How to Get Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India. Applying for a Schengen visa from India requires meticulous preparation, and one of the most crucial documents is Schengen travel insurance. Without it, your visa application will not even be considered.

Travel insurance is more than a mandatory requirement—it offers financial security, peace of mind, and comprehensive coverage for unforeseen events.

In this guide, we provide a detailed roadmap on how Indian travelers can get travel insurance for a Schengen visa, what to look for in a policy, and practical tips to ensure compliance with Schengen requirements.

How to Get Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

Why Travel Insurance is Mandatory for a Schengen Visa

The Schengen Agreement stipulates that every visa applicant must present proof of valid travel insurance. The policy must meet specific standards to guarantee protection during your stay in the Schengen Area. The main reasons are:

• Medical emergencies: Covers sudden illness or accident while abroad.
• Repatriation costs: Ensures expenses for medical evacuation or return to India are taken care of.
• Peace of mind for authorities: Confirms that visitors will not burden the public health system.

This requirement is non-negotiable, and applications without valid travel insurance are immediately rejected.

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Schengen Travel Insurance Requirements for Indian Applicants

Before buying travel insurance, ensure that it meets the Schengen visa rules. According to the European Union guidelines, the insurance policy must:

1. Minimum coverage: €30,000 (approx. INR 27 lakhs).
2. Coverage area: Valid across all 27 Schengen countries.
3. Validity: Must cover the entire duration of your stay.
4. Medical coverage: Includes emergency hospitalization, urgent medical care, and repatriation.

Failure to meet these conditions will lead to visa denial, so double-check the policy certificate.

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Best Travel Insurance Providers in India for Schengen Visa

Several reputed insurance companies in India offer policies that comply with Schengen visa requirements. The most popular options include:

• TATA AIG Travel Insurance – Known for fast claim settlement and extensive medical coverage.
• ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance – Offers flexible plans and easy online purchase.
• HDFC ERGO International Travel Insurance – Comprehensive plans with 24/7 worldwide assistance.
• Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance – Budget-friendly with cashless claim options in Europe.
• Religare Care Travel Insurance – Wide coverage including loss of passport, baggage, and medical emergencies.

Each of these providers issues a visa-compliant insurance certificate, which you must submit with your application.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Buy Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

1. Compare Different Policies

Start by comparing different travel insurance providers in India. Look for coverage amount, premium cost, exclusions, and add-ons. Several online comparison portals make this process quick and transparent.

2. Verify Schengen Compliance

Check whether the policy certificate clearly states that it meets the Schengen visa requirements, including minimum coverage and validity across all Schengen countries.

3. Choose the Coverage Duration

The insurance must cover your entire travel duration, starting from your departure date from India until the day you return. It’s advisable to add a buffer of a few days in case of flight delays.

4. Purchase Online or Offline

Most insurers allow instant online purchase. You simply need to enter your travel dates, destination, and personal details. Payment can be made through debit/credit cards or net banking. For offline purchase, visit the insurer’s branch office.

5. Download the Insurance Certificate

After successful purchase, download the visa insurance certificate (PDF). Print multiple copies, as one will be attached to your visa file.

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Documents Required to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance in India

The process is straightforward, and you only need basic details:

• Passport details (number, validity, issue date).
• Travel itinerary (departure and return dates).
• Schengen visa application number (in some cases).
• Personal details (age, address, contact).

Unlike medical insurance in India, no health check-up is required for travel insurance unless you have pre-existing serious medical conditions.

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Average Cost of Schengen Travel Insurance in India

The cost of Schengen visa insurance from India depends on:

• Duration of travel.
• Traveler’s age.
• Type of coverage (basic vs. comprehensive).

On average:

• 7–10 days trip: ₹500 – ₹1,200 per traveler.
• 15–30 days trip: ₹1,200 – ₹2,500.
• 90 days trip: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000.

Senior citizens may have slightly higher premiums due to increased medical risks.

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Tips to Choose the Best Schengen Travel Insurance

1. Check coverage details carefully – Don’t just look at the price, review inclusions like emergency evacuation, dental care, and loss of baggage.
2. Look for cashless hospitalization – This ensures you don’t have to pay upfront in Europe.
3. Read exclusions – Many policies don’t cover pre-existing diseases, adventure sports, or self-inflicted injuries.
4. Consider family/group insurance – If traveling with family, one group policy is more economical.
5. Emergency assistance availability – Ensure the insurer offers 24/7 multilingual assistance in Europe.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Schengen Travel Insurance

• Purchasing non-Schengen compliant policies – Leads to immediate rejection.
• Underestimating travel duration – Always cover extra days beyond your planned return.
• Ignoring pre-existing conditions – Not disclosing them may void claims.
• Relying on credit card insurance alone – Some cards offer travel coverage, but they often fail to meet Schengen requirements.

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How to Submit Travel Insurance with Your Schengen Visa Application

When applying at the VFS Global center or the relevant embassy in India, attach the insurance certificate along with your application form. Make sure:

• The policy is valid for the entire stay.
• The name on the insurance matches your passport.
• The certificate is printed on the insurer’s letterhead with policy number and coverage details.

Embassies are very strict, so double-check before submission.

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Claim Process for Schengen Travel Insurance

In case of emergencies during your trip, follow these steps:

1. Call the insurer’s helpline immediately (available 24/7).
2. Provide your policy number and location.
3. The insurer will guide you to the nearest network hospital or assist in direct payment.
4. For reimbursement claims (like lost baggage), submit receipts and incident reports.

The claim settlement process for reputed Indian insurers is generally smooth and quick.

Additional Benefits of Schengen Travel Insurance for Indian Travelers

While the primary purpose of Schengen travel insurance is to meet visa requirements, the benefits go far beyond paperwork. Indian travelers often underestimate how useful these policies can be during emergencies abroad. Some added advantages include:

• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage – If your trip gets canceled due to illness, sudden emergencies, or airline strikes, the insurance can reimburse non-refundable expenses.
• Loss of passport coverage – Replacing a lost passport in Europe can be costly and stressful. Insurance covers administrative costs for reissuance.
• Missed connection coverage – If your connecting flight is delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, some policies cover additional accommodation and transport costs.
• Baggage delay protection – If your luggage is delayed for more than 12–24 hours, the policy may reimburse you for essentials like clothing and toiletries.

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How Long Should Your Schengen Travel Insurance Last?

One of the most common questions Indian applicants ask is: How many days should my travel insurance cover? The answer is simple—from the date you leave India until the day you return. However, embassies recommend adding at least 2–3 extra days to cover possible flight delays or cancellations.

For instance, if you plan to travel from 15th June to 25th June, purchase insurance from 14th June to 27th June to stay on the safe side.

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Travel Insurance for Long-Term Schengen Visas

If you’re applying for a long-term Schengen visa (e.g., multiple-entry visa for 6 months or 1 year), you must show insurance coverage for at least your first trip. Some embassies may also ask for proof of renewable insurance coverage for subsequent visits.

In such cases, choose an insurer that allows easy extension or renewal of the travel policy without additional documentation.

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Can You Use Indian Health Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Most Indian health insurance policies are not valid internationally unless they include a global coverage rider. Even then, they may not comply with Schengen-specific rules such as €30,000 minimum coverage and repatriation benefits.

To avoid rejection, always purchase a separate travel insurance policy from an approved Indian insurer offering Schengen-compliant plans.

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Schengen Travel Insurance for Students from India

Indian students applying for a Schengen student visa (for courses, internships, or exchange programs) often need extended coverage. Many universities in Germany, France, Italy, or Spain demand proof of insurance for the entire duration of studies.

In such cases, consider long-term student travel insurance plans that provide:

• Comprehensive medical coverage.
• Coverage for study interruption.
• Reimbursement for tuition fees in case of emergencies.
• Liability coverage (required by some European universities).

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Is Online Travel Insurance Accepted for Schengen Visa?

Yes, online travel insurance is fully accepted as long as:

• The policy is issued by a recognized insurer.
• The certificate clearly mentions coverage amount, validity, and Schengen compliance.
• You attach a downloaded and printed PDF certificate with your application.

The embassy or VFS Global center does not require original hard copies mailed from the insurer, which makes online purchase the fastest and most convenient option.

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What Happens if You Travel Without Insurance in Schengen Area?

Even if you somehow manage to enter Europe without valid insurance (e.g., on a multiple-entry visa), you expose yourself to significant risks:

• Medical bills in Europe can be extremely high (e.g., one day of hospitalization in Germany may cost €1,000 or more).
• Without repatriation coverage, you may have to bear heavy expenses in case of medical evacuation back to India.
• Authorities may fine you or even cancel your visa if they discover non-compliance.

Therefore, having valid insurance is not just a formality—it is your financial shield abroad.

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Travel Insurance Extensions and Cancellations

Life is unpredictable, and travel plans often change. Here’s what you should know:

• Extension: If you decide to stay longer in Europe, most insurers allow extension of your travel insurance before the policy expires.
• Cancellation: If your visa application is rejected, insurers typically refund the premium after deducting a small administrative fee, provided you submit proof of rejection.

Always check your insurer’s refund and extension policies before purchase.

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Final Checklist Before Submitting Travel Insurance with Your Schengen Visa Application

Before you hand over your application at the VFS Global center or the respective embassy, ensure that:

1. The insurance certificate is printed and signed (digital copy accepted if issued online).
2. The coverage amount is at least €30,000.
3. The policy is valid in all 27 Schengen countries.
4. The dates match your travel itinerary, including extra buffer days.
5. Your name and passport number are correctly mentioned.

This simple checklist can save you from unnecessary visa rejection.

Getting Schengen travel insurance from India is not just a visa formality—it is your safeguard against unexpected medical and travel expenses in Europe. By choosing a reliable insurance provider, ensuring full compliance, and covering your complete travel duration, you can secure your visa approval and enjoy a stress-free journey.