The Schengen visa application process can feel stressful, and that’s before receiving a final answer on whether it will be approved or denied. There are many reasons a visa application can be denied, and one of those is not having the right Schengen travel insurance policy.
The Schengen Area has strict requirements when it comes to the insurance that you choose, and even a small oversight could put your travel plans on hold. That is why it’s so important to avoid the following common Schengen visa insurance mistakes.
We asked Insurte, a travel insurance company that specializes in Schengen visa insurance, what Arizonans need to know before applying.
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Not knowing the requirements
The biggest mistake is not understanding what the Schengen visa insurance rules and requirements actually are. The policy that you choose has to meet the official standards, which are:
- A minimum of at least €30,000 in medical coverage
- Valid for all 29 Schengen countries
- Hospitalization and repatriation
- and covering your entire stay
If your policy fails to meet even one of these conditions, that has the potential to lead to immediate rejection, no matter how strong the rest of your application is.
Choosing a policy below the €30,000 minimum
Schengen authorities require that your policy covers you for at least €30,000 in medical expenses. This isn’t just a suggestion; it is a hard rule.
Unfortunately, some travelers purchase plans with lower coverage limits, thinking they are saving money and that the policy they have will do.
Unless it meets all of the requirements, it won’t suffice. Consulates will refuse these policies outright, so always double-check the coverage amount before you buy.
Policy dates don’t match your travel dates
Your travel insurance needs to cover you for your entire trip. This means from the day you enter the Schengen area to the day you leave.
If your policy starts a day late or ends a day before departure, for instance, it won’t be accepted.
This mistake sometimes happens when travelers opt for a 14-day or 30-day plan instead of specifying specific dates. However, in the case of Schengen visa applications, it is extremely important that your insurance covers you for the entire duration of your visa/stay.
Not covering every Schengen country
It can be easy to assume that you need to be covered for the country you’re going to, but with Schengen visas, a little bit more is required. Even if you only have one destination in the zone, a Schengen visa technically allows you to travel to any of its countries.
Because of that, your insurance needs to apply to the entire zone.
Always make sure that the policy you choose covers you in all 29 countries of the Schengen zone, not just the one that is issuing your visa.
Missing key guarantees: Repatriation and hospitalization
Requirements insist that your policy include to key benefits: emergency medical evacuation/repatriation and hospitalization.
These two guarantees ensure that you can receive emergency medical care abroad and, if necessary, be transported to a medical facility equipped to handle the care you need, or even back to your home country if required.
The timing
Timing matters when it comes to getting your Schengen visa insurance. Consulates require proof of compliant travel insurance at your in-person visa appointment. This means you cannot wait until your visa is approved to buy it.
Attempting to purchase it after your appointment is a common mistake that can cause delays or even require you to rebook your application appointment slot. This could set back your travel plans. Make sure to get your policy sorted out before you attend your appointment and before you submit your application.
Providing incomplete documentation
Even if the policy you’ve purchased meets all of the Schengen requirements, submitting vague or incomplete proof of your travel insurance can lead to problems.
Make sure your insurance certificate (provided by the company you purchased through) shows your name, policy number, coverage amount, dates of validity, and covered regions.
Simply showing proof of payment isn’t enough.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help your application be complete so you can submit it on time, putting you in the best position for your journey.
