter the Schengen zone, you must have valid travel insurance. It is not only essential for your Schengen visa application but also for all trips you take to the Schengen area.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Schengen Visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for a Schengen visa application. The European Commission's Regulation mandates the submission of valid travel medical insurance with Schengen visa applications. It's mandatory not only for the first trip but also for subsequent trips with multiple-entry Schengen visas.
What are the Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements?
According to Article 15 of REGULATION (EC) No 810/2009, your Schengen visa travel insurance must meet the following requirements:
- Must cover medical expenses up to a minimum of €30,000.
- Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- Must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries.
The policy should cover medical expenses arising from emergency medical attention, treatment, hospitalization, emergency medical evacuation, repatriation due to medical reasons, and death.
Minimum Coverage
Your Schengen visa travel insurance must meet the minimum coverage requirement of €30,000. When purchasing insurance in USD, ensure the policy covers at least $50,000. This coverage is applicable for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation of remains.
Validity Duration
Your travel insurance for the Schengen visa should remain valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area. In the case of a multiple-entry visa, the insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your first entry only.
Validity in the Schengen Zone
Your Schengen visa travel insurance must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries. This ensures you have coverage regardless of the Schengen country you visit during your trip.
What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Plan Cover?
In general, a Schengen visa insurance plan covers medical expenses, COVID-19 protection, and trip coverage. These coverage options serve to provide comprehensive protection while also meeting the Schengen visa insurance requirements.
Medical Coverage
Medical coverage is the most crucial aspect of Schengen travel insurance. It includes coverage for emergency medical expenses, accidents, and unexpected illnesses. The coverage encompasses hospitalization, emergency hospital treatment, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other necessary medical treatments during emergencies.
COVID-19 Protection
COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory for a Schengen visa. However, many travel insurance policies offer coverage for medical treatment and quarantine expenses related to COVID-19. Tests and quarantine must be prescribed by a doctor to be eligible.
Trip Coverage
Trip coverage is not mandatory for a Schengen visa, but it provides protection against flight cancellations, delays, and lost luggage during your travels. Comprehensive trip coverage helps minimize expenses resulting from trip interruptions and baggage delays.
What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Plan Not Cover?
While Schengen travel insurance plans cover a wide range of scenarios, there may be some exclusions. One common exclusion is coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
It's crucial to understand the limitations and exclusions of your Schengen visa insurance policy, particularly regarding pre-existing medical conditions.
Is COVID-19 Coverage Mandatory for Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?
No, COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory for Schengen visa travel insurance. However, many Schengen travel insurance companies include COVID-19 coverage in their policies. Having COVID-19 protection in your travel insurance can provide financial security during your Schengen trip.
How Much Does Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Cost?
The cost of Schengen visa medical insurance varies depending on factors such as age, trip duration, total coverage amount, and the insurance company. For individuals up to 39 years of age, the cost can be as low as a dollar per day. However, prices may increase with age.
To find the most affordable insurance policy for a Schengen visa, compare different insurance providers and policies using an insurance aggregator such as VisitorsCoverage.
How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
Sample Visa Letter from VisitorsCoverage
Choosing travel insurance for your Schengen visa can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available. To simplify the process, consider factors such as the insurance provider's reputation, coverage limits, and customer reviews.
Reputation of the Company
Evaluate the reputation of the insurance company before making a selection. Look for a company with a track record of providing reliable coverage and excellent customer service. Websites like Trustpilot offer reviews and ratings that can help assess the reputation of an insurance company.
Coverage Limits and Exclusions
Review the coverage limits and exclusions of each policy. Ensure that the policy meets the minimum coverage requirement of €30,000. Pay attention to any exclusions, such as pre-existing medical conditions.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Consider the experiences of other travelers by reading reviews and ratings of different insurance providers. This will provide valuable insights into the quality and reliability of their travel insurance.
Schengen Insurance Certificate
Ensure that the insurance company can issue a Schengen insurance certificate, also known as a visa letter. This certificate acts as proof that your insurance policy meets Schengen visa criteria. It should include your name, policy number, total coverage amount, dates of validity, and contact details for emergencies.
Where to Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
You can purchase travel insurance for a Schengen visa from online insurance providers, local insurance companies, and travel agencies. Online platforms allow you to compare prices and coverage options from multiple insurers, while local companies and travel agencies can offer personalized advice.
Regardless of the source, make sure the insurance policy meets Schengen visa insurance requirements and provides the necessary coverage for your trip.
How to Purchase Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa?
To purchase travel insurance for your Schengen visa, visit the VisitorsCoverage website and select the Europe Travel Plus plan. Enter the required details such as destination country, citizenship, residence/home country, coverage start and end dates, arrival date, date of birth, and email address. Complete the payment and purchase the policy. You can then download your visa letter, which is a mandatory requirement for the Schengen visa application.
How To Find Cheap Schengen Travel Insurance?
Finding cheap Schengen travel insurance requires research and comparison of policies and companies. VisitorsCoverage offers affordable options, but it's essential to explore various insurance providers, especially if you're older than 50.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
FAQs Section: Feel free to add any relevant questions and answers related to Schengen visa travel insurance.
Conclusion
Obtaining the right travel insurance is crucial for your Schengen visa application process. Ensure that your travel insurance meets the minimum coverage of €30,000 and remains valid throughout your stay in the Schengen area. Consider factors such as the reputation of the insurance company, coverage limits, and customer reviews when selecting your travel insurance. By comparing different providers and policies, you can find the best insurance for your Schengen visa.
