Travelling to Europe is an exciting experience, but if your destination falls within the Schengen Area, then Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa is not optional—it is mandatory. Whether you’re planning a holiday, business trip, family visit, or study tour, you must submit valid Schengen visa travel insurance during your visa application.
In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll
explain everything you need to know—coverage, eligibility, requirements, cost,
top insurers, and tips to choose the best plan.
What Is Schengen Travel
Insurance?
Schengen travel insurance is a
specialised travel health insurance policy required for obtaining a Schengen
visa. It offers financial protection against medical emergencies, accidental
injuries, and unexpected travel-related losses while visiting any of the 29
Schengen countries.
It is mandatory for visa approval because healthcare costs in European
countries are high, and governments want to ensure travellers can afford
emergency medical care.
Why Schengen Visa Travel
Insurance Is Mandatory in 2025
The European Council and the Schengen member states have strict rules
for foreign travellers. As per current Schengen visa guidelines, your travel
insurance must:
- Provide minimum
medical coverage of €30,000
- Be valid across all
29 Schengen countries
- Cover entire
duration of stay
- Include medical
emergency + repatriation coverage
Without meeting these requirements,
your visa application may be rejected immediately.
Key Features of Schengen
Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance ensures a
stress-free and safe trip. Here are essential features included in most
Schengen plans:
1.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Covers costs of treatment during
illness or injury. Medical bills in Schengen countries can be very expensive,
so this is the most important part.
2.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
If you need to be moved to a
better-equipped hospital or repatriated back to India, the plan covers the
transportation cost.
3.
Personal Accident Cover
Provides compensation in case of
accidental death or permanent disability.
4.
Passport Loss
Covers expenses for issuing a new
passport or travel documents.
5.
Trip Delay or Cancellation
Offers reimbursement for loss due to
sudden cancellation, delay, or interruption of your trip.
6.
Baggage Loss or Delay
Ensures you are compensated for the
loss of checked-in baggage or delayed delivery.
7.
24x7 Travel Assistance
Helps you with medical support,
emergency guidance, hotel arrangements, and more—anytime, anywhere.
Schengen Visa Insurance
Requirements (2025 Updated)
Your policy must meet these
conditions:
- Minimum coverage: €30,000 or INR equivalent
- Should include:
- Accident & medical
emergencies
- Repatriation of remains
- Evacuation support
- Must be valid for entire Schengen region
- Should cover your
complete stay duration
- Must be issued by a reliable & approved insurer
If your insurance policy fails to
meet any one of these requirements, the visa officer may reject your visa
application.
Documents Required To Buy
Schengen Travel Insurance
You need the following basic
details:
- Passport information
- Travel dates
- Destination countries
- Age & personal details
- Medical history (only in some cases)
Most insurers in India allow easy
online purchase within minutes.
Cost of Schengen Travel
Insurance in India (2025)
The premium depends on:
- Age of traveller
- Trip duration
- Type of coverage
- Pre-existing diseases
- Add-on benefits
On average, Indian travellers can
expect:
- Short trip (7–10 days): ₹450
– ₹900
- Long stay (30–60 days):
₹1,500 – ₹3,500
- Senior citizens (60+): ₹3,000
– ₹10,000
Buying a policy early can help you
get better prices and ensure your visa filing is on time.
Best Travel Insurance
Companies for Schengen Visa (2025)
Several Indian insurers offer
visa-compliant Schengen travel plans. Some of the top names include:
- Tata AIG Travel Guard
- ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance
- HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance
- Reliance General Travel Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance
- Care Health Travel Insurance
- SBI Travel Insurance
- Aditya Birla Travel Insurance
Most of these offer digital policy
copies that can be directly attached to your visa application file.
How to Buy the Best Travel
Insurance for Schengen Visa
Follow these expert steps to choose
the right policy:
1.
Check Visa Compliance
Ensure the insurer clearly states
coverage of €30,000 medical +
repatriation.
2.
Compare Premiums
Do not simply buy the cheapest
plan—compare features.
3.
Look for Medical Coverage Benefits
Higher medical coverage ensures
better safety abroad.
4.
Check Claim Process
Opt for insurers with cashless hospital network in Europe.
5.
Read Exclusions Carefully
Most insurers exclude:
- Pre-existing medical conditions
- High-risk adventure sports
- Damage caused due to alcohol/drug consumption
- Non-disclosure of health issues
6.
Choose Add-Ons If Needed
You can add:
- Adventure sports cover
- Pre-existing disease cover
- Home burglary insurance
- Loss of personal belongings
How to Attach Travel
Insurance to Your Schengen Visa Application
Once you buy the policy, you need
to:
- Take a printed
copy of the policy.
- Check if the coverage
amount & dates are correct.
- Attach it with the visa documents under Travel Medical Insurance.
- Submit it at the VFS centre/embassy during your appointment.
Benefits of Schengen Travel
Insurance
Here’s why having Schengen travel
insurance is beneficial:
1.
Mandatory for Visa
Your visa approval depends heavily
on valid insurance.
2.
Protection Against Medical Emergencies
You stay financially protected
during illness or accidents.
3.
Hassle-Free Travel
Losses such as baggage delay or
passport loss are covered.
4.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you are financially
protected in a foreign land reduces stress.
Who Should Buy Schengen
Travel Insurance?
- First-time travellers
- Students travelling for higher studies
- Business travellers
- Families travelling for leisure
- Senior citizens
- Frequent flyers
Basically, anyone visiting Europe
should buy it—because it’s compulsory
and extremely helpful.
Tips to Save Money on
Schengen Travel Insurance
- Buy early, not last minute
- Compare multiple insurance providers
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons
- Choose a plan based on duration & purpose
- Select multi-trip policies if you travel frequently
These tips can reduce your premium
significantly.
Conclusion
Getting Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa is not just a requirement—it
is a smart way to protect yourself against emergencies. In 2025, with updated
visa rules and rising healthcare costs in Europe, having a comprehensive
Schengen travel insurance plan is more important than ever.
From covering medical emergencies to
safeguarding your belongings, it ensures a safe, hassle-free, and enjoyable
European holiday. Compare plans, choose wisely, and make your Schengen visa
application stronger with the right travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?
Yes.
Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers applying for a
Schengen visa. The policy must offer a minimum medical coverage of
€30,000, valid across all 29 Schengen countries, including
repatriation and emergency medical support.
Q.2. What is the minimum coverage needed for Schengen visa travel insurance?
The
minimum required coverage is €30,000 (INR equivalent). This is compulsory for visa approval and must include medical
emergencies and repatriation of remains.
Q.3. Can I buy Schengen travel insurance online?
Yes.
Most Indian insurers allow you to buy Schengen-compliant travel insurance online in less than 5 minutes.
You can download the policy PDF instantly and attach it to your visa
application.
Q.4. Does Schengen travel insurance cover pre-existing diseases?
Generally,
pre-existing illnesses are not
covered unless you buy a specialised plan that offers limited
benefits. Always read policy terms before buying.
Q.5. What happens if I travel without Schengen visa insurance?
Your
visa will not be approved
without valid travel insurance. If you somehow travel without proper coverage,
you risk high medical expenses and immigration issues.
