When venturing into the Schengen Area in Europe, travelers must anticipate unexpected medical expenses arising from accidents or injuries. To safeguard their financial well-being and ensure peace of mind throughout their journey, it is imperative for travelers to secure travel insurance when applying for a Schengen visa.
Schengen Travel Visa Insurance is a crucial aspect of preparing for your trip to the Schengen Area in Europe. This insurance provides financial support and peace of mind, ensuring that you are covered for medical expenses and other unexpected situations during your journey. Here’s what you need to know about Schengen Travel Visa Insurance:
Schengen Travel Visa Insurance Requirements
Here are the key Schengen Visa Insurance requirements:
- Medical coverage of at least 30,000 EUR (approximately 32,100 USD as of September 2023).
- Coverage must include all member states of the Schengen Area.
- It should cover expenses related to repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death.
What Does Schengen Travel Visa Insurance Policy Usually Cover?
A typical Schengen insurance policy should cover:
- Medical emergencies due to accidents or illnesses while within the Schengen Area.
- Emergency evacuations.
- Repatriation of remains.
- Return of a minor.
- Accidental death, injury, or disablement benefits.
- Overseas funeral expenses.
- Pregnancy-related expenses during the first trimester, with coverage variations afterward depending
Who Must Purchase Schengen Travel Visa Health Insurance?
Schengen Visa applicants from countries subject to visa requirements are required to have valid travel insurance. This requirement applies to all types of travel, including tourism, business, studies, or any other reason.
Where to Purchase Schengen Travel Visa Insurance?
- Your current health insurance may cover some international medical emergency expenses, but it usually has limitations. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase additional Schengen travel insurance.
- You can buy an individual Schengen travel insurance policy from a licensed provider in your home country.
- Ensure that the insurance provider is accepted and recognized by the Schengen country you are planning to visit.
What’s the Cost of Schengen Visa Travel Insurance?
The cost of Schengen Visa Travel Insurance can vary based on factors like your age, coverage amount, trip duration, and the insurance company. Prices are competitive, with some policies costing as low as €18-€20 for a one-week policy. The cost of Schengen visa insurance can vary, depending on several factors, including your age, desired coverage, trip duration, and the insurance company. For example, Europe Assistance offers the following travel insurance premiums:
- For Schengen-only coverage: 18 EUR for up to 7 days, 46 EUR for up to 31 days, or 285 EUR for up to 365 days.
- For Schengen Plus (extended protection covering Schengen and EU countries): Prices range from 28 EUR to 429 EUR based on the duration of coverage
Does Schengen Travel Visa Insurance Offer COVID-19 Coverage?
- Some Schengen insurance policies now cover COVID-19-related illness, provided you follow the laws and regulations of your government and the World Health Organization.
- COVID-19 coverage includes medical treatment, medication, hospitalization, and sometimes PCR tests.
- Quarantine-related expenses, such as accommodation, are generally not covered. The extent of COVID-19 coverage may vary by policy, so read the terms and conditions carefully.
The declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, brought specific considerations for Schengen Visa Insurance plans. Some policies now cover COVID-19-related illnesses, including medical treatment, medication, and hospitalization, subject to compliance with the laws and regulations of the traveler’s home country and the World Health Organization. While some policies include PCR tests, they typically do not cover expenses related to quarantine requirements such as accommodation.
The scope of COVID-19 coverage varies among insurers, so it is essential to read and understand the policy terms and conditions. Some insurance companies exclude any expenses related to epidemics or pandemics like COVID-19.
If the embassy requests a Schengen Travel Visa Insurance certificate with COVID-19 protection, your insurance policy should explicitly state this coverage. If it does not, you can inquire with your insurer about obtaining a certificate that includes COVID-19 protection.
In cases where travelers need to extend their insurance due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions or airport closures, policies can often be renewed or extended. This process may involve an additional charge, and travelers should contact their insurance provider to discuss the specifics.
Important Tips About Europe Travel Visa Insurance
- Before purchasing a new travel insurance policy, check if your existing health insurance already covers some international medical costs.
- Review the restrictions and limitations of your travel insurance policy, especially if you have preexisting medical conditions.
- If you are involved in high-risk activities or traveling to regions with increased risk, consider additional insurance coverage.
- Keep medical records and prescription information, especially if you have allergies or chronic conditions.
- Always check the specific terms of your policy to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not.
Who Provides Schengen Travel Visa Insurance?
Several companies offer Schengen travel insurance, and some of the recommended options include Europ Assistance and Insurte. These companies are leaders in the industry, meet Schengen visa requirements, and provide coverage suitable for various types of travelers.
Conclusion
Schengen Travel Visa Insurance is crucial for your visa application and your overall peace of mind while traveling within the Schengen Area. It is essential to choose the right policy that meets your needs and ensures you have comprehensive coverage during your trip.
