Why Travel Insurance is a Must-Have for Schengen Visa?

Planning a trip to Europe’s Schengen Area, which includes 26 countries like France, Germany, and Italy, requires a Schengen Visa for Indian citizens. One mandatory requirement for the Schengen Visa application is travel insurance. But why is travel insurance so important, and how does it benefit you? 

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa allows you to travel across 26 European countries for tourism, business, or family visits, typically for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Indian citizens need this visa, applied through embassies or VFS Global centers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. The visa application process requires documents like a passport, itinerary, and—crucially—travel insurance.

Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Area has strict rules to ensure travellers are safe and financially secure. Travel insurance is mandatory because:

• Visa Requirement: The Schengen Visa application demands proof of travel insurance meeting specific standards (explained below). Without it, your application will be rejected.
• Financial Protection: Europe’s healthcare and emergency services are expensive. Insurance covers unexpected costs, protecting you from financial burdens.
• Safety Net: It ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost belongings, which could otherwise ruin your trip.
• Compliance: Embassies verify insurance during the application process to confirm you won’t rely on public funds for emergencies.

In 2025, over 1 million Indian travellers are expected to apply for Schengen’s Visas, and travel insurance is non-negotiable for approval.

Visa Travel Insurance Requirements for Schengen 

To meet Schengen Visa standards, your travel insurance must:

• Minimum Coverage: €30,000 (≈₹28,00,000) for medical emergencies, including hospitalisation, doctor visits, and repatriation (returning to India if needed).
• Validity: Cover the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, including entry and exit dates.
• Geographical Coverage: Valid in all 26 Schengen countries (e.g., Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain).
• Zero Deductible: No out-of-pocket costs before coverage kicks in.
• Emergency Services: Include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains in extreme cases.

Tip: The insurance certificate must clearly state these details for embassy submission. Check with providers like Niva Bupa to ensure compliance.

Why Travel Insurance is Essential: Key Benefits?

Beyond meeting visa requirements, travel insurance offers practical benefits for a safe and stress-free trip. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

1. Medical Emergency Coverage

• Why It Matters: Healthcare in Europe is costly—a hospital stay can cost ₹50,000–₹5,00,000. A simple doctor visit may cost ₹5,000–₹10,000.
• What’s Covered: Hospitalisation, doctor consultations, medicines, and emergency surgeries up to €30,000 or more, depending on the plan.
• Example: If you fall ill in Paris and need hospitalisation, insurance covers bills, saving you from paying lakhs out of pocket.

2. Trip Cancellation or Delay Protection

• Why It Matters: Flights or hotels may be cancelled due to illness, visa issues, or emergencies, leading to losses of ₹20,000–₹1,00,000.
• What’s Covered: Refunds for non-refunded bookings (flights, hotels, tours) if your trip is canceled or delayed for covered reasons (e.g., medical emergencies, natural disasters).
• Example: If your visa is delayed and you cancel a ₹50,000 flight, insurance reimburses you.

3. Lost Luggage or Documents

• Why It Matters: Losing your passport, luggage, or valuables can cost ₹10,000–₹50,000 to replace, plus the hassle of replacing a passport abroad.
• What’s Covered: Reimbursement for lost or delayed baggage, temporary passport replacement, or emergency cash.
• Example: If your bag is lost at Amsterdam’s airport, insurance covers replacement costs up to ₹50,000.

4. Personal Accident Coverage

• Why It Matters: Accidents can happen, leading to medical bills or, in rare cases, disability or death.
• What’s Covered: Compensation for accidental injury, disability, or repatriation of remains.
• Example: If you’re injured in a biking accident in Italy, insurance covers treatment and recovery costs.

5. Peace of Mind

• Why It Matters: Travelling to a new country can be stressful. Insurance ensures you’re prepared for unexpected events.
• What’s Covered: 24/7 helplines, emergency assistance, and support for legal or travel issues.
• Example: If stranded in Germany due to a flight delay, the insurer’s helpline arranges accommodation.

Visa Application: Where Travel Insurance Fits

The visa application process requires travel insurance at the submission stage. Here’s a quick overview:

• Choose Visa Type: Short-stay (Type C, up to 90 days) for tourism, business, or family visits.
• Gather Documents:
• Passport (valid 6+ months).
• Photos (35x45mm, white background).
• Travel itinerary (flights, hotels).
• Proof of funds (₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000 in bank statements).
• Travel insurance certificate (€30,000 coverage).
• Cover letter explaining trip purpose.
• Book Appointment: Apply via VFS Global (vfsglobal.com) or the embassy (e.g., France, Germany).
• Pay Fees: €80 (≈₹7,500) for adults, non-refundable.
• Submit Application: Include the insurance certificate from Niva Bupa or another provider.
• Track Status: Use VFS Global’s website with your application ID.
• Visa Approval: Processing takes 15–30 days; visa stamped in passport.

Buy insurance before applying, as the certificate is mandatory at submission. Niva Bupa’s digital certificate is accepted by all Schengen embassies.

Tips for Choosing Schengen Travel Insurance

Here are some tips for selecting Schengen travel insurance:

• Verify Coverage: Ensure €30,000 minimum, zero deductible, and Schengen-wide validity.
• Check Duration: Buy insurance for your entire trip, including entry/exit dates.
• Compare Plans: Niva Bupa offers single-trip (₹1,000–₹5,000) and multi-trip plans for frequent travellers.
• Read Terms: Confirm coverage for medical emergencies, cancellations, and luggage.
• Buy Early: Purchase before your visa appointment to avoid delays.
• Keep Documents: Carry the insurance certificate and policy number while travelling.

Wrapping Up

Travel insurance is a must-have for a Schengen Visa because it’s a mandatory requirement and a vital safety net. It ensures compliance with the €30,000 coverage rule, protects against medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost luggage. Niva Bupa travel insurance, available at nivabupa.com, meets all Schengen standards with affordable plans and easy online purchase. It covers all 26 Schengen countries, offering peace of mind for Indian travellers in 2025. Get our travel insurance, submit it with your visa application, and explore Europe’s beauty worry-free, knowing you’re protected against unexpected setbacks.

FAQs

1. Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?

   Yes, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when applying for a Schengen visa. Without valid insurance, your visa application may be refused.

    

2. What should Schengen travel insurance cover?

   The insurance must cover a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses and emergency repatriation. It must also be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

    

3. Do I need separate insurance for each Schengen country I visit?

   No, a single policy is sufficient as long as it covers all Schengen countries and the full period of your intended travel.

    

4. Can I use my existing health insurance policy instead?

   Only if it meets the Schengen visa requirements in terms of coverage, geographical area, and documentation. Most domestic policies do not provide the necessary cover for international travel.

    

5. Will I get a refund on my travel insurance if my visa is refused?

It depends on the insurance provider’s terms and conditions. Some offer partial or full refunds if you can provide proof of visa refusal.