Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa from India in 2026: Types, Costs, & Process to Buy

Lakshmi

7 min read

Updated On Oct 10, 2025

Travel insurance for a Schengen Visa is a mandatory document for anyone applying to visit Schengen region countries in Europe. Your Schengen travel insurance must cover medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.

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What is Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?
Types of Schengen Travel Insurance
What is Covered Under a Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?
Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?
Eligibility Criteria for a Schengen Travel Insurance
How Much Does Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa Cost?
Best Insurance Providers for Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa 2026
How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance?
Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Claim Process
Safeguard Your Schengen Travel With Trusted Assistance From GetGIS

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa is a crucial document if you are planning to explore the beauty of Europe, which covers all the way from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the canals in Amsterdam. As an Indian traveller, you must ensure that the policy covers a minimum of EUR 30,000 for medical expenses and is valid throughout all Schengen countries.

In this article, we will explore in detail everything that you need to know about the Schengen travel insurance, including minimum requirements, coverage limits, and more, to help you understand how the travel insurance works during your trip.

What is Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

Travel insurance for a Schengen Visa is a mandatory document for anyone applying to visit Schengen region countries in Europe. Your chosen Schengen travel insurance must cover medical expenses, emergencies, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.

By meeting this requirement, you ensure that if, in case you face a medical emergency while you travel, you won't be burdened by heavy medical bills or hospitalisation costs.

Types of Schengen Travel Insurance

Depending on your travel purpose and duration, there are different types of travel insurance for a Schengen visa that you could choose from. These include:

Travel Insurance Type	Details
Single-Trip Travel Insurance	This travel insurance for a Schengen visa is suitable for tourists and short-term visitors. This insurance type covers one specific trip to the Schengen Area.
Multi-Trip Travel Insurance	This Schengen travel insurance is suitable for frequent travelers, business professionals, and families who often visit Europe. The insurance covers multiple trips within a year (which usually spans no more than 90 days per visit)
Student Travel Insurance	This Schengen visa travel insurance is for students pursuing short courses, exchange programs, or full-time students in Schengen countries. The student travel insurance also includes additional benefits like tuition reimbursement or sponsor protection.
Group Travel Insurance	The group travel insurance for the Schengen visa is suitable for families or group tours that offer convenience by covering all members under one policy.

Explore Schengen Tourist Visa from India

What is Covered Under a Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa?

A good Schengen travel insurance policy should cover beyond the minimum medical requirements. A quick detail of what it could typically include is mentioned as follows:

What is Covered?

What is Not Covered?

Medical Coverage

Emergency medical treatment
Hospital stays and surgery
Doctor consultation and ambulance services
Emergency dental care
Repatriation or medical evacuation

Travel-Related Coverage

Trip cancellation or curtailment
Loss or delay of checked baggage
Loss of passport or travel documents
Flight delays or missed connections
Personal liability and accidental death benefits

Pre-existing medical conditions (unless stated)
Adventure sports or hazardous activities
Alcohol or drug-related incidents
Non-emergency treatments or routine checkups

Why is Travel Insurance Mandatory for a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa Policy is designed in such a way that it ensures consistency across all member countries. The medical care in Europe could be expensive, and foreign travellers are not entitled to free treatment.

Hence, the travel insurance for a Schengen Visa ensures that visitors can afford emergency medical attention and are protected against unforeseen incidents. If simply put, it states that this travel insurance protects both you and the Schengen states.

Eligibility Criteria for a Schengen Travel Insurance

To be accepted by the Schengen embassy or consulate, your chosen travel insurance for a Schengen visa must meet the following requirements:

Requirement	Details
Minimum Coverage	Must be of at least EUR 30,000
Coverage Area	Must be valid in all 27 Schengen countries
Validity	Must cover your entire duration of stay
Medical Expenses	Must include emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation of remains in case of uncertainty
Zero Deductible	Must cover from the first euro of expense (no deductions are allowed)
Proof Requirement	You must submit a letter from the insurer along with your visa application

*In case your travel insurance for Schengen Visa fails to meet the above-mentioned conditions your visa application could be rejected immediately, regardless of other documents.

Also Read: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa

How Much Does Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa Cost?

The cost of your Schengen travel insurance depends on your age, trip duration, coverage limit and insurance provider. The approximate cost ranges are mentioned as follows

Duration	Average Cost (INR)
Up to 7 days	800 - 2,000
Up to 15 days	1,600 - 3,200
Up to 30 days	2,400 - 4,800
Up to 90 days	4,000 - 8,000

Best Insurance Providers for Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa 2026

Travellers get to choose from several global and Indian insurers who are approved by Schengen embassies and consulates to purchase travel insurance for a Schengen Visa in 2026. Some of the best. Insurance providers include:

Provider Name	Type of Insurance Provided	Coverage Offered	Key Benefits / Why Choose This Provider	Additional Information
AXA Schengen Insurance	Schengen-compliant single & multi-trip travel insurance	Coverage up to EUR 100,000, valid in all 27 Schengen countries	Officially recognized by all Schengen embassies, easy online purchase, instant certificate download, and a cashless hospital network across Europe	Offers three plans: Low Cost, Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip. Covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and lost luggage.
Allianz Travel Insurance	Comprehensive global travel insurance	Medical expenses up to EUR 200,000, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and emergency medical evacuation	Globally trusted brand with 24/7 multilingual support, strong hospital network, and quick claim settlements	Accepted by Schengen embassies; can be customized for family or student coverage.
Europ Assistance	Short-term Schengen travel insurance	Medical coverage up to EUR 50,000, with additional travel protection benefits	Over 50 years of experience in emergency travel assistance, an excellent European hospital network, and easy claim processing	Provides support in multiple European languages; also offers family and senior citizen travel coverage.
TATA AIG Travel Guard	Schengen-specific single-trip and multi-trip policies	Medical coverage up to EUR 92,000, with trip delay, lost passport, and baggage benefits	Trusted Indian insurer, quick visa insurance approval, global assistance, and customizable options for students & families	Recognized by most Schengen embassies; simple online application and refund if visa is rejected.
ICICI Lombard International Travel Insurance	Travel insurance compliant with Schengen visa norms	Medical expenses up to USD 500,000, personal liability, and trip interruption	Cashless hospitalization abroad, 24x7 global assistance, and zero paper claim system	Includes coverage for COVID-19 and flight-related issues.
HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance	Schengen-compliant short-term travel plans	Coverage from USD 50,000 - USD 500,000, covering medical, dental, and evacuation costs	Comprehensive protection, affordable pricing, and quick claim support via a digital platform	Covers baggage loss, trip delays, and emergency medical needs; recognized by Schengen consulates.
Reliance General Travel Insurance	Short-term and annual travel insurance	Coverage up to USD 500,000, with add-on options	Cost-effective plans, easy online purchase, and medical evacuation coverage	Includes COVID-19 cover; visa-compliant for Schengen applications.
Bajaj Allianz Travel Companion	Schengen-compliant single and multi-trip plans	Medical coverage up to USD 500,000, trip cancellation, personal accident, and repatriation	Reliable claim service, 24-hour assistance, and a good reputation for quick settlements	Recognized by most European embassies; suitable for business and family travelers.
Care Health Insurance (Religare)	Schengen-compliant travel insurance	Coverage up to USD 100,000, medical emergencies, and trip inconvenience	Affordable plans for Indian travelers, wide hospital tie-ups, and multilingual claim support	Covers accidental injuries, hospitalization, and repatriation of remains.
Bharti AXA (Now ICICI Lombard)	Travel insurance for Schengen and worldwide coverage	Coverage up to EUR 100,000, hospitalization, and loss of documents	Officially accepted by most Schengen consulates, an easy claim process, and an emergency cash benefit	Ideal for tourists, students, and corporate travelers.

*However, it is always wise to confirm with your embassy before purchasing the insurance for your Schengen travel

Explore the Schengen Visa Rejection: Reasons and Tips for 2025-26

How to Buy Schengen Travel Insurance?

The process of buying travel insurance for a Schengen visa is easy and can be completed online in just a few minutes. The step-by-step process to buy Schengen travel insurance includes:

Step 1: Visit a trusted insurer’s website

Step 2: Enter your travel details

Step 3: Compare the available plans and coverage benefits

Step 4: Choose a Schengen-compliant plan (ensure that coverage is more than EUR 30,000)

Step 5: Make your payment online and download your insurance certificate

Step 6: Print the travel insurance certificate and attach it to your visa application

Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa Claim Process

In case you face a medical emergency or loss while traveling in Europe or Schengen area countries, let us understand how the claim process works for your travel insurance for a Schengen visa.

Step 1: Contact your insurer immediately using the helpline number provided

Step 2: Provide your policy number and details of the incident

Step 3: Submit required documents (hospital bills, relevant reports, etc)

Step 4: The insurer will process and reimburse eligible expenses

Safeguard Your Schengen Travel With Trusted Assistance From GetGIS

Whether you are travelling to Paris for a getaway or to Berlin for a business meeting, travel insurance for a Schengen visa is far more than a formality, as it helps safeguard you financially and emotionally throughout your European exploration.

If you are unsure about which plan best fits your trip or need guidance on the Schengen visa process, consider reaching out to trusted immigration consultants like GetGIS. Our team provides end-to-end assistance to help you simplify your visa journey and create a stress-free experience in Europe.

Book Your Free Consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Europe travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?

Generally, the Schengen travel visa insurance does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. However, there are exceptions, like if a life-threatening emergency requires hospitalisation during your trip.

How much insurance coverage do you need for a Schengen Visa?

You generally need a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 per person for a Schengen Visa. The policy also must cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation throughout your entire stay in the Schengen countries.

Can I buy travel insurance for a Schengen visa after departure?

No, you cannot purchase travel insurance for a Schengen Visa post-departure. Most issuers require you to purchase travel insurance before leaving your home country; however, some might offer limited post-departure options, but at a very steep price and with stricter terms.

Can I cancel my travel insurance if my Schengen Visa is rejected?

Yes, most of the insurance providers offer a full refund in case your Schengen visa is rejected, given that you submit proof of your Schengen visa rejection before your policy start date.

Do children and senior citizens need separate travel insurance policies?

Yes, children and senior citizens need separate travel insurance policies, since premiums and coverage differ by age. Hence, children, adults, and seniors should have individual travel insurance plans to ensure adequate protection.