Passport-holding Citizens of certain countries don’t have to seek a visa to travel to 26 European nations for less than 90 days. Most others, however, require a visa to visit the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 nations in Europe. Citizens of China, Russia, and India, for instance, must obtain Schengen visas before visiting the EU.
A Schengen visa permits unrestricted travel between European nations with no border controls. The acquisition of medical travel insurance is among the prerequisites for obtaining a Schengen visa.
What Is Schengen Visa Insurance?
While the policyholder is entering the Schengen Area, Schengen visa insurance covers expenses resulting from an illness, accident, death, and injury. Suppose you’re wondering whether or not you need healthcare coverage when traveling to a foreign land. In that case, it’s based on your intended destination and your capacity to meet any healthcare needs yourself during your stay.
Travel insurance could also cover you from losses incurred by trip disruptions, like a flight delay, a need to cut your trip short, or personal liability, based on the coverage you choose. To be valid in 2020, Schengen visa insurance must cover:
- A least 30,000 Euros (about $35,500) is required in all Schengen nations.
- Coverage for the costs of returning a person to their native country for health reasons.
- Cover cost for emergency treatment or hospitalization.
- Coverage for the policyholder’s death-related expenses
- Coverage for the duration of the policyholder’s anticipated stay or journey
Anyone who needs a Schengen visa should also get Schengen visa insurance. Citizens from over 100 countries, including Cambodia, Cuba, China, Egypt, India, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Iran, Russia, Iraq, Pakistan, the Philippines, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, South Africa, and Vietnam, are among those affected.
The United States, Israel, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico are exempted from visa requirements.
Is it necessary to have travel insurance while applying for a Schengen Visa?
Yes, if you need a visa to visit Europe, you must purchase travel insurance. It’s a requirement of the visa application process. Put, if you don’t have a legitimate insurance plan, the Embassy will deny your visa application immediately. However, if you don’t require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, you are not required to be covered (although it’s still strongly advised!).
Who is required to purchase European travel health insurance?
Anyone visiting Europe temporarily from a nation that requires a visa, whether a person or a group, a visitor or a business traveler. AXA or Europ Assistance offers the lowest Europe travel health insurance policy that you can purchase online.
What Companies Offer Schengen Travel Insurance?
Your healthcare insurance via your work contract might cover abroad emergency medical costs, but there are often limitations on the insurance covers. As a result, if one has a medical concern when traveling through Schengen, they should be aware of what not to anticipate.
Typically, tourists purchase personal Schengen insurance from the right insurance company for the duration of their stay in Europe. Ensure the new company you choose is permitted and approved in the Schengen nations you’ll be visiting.
If you are unsure of the right company to patronize, you may also contact an immigration or financial expert for Schengen visa advice regarding travel insurance. You may also research on insurance companies with good ratings on the internet. But be sure to patronize businesses that are recognized by European consulates and embassies around the globe. If you have documentation that the visa has been rejected, you could also cancel it for free.
Does Schengen Visa Insurance cover COVID-19?
Yes, certain Schengen insurance plans cover COVID-related disease, as long as you follow your nation’s state and the World Health Organization’s rules and regulations when traveling (WHO). The following are covered under COVID-19 insurance:
- Medical care, hospitalization, and medication are all possible COVID-19-related health emergencies.
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) (sometimes).
- Expenses associated with quarantine procedures, such as lodging, are not covered.
Take away
Begin by reviewing your existing insurance plans to finish your Schengen visa application: credit cards, labor contracts, or house insurance with several risks. Certain contracts may include coverage for international travel.
However, be cautious and double-check the scope and limitations of the policies, as they are frequently insufficient for a Schengen visa. It’s crucial to keep in mind that Schengen visa travel insurance should meet several requirements. That’s why using a travel consultant is preferable.
