Schengen visa requires travel insurance with minimum €30,000 (approximately ₹27 lakhs) coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation. The insurance must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries, cover the entire trip duration plus a few extra days, and include emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation. Cost ranges from ₹500-2000 for a 15-day trip depending on the provider.
Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Coverage | €30,000 (₹27 lakhs approx) |
| Geographic Coverage | All 27 Schengen countries |
| Validity Period | Entire trip + recommended 2 extra days |
| Coverage Type | Medical emergency, hospitalization, repatriation |
| Deductible | None or minimal (no co-pay preferred) |
| Insurance Company | Must be valid in Schengen area |
What Must Be Covered
Mandatory Coverage
- Emergency medical treatment - Hospital visits, doctor consultations
- Emergency hospitalization - Inpatient care, surgeries
- Repatriation - Return to India if medically necessary
- Medical evacuation - Transfer to appropriate medical facility
- Repatriation of remains - In case of death abroad
Recommended Additional Coverage
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Flight delays
- Personal liability
- Adventure sports (if applicable)
- COVID-19 related expenses
Best Travel Insurance Providers for Indians
| Provider | 15-Day Cost | Coverage | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz | ₹800-1500 | €50,000+ | Cashless claims, 24/7 support |
| HDFC ERGO | ₹900-1600 | €50,000+ | Wide hospital network, quick claims |
| ICICI Lombard | ₹850-1500 | €50,000+ | Good coverage, easy online purchase |
| Tata AIG | ₹750-1400 | €50,000+ | Competitive pricing, global coverage |
| Reliance General | ₹700-1300 | €35,000+ | Budget-friendly, basic coverage |
| Digit Insurance | ₹600-1200 | €50,000+ | Digital-first, easy claims |
How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance
- Compare policies online - Use comparison sites like Policybazaar, Coverfox
- Check coverage details - Ensure €30,000 minimum with all required coverage
- Select correct dates - Cover entire trip plus 2 extra days buffer
- Choose appropriate sum insured - Higher coverage recommended for longer trips
- Verify Schengen compliance - Policy must explicitly mention Schengen validity
- Purchase and download - Get PDF certificate immediately
- Print for visa application - Submit with your Schengen visa documents
Insurance Certificate Requirements
Your insurance certificate must clearly show:
- Your name (matching passport)
- Coverage amount (minimum €30,000)
- Validity dates (covering entire trip)
- Geographic coverage (all Schengen countries)
- Type of coverage (medical, repatriation)
- Insurance company contact details
- Policy number
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Insufficient coverage amount - Must be €30,000 or more
- Wrong validity dates - Coverage must match travel dates exactly
- Coverage not for all Schengen countries - Must cover entire zone
- High deductible - Embassies prefer zero or minimal deductible
- Missing repatriation coverage - Required by Schengen rules
- Unrecognized insurer - Use established companies
- Starting coverage from landing - Should start from departure date
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applications from India. Your application will be rejected without valid insurance proof meeting the minimum requirements.
Can I buy insurance after visa approval?
No, you must submit insurance proof WITH your visa application. However, most policies can be cancelled with refund if visa is rejected, or dates can be modified later.
What if my visa dates are different from insurance dates?
Your insurance must cover AT LEAST the visa validity period. If your visa is for 15 days, insurance should cover all 15 days plus ideally a couple extra days as buffer.
Does the insurance cover COVID-19?
Most current policies include COVID-19 coverage. Always verify this explicitly in the policy document as some older or basic policies may exclude pandemic coverage.
Can I use my corporate travel insurance?
Yes, if your company's group travel insurance meets Schengen requirements (€30,000 coverage, covers all Schengen countries, includes repatriation). Get a certificate in your name for the specific trip.
What happens if I need medical care in Europe?
Contact your insurance company's 24/7 helpline immediately. For emergencies, go to the nearest hospital - most insurers have cashless networks or will reimburse expenses. Keep all receipts and medical reports.
Is travel insurance refundable if visa is rejected?
Most insurers offer full or partial refunds if your visa is rejected. Check the cancellation policy before purchasing. Usually you need to submit the visa rejection letter for refund.