Tips for buying the best Travel Insurance for USA from India

 

If you’ve ever wondered if there were any tips for buying the best travel insurance for USA from India, you wouldn’t be the first one to do so. Travel insurance is a boon if you are constantly traveling to the USA or anywhere else for that matter. One of the best travel insurance tips is to try purchasing travel insurance right before your departure to places that cover a medical insurance, free medical stays if necessary and an emergency flight service to get you back home whenever needed. Don’t think about how long or short your trip or the distance is. Think about how safe you can be if you invest a little in travel insurance. So, having travel insurance for USA from India or any international trip is always advisable.

An important thing to know is that medical expenses are costlier in other countries than in India. To exemplify, if you have a major finger cut and need to get it stitched, it might hardly cost you 3000/- rupees in India but if you bill it in USA, it will cost you nearly 40-50 times more. So, make sure to have your medical insurance also with you along with travel insurance for USA from India in order to save yourself from a burning pocket. Make it a part of your travel insurance when you book economy or business class flights for your next trip.

Tips on When and Why to Buy Travel Insurance for USA from India:

•           Burglary! The risk of burglary is something everyone is afraid of whenever we leave our homes alone. So, make sure to have a travel insurance handy in case of theft as that might cover your expenses and you can also use it in case of luggage thefts during your trips.

•           Imagine you have prepaid a huge amount of money and you need to cancel your trip! Cancellation insurance pops up right when you need it if you have it.

•           Supplemental insurance covers up for you on your renter’s policy while you are away vacationing. This is again a great advantage you have when you purchase travel insurance for USA from India.

•           Road trips are very much fun but you can make them secured too if you have a liability insurance. If you are renting a car then the rental agencies provide you with such insurances that provide cover in case of damage to the vehicles or people.

•           Apart from all these, why wouldn’t you want to own travel insurance for USA from India when you can get the chance of availing so much from it?

For more information, please visit: https://www.schengenvisaitinerary.com/

HOW TO GET A MULTIPLE-ENTRY FIVE-YEAR SCHENGEN VISA

 

Having a passport is the first step to feeling like the world is your oyster and you can just pack up and go anywhere, but that’s not the case for those of us who hold a weak passport. Want to go on an adventure or maybe run away for a peaceful getaway abroad? First you need to go through a ton of documents, appointments, and maybe changing your travel dates a couple of times. If you’re lucky enough and you’ve got Europe as the destination in mind, you get a multi-entry Schengen visa longer than your trip. Those who manage to get a Schengen visa for one year or longer win the lottery, but they’re not leaving it up to fate anymore.

The EU has defined the rules for getting a five-year multiple-entry visa to the Schengen area, and they’re somewhat promising! Only this month, they started implementing a new visa code with a bit of a higher price and a more flexible period in which you could apply before your trip. Other than that, they’ve rolled out a clear and easy guide on how to get a five-year visa and not go through the long process with every trip, and it all depends on your travel history. If you do it right, you get a multi-entry visa that allows you to go in and out of the Schengen area as many times as you want, as long as you don’t violate the 90/180 rule -- not staying longer than 90 days in the Schengen area within 180 days.

Here are the rules for getting a multiple-entry visa with a validity of one, two, and five years -- unless the validity of the visa would exceed that of the travel document:

1.         For a one-year visa, the applicant should have obtained and lawfully used three visas within the previous two years.

2.         For a two-year visa, the applicant should have obtained and lawfully used a previous one -year multiple-entry visa within the previous two years.

3.         For a five-year visa, the applicant should have obtained and lawfully used a previous two-year multiple-entry visa within the previous three years.

So, the trick is: got a visa? Use the hell out of it as long as you can, get stamps, and don’t violate it. Simple as that. Aside from your clean travel history, there are also a couple of other requirements.

1.         The traveler must have a reason to enter the Schengen area multiple times. (Is being a regular tourist a reason good enough? We still don’t have the answer to that.)

2.         The traveler must have a clean visa history, no violations of visas.

3.         The traveler must have a clean criminal record at home.

4.         The travel must present traveler’s insurance for the first trip.

 Seems fair enough. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

How Does Schengen Visa Works?

 

Travelling to Europe has never been much easier. Since the inception of the Schengen VISA, it is easily possible for one to travel between several countries in Europe on a single VISA. Schengen VISA covers a total of 26 countries which includes the 22 EU countries and the other four are then non-EU countries.

The Schengen tourist visa can allow you to travel to these European countries without any hassle. Schengen Visa allows traveling between the countries of Austria, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands in a single trip rather than obtaining a visa for each country separately. Also, getting a Schengen Visa can widen your travel horizons and help you to explore all of the Europe without having much to do with your VISA process.

Obtaining a Schengen Visa is not that hard. You must know few basic things that are required to apply. Due to increase in the travel and tourism services, there are a number of Schengen visa consultants which you can go for. They help you to get through the process of getting a Schengen visa easily. Also, there are a number of websites you can refer on, to apply for the visa.

Before applying for the visa, itself, you must need to apply for travel insurance for Schengen visa. Also, it is advisable to know what type of Schengen visa you are applying for. Generally, a tourist Schengen tourist visa is a Category C visa which allows you to stay in the Schengen visa area for up to 3 months in a half-year period from the time of your first entry.

 You need to present your travel insurance for Schengen Visa before actually applying for the visa. The travel insurance is mainly to cover the costs of repatriation and medical emergencies during your travel period in Schengen countries. The coverage for the insurance must be at least 30,000 EUR and also valid for all the Schengen states. Once, you obtain the travel insurance, you need to present it before the officials at the time of applying for a visa. If in case, your visa is rejected /refused, you can ask the Embassy or Consulate to provide you with a document regarding the refusal of visa in order to cancel the insurance and get your money back.

 Now let’s take a look at how to apply for a Schengen Visa. You need to meet certain requirements in order to apply for the visa. Here is a list of documents required for Schengen Visa.

 

1) You need to have a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages left for the stamp purposes. Also, the passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of you leaving the Schengen area.

 2) You need to have at least one passport photo while filing the application.

 3) You need to have all the travel details about your trip, including the flight and hotel details, insurance proof, and the documents covering your intention to visit the place.

 4) You need to present your current employment status and details of your bank statement from last 3 months.

 Once you have collected all the documents that are required for the visa process, you need to go online and fill up the application form for the VISA. Now there are certain points which you need to keep in your mind before applying for the visa.

 1) If you intend to visit a single Schengen country, then you must apply for the visa at the appropriate embassy/consulate of that particular country.

 2) If you intend to visit two or more Schengen countries, then it is highly recommended to apply at the embassy/consulate of the country which you will be residing at for the most number of days in your trip. This destination is also known as your main destination.

 3) If you intend to visit more than one country for the same period of time, then you must apply at the embassy/consulate of the country you will be visiting first as per your itinerary.

 Once you have finalized the destinations and collected your travel documents, you should go on the online portals provided by the consulates and fill the application form correctly. You will need to pay a minimum fee of 35 EUR for the Schengen visa application. After you file your application, the VISA is generally processed in 10-15 working days. You might have to go and visit the embassy/consulate for the fingerprint scanning if you are a first time Schengen applicant.

 If you have all the documents that are required and proper Schengen information, then you will get the VISA within 10-12 working days after filing of your application.

 Thus, it is very important to know what a Schengen VISA is and the countries covered under the same. Also, it is always advisable to go for a Schengen Visa consultant if you do not have a clear idea about the visa services and rules regarding Schengen countries.

Simple steps to get a Schengen Visa:

 

Schengen Visa Itinerary has been a part of more than one million travel dreams. We offer a superior, quick and hassle-free Schengen Visa Facilitation service. With a highly professional and dedicated team of Travel visa Experts, we are here to cater to all your Schengen Visa application requirements

Throughout your visa process, you will have a dedicated Visa Expert handling your application.

Here are the steps to apply for a Schengen Visa through Akbar Travels:

Step 1: Provide your travel details to our Visa Expert and get all your queries answered.

Step 2: Pay the visa fee and upload your documents online through our secured online document locker to ensure its confidentiality.

Step 3: Our Visa Expert will verify the documents, complete your visa application and schedule your appointment.

Step 4: On the appointment day visit the Visa Application Center (VAC) to submit your Biometrics (fingerprinting & photograph) and documents.

Step 5: Receive your Visa.

Basic Requirements to visit Schengen

•           Have a valid Passport and valid Schengen Visa;

•           Be in good health;

•           Good moral character;

•           Be able to convince the immigration officer that you have your family, property, assets, etc. that would serve as an incentive to come back to your home country;

•           Be able to convince the immigration officer that you will leave the country before your Schengen visa expires;

•           Have sufficient funds to support yourself and the amount depends on how long you will stay in the Schengen area and whether you will be staying with family, friends or any paid accommodation.

Travel Checklist

•           Passport;

•           Valid Schengen Visa;

•           Confirmed return Ticket;

•           Contact details of your relative, friends or business contact in the Schengen country;

•           Confirmed hotel bookings (If Any);

•           Schengen country Currency and other forms of forex;

•           An unlocked smartphone, preferable with a Sim card from India;

•           Any additional documents required to prove your purpose of visit (especially if you are travelling on a business Visa).

What to do when you arrive in the Schengen country

•           Keep your Declaration form in hand (provided to you on the flight);

•           Keep all travel documents (passport, valid Schengen Visa, return ticket, hotel bookings etc.) ready in case the immigration officer asks to produce any document.

•           If you are an unaccompanied minor, make sure you stay with the flight attendant who is in charge of your safety. Additionally, you must recognize the adult picking you up at the airport. If you have any doubts, you must inform the airline staff immediately...

Schengen country travel guide

A Schengen Visa is best described as a single point Visa Access document for entering all the Twenty-Six Schengen Countries. This visa is issued by the designated visa offices to the applicant/visitor for visiting/travelling to and within the Schengen Area.

What are the basics about the Schengen Area and Where to apply for a Schengen visa in India?

 

Indians are now travelling more than ever. Europe is undoubtedly the first choice for many from India. Ask any avid traveler from India, they would have a bucket list filled with places to see in Europe. If you see by the data, the number of people travelling to Europe from India has doubled since 2014. So how do you travel to Europe? Of course, Indian passport holders are required to obtain Visas from the respective embassies. But there’s a convenient setup among 26 European countries who form the Schengen area of Europe. It is enough for Indian Passport holders to obtain a Schengen Visa to visit all these nations.

Basics about the Schengen area

According to a border agreement named Schengen Area Agreement, 26 European countries allow EU citizens to travel freely within the area. And for Non-EU citizens, with proper Schengen Visa, they are allowed to travel freely within the Schengen area for a limited period of 90 days within six months of issue of the Visa. Non-EU citizens with a Schengen Visa can have multiple entries up to the 90 days period out of the 180 days Visa period.

With proper documentation, you can obtain Schengen Visa from India from the embassy of the country which is your entry point to the Europe trip. Alternatively, you can obtain Schengen Visa from India from the embassy of the country where you will spend the maximum days of your Europe trip. Make sure to choose the right type of Visa as per your purpose of travel.

From the magical streets of France to the stunning landscapes of Switzerland, there’s so much magic within the list of Schengen countries. Here’s the list of 26 countries under Schengen Area.

Trivia: Schengen is the name of a village in Luxembourg bordering with both France and Germany. As the historic agreement was first signed at the village, the agreement was named after the village.

Where to apply for a Schengen visa in India?

•           As mentioned in the basics about the Schengen area, you will have to choose a country in the Schengen area to apply for a Schengen area.

•           According to the rules, if you are visiting one country alone, you will have to apply to that particular country’s embassy. If you are visiting more than one country, choose either the first country you enter or the country you are going to spend the most days in.

•           After you have chosen a Schengen country to apply, visit Embassy World Wide to find a list of embassies and consulates of the respective country in India. So, make sure you choose the right embassy/consulate/VAC of the country and double-check if you fall under the jurisdiction of it.

•           Next step is to visit the website of the embassy/consulate you have chosen and download the Visa application form.

•           Next, you will have to submit the filled Visa application form to the chosen embassy/consulate/VAC.

•           Check with the website to know where visa submission takes place, as the visa submission process regulations differ with each country. It can be its embassy, consulate or outsourced visa center acting as visa submission point.

Complete Guide about the Types of Schengen Visa

 

First of all, it is essential to choose the type of Schengen Visa based on your purpose of travel. Make a note that there are different limitations that apply to a particular Visa type. Let me break down the types of Schengen Visas available for your travel from India to Europe.

1. Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)

This Visa obtained from one of the Schengen countries can be used to travel any Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within 6 months of visa issue. This visa can be obtained in the form of a single entry, double-entry or multiple-entry as per the purpose of travel. Single-entry allows the visa holder to enter the Schengen area only once, while the double-entry visa holder can enter the Schengen area twice within 6 months of issue. Multiple-entry visa allows the visa holder to enter and exit the Schengen area multiple times as long as he adheres to the 90/180 rule. The multiple-entry visa can be applied for 1-year, 3-year or 5-year period with the necessary documentation. But even with longer visa durations, you have to follow the 90/ 180 rule (i.e.) one cannot stay for more than 90 days within 180 days of the visa period.

Note: the number of entries is how many times you can enter the Schengen area as a whole and does not denote the number of countries you are allowed to enter.

2. Limited territorial validity visas (LTV)

This visa allows the holder to visit only the country which has issued the visa or countries which are specifically mentioned in the visa. The visa holder cannot enter the countries in the Schengen area that are not mentioned prior in the visa. This type of visa bars the holder from entering any Schengen state and is a special type of visa issued for peculiar cases.

3. National Visas

This visa is given to students or professionals willing to study or work residing in one of the Schengen countries. This visa is issued in the form of both single-entry and multiple-entry. With multiple-entry National visa, one can enter and exit the particular Schengen country as he/she pleases and also can travel within the Schengen area freely. But this visa is only given to people meeting certain criteria and purpose of travel.

Quick tip: Though the number of entries and time permitted are stamped in the visa, it’s the best to have a clear calculation of how many days you spend in the Schengen area. Because a violation of 90/180 rule leads to deportation and fine, depending on the country you are in.

Based on the purpose of travel, types of visas are divided as follows, make sure you mention clearly the type of visa you need in the application form,

1.         Transit visa: this visa is for people who need to travel through the Schengen country airport without entering the country.

2.         Tourism visa: this visa is for people who travel to the Schengen countries for exploring the place and culture, and spending a holiday there.

3.         Visa for Visiting Family or Friends: this visa is for people who are travelling to Schengen countries to visit their family or friends who legally reside there. You will need a letter of invitation and some additional documents for this type of visa.

4.         Business visa: this visa is for people who travel for business purposes. It has a benefit as even during peak seasons business visas get quicker visa appointments.

5.         Visa for Culture and Sports activities or Film crews: This visa is for people who travel to participate in any form of cultural or sports events in the Schengen countries. People belonging to a film crew who has planned a shoot in the Schengen countries can also avail this type of visa.

6.         Visa for Official Visits: This visa is for people who are travelling on fulfilling an official duty from his country.

7.         Study visa: This visa is for students who are willing to take up educational courses in Schengen countries.

8.         Visa for Medical Reasons: This visa is for people visiting any of the Schengen visa countries for medical treatment.

 

Flight booking and travel itinerary for a Schengen visa; why are they required?

 

Introduction

A flight booking and travel itinerary are key documentary requirements for a Schengen visa. In this article, we discuss the relevance of these documents in an application for a Schengen visa. Depending on the purpose of your visit, your visa may be refused if you fail to submit either of these documents.

What is a Travel Itinerary?

An itinerary is simply a document that details your travel plans. It usually provides details of hotel bookings, flight arrangements, and daily activities or schedules for the duration of your stay. An itinerary is only required for journeys undertaken for tourism or private purposes. It must usually specify the places you intend to visit by way of schedule of activities.

Article 14(1)(a) of the Visa Code states an applicant for a Schengen visa shall present documents indicating the purpose of the journey. Further, Annex II(A) (3) (b) of the Code states that for journeys undertaken for tourism or personal reasons, the applicant must submit documentation relating to their itinerary.

The Visa Code describes itinerary to include “confirmation of the booking of an organized trip or any other appropriate document indicating the envisaged travel plans.”

Bookings on organized trip or tour guides and tickets for entry into tourist sites could be submitted as evidence of itinerary.

A key requirement of an itinerary is that it must be plausible. The schedule of activities must be arranged in a manner as to make your plans credible. For example, it may be more reasonable to visit tourist sites that are in close proximity to one another on a particular day, rather than a disjointed schedule of visits that are miles apart from each another and lacks coherence. If your itinerary is implausible or disjointed, this may raise doubts about the credibility of the purpose of your visit and may cause your visa to be refused.

Another requirement is that the duration of the itinerary must be consistent with your travel dates. Specifically, it must be consistent with the travel dates as shown on the visa application form, flight booking, hotel reservation, and travel medical insurance. If your itinerary shows discrepancies with travel dates shown on other documentation, your visa may be refused.

What is a Flight Booking?

A flight booking is a document that shows that you have booked a place on an airline to travel at a future date. It specifies your departure and return dates, and any connecting flights, if applicable. You must submit a flight booking regardless of the purpose of the visit. You can make a flight reservation either by yourself or through an agent.

Article 14(d) of the Visa Code states that an applicant shall present information enabling an assessment of their intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa. And Annex II B (1) of the Visa Code lists “reservation of or return or round ticket” as one of the documentations that may be submitted in proof of intention to return. A flight booking is, therefore, a key documentary requirement for a Schengen visa. You must consider this information when making a flight reservation either by yourself or through an agent:

• The document must specify your name;

• It must clearly show your arrival and departure dates and times;

• It must show the flight name and a valid reservation number;

• It must show details of any connecting flights;

• It is must show a return reservation. A one-way reservation will not meet the requirement.

• Your travel dates must be consistent with the dates on your visa application form or other supporting document. If there are discrepancies, this may lead to a refusal;

• Do not buy a ticket unless the Embassy specifically requests you to do so.

Conclusion

A Schengen visa is generally a documentary application. However, it is not sufficient to provide documentation merely because they are required. Keeping these details in mind may save you time and unnecessary expense that may result from a refusal.

Coronavirus and travel insurance

 

Apart from other things, Coronavirus has hit the travel industry quite hard. In fact, it comes right after 9/11 when it comes to hitting the travel industry. Reportedly, massive loss of around $100 million is borne by airlines in the Middle East itself. The worldwide impact on airlines is expected to be around $30 billion, a staggering number which has the industry reeling in shock.


But, if you move away from the industry numbers, the Coronavirus outbreak is impacting travelers on a more personal front with lakhs of tourists cancelling or postponing their travel plans. In both cases, a lot of money, including hotel payments and flights are at stake, and there is no knowing if your travel insurance covers it.

·         If you have a travel insurance policy, are about to cancel/postpone a trip and are wondering if your travel insurance will safeguard you, this is what you need to know.

·         It is essential that you booked your travel policy before late January, which is around when insurance providers started cutting off the cover.

·         Another thing you need to check is if your travel insurance policy offers cover against epidemics. Most insurance providers do not offer cover in case of an epidemic, including Coronavirus.

·         Your travel insurance will not safeguard you in case your country has issued a travel advisory against visiting a destination; currently, there are 60 countries that have seen cases of Coronavirus and your go-to should be an official travel advisory issued by the government body.

·         Check with your insurer if your policy safeguards you if you get infected in-transit. A number of insurance providers do, but your best bet is to hear it from the horse’s mouth.

 

What is Single Trip travel insurance And What's covered with our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?

 

If you’re heading on a holiday this year, then Single Trip travel insurance can help protect you if something goes wrong. You can be covered from the moment you purchase your holiday to the second you get back home.

Below is some information about our insurance products, for which Terms a

nd Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.

No matter where you’re travelling to, travel insurance is just as essential as your passport and your boarding pass. This is because it helps cover the cost if something goes wrong; if you need to cancel your trip before you go, for example, or if you suffer an injury or illness while you’re away, you’ll be protected.

If you’re only going on one holiday this year, then Single Trip holiday insurance is the best option for you. You can get cover for the duration of your trip (up to 180 days), whether you’re holidaying in the UK, Europe or somewhere else abroad.

 

What's covered with our Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance?

Our multi-trip insurance is designed for frequent travelers, so you’ll be covered for unlimited trips, up to 31 days in duration over a 12-month period.

You can buy cover for European or worldwide travel (including or excluding the USA, Canada and all the islands in the Caribbean Sea), depending on your plans. And if you’ve got some fun activities lined up, you can add Winter Sports and Ski or Golf cover at the same time.

When you take out one of our Annual holiday insurance policies, you have the choice to get covered straightaway or delay your start date by up to 31 days. And you don’t need to tell us you’re going away, so there’s one less thing to worry about!

With our Annual travel insurance, you only pay once for 12 months’ cover and you’re then protected for an unlimited number of holidays. Plus, the more times you travel, the greater the savings become. Just make sure you buy your Annual travel insurance as soon as you book your first holiday, so you’re protected right away.

Why do you need medical insurance for Schengen Visa?

When planning to travel through Europe, you must ensure to be adequately covered to overcome any unforeseen events. For this reason, on account of your comfort and safety, it is always recommended to buy travel insurance. Only in this way, you can receive financial and medical support so to enjoy your travel without worries.

In line with the European Regulation, applicants from non-EU countries must have insurance for Schengen Visa. Your policy must cover any urgent medical attention you may need while in Europe.

If you are traveling as a member of a group, you need to have your individual Schengen Visa insurance. Business travelers may already possess one policy through their employment contract.

Schengen Visa Application Form Guide: How to apply for Schengen Visa

With the Schengen visa, you can travel to 26 countries in Europe. The countries in the Schengen agreement allow for free movement of people from one country to another. Let’s take an example. Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary – these 4 countries belong to the Schengen zone and you are allowed to travel and stay in any of these countries for a period of 90 days.

If you are planning to visit multiple countries, your visa application should be submitted to the country where you will be staying the longest. Let’s take this example, ‘Mike” is visiting Paris, Luxembourg and Amsterdam. He flies (return trip) to Paris and stays there for 3 days, 6 days in Amsterdam and 2 days in Luxembourg. Mike will apply to the Netherlands (Amsterdam) consulate for Visa.

 

Helpful Tips on Applying for Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa is issued as a single entry or a multiple entry visa.

•           A single-entry visa allows its holder to visit a country or countries within a Schengen zone. Once they exit the country, the visa is no longer valid. In the above example, if you visit Germany and then travel to Austria and Hungary – you are still in one Schengen zone.               A single-entry visa is sufficient for a short stay if you do not leave the Schengen zone (for the entire trip).

•           A multiple entry visa allows you to travel in and out of the Schengen zone multiple times. The thing to keep in mind is that – the visa holder can stay in the designated Schengen zone up to 90 days within half the year. Another example, if you plan on getting a return ticket to Paris (France), then travel to UK and back to Paris (or any other Schengen zone country), then you would require a double or multiple visa (depending on how many times you wish to leave and re-enter the Schengen country)

Schengen Visa Checklist, Tips & Guide

 

When you apply for the Schengen Visa, here are certain things you need to be aware of. This is also their basic checklist that applies to all Schengen applications.

1.         Schengen Visa application form is available online for free. Certain countries coordinate with VFS to process visas and you can apply online for the same (and then print the application form for submission)

2.         Schengen Visa application fees is 60 Euros, payable in your local currency (as of August 2018)

3.         If the visa application is processed by VFS, you will have to pay additional fees to VFS

4.         Travel Insurance of 30,000 Euros is required. Get your travel insurance here

5.         Insurance Advice: Policy should include repatriation coverage.

6.         2 Pieces of photographs as per these specifications are required

7.         Your travel document (passport) should be valid for at least 3 months after your return from the Schengen country and must be issued within the last 10 years. Must also have 2 blank pages.

8.         Booked flight tickets

9.         Hotel Reservations or funds to prove you can arrange accommodation.

o          Consider reserving flights and hotels at Schengen visa Itinerary (trusted website for booking and itineraries)

10.       Detailed day by day itinerary of your stay (include tours, activities, sightseeing location)

11.       Include an application letter applying for Visa

12.       Bank statements (up-to 3 months), pension and pay slips, proof of funds

13.       Include a letter from your employer stating your salary, position and job start date

In all visa applications, no medical tests are required. However, bio-metrics and photographs are mandatory. After submitting your bio-metrics, these results are valid for 52 weeks. Within 52 weeks, if bio-metrics were captured, it is NOT mandatory to submit visa application in person. They can be mailed by post as well.

In short, your first Schengen visa application will be submitted in person. Subsequent visa applications can be mailed, provided your bio-metrics were recorded. In terms of “when” you can submit your application, 3 months is the time-frame. You cannot submit your documents months in advance.  Visa decisions are made within 15 days of application submission.

Things to Know About Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries

Traveling to a European country is a dream come true for many of us. Be it related to work or for the sheer joy of traveling, buying a travel insurance policy will always ensure that you don’t get affected by a travel-related perils. To help you out, here are a few things you need to know about travel insurance when visiting a Schengen country.

Mandatory Requirements for Schengen Travel Insurance in India

1.         If you intend to travel to any of the Schengen countries like United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, etc. you will require travel insurance. This document is important while procuring a visa. Thus, you require travel insurance for Schengen visa.

2.         To get your Schengen visa, approach the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit. Remember that your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the planned stay period.

3.         You can buy travel insurance for Schengen visa from any general insurance company that has an office in the Schengen country you are traveling to.

4.         The policyholder should be covered for the entire trip to a Schengen country/countries.

5.         The minimum coverage offered under the policy should not be less than Euro 30,000.

What Are the Coverages of a Schengen Travel Insurance?

Schengen travel insurance provides a wholesome coverage. According to the terms and conditions of the policy, you may be covered for the following situations under Schengen travel insurance in India:

•           Hospitalization

In case the policyholder contracts an illness while on a trip to any of the Schengen countries, the cost of treatment may be borne by the travel insurance company.

•           Interruptions in the trip

There could be an unanticipated unrest or bad weather conditions due to which the trip gets interrupted. The cost of such interruptions that are beyond the control of the policyholder might be borne by the insurance company.

•           Loss or delay of baggage

Your baggage could get delayed or stolen while on the trip. Due to which you would have to buy the required things, your travel insurance company may reimburse you for such expenses. As per the terms and conditions of your insurer, you may be reimbursed for parts of the luggage you lost.

•           Missed connections

If you have a connecting flight to reach your destination and miss it due to a situation beyond your control, for example, flight delay, your insurer will help you get another flight in order to reach your destination.

•           Repatriation of remains

If a person suffers death while on the trip, the insurance company may bear the cost of transporting the remains to his/her homeland.

•           Emergency Evacuation

In case of an emergency situation like an attack or an outbreak of a disease you may need to leave the country on an immediate basis. In such a situation, your insurer may bear the cost of this evacuation.

•           Accidental death or injury

In case you get injured in an accident or if the accident leads to death, you/ your family may be given a compensation.

•           Disability

If an accident leads to partial or permanent disability, your travel insurance company may bear the cost of treatment and may pay you a compensation.

•           Travel delays due to weather

Your travel insurance company may help you with the bookings if your trip gets delayed due to bad weather conditions.

What Is Not Covered Under Schengen Travel Insurance?

Here is a list of situations that may not be covered under the policy:

•           Pre-existing diseases

•           Self-inflicted injuries

•           Mental disorder

•           Injuries due to using an intoxicating substance

•           Pregnancy or related complications

•           Mental or psychiatric disorders

•           Traveling for the purpose of availing a medical treatment.

•           Carelessness (towards self or belongings)

•           War or nuclear threat

•           Expenses incurred when the insurance policy is not active

•           Cost of spectacles, hearing aids, contact lens, and other external appliances

•           Cosmetic surgery unless required as a result of an accident

•           Loss or damage of passport as a result of the confiscation or detention by the police or any other legal authority

The Bottom Line

Buying a travel insurance for your trip to a Schengen country is mandatory. Understand the coverage well, this will help you during your trip. Also, make it a point to read through the fine print of your policy document.