When applying for a Schengen visa, purchasing travel insurance is mandatory. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand what your insurance policy covers (inclusions) and what it does not cover (exclusions).
Inclusions and Exclusions Under Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa
While travel insurance offers essential protection, not all situations are covered. Below is a breakdown of the most common inclusions and exclusions you should consider when selecting a Schengen-compliant travel insurance policy.
Inclusions (What Is Typically Covered)
1. Emergency Medical Expenses
- Coverage for treatment of sudden illness or injury occurring during your trip
- Includes doctor’s fees, hospitalization, surgical procedures, and prescription medication
2. Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Covers transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or evacuation to your home country, if medically necessary
3. Repatriation of Remains
- Covers the cost of transporting your body to your home country in the unfortunate event of death during the trip
4. Personal Accident Coverage (if included)
- Provides compensation for accidental death or permanent disability sustained during your travels
5. Trip Cancellation or Interruption (optional or premium plans)
- Reimburses non-refundable trip costs if you cancel or cut short your trip due to valid reasons such as illness, injury, or a family emergency
6. Loss of Checked Baggage (if included)
- Offers compensation for checked-in luggage that is lost, stolen, or damaged during the trip
7. Travel Delay or Missed Connections
- Provides reimbursement for additional accommodation, meals, or alternate transportation if your trip is delayed beyond a specified duration due to covered reasons
8. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Grants access to a multilingual emergency helpline for immediate support in medical or travel-related emergencies
Exclusions of Schengen Travel Insurance
- Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered
- Travel against a doctor’s advice is not covered
- Loss of passport due to negligence is not covered
- Injuries due to alcohol, drugs or self-inflicted harm are excluded
- No coverage for war, nuclear attacks or related events
Important Notes
- Always read the policy document carefully before purchasing to ensure it meets Schengen visa requirements and aligns with your personal travel needs.
Booking Valid Travel Documents
Third-party reservations made under someone else’s name are not acceptable for visa applications. However, bookings from reputable services such as Schengen Visa Itinerary are acceptable and officially recognized by many consulates. These services offer:
- Affordable travel insurance
- Valid flight reservations
- Reliable hotel bookings
Together, these offerings help applicants fulfill all necessary Schengen visa requirements in a convenient and cost-effective manner.