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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements from India – Complete Guide

Traveling to Europe is a dream for many Indians – whether it’s admiring the Eiffel Tower in Paris, exploring the Swiss Alps, enjoying Italian cuisine, or experiencing German culture. But before you can pack your bags, there’s one mandatory requirement for your Schengen Visa: Travel Insurance.

Without proper Schengen visa insurance, your application may get rejected. That’s why choosing the right insurance plan is just as important as preparing your documents.

In this detailed blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Schengen Visa Travel Insurance from India in 2025 – requirements, coverage, cost, providers, buying process, tips to avoid rejection, FAQs, and more.

🛂 What is Schengen Visa Insurance?

Schengen Visa Insurance is a mandatory travel health insurance that covers you during your stay in the Schengen Area. It protects you financially in case of:

• Medical emergencies

• Accidents or injuries

• Hospitalization

• Emergency evacuation or repatriation

• Death & funeral expenses abroad

⚠️ Important: Your insurance must cover you in all 29 Schengen countries, not just the one you’re visiting.

✅ Why is Schengen Insurance Mandatory?

Schengen authorities want to make sure visitors can handle unexpected expenses. Healthcare in Europe is expensive – even a small hospital visit can cost hundreds of euros.

So, before granting a visa, embassies require proof that you are financially protected through insurance.

📋 Schengen Visa Insurance Requirements (2025)

Your insurance policy must meet all embassy requirements:

1. Minimum Coverage: €30,000 (approx. ₹27–30 lakhs)

2. Valid in All Schengen States: 29 countries included

3. Covers Entire Stay: From entry to exit dates

4. Medical Expenses Covered: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, accidents

5. Repatriation Coverage: Cost of returning to India in case of death/medical emergency

6. Zero Deductible: No hidden costs before coverage starts

7. Embassy-Approved Certificate: Must provide a letter/certificate in English

💡 Tip: Always carry a printed insurance certificate along with your visa application.

🌍 Schengen Countries (2025 – 29 Countries)

Your insurance must cover all 29 Schengen countries, which include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

💰 Cost of Schengen Visa Insurance from India (2025)

The cost depends on your age, trip duration, and coverage.

• Short trip (7–15 days): ₹500–₹1,500

• 1 month trip: ₹1,200–₹2,500

• 3 months trip: ₹2,500–₹5,000

• Annual multi-trip plan: ₹8,000–₹15,000

👉 Students and senior citizens may have slightly higher premiums.

🏥 Best Insurance Providers in India for Schengen Visa (2025)

Here are the top companies offering Schengen-compliant travel insurance from India:

1. TATA AIG Travel Insurance

• Quick online purchase

• Wide hospital network

• Zero deductible plans available

  🔗 TATA AIG Official Site

2. HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance

• Embassy-approved certificate

• 24/7 global assistance

• Covers adventure sports (with add-ons)

  🔗 HDFC ERGO

3. ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance

• Cashless hospitalization in Europe

• Covers lost passport/baggage

• Easy claim settlement process

  🔗 ICICI Lombard

4. Reliance Travel Insurance

• Affordable premiums for Schengen trips

• Medical + baggage cover

• 24/7 support helpline

  🔗 Reliance Insurance

5. Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance

• Flexible plans

• Quick claim settlement

• Ideal for families & groups

  🔗 Bajaj Allianz

6. Allianz Travel Insurance

• One of the largest global providers

• Strong claim settlement support

  🔗 Allianz Travel

📑 How to Buy Schengen Visa Insurance from India

Buying insurance is easy and fully online. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a Provider – Compare premiums, benefits, coverage.

2. Visit Official Website – e.g., TATA AIG, HDFC ERGO.

3. Enter Details – Name, passport number, travel dates, destination.

4. Select Plan – Short stay or multi-trip plan.

5. Make Payment – Pay online via debit/credit card/UPI.

6. Download Certificate – Embassy-approved PDF instantly emailed.

💡 Always print 2 copies: one for visa file, one to carry during travel.

🔄 Single-Trip vs. Multi-Trip Insurance

• Single-Trip Insurance → Covers one trip for specific dates. Best for one-time vacations.

• Multi-Trip Insurance → Covers unlimited trips within a year. Ideal for business travelers & frequent flyers.

👵 Schengen Insurance for Senior Citizens

For travelers aged 60+ years, insurance is mandatory with higher premiums. Some companies may require medical check-ups before issuing.

💡 Pro Tip: Compare special senior citizen travel plans by Bajaj Allianz or ICICI Lombard.

🎓 Schengen Insurance for Students

If you are applying for a student visa, insurance is also required. Some universities offer packages, but you can also buy from India at lower rates.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying insurance that covers only one Schengen country (must be for all 29).

• Submitting policy with less than €30,000 coverage.

• Forgetting to cover entire duration of stay.

• Submitting a non-English certificate (embassy won’t accept).

Read More: Common Mistakes to Avoid in Schengen Visa Application

📅 When to Buy Insurance?

• Buy before applying for your visa.

• Start date = entry into Schengen country.

• End date = departure from Schengen area.

💡 Always match travel dates in insurance, flight booking, and hotel reservation.

📊 Comparison Table – Popular Schengen Insurance Providers (India)

❓ FAQs – Schengen Visa Insurance from India

Q1. Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen Visa?

👉 Yes. Without insurance, your application will be rejected.

Q2. What is the minimum coverage required?

👉 €30,000 (around ₹27–30 lakhs).

Q3. Can I buy insurance online in India?

👉 Yes. All major providers allow online purchase with instant certificate.

Q4. Do I need insurance for children too?

👉 Yes, every applicant (including minors) must have coverage.

Q5. Which is the cheapest Schengen travel insurance from India?

👉 Reliance and TATA AIG often have budget plans starting from ₹500–₹700 for short trips.

Q6. Can I cancel my insurance if my visa is rejected?

👉 Yes. Most providers refund your premium (except admin fees).