Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa From India

From Italy to France to the Netherlands, the Schengen region includes 29 beautiful and diverse European countries you can explore. If you’re planning to visit any of these Schengen countries, travel insurance for a Schengen visa is not just a recommendation. It is mandatory. In this guide, you will discover why travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa is important. You will also learn what to look for in a policy and how to choose one that fits your trip and budget.

From Italy to France to the Netherlands, the Schengen region includes 29 beautiful and diverse European countries you can explore. If you’re planning to visit any of these Schengen countries, travel insurance for a Schengen visa...
From Italy to France to the Netherlands, the Schengen region includes 29 beautiful...
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What is Schengen Travel Insurance?

To apply for a Schengen visa, you need a travel insurance plan that meets Schengen-specific requirements, often referred to as Schengen travel insurance. This policy covers expenses such as emergency medical care, hospital stays, and travel-related issues, including lost baggage or delays while visiting any of the 29 countries in the Schengen Area.

If you are an Indian passport holder, Schengen travel insurance is one of the main documents needed to get your visa approved. Your travel policy must provide coverage of at least €30,000 and be valid across all Schengen countries.

List of Schengen Countries You Can Visit with a Schengen Visa

Remember that the Schengen Area currently includes 29 countries: 25 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. When you buy travel medical insurance for a Schengen visa, your insurance must cover all these countries.

Let’s take a look at the complete list of the 29 Schengen countries, arranged in alphabetical order for your reference.

AustriaLiechtensteinBelgiumLithuaniaBulgariaLuxembourg
CroatiaMaltaCzech RepublicNetherlandsDenmarkNorway
EstoniaPolandFinlandPortugalFranceRomania
GermanySlovakiaGreeceSloveniaHungarySpain
IcelandSwedenItalySwitzerlandLatvia-

Why Schengen Travel Medical Insurance is Important

It’s true that having a travel insurance plan is a mandatory requirement for getting your Schengen visa approved. But buying the best travel insurance for Schengen visa is not just about fulfilling a visa condition. It’s an important step to protect yourself from unexpected medical or travel emergencies while you're abroad. Here’s why it truly matters:

1. Mandatory for Visa Approval: Visa officials won’t approve your Schengen visa without it. The €30,000 minimum coverage across all 29 Schengen countries is a must.

2. Avoid Unexpected Financial Hits: From a minor accident or sudden illness, your hospital bills in Europe can easily run into tens of thousands of euros. A travel insurance policy can cover emergency care, hospital stays and treatment.

3. Go Beyond Health: It's not just about healthcare. Your plan also protects against trip cancellations, lost baggage or passport, flight delays, and more, the kind of unexpected situations that can make a great trip stressful.

Key Benefits of Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa

These are some of the biggest benefits of having travel medical insurance for your Schengen visa.

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  • Covers Medical Emergencies: Pays for hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency treatments while you're in Europe. This means your travel medical insurance for your Schengen visa protects you against medical emergencies throughout the Schengen Zone.

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  • Protection Against Unexpected Travel Issues: This policy includes coverage for flight delays, lost or delayed baggage support, and even help in case of passport loss.

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  • Personal Liability Cover: The policy covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad.

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  • One Policy for All 29 Countries: The policy is valid across all Schengen nations, so there is no need for separate insurance.

Types of Schengen Travel Insurance

Depending on how often you plan to travel to the Schengen area and the purpose of your visit, you can choose from the following types of Schengen travel insurance.  These are a type of International Travel Insurance specifically designed to meet Schengen visa requirements.

Single Trip Schengen Travel Insurance

It is ideal for travellers who are visiting the Schengen area just once. This could be for tourism, business, or a short stay.

Multiple Trips Schengen Travel Insurance

Also known as multi-trip insurance, it is best suited for frequent travellers who visit Schengen countries several times a year.

Buying the right travel insurance for a Schengen visa ensures that you won’t have to purchase it again and again.

Documents Required For Schengen Travel

Whether you're planning a short trip or multiple entries into the Schengen Zone, here are some of the key documents you’ll need:

  • Passport details of all travellers
  • Government-issued ID proof
  • Travel dates and destination(s)
  • KYC documents (as required by insurer)
  • Duly filled and signed visa application form
  • Valid passport 
  • Two recent passport-sized photos (as per Schengen photo guidelines)
  • Visa fee payment
  • Schengen travel insurance with minimum €30,000 (approx. ₹28,00,000) coverage
  • Proof of travel plans: flight tickets, hotel bookings, invitation letter (if any), travel itinerary
  • Proof of financial means: bank statements, salary slips, etc.
    Supporting documents: employment proof, academic records, or business registration
  • Government-issued ID proof
  • Copy of passport (with visa and travel stamps)
  • Travel insurance policy document
  • Duly filled claim form
  • Police report or FIR (for criminal cases or theft)
  • Original bills/receipts (for medical treatment, trip cancellations, etc.)

Disclaimer: Insurance policies may include exclusions, limitations, and specific conditions. It’s always wise to read the policy documents before purchasing or making a claim.

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Why Buy ACKO Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

ACKO is here to make your Schengen travel insurance journey smooth, secure, and cost-effective. Here's why ACKO’s Schengen visa-compliant travel insurance plans are the ideal choice for Indian travellers:

Accepted by All 29 Schengen Countries

ACKO’s policy is compliant with visa guidelines and is accepted by embassies of all Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and more.

COVID-19 Hospitalisation Coverage

All our travel insurance for Schengen visa plans includes COVID-19-related medical expenses, so you’re covered in case of illness abroad.

Paperless & Instant Policy

You can buy your Schengen travel insurance entirely online within minutes. The digital certificate is sent instantly to your email and is valid for visa submission.

Affordable Premiums

ACKO's travel insurance starts at just ₹49 for a 5-day policy (around ₹10*/day), making it extremely affordable for all types of travellers.

Key Features & Benefits: ACKO Schengen Travel Insurance Plan

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Accidental and Medical Benefits

Our travel insurance plan includes financial coverage for potential medical emergencies, including COVID-19.

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Trip Rescheduling/Cancellation

Provide coverage for cases where you must cancel or reschedule per the policy terms.

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Coverage at Affordable Prices

We provide basic travel plans for only Rs. 49 for a five-day term, equivalent to approximately Rs. 10* per travel day.

Let's see how Schengen Travel Insurance helped Varun and Meera during their trip to Schengen

Varun and Meera were finally going on their long-awaited trip to Europe. They had saved money for years and planned their trip for months. But things went badly when the hotel reservation was cancelled without warning.

After this scary event, Varun called ACKO's helpline right away and gave a full account of what had happened. Right away, ACKO refunded them for the costs they had to pay because the reservation didn't go through, which let them book another hotel room.

Varun said as he thought back on the event. "I was angry when we had trouble with our hotel on the first day of our trip. The hotel didn't do anything to help. ACKO was there for us. Thank you, ACKO, for helping us during those hard times."

 What's Covered and What's Not Covered in ACKO’s Schengen Travel Insurance?
 

Your Schengen travel insurance through ACKO provides coverage for:

  • Return of a minor child to the city of residence in case of the insured person's hospitalisation
  • Family member’s compassionate visit in case of the insured person’s hospitalisation
  • Monetary loss for transportation, including medical care, for the insured person during the travel period
  • Compensation for flight delay or cancellation
  • Compensation for rescheduling
  • Compensation for misplacement or delay of the checked-in baggage
  • Compensation for total loss/partial loss of checked-in baggage
  • Unrecoverable costs related to the loss of a passport
  • Compensation in the event of a paid booking bouncing during travel

Your Schengen travel insurance through ACKO will provide coverage for these medical issues:

  • An accidental injury that requires hospitalisation or daycare
  • A medical emergency that requires hospitalisation or daycare
  • OPD medical expenses due to injuries or illnesses
  • Adventure sports-related injuries requiring hospitalisation
  • Permanent total disability/Permanent partial disability caused by an accident during the travel period
  • Accidental death of the insured person during the travel period
  • Coverage for transporting remains in case of death during travel due to injury or illness during the travel period
  • COVID-19 quarantine resulted in flight cancellation

Our policy will offer financial coverage in these legal situations:

  • Monetary loss brought on by an extended stay following an injury, illness, or hospitalisation

The following travel-related circumstances are not covered under your travel insurance for Schengen visa:

  • Entering a Schengen country without a valid visa
  • Staying beyond the permitted duration on your Schengen visa
  • If your sole reason for travel is to receive medical treatment
  • Travelling despite being declared medically unfit
  • Purchasing Schengen travel insurance after leaving India or if your trip doesn’t return to India

Your Schengen travel insurance will not provide coverage in these situations:

  • Loss, damage, or injury due to self-inflicted harm, suicide, etc
  • Loss, damage, or injury when you are under the influence of alcohol or some other intoxicating substance
  • ​​Loss, damage, or injury during a criminal act
  • Loss, damage, or injury during a hazardous activity

Some health-related situations are excluded from your Schengen travel insurance, such as:

  • Medical complications associated with pregnancy or pre-existing disease
  • If a close relative prepares the disability report used to substantiate a claim

*Note: The above information is not complete. For more accurate details, we suggest checking the appropriate policy wording.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa

When choosing travel insurance for your Schengen visa, keep these key factors in mind to ensure your policy meets visa requirements and protects you during your trip:

  • Meets Schengen visa travel insurance requirements: The policy must offer at least €30,000 in medical coverage.
  • Medical Emergency & Hospitalisation: Ensure it covers sudden illness, accidents, and emergency medical treatment.
  • Repatriation Coverage: The plan should include the repatriation of remains in case of death.
  • Validity Across Schengen Countries: Your policy should be valid in all 29 Schengen countries.
  • Trip Duration: The policy must cover your entire stay, from arrival to departure.
  • Number of Entries: Choose between single-trip or multi-trip insurance based on how often you plan to travel.
  • Visa Application Requirements: Ensure the insurer provides a certificate or proof of insurance to submit with your visa application.

Steps to Buy Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India

Buying the right travel insurance is essential, as it is a mandatory visa requirement. Here's how you can purchase it easily from India:

  • Step 1: Understand Visa Insurance Requirements
  • Step 2: Research Insurers
  • Step 3: Compare and select a plan
  • Step 4: Fill in Your Travel Details
  • Step 5: Based on your needs, add optional coverages, such as trip cancellation coverage and coverage for adventure sports (if applicable).
  • Step 6: Make the payment & download, and print the policy

Note: This is a generic process and may slightly differ depending on the insurer.

How to Get Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa from ACKO

To buy ACKO's Schengen visa travel insurance online, just follow these simple steps:

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Open the ACKO mobile application or visit the ACKO website.

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Log in to your account using your credentials, or create a new account if you don’t have one.

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Choose your destination - in this case, select Schengen.

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Specify your trip’s start and end dates.

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Pick the type of coverage you want. (You can also compare plans and view the recommended one based on the treatment costs of medical emergencies in Schengen.)

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Provide details about yourself and your fellow travellers, then proceed to make the payment.

An instant travel insurance policy will be generated and immediately sent to your email ID.

How do I claim Schengen Travel Insurance from ACKO?

Filing a claim with ACKO's travel insurance for Schengen visa is easy. Just follow these steps to make a claim: 

For Cashless Travel Medical Insurance for Schengen Visa:

  • Tell us where you are by emailing [email protected] or calling 01246174722.
  • We will send you an immediate list of hospitals in your area that do not require cash.
  • We will take care of paying the hospital bill while you keep getting care.

For Other Claims (e.g., baggage loss, flight delay, etc.):

  • Send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 01246174722.
  • We will review your invoice or bill as soon as it is received.
  • Your refund will be transferred directly to your bank account.

Types of Schengen Visas

The Schengen visa is divided into four categories or types - A, B, C, and D. To travel across the Schengen region, Indian citizens must apply for the correct type of Schengen visa and provide proof of valid travel insurance for Schengen visa. Here’s a breakdown of visa types:

If you are not a citizen of a Schengen country and have a connecting flight or need to transit through a Schengen airport, you can use a type A visa to do so. However, remember that you will not be permitted to enter the specific Schengen country.

Previously used for short trips (<5 days), this category has now been merged into Type C.

This is the most common Schengen visa issued. It allows travel for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Depending on the number of entries, it’s further divided into:

  • Single-entry visa: One-time entry; visa becomes void after exit
  • Double-entry visa: Two entries allowed within the validity
  • Multiple-entry visa: Unlimited entries for up to 90 days in a 180-day period

This visa is required for those planning to study, work, or stay in a Schengen country for over 90 days.

Reasons to apply for a Type D visa:

  • Higher education, internships, or research
  • Business or long-term work assignments
  • Family visits or relocation

Please note: A national visa must be applied for at the specific embassy of the country you wish to stay in.

Best Time to Visit Schengen Countries

The best time to visit Schengen countries depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Spring (March to May)Fewer crowds make it perfect for relaxed sightseeing and strolls through historic towns.
Summer (June to August)This is the peak tourist season. It is warm and sunny, perfect for coastal destinations like Italy, Spain, Greece, and southern France.
Winter (December to February)It is an ideal time for snow lovers. If you're planning winter sports, make sure your policy includes adventure coverage when you buy travel insurance for a Schengen visa.

Most Visited Destination in Schengen Countries

Each Schengen country has something unique to offer. Here are some of the most visited cities and regions across the zone:

Paris, FranceEiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Seine River cruises.
Rome, ItalyHome to the Colosseum, Vatican City, and timeless Roman history. 
Amsterdam, NetherlandsKnown for canals, Van Gogh Museum, and tulip gardens
Barcelona, SpainFamous for Gaudí architecture, beaches, and tapas culture. 
Zurich, SwitzerlandA gateway to the Alps and scenic train journeys.
Vienna, AustriaA cultural capital with historic palaces, classical music, and art. 
Prague, Czech RepublicMedieval charm, castles, and affordable travel. 

Customer Support Details

Email

Write to us at [email protected]

Phone

Call us on 1800 266 2256

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa

There are 29 countries in the Schengen Area.

Yes, travel insurance for Schengen visa is mandatory.

Everyone outside the Schengen area must get a Schengen travel insurance covering medical emergencies.

To find the most affordable Schengen travel insurance, compare policies online and customise based on your travel dates, trip type, and number of travellers.

You need Schengen travel medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, valid in all 29 Schengen countries.

No, Europe travel insurance and Schengen travel insurance aren’t exactly the same.

No. If you’re going to study in Europe, you’ll need a different insurance plan meant for students.

The cost varies based on your age, trip duration, and the insurer you choose. It's best to compare plans before buying.

Yes, if the countries are in the Schengen Area.

Disclaimer: The plans, services, features, processes, and other details mentioned on this page are subject to availability and changes. Please check the applicable policy wordings before making any insurance-related decisions. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] for any queries.

 

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Written by Namrata Saha Choudhury

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Reviewed by Lokesh Shetty Author info Icon

She travels with words, bringing places to life. Whether it’s hidden gems or dream destinations, she makes travel feel as exciting on paper as it is in reality. When not writing, you can find her gardening, writing verses, or lost in a Netflix series with a bowl of fruits—especially watermelon!

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