To apply for a Schengen visa, intending to visit countries within the Schengen Area – including nations such as France, Italy, and Germany—or multiple destinations, it is essential to demonstrate proof of adequate travel insurance. Travel insurance is a non-negotiable requirement for all Indian applicants seeking a Schengen visa. This insurance provides crucial financial protection against unforeseen events including medical emergencies, trip interruptions, or loss of personal belongings. A failure to meet these defined insurance requirements may result in a Schengen visa rejection.

Schengen Visa Insurance Specifications

Please note the following stipulations regarding travel insurance for a Schengen visa application:

• A minimum coverage amount of €30,000.00 is required.

• The insurance policy must be valid within the entire territory of the Schengen States.

• Coverage must extend for the duration of the applicant’s intended stay or transit within the Schengen Area.

• The travel insurance should provide coverage for all associated costs arising from repatriation for medical reasons, immediate medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death occurring during stays within the Member States.

• For applications requesting a multiple-entry visa, the encompassing travel insurance policy must cover the initial trip, with the ability to secure renewal coverage for subsequent journeys as needed.

• Furthermore, the selected insurance must be provided by an insurer recognised within the Schengen States.

If your travel insurance fails to satisfy any aspect of these requirements, your Schengen visa application may be rejected.

Note: When applying for a Schengen visa via VisaFast, you have the option of including an VisaFast travel insurance policy to simplify the process and avoid managing individual policy compliance requirements.

Considering these criteria, the following insurance providers offer suitable policies for Schengen visa applications:

1. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

2. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd.

3. SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd.

4. Care Health Insurance Limited

5. Tata-AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd.

6. GO Digit General Insurance Ltd.

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements

1. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. provides Schengen travel insurance designed to secure financial protection for both occasional and regular travelers. These policies adhere to all stipulations and requirements prescribed by Schengen States.

Key Benefits of ICICI Lombard Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Single and Multi-Trip Coverage: ICICI Lombard provides options for both single-trip and multi-trip travel insurance specifically designed for travel to the Schengen Area.

2. Flexible Sum Insured Options: The insurance plans are available with a selection of customizable sum insured amounts. The Platinum Plan offers limits of $500,000, $250,000, $100,000, $50,000, while the Gold Plan provides limits of $500,000, $250,000, $100,000, $50,000.

3. Age Criteria & Senior Citizen Policy: Standard Schengen insurance policies from ICICI Lombard are suitable for travelers aged 3 months to 70 years. Additionally, a specialised senior citizen policy is offered to individuals aged 71 to 85 years.

4. Additional Services: The Platinum plan includes enhanced benefits like concierge services during urgent situations and supplementary coverage options for increased financial safeguards.

5. Comprehensive Medical Coverage: The policy provides coverage for hospitalization costs resulting from accidents, illnesses, or unforeseen health emergencies encountered during travel. The coverage extends to outpatient care, immediate medical consultations, and emergency medical repatriation in cases of critical medical conditions.

6. Travel-Related Relief: Compensation is supplied in the event of flight delays or missed flights, trip cancellation or interruptions triggered by unanticipated occurrences, loss of essential travel documentation, such as passports or luggage, minimising disruptions.

Exclusions Under ICICI Lombard Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Pre-existing medical conditions that were not disclosed before the trip.

2. Self-inflicted injuries or reckless behaviour leading to an accident.

3. Losses due to war, nuclear threats, or civil unrest in the travel destination.

4. Unattended passports, travel documents, or baggage left in public spaces.

Key Considerations When Selecting Schengen Travel Insurance

Following your review of available Schengen travel insurance options, a critical factor in selecting a provider is aligning the policy with your specific travel requirements. Notably, most Schengen travel insurance plans satisfy mandatory visa requirements and provide similar overarching coverage. The distinguishing aspects lie in matching your trip needs, considering budget limitations, desired adventures, familial travel arrangements, and anticipated trip durations.

Here are key factors to assess when choosing a travel insurance policy:

1. Cost-Effectiveness and Premium Costs: When budgeting for insurance, careful comparisons of premiums are essential. Agreements between providers like GO Digit (₹515 for 4 days) and SBI General (₹552 for a single trip) deliver appreciable coverage at cost-optimized rates.

2. Coverage for Visa Delays/Rejections: Many standard Schengen plans lack explicit coverage for trip cancellations arising from visa denial situations. Review coverage stipulations or proactively seek policies demonstrating the ability to provide refunds in relation to such refusals.

3. Comprehensive Coverage for High-Risk Activities: Prioritize coverage, crucial to activities involving notable level of high risks. For engagements such as mountaineering activities or multi-day treks, insurance should have explicit inclusions or should enable customization to cover high–risk activities ( skiing , scuba diving , skydiving , treks ). Consider providers providing day passes for activities , or options for premium upgrades.

4. Trip Duration & Multi-Trip Plans. Frequent travelers shall value benefits included with multi policies offered that allow greater utilization of insurance resources than using conventional single trip policies repetitively, enhancing cost efficiencies , through optimised benefit selections tailored over extensive periods.

5. Planning for Family or Group Tours Travelers who routinely explore in unified blocks, or as collections, must investigate the options to use group flow schemes supported through providers i.e., HDFC ERGO and SBI General, due to a cost reduction over multiple repeated single trip scenarios .

6. Access to Effective & Responsive Customer Support: Carefully select insurance companies providing quick & accessible channels for assistance for claims, such as mobile-supported applications or enhanced processing through options for optimized claims- handling from such companies namely GO Digit , as well as applications supporting claims handled efficiently by service partners i.e. HDFC ERGO. Additionally review service partners offering simplified, paperless support from insurers i.e : Tata AIG

2. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd.

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd. is a reputable insurance provider specializing in Schengen travel insurance policies. This company utilizes a digitally focused process, enabling applicants to obtain coverage without undergoing medical examinations or submitting extensive documentation, resulting in a simplified and convenient application procedure.

Key Benefits of HDFC ERGO Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Extensive Medical Coverage: Offers protection against unforeseen medical expenses, including hospitalization, outpatient treatment (OPD), ambulance services, and repatriation assistance resulting from serious illness or injury. Further coverage extends to emergency dental treatments, contingent upon policy stipulations.

2. Trip Cancellation Coverage: Safeguards financial losses arising from the non-refundable costs of accommodation, event tickets, and travel arrangements due to unforeseen trip cancellations or interruptions.

3. Flight Misery Relief: Compensation for disruptions related to missed flight connections, hijacking incidents requiring distress assistance, flight delays, cancellations, or trip curtailments.

4. Immediate Financial Support: Provision of funds in instances of theft or robbery, enabling travellers to secure necessary finances during periods of distress.

5. Third-Party Liability Coverage: Protection against liabilities incurred towards third parties, including any consequential damages or legal claims occurring during the policy period.

6. Continuous 24/7 Assistance: Ensures uninterrupted access to globally-accessible support services, providing instantaneous assistance in the event of emergency medical situations, urgent evacuations, or significant travel disruptions.

7. Streamlined Digital Purchase: HDFC ERGO’s digitally-driven approach eliminates the requirement for traditional health check-ups, facilitating an uncomplicated online purchasing experience with minimal documentation.

Covered Exclusions for HDFC ERGO Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Medical expenses or claims originating from unlawful activities, military involvement, or situations involving political instability are excluded.

2. Claims directly attributable to alcohol or substance abuse are not covered.

3. Medical treatment addressing pre-existing diseases or acknowledged health conditions prior to travel is excluded.

4. Expenses associated with non-essential cosmetic operations, obesity treatments, or elective procedures are explicitly excluded.

5. Medical claims originating from self-inflicted harm, suicide attempts, or reckless conduct are not covered.

6. Injuries or medical incidents resulting from participation in high-risk adventure activities (including, but not limited to, skydiving, mountaineering, and extreme sports) are ineligible for coverage.

7. Costs pertaining to non-medical repatriation from war zones or conflict regions are specifically excluded.

3. SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd.

SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. operates as a significant insurance company within India. The organization provides a selection of insurance offerings, encompassing health, motor, travel, property, and business insurance coverage. Notably, SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. holds a considerable presence in the Indian travel insurance market, ranking as one of India’s prominent issuers of Schengen travel insurance products..

Key Features of SBI General International Travel Insurance

1. Competitive Premiums: SBI General Insurance provides international travel insurance plans with premiums determined by variables including age, trip duration, destination, and the selected sum insured. For example, the cost of a single trip may be as low as ₹552, based on these factors.

2. Extensive Medical Coverage: This policy offers coverage amounts up to $500,000, to cover emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation in the event of death.

3. Streamlined Application Process: Applicants can secure coverage without required pre-policy medical evaluations, streamlining the process.

4. Robust Travel Assistance: The plan includes coverage for trip delays, lost passports, personal liability, and immediate cash advances in emergency situations.

5. Versatile Policy Options: Both single-trip and multi-trip plans are available, accommodating both infrequent and regular international travellers.

6. Global Applicability with Customizable Options: The plan provides worldwide coverage with the possibility of excluding the USA and Canada, offering flexibility based on destination.

7. Family Coverage Options: Family floater plans offer broader protection for families traveling together under one policy.

8. Round-the-Clock Support: 24/7 global assistance is available for assistance with critical illnesses, travel disruptions, and any unforeseen events.

Important Note: SBI General Insurance’s coverage extends to protect policyholders against losses from theft at their residential property while they are travelling internationally.

Exclusions Covered by SBI General International Travel Insurance

1. Pre-existing medical conditions, including any related complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth are excluded.

2. Incidents involving suicide, self-inflicted injuries, mental health disorders, and those stemming from substance abuse-related incidents are also ineligible.

3. Injuries incurred while participating in hazardous sports, undertaking physically demanding employment, or engaging in military operations are excluded.

4. Travel to areas designated as war-prone or participation in war activities under official governmental orders are not covered.

5. Exposure to radiation, nuclear contamination, and travel aboard unlicensed aircraft are ineligible.

6. Operating a vehicle without a valid license or failure to utilize requisite safety equipment are excluded.

4. Care Health Insurance Limited

Care Health Insurance Limited, previously established as Religare Health Insurance Company Limited, provides various insurance solutions including health, travel, and personal accident coverage. Specifically, their travel insurance plans are formulated to address the particular demands of individuals applying for a Schengen visa.

Important Details Regarding the Care Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Available Coverage Amounts: Policyholders can select between coverage amounts of €30,000 and €100,000 under the Explore Europe plan.

2. Policy Types: Care offers both single-trip and multi-trip annual policies, accommodating travel plans ranging from infrequent trips to repeated visits throughout the year.

3. Age Restrictions: Coverage is available for children as young as 1 day years old, and for adults up to the age of lifelong.

4. Comprehensive Medical Benefits: The policy includes coverage for emergency hospitalisation, prescribed medical treatments, and accidental injuries. This safeguards policyholders against unforeseen medical expenses.

5. Travel Disruptions Protection: Comprehensive coverage is available for incidents such as trip delays, cancellations, loss of luggage, or passport loss, providing a layer of security against common travel disruptions.

6. COVID-19 Medical Coverage: The policy covers financial expenses arising from medical treatment due to confirmed cases of COVID-19 incurred while travelling within Schengen countries.

7. Automatic Policy Renewal: In circumstances where travel is unexpectedly delayed due to hospitalisations occurring, substantial natural occurrences or even in the event of death, this covers until 7 days without accruing any additional charges.

8. Cashless Hospital Network: Care Health Insurance maintains a wide-reaching network of partnered hospitals geographically across Europe supporting swift cash-less claims processes following declared medical consultations or emergencies.

9. Care Health Digital Platform: The Care Health mobile application simplifies tasks such as managing the policy effectively, submitting claims for review and updates based on those findings, actively monitoring processing statuses for review and additionally utilizing digitally advanced methods of directly and reliably receiving accessible assistance through a system supported using technological digital formats.

Exclusions Under Care Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Expenses arising from substance abuse are not covered.

2. Injuries from suicide attempts or intentional harm are excluded.

3. No coverage for injuries caused by wars, terrorism, or nuclear threats.

4. High-risk adventure activities like stunts, adventure sports, and hazardous activities are not covered unless explicitly stated in the policy.

5. Routine or elective dental procedures are not covered unless for acute pain emergencies.

5. Tata-AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Tata AIG General Insurance is a well-established insurer providing Schengen travel insurance plans. These plans are specifically crafted for Indian applicants intending to apply for visas, offering comprehensive coverage and ensuring financial protection during international travel.

Key Features of Tata AIG Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Affordable cost: The travel insurance plan is available at a budget-friendly rate, starting at ₹24.8 per day, making it one of the most cost-effective travel insurance options for Schengen travellers.

2. Options available (Silver, Platinum, and Titanium): You can choose from three tailored plans based on your coverage needs. The Silver Plan includes 19 benefits, covering essential travel risks. The Platinum Plan offers 24 benefits, including extending coverage for personal accidents in India, emergency dental treatment, and even the loss of an international driving license. The Titanium Plan provides the most comprehensive plan, with 32 benefits, including compensation for missed bookings, visa rejection, and rental vehicle coverage.

3. Customisable add-ons: Moreover, you can enhance any coverage with optional add-ons like adventure sports coverage, cruise insurance, and coma benefits upon request.

4. Medical coverage: The plan provides financial protection for unexpected illnesses, accidents, or fatalities during travel. It covers hospitalisations, OPD treatments, and emergency medical expenses up to $500,000, with no sub-limits on claims. Additionally, it includes repatriation costs in the event of death.

5. Travel cover: Tata AIG’s Schengen travel insurance safeguards against baggage delays, theft, loss, or misplacement during your travels. This plan also provides protection against trip disruptions such as flight cancellations, delays, lost passports, and trip curtailments, ensuring financial stability throughout your journey.

6. COVID-19 coverage: The plan includes medical expenses, trip cancellations, and refund protection in case you contract COVID-19 during your trip, safeguarding your health and finances.

7. Third-party liability: Tata AIG’s travel insurance also covers legal liabilities arising from accidental damage or injury caused to a third party while travelling.

8. Automatic policy extensions: In case of flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events requiring an extended stay, the policy automatically extends to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

Exclusions Covered by Tata AIG Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Elective or cosmetic surgeries are excluded unless specifically necessitated by a covered accident.

2. Pre-existing medical conditions, mental disorders, or sexually transmitted diseases are excluded.

3. Losses arising from war, terrorism, or civil unrest are not covered.

4. Injuries sustained during adventure sports, such as scuba diving, paragliding, or bungee jumping, are excluded.

5. Travel undertaken without a valid Schengen visa, or exceeding the authorized visa validity period, is excluded.

6. Losses resulting from self-inflicted injuries, suicide attempts, or criminal acts are not covered.

7. Injuries occurring while under the influence of alcohol or drugs are excluded.

6. GO Digit General Insurance Ltd.

GO Digit General Insurance presents Schengen travel insurance options for Indian travelers, characterized by competitive pricing and simplified procedures. This company provides coverage backed by an alliance with Allianz, offering 24/7 global support to assure Indian travellers comprehensive assistance throughout their international journeys.

Key Features of GO Digit Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Affordable plans: A $50,000 Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Plan for one adult for four days starts at just ₹515 (excluding GST), making it a cost-effective option for short-term travellers. Moreover, getting the policy is a 100% digital and paperless process.

2. Medical emergencies and evacuation: The GO Digit insurance policy covers hospitalisation, medical treatment, and emergency evacuations due to sudden illness or injuries during travel.

3. Travel coverage: If a flight delay occurs, monetary compensation is provided per the policy terms. Reimbursement and financial assistance for stolen or lost baggage, including coverage for baggage delay (excluding customs delays) and loss of passport, visa, or driving license, are also covered.

4. Adventure sports coverage: Includes protection for one-day adventure activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping, and skydiving, provided they are undertaken recreationally and under professional supervision.

5. Hijack distress allowance: Compensation for every day of hijacking if the trip is interrupted due to a hijacked common carrier.

6. Missed-call facility for quick assistance: No need for international calling; just give a missed call, and Digit will call back within 10 minutes for claim support.

7. Worldwide assistance with Allianz support: 24/7 global assistance ensures help in case of medical or travel-related emergencies anywhere in the world.

Key Exclusions for GO Digit Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Coverage is specifically excluded for pre-existing medical conditions and travel undertaken against professional medical advice.

2. Claims resulting from adventure sports exceeding one day in duration (including multi-day treks and professional extreme sports activities) will not be honored.

3. Flight delay claims are ineligible if the airline provides passengers with a minimum of six hours’ advance notification of the delay.

4. Delays related to customs or baggage handling are excluded from any compensation offered.

5. Missed connections that occur due to layover times that deviate from airline-defined regulations are ineligible for reimbursement.

6. Trip extensions procured solely due to childbirth-related circumstances are not included within the scope of coverage.

7. Trip cancellations stemming from a visa rejection outcome are specifically excluded.

Conclusion

It is important to understand that travel insurance is not mandatory, but selecting a policy compliant with the specified regulations is crucial. Although several insurers listed above fulfill Schengen visa requirements, the optimal selection hinges on individual travel preferences, financial constraints, and particular needs. Cost-sensitive travelers might find GO Digit or SBI General suitable due to their competitive pricing, whereas individuals prioritizing extensive medical coverage could examine options offered by ICICI Lombard or HDFC ERGO. A thorough evaluation of these parameters will enable you to identify a suitable insurance product ensuring reassurance throughout your exploration of the Schengen region, and minimizing potential concerns related to your trip.