Best Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa

Your Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Travel Insurance for a Schengen Visa from India

Written By
Divya Meena
Last Updated
Feb 03, 2025
Read
12 min

Are you planning a trip to the Schengen Area? Then, you must know that travel insurance is one of the most important requirements for a Schengen visa. Whether you are going to a single country like France, Italy, Germany or multiple Schengen countries, travel insurance is mandatory for Indian travellers. It also acts as a financial safety net, protecting you from unexpected expenses like medical emergencies, trip cancellations or lost baggage issues that could arise during your trip. 

Moreover, it’s not just mandatory to have travel insurance; it should also meet all the requirements specified by the Schengen States. So, before exploring the best travel insurance options, let us first understand the Schengen visa insurance requirements, as picking an inadequate policy could lead to visa rejection. 

Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Requirements

Let us quickly familiarise ourselves with the following requirements of travel insurance for a Schengen visa:

  • The minimum coverage shall be €30,000.00.

  • The insurance shall be valid throughout the territory of the Schengen States.

  • It should cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay or transit in the Schengen Area.

  • The travel insurance should cover all expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons, urgent medical attention, emergency hospital treatment, or death during the stay(s) on the territory of the Member States.

  • If applying for a multiple-entry visa, your travel insurance must cover your first trip, and you can renew it as necessary for subsequent trips.

  • Moreover, your insurance must be from the Schengen countries' recognised insurance providers

If your travel insurance does not meet any of these conditions, your Schengen visa can be rejected.

Important: When applying for a Schengen visa through Atlys, you can include the Atlys travel insurance, saving you the hassle of obtaining it separately and worrying about compliance.

Now that you know the requirements, let’s explore the best Schengen travel insurance providers mentioned below: 

  1. Care Health Insurance Limited

  2. Tata-AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. 

  3. SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd.

  4. GO Digit General Insurance Ltd.

  5. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd.

  6. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. 

Best Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: Detailed Overview

1. Care Health Insurance Limited

Formerly known as Religare Health Insurance Company Limited, Care Health Insurance offers a range of products, including health, travel, and personal accident insurance. Their travel insurance plans are designed to meet the specific requirements of Schengen visa applicants.

Key Features of the Care Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Flexible sum insured options: Choose from €30,000 and €100,000 under the Explore Europe plan.

  2. Single & multi-trip coverage: Whether you’re travelling once or making multiple visits throughout the year, Care offers both single-trip and annual multi-trip policies to suit your needs.

  3. Eligibility & entry age: Children as young as 1 day old and adults up to lifelong are eligible.

  4. Medical coverage: Covers emergency hospitalisation, medical treatments, and accidents, ensuring you get the best medical care without financial strain.

  5. Trip protection: Includes coverage for trip delays, cancellations, loss of baggage, and passport loss, also keeping you safeguarded against common travel disruptions.

  6. COVID-19 Coverage: Protects against medical expenses related to COVID-19 while travelling in Schengen countries.

  7. Automatic policy extension: If you face unexpected delays due to hospitalisation, natural disasters, or death, your policy extends to 7 days without extra cost.

  8. Cashless medical assistance: Care Health Insurance has a vast network of hospitals across Europe, enabling cashless claim processing for medical emergencies.

  9. Care Health app for easy claims: The Care Health App allows policyholders to manage their policy, raise claims, track status, and access emergency assistance seamlessly through a user-friendly digital platform.

Exclusions Under Care Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Expenses arising from substance abuse are not covered.

  2. Injuries from suicide attempts or intentional harm are excluded.

  3. No coverage for injuries caused by wars, terrorism, or nuclear threats.

  4. High-risk adventure activities like stunts, adventure sports, and hazardous activities are not covered unless explicitly stated in the policy.

  5. Routine or elective dental procedures are not covered unless for acute pain emergencies.

2. Tata-AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd. 

Tata-AIG General Insurance Co. Ltd.

Tata AIG General Insurance is another trusted name in the travel insurance sector, offering comprehensive Schengen travel insurance plans designed to meet visa requirements while providing financial security to Indian travellers. 

Key Features of Tata AIG Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Affordable cost: The travel insurance plan is available at a budget-friendly rate, starting at ₹24.8 per day, making it one of the most cost-effective travel insurance options for Schengen travellers.

  2. Options available (Silver, Platinum, and Titanium): You can choose from three tailored plans based on your coverage needs. The Silver Plan includes 19 benefits, covering essential travel risks. The Platinum Plan offers 24 benefits, including extending coverage for personal accidents in India, emergency dental treatment, and even the loss of an international driving license. The Titanium Plan provides the most comprehensive plan, with 32 benefits, including compensation for missed bookings, visa rejection, and rental vehicle coverage.

  3. Customisable add-ons: Moreover, you can enhance any coverage with optional add-ons like adventure sports coverage, cruise insurance, and coma benefits upon request.

  4. Medical coverage: The plan provides financial protection for unexpected illnesses, accidents, or fatalities during travel. It covers hospitalisations, OPD treatments, and emergency medical expenses up to $500,000, with no sub-limits on claims. Additionally, it includes repatriation costs in the event of death.

  5. Travel cover: Tata AIG’s Schengen travel insurance safeguards against baggage delays, theft, loss, or misplacement during your travels. This plan also provides protection against trip disruptions such as flight cancellations, delays, lost passports, and trip curtailments, ensuring financial stability throughout your journey.

  6. COVID-19 coverage: The plan includes medical expenses, trip cancellations, and refund protection in case you contract COVID-19 during your trip, safeguarding your health and finances.

  7. Third-party liability: Tata AIG’s travel insurance also covers legal liabilities arising from accidental damage or injury caused to a third party while travelling.

  8. Automatic policy extensions: In case of flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen events requiring an extended stay, the policy automatically extends to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

Exclusions Under Tata AIG Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Elective or cosmetic surgeries unless required due to a covered accident.

  2. Pre-existing medical conditions, mental disorders, or sexually transmitted diseases.

  3. Losses due to war, terrorism, or civil unrest.

  4. Injuries from adventure sports (scuba diving, paragliding, bungee jumping, etc.).

  5. Travelling without a valid Schengen visa or exceeding the visa validity period.

  6. Losses due to self-inflicted injuries, suicide attempts, or criminal acts.

  7. Injuries while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3. SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd.

SBI General Insurance Co. Ltd. is a leading insurance provider in India. The company offers various insurance products, including health, motor, travel, home, and commercial insurance. With a strong distribution network across Europe, SBI General is among India's best Schengen travel insurance providers. 

Key Features of SBI General International Travel Insurance

  1. Affordable premiums: SBI General Insurance offers cost-effective international travel insurance plans, with premiums varying based on factors such as age, trip duration, destination, and the chosen sum insured. For instance, the premium for a single trip can be as low as ₹552, depending on these variables.

  2. High medical coverage: The policy provides coverage of up to $500,000, including emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, evacuation, and repatriation in case of death.

  3. No medical examination required: Travellers can obtain coverage without undergoing any pre-policy medical check-up, making it hassle-free.

  4. Comprehensive travel support: The policy covers trip delays, loss of passport, personal liability, and cash advances in case of emergencies.

  5. Custom-made plans: Both single-trip and multi-trip policies are available, catering to occasional and frequent international travellers.

  6. Worldwide coverage with flexibility: The plan applies globally, with an option to exclude the USA and Canada, allowing you to customise their coverage based on their destination.

  7. Family floater plans: These are available for families travelling together, ensuring collective coverage for all members under one policy.

  8. 24/7 emergency assistance: Round-the-clock global assistance for medical emergencies, travel disruptions, and other unforeseen events.

Do you know? Unlike many other travel insurances, the SBI General insurance also provides coverage for home burglary, i.e., protection against financial losses due to burglary at the policyholder’s residence while travelling abroad.

Exclusions Under SBI General International Travel Insurance

  1. Pre-existing medical conditions and any complications related to pregnancy or childbirth.

  2. Suicide, self-inflicted injuries, mental health disorders, and substance abuse-related incidents.

  3. Injuries sustained while engaging in hazardous sports, physically demanding jobs, or military operations.

  4. Travelling to war-prone areas or participating in war activities under government orders.

  5. Radiation exposure, nuclear contamination, and travel in unlicensed aircraft.

  6. Driving without a valid license or failing to use necessary safety gear. 

4. GO Digit General Insurance Ltd.

Next on the list is GO Digit General Insurance, offering affordable and hassle-free Schengen travel insurance plans for Indian travellers. With worldwide support through its partnership with Allianz, Digit provides round-the-clock assistance, ensuring a worry-free international travel experience.

How to buy Schengen travel insurance with GO Digit?
Steps to to buy Schengen travel insurance with GO Digit

Key Features of GO Digit Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Affordable plans: A $50,000 Schengen Visa Travel Insurance Plan for one adult for four days starts at just ₹515 (excluding GST), making it a cost-effective option for short-term travellers. Moreover, getting the policy is a 100% digital and paperless process.

  2. Medical emergencies and evacuation: The GO Digit insurance policy covers hospitalisation, medical treatment, and emergency evacuations due to sudden illness or injuries during travel.

  3. Travel coverage: If a flight delay occurs, monetary compensation is provided per the policy terms. Reimbursement and financial assistance for stolen or lost baggage, including coverage for baggage delay (excluding customs delays) and loss of passport, visa, or driving license, are also covered.

  4. Adventure sports coverage: Includes protection for one-day adventure activities like scuba diving, bungee jumping, and skydiving, provided they are undertaken recreationally and under professional supervision.

  5. Hijack distress allowance: Compensation for every day of hijacking if the trip is interrupted due to a hijacked common carrier.

  6. Missed-call facility for quick assistance: No need for international calling; just give a missed call, and Digit will call back within 10 minutes for claim support.

  7. Worldwide assistance with Allianz support: 24/7 global assistance ensures help in case of medical or travel-related emergencies anywhere in the world.

Exclusions Under GO Digit Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Pre-existing medical conditions and travelling against medical advice are not covered.

  2. Adventure sports lasting more than a day (such as multi-day treks or professional extreme sports) are not covered.

  3. Flight delays are not covered if the airline informs passengers at least 6 hours in advance.

  4. Customs-related baggage delays are excluded from compensation.

  5. Missed flight connections where the layover time was insufficient as per airline regulations.

  6. Trip extensions due to childbirth-related reasons are not covered.

  7. Trip cancellations due to visa rejection are not covered.

5. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd.

HDFC ERGO General Insurance is another reliable and trusted provider of Schengen travel insurance. HDFC ERGO’s digital-first approach allows travellers to secure their policy without medical check-ups or paperwork, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Key Features of HDFC ERGO Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Comprehensive medical coverage: Provides emergency medical expenses, including hospitalisation, OPD treatment, ambulance services, and repatriation assistance for severe illness or injuries. Also, covers emergency dental treatments incurred during travel, subject to policy terms.

  2. Trip cancellation protection: Covers non-refundable accommodation, activity costs, and unexpected trip interruptions, ensuring financial security in case of last-minute changes.

  3. Flight-related reimbursements: Compensation for missed flight connections, hijack distress, flight delays, cancellations, and trip curtailments to minimise travel disruptions.

  4. Emergency cash assistance: Provides immediate financial support in case of theft or robbery, ensuring travellers have access to funds when needed.

  5. Personal liability protection: Covers third-party damages or legal liabilities incurred during the trip.

  6. 24/7 support and emergency assistance: Immediate access to global assistance services, ensuring quick response for medical emergencies, evacuations, or travel disruptions.

  7. No health check-ups: HDFC ERGO’s digital-first approach allows travellers to purchase policies online without medical examinations or extensive paperwork.

Exclusions Under HDFC ERGO Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Medical expenses or claims arising from illegal activities, war participation, or political unrest are not covered.

  2. Claims related to alcohol or drug consumption are excluded.

  3. Medical treatment for pre-existing diseases or known health issues before travel is not covered.

  4. Expenses for non-essential cosmetic surgeries, obesity treatments, or elective procedures are excluded.

  5. Medical claims resulting from self-harm, suicide attempts, or reckless behaviour are not covered.

  6. Injuries or medical claims arising from high-risk adventure sports (such as skydiving, mountaineering, or extreme sports) are not included.

  7. Costs related to non-medical evacuations from war zones or conflict areas are not covered.

6. ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance offers Schengen travel insurance to provide financial security for both one-time and frequent travellers, and the insurance policy complies with all the requirements outlined by the Schengen States.

ICICI Lombard General Insurance App

Key Features of ICICI Lombard Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Single and multi-trip travel insurance: With ICICI Lombard, you can buy both a single trip or a multi-trip insurance for the Schengen Area. 

  2. Sum insured options: ICICI Lombard offers flexible sum insured limits under two main plans: the Platinum Plan ($500,000, $250,000, $100,000, $50,000) and the Gold Plan ($500,000, $250,000, $100,000, $50,000). 

  3. Age eligibility & senior citizen policy: The standard Schengen insurance policies by ICICI Lombard are available for travellers aged 3 months to 70 years. Moreover, a separate senior citizen policy is available for individuals aged 71 to 85 years.

  4. Value-added services: Under the Platinum plan, you can add value-added services such as concierge services during emergencies and enhanced coverage extensions for additional financial protection.

  5. Medical coverage: The policy covers hospitalisation expenses due to accidents, illnesses, or medical emergencies while travelling. Also, provides coverage for outpatient treatment, emergency medical consultations and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation in case of severe health conditions.

  6. Travel coverage: Compensation for flight delays or missed flights due to unforeseen circumstances, trip cancellation or interruption due to unexpected events and loss of passport, valuable travel documents, or baggage, minimising inconvenience.

Exclusions Under ICICI Lombard Schengen Travel Insurance

  1. Pre-existing medical conditions that were not disclosed before the trip.

  2. Self-inflicted injuries or reckless behaviour leading to an accident.

  3. Losses due to war, nuclear threats, or civil unrest in the travel destination.

  4. Unattended passports, travel documents, or baggage left in public spaces.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Schengen Travel Insurance

Now that you know the best Schengen travel insurance options, you might have noticed that most plans comply with the mandatory visa requirements and offer similar benefits. So, what makes a policy provider different from the others? The answer lies in your travel needs: budget considerations, adventure activities, family plans, or extended trip coverage. 

Here are the additional factors to consider when selecting the best travel insurance for your trip:

  1. Budget & premium affordability: If you're looking for a cost-effective plan, compare premiums across providers. Plans like GO Digit (₹515 for 4 days) or SBI General (₹552 for a single trip) offer affordable coverage without compromising on essential benefits.

  2. Flexibility for visa delays or rejections: Many Schengen travel insurance policies do not cover trip cancellations due to visa rejection. If this is a concern, consider plans that offer cancellation coverage or check if the insurer provides refunds in such cases.

  3. Adventure & high-risk activity coverage: Ensure the policy doesn’t exclude high-risk activities if you are engaging in mountaineering, paragliding, or multi-day treks. If you plan on indulging in adventure sports (skiing, scuba diving, skydiving, trekking), look for insurers offering one-day adventure coverage (like GO Digit) or customisable add-ons.

  4. Trip duration & multi-trip plans: Frequent travellers should consider multi-trip policies offered by Care Health Insurance & ICICI Lombard, which save money compared to purchasing single-trip insurance repeatedly.

  5. Family & group travel coverage: If travelling with family, opt for family floater plans offered by HDFC ERGO and SBI General that cover multiple members under one policy, ensuring cost savings.

  6. Customer support & claim process: Opt for insurers with a simple and fast claim process, like those offering smartphone-enabled claims (GO Digit) or paperless processing (HDFC ERGO and Tata AIG), saving time and effort.

Conclusion

By now, you know that you just don’t need travel insurance but also one that complies with the specified requirements, and while all the above-listed insurers meet Schengen visa requirements, the best choice depends on your travel style, budget, and personal needs. Budget-conscious travellers may prefer GO Digit or SBI General for their affordability, whereas those seeking high medical coverage can opt for ICICI Lombard or HDFC ERGO. By carefully considering all these aspects, you can select an insurance policy that offers peace of mind, allowing you to explore the Schengen region worry-free and focus on enjoying your journey.

Do I need Schengen travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for obtaining a Schengen visa. Without valid travel insurance, your Schengen visa application can be rejected.

Is OPD (Outpatient Department) covered by travel insurance?

Yes, most Schengen travel insurance policies include OPD treatment coverage, allowing travellers to claim expenses for doctor consultations, minor medical treatments, and prescription medications needed during their trip. However, coverage limits and conditions vary, so always check your policy details.

Does Schengen travel insurance cover trip cancellations?

Yes, some policies (like HDFC ERGO & Tata AIG) cover trip cancellations due to unforeseen emergencies, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, or flight disruptions. However, most policies do not cover cancellations due to visa rejection, so it’s important to check your insurer’s terms.

Does Schengen travel insurance cover adventure sports?

Most policies exclude high-risk adventure sports, but insurers like GO Digit provide coverage for one-day activities like scuba diving, skydiving, and bungee jumping. If you plan to participate in extreme sports, check your policy’s exclusions or look for add-ons that provide extended coverage.

What happens if I extend my stay in the Schengen region?

Some insurers (like Tata AIG & Care Health) offer automatic policy extensions in case of unavoidable trip delays due to hospitalisation, natural disasters, or emergencies. For planned extensions, you must renew or extend your policy before the original expiry date.

Can I buy Schengen travel insurance after booking my flight?

Yes, you can buy travel insurance anytime before your trip, but it’s recommended to purchase it before applying for a visa, as proof of valid insurance is required for visa approval. 

Which is the best travel insurance for a Schengen trip from India?

The best Schengen travel insurance providers are Care Health, TATA-AIG, and SBI General. However, the ideal choice may differ based on your budget, trip duration, medical coverage needs, or adventure activities.

How do I file a claim for medical emergencies abroad?

Most insurers allow digital claim submissions for faster processing. You can:

  1. Contact the insurer’s emergency helpline (available 24/7).

  2. Provide medical documents, receipts, and hospital reports for verification.

  3. Submit a claim online or through the insurer’s mobile app (where applicable).

  4. Receive reimbursement or cashless treatment approval based on policy terms.