Schengen Visa and Travel Insurance: What Every Indian Traveler Must Know

Rohit Lokhande
3 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

*Indian traveler preparing for Europe trip with Schengen visa documents and travel insurance papers on a table*

Summary

Planning a trip to Europe? If you’re applying for a Schengen visa, travel insurance is not optional—it’s mandatory. With strict coverage requirements, many Indian travelers are often confused about what kind of insurance to buy. This guide explains everything you must know about Schengen visa travel insurance, including eligibility, coverage, and practical tips to avoid rejection.

What is the Schengen Visa?
Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?
Minimum Requirements for Schengen Visa Insurance
What Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cover?
Common Mistakes Indian Travelers Make
How to Choose the Right Policy
Travel Insurance and Schengen Visa in the Indian Context
FAQs

What is the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen visa allows travelers to visit 29 European countries under a single visa. Indian travelers can move freely between Schengen states without separate visas, making it ideal for tourism, business, or family visits.

Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?

European regulations require all Schengen visa applicants to have valid travel insurance. This ensures that travelers are financially protected in case of medical emergencies, accidents, or repatriation. Without proof of insurance, your visa application may be rejected.

Minimum Requirements for Schengen Visa Insurance

According to official guidelines, your travel insurance must:

Provide minimum coverage of €30,000 (approx. ₹27–30 lakhs)
Be valid in all 29 Schengen countries
Cover the entire duration of your stay
Include coverage for medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation

What Does Schengen Travel Insurance Cover?

Medical emergencies (hospitalization, surgeries, or evacuation)
Accidental death or disability
Emergency medical repatriation to India
Trip cancellations or curtailments (depending on plan)
Lost baggage or delayed baggage
Personal liability in case of accidental injury/damage abroad

Common Mistakes Indian Travelers Make

Buying cheap policies with limited coverage – These may not meet visa requirements.
Not checking validity across all Schengen states – Some policies cover only specific countries.
Purchasing insurance for partial trip duration – Visa officers require full coverage.
Ignoring exclusions – Adventure sports and pre-existing conditions are often excluded.
Buying insurance last minute – A rushed choice may lead to errors or rejection.

How to Choose the Right Policy

Confirm Schengen compliance – Ensure the policy explicitly mentions coverage for Schengen visa requirements.
Check insurer recognition – Choose insurers widely accepted by European embassies.
Go for adequate medical coverage – Do not settle for the bare minimum if traveling with family or seniors.
Look for cashless networks abroad – Useful for emergencies.
Buy early – Purchase insurance as soon as you apply for your visa.

Travel Insurance and Schengen Visa in the Indian Context

Indian insurers like Tata AIG, ICICI Lombard, Bajaj Allianz, and HDFC Ergo offer Schengen-compliant policies.
Many Indian travel agencies and visa consultants assist in arranging mandatory insurance along with documentation.
Premiums are relatively affordable, starting around ₹500–₹1,000 per week of coverage, depending on age and trip duration.
For frequent travelers, multi-trip Schengen insurance plans are also available.