Schengen Visa Applicants Need to Understand Travel Insurance Mistakes Risking Their Travel Plans
Applying for a Schengen Visa requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to travel insurance. To increase your chances of approval and comply fully with the Schengen Visa Code, it's essential to avoid common mistakes when selecting your travel insurance policy.
Minimum Coverage Required
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a policy with less than €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies. This is the mandatory minimum required by the Schengen Visa Code. The policy must cover outpatient services, hospital admission, operations, and emergencies.
Coverage for All Schengen Countries
It's crucial to select insurance that covers medical treatment in all Schengen countries or is limited only to specific countries. The policy must be valid across the entire Schengen area, regardless of your travel itinerary.
Coverage for Entire Duration of Stay
Another pitfall is picking a policy that does not cover the full duration of your stay, including your planned travel dates and potential delays. Coverage must be valid throughout the entire trip duration.
Choosing a Reputable European Insurer
Using travel insurance from a non-European insurer or one not recognized by all Schengen states can lead to visa rejection. It's best to choose an insurer that provides a certificate or official letter stating the policy meets Schengen requirements.
Including Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage
Overlooking the necessity for emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage in case of severe illness or death is another mistake. This coverage is mandatory.
Proper Documentary Proof
Lastly, failing to present proper documentary proof of insurance compliance during the visa interview can result in a visa rejection. A certificate explicitly stating its compliance with Schengen visa rules is necessary.
Ensuring Compliance with Schengen Visa Code
To ensure your travel insurance policy complies with the Schengen Visa Code requirements, verify the policy has a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, confirm the insurance validity covers all Schengen countries without exceptions, ensure the policy period matches or exceeds your entire travel period, obtain insurance from a recognized European insurer, request a visa certificate or letter from the insurer that clearly states the policy meets all Schengen visa insurance requirements, and check that the policy covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, repatriation, and transportation back to the home country if needed.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and carefully confirming these criteria, you can improve your chances of Schengen visa approval and comply fully with the Schengen Visa Code.
While applying for a Schengen Visa and ensuring compliance with the Schengen Visa Code, it's essential to select a travel insurance policy that provides medical coverage of at least €30,000 and extends across all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay. Remember to choose a reputable European insurer that includes emergency evacuation and repatriation coverage in their policies, and always have proper documentary proof of insurance compliance for your visa interview.
