Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Guide: Everything You Need to Know

 

In this blog, I’ll discuss some crucial facets of the problems with travel insurance for the Schengen region. This blog was made with the most typical inquiries about travel insurance for the Schengen region from our clients.

Why Should You Buy Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

 

If you are travelling to Schengen area in Europe, it is important to have travel insurance as it can protect you from unexpected costs that may arise during your trip. For instance, you may need medical care if you fall sick or get hurt, your trip may get cancelled, your luggage may go missing, or you may have to return to your home country urgently. Travel insurance pays for these expenses, so you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars out of your pocket.

  

What Type Of Travel Insurance Should You Get For A Schengen Visa Application?

 

Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Schengen visa. This insurance is intended to provide coverage for any unforeseen medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation during your stay in the Schengen area. The European Union requires that all visitors to the Schengen area have sufficient travel insurance coverage to ensure that they are not a burden on the local healthcare system. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,000 and be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.

 

The insurance should explicitly meet these requirements:

• Coverage of at least EUR 30,000.
• Be valid in all 26 Schengen States: 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, Switzerland.
• Cover medical emergency expenses and anything connected with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent health attention, and/or emergency hospital treatment or death.
• For those hoping to get a longer-term Schengen visa, it is advisable to provide travel insurance that lasts the whole year as per the EU directive.

 

Is Europe and Schengen Travel Insurance the Same?

No, Europe and Schengen travel insurance are not the same. Europe travel insurance covers travelers for up to 180 days in all European countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania. Schengen travel insurance is mandatory for travelers applying for a Schengen visa, which allows them to enter and move freely within the countries that make up the Schengen Area.

 

Where Can You Buy Schengen Travel Insurance?

To purchase travel insurance for Schengen, the quickest and most cost-effective method is to use an established online travel insurance provider such as Europ Assistance or MondialCare. Alternatively, you can visit a local travel insurance agency in person to purchase coverage. Another option is to utilize an insurance comparison website such as www.vti.travel, which allows you to easily compare prices and coverage options from providers such as AXA, Allianz, and Mutuaide before making a decision.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Travel Insurance?

You are usually required to present proof of travel insurance when applying for a Schengen visa. The insurance certificate should show that you have adequate coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, emergency medical repatriation, and repatriation of remains in case of death. The insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Portugal and the Schengen area. You should submit the insurance certificate along with your other visa application documents to the visa officer. The failure to provide proof of travel insurance may result in your visa application being rejected.

In case of an emergency, you should contact the insurance company immediately and provide them with all necessary documentation, such as medical reports or police reports. The insurance company will assess the claim and provide reimbursement for covered expenses.

How Does Schengen Travel Insurance Work?

Portugal travel insurance works by providing coverage in various situations, as illustrated in the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: If you experience a medical emergency while sightseeing in Portugal, you can either pay the medical fees yourself and keep the invoices to make a claim with your travel insurance provider for reimbursement, or show your insurance card to the clinic/hospital, if they accept billing insurers directly.

Scenario 2: If your layover flight is delayed for 24 hours due to bad weather, your travel insurance policy’s ‘flight delay’ coverage can reimburse you for expenses incurred during the delay, such as food, transportation, and accommodation.

Scenario 3: If an unexpected situation requires you to cut your trip to Portugal short, leaving unused reservations, you can make a claim with your travel insurance provider upon returning home, providing receipts and booking confirmations to receive a refund.

In all cases, the coverage provided by your Portugal travel insurance policy depends on the conditions specified in your policy.

Making a Travel Insurance Claim: Steps to follow

To file a travel insurance claim, you should first contact your travel insurance provider and follow their specific claims process. It typically involves completing a claim form and providing all necessary documentation, such as receipts and invoices. Keeping track of these documents is crucial, as they are essential for submitting a successful claim. It’s important to note that each insurance company has its own claims procedure, so it’s best to consult with your provider for specific instructions.

Common Reasons for Travel Insurance Claims

Some of the most common reasons for travel insurance claims are:

• Lost or stolen luggage or personal items: This can happen due to mishandling by airlines, mistaken identity by other travelers or deliberate theft by criminals. To avoid this, travelers should label their luggage clearly, use distinctive features to identify their bags, collect their luggage promptly and report any loss or theft immediately to the authorities and the insurer.
• Cancelled flights and delays: This can happen due to bad weather, mechanical problems, strikes or other unforeseen circumstances. To avoid this, travelers should check their flight status regularly, contact their travel provider or airline for assistance or compensation and keep receipts of any extra expenses incurred due to the delay or cancellation.
• Lost or stolen money and cards: This can happen due to carelessness, pickpocketing or fraud. To avoid this, travelers should keep their money and cards in a secure place, use a money belt or a hidden pouch, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, notify their bank of their travel plans and report any loss or theft immediately to the authorities and the insurer.
• Illness or injury: This can happen due to accidents, food poisoning, infections or pre-existing conditions. To avoid this, travelers should take precautions such as getting vaccinated, avoiding risky activities, following hygiene and safety guidelines and carrying a first-aid kit. They should also seek medical attention as soon as possible and keep all medical records and bills for insurance purposes.

These are some of the most common reasons for travel insurance claims. However, there may be other situations that are covered by your policy depending on the type and level of cover you have chosen. Therefore, it is important to read your policy document carefully and understand what is covered and what is not before you travel.

Key Things to Consider Before You Buy

Here are some important things you need to consider before you purchase your travel insurance policy for your trip to Schengen;

• Consider the coverage level, especially medical coverage, and make sure it covers all the countries you’ll be visiting.
• Compare policies from insurance comparison marketplaces or brokers to find the best coverage and price for your needs.
• Look for additional benefits that may be necessary for your trip, such as coverage for dangerous activities.
• Make sure the policy covers the entire length of your trip, as some companies may not allow extensions after the maximum length has passed.
• Research the provider carefully to ensure they are reputable and have 24/7 emergency assistance.
• Watch out for common pitfalls, such as assuming all policies are the same or missing deadlines for purchasing.
• Pay attention to the inclusion and exclusion list for each benefit.

 

Can You Extend Your Travel Insurance Coverage While in Europe?

You may be able to extend your travel insurance coverage, but you need to check with your provider and pay extra. If not, you may have to buy a new policy from another provider. Make sure your insurance covers your whole trip and destinations.

 

We hope that this blog has provided you with valuable information and insights into the different aspects of travel insurance for Schengen area.

If you need more detailed information or professional advice on EU immigration and residence permit applications, please feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you navigate the complex process and find the best solution for your needs.