Schengen Visa Insurance

Preparing documents for a Schengen visa often raises questions, so today we will look at how to get insurance for a Schengen visa. Standard insurance requirements for everyone:

• coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros;
• the medical policy must be valid in all Schengen Agreement countries;
• cover at least the following expenses: illness, emergency medical assistance, hospitalization.

Many consulates have introduced a rule according to which handwritten insurance policies are not accepted. Therefore, you should not count on being able to buy insurance right in front of the visa center, from an agent on the fly, as such a policy may not be accepted.

Schengen Insurance Policy Validity Period

The validity period requirements depend on the specific consulate. As a rule, the insurance policy must cover the travel dates. If you have planned a trip from 01/02/14 to 10/02/14, then the insurance must be valid no later than 01/02/14 and end no earlier than 10/02/14. If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, the insurance must cover at least the dates of the first trip. In addition, you will be asked to sign a document stating that you undertake to purchase an insurance policy independently for all subsequent trips. Keep in mind that if you are asked for a policy at passport control and you don't have it, you will not be allowed into the Schengen area. Some consulates have their own specific requirements...

For example, the Lithuanian consulate requires that when applying for a multiple-entry visa, your insurance policy must be issued for a period of at least 30 days, and not just for the dates of the first trip.

The Finns are the strictest in Schengen. The Consulate of Finland requires the policy to be:

• valid from the date of visa application;
• the policy must be valid until the end of the trip;
• issued by one of the accredited insurance agencies;

For example: You submit documents for an annual Finnish visa on January 20. First trip dates: from 01/02 to 12/02. The insurance policy must be valid from 20/01/2014 to 12/02/2015 (insurance period), and the number of insurance days - 12 (duration of the first trip).

Where and how to get insurance?

To get an insurance policy, you will only need your passport and money. You can get visa insurance online or at an insurance company office. In addition, some visa centers, travel agencies, and banks provide insurance services. This means you can get insurance anywhere, the main thing is that it meets the consulate's requirements. Some travelers do not trust domestic insurance companies and think that by getting insured abroad, they will receive additional benefits. If you are among them, know that this is not always the case. The conditions will be absolutely the same, only perhaps the insurance will not cover some expenses, such as repatriation in case of death. In addition, not all insurance companies insure non-residents, so you will have to spend time searching for one.

Frequently Asked Questions about Schengen Visa Insurance

1. The insurance policy is valid from 01/02/14 to 10/02/14. Can I travel one day earlier, on January 31? Not with this insurance policy. If you are asked to show your insurance at passport control, you will not be allowed in. The only option is to re-issue the policy for the new travel dates. 2. I am submitting documents for an annual Schengen visa (with the right to stay 90 days per half-year), the first trip will be from 01/02/14 to 10/02/14. For how long should I get insurance, for 10 or 90 days? Your insurance policy must be valid from 01/02/14 to 10/02/14. If it's the Lithuanian consulate, then from 01/02/14 to 03/03/14 (30 days). If it's the Finnish consulate, then from the date of submitting documents to the consulate/visa center until 10/02/14.