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Travel insurance for Schengen visa

7 December 2022
Travel insurance for Schengen visa

Travel insurance for a Schengen visa is an important consideration for anyone planning a trip to Europe. A Schengen visa allows a person to travel freely within the 26 countries in the Schengen Area, which includes popular destinations like France, Germany, and Italy. However, a Schengen visa also requires that travelers have adequate insurance coverage for the duration of their stay.

What is a Schengen visa?

First, let’s define what a Schengen visa is. A Schengen visa is a type of visa that allows a person to travel freely within the 26 countries that make up the Schengen Area. These countries have agreed to allow travelers to move freely within their borders without the need for additional visas or permits. This makes it easier for travelers to visit multiple countries within the Schengen Area without having to go through the hassle of applying for multiple visas.

Which countries require Schengen visa?

The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. The countries that are part of the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Travel insurance for Schengen visa

However, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for a Schengen visa. One of these requirements is that the traveler must have adequate travel insurance. This is to ensure that the traveler has access to medical care and other necessary services in case of an emergency.

Why travel insurance for Schengen visa is required

So, why is travel insurance for a Schengen visa so important? There are several reasons. First and foremost, it provides important financial protection in case of an emergency. Medical care in Europe can be expensive, and without insurance, a person could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in medical bills. Additionally, travel insurance can provide coverage for other unexpected expenses, such as trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage, and more.

Another reason why travel insurance is important for a Schengen visa is that it is required by the visa application process. In order to apply for a Schengen visa, a person must provide proof of adequate insurance coverage. This means that without travel insurance, a person may not be able to get a Schengen visa and therefore may not be able to travel to Europe.

What type of travel insurance do you need?

So, what kind of travel insurance do you need for a Schengen visa? The specific requirements for travel insurance for a Schengen visa can vary depending on the country you are applying from. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most situations.

First, the insurance must provide coverage for medical expenses and emergency medical transportation. This means that the insurance must cover the cost of medical care in case of an illness or injury, as well as the cost of transporting the person to a medical facility if necessary.

Second, the insurance must provide coverage for emergency medical evacuation. This means that the insurance must cover the cost of transporting the person back to their home country if necessary.

Third, the insurance must provide coverage for at least 30,000 Euros. This is the minimum amount of coverage required by the Schengen visa application process.

Extra requirements from some Schengen countries

It’s also important to note that some Schengen countries may have additional requirements for travel insurance. For example, some countries may require that the insurance provide coverage for specific medical conditions, or that it include coverage for things like trip cancellation or interruption. Be sure to check with the specific country you are applying to for more information on their requirements for travel insurance.

So, where can you get travel insurance for a Schengen visa? There are many different companies that offer travel insurance, and it’s important to shop around to find the best option for you. Some options to consider include:

  • Your existing health insurance provider. Many health insurance providers offer additional travel insurance coverage that can be added onto your existing policy. This can be a convenient option, as you can easily manage all of your insurance needs in one place.
  • A standalone travel insurance provider. There are many companies that specialize in providing travel insurance
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Damian Tysdal
Author
DamianTysdal

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.

Damian Tysdal is the founder of CoverTrip, and is a licensed agent for travel insurance (MA 1883287). He believes travel insurance should be easier to understand, and started the first travel insurance blog in 2006.