Everything You Should Know About Schengen Visa Insurance
A Schengen Visa allows international tourists to enter and travel around Europe’s 26 Schengen countries. This type of visa is ideal for tourists who wish to visit more than one European country during a single trip. It allows them to do so without obtaining more than one tourist visa. A Schengen visa may be required to visit the Schengen countries; the requirements depend on the country of the tourist’s citizenship.
Click here to buy Schengen Visa Insurance online or continue reading below for more information.
How Does a Schengen Visa Work?
There are several types of Schengen visas. Those who have the most common visa may travel throughout the area for business purposes, or as a tourist for 90 days or fewer during a period of six months.
Travelers who have a visa that allows for multiple entries may exit and re-enter the area unlimited times for a period of 180 days. The total number of days spent in any designated area must not go over 90 days.
Here are some general facts about using a Schengen visa that you should keep in mind:
- You will still need a passport if you want to visit any Schengen country. Your passport must remain valid for an additional three months after you expect your stay to be over. Therefore, if you plan to visit a Schengen country for one month, your passport must be valid for four months from the start date of your trip.
- If you are not a citizen of Europe, you will need your passport stamped regardless of what country you are visiting. With no stamp on your passport, you could be questioned or must show proof of how long you’ve been in the country when you decide to return home.
- If you aren’t traveling to the Schengen area as a tourist or for business purposes, you must apply for a visa that is relevant to the nature of your visit. If you are not sure if you qualify for a Schengen visa, you should get in touch with either the embassy or the consulate of the country you are visiting to find out more.
What are the Different Types of Schengen Visas?
There are four main category types of a Schengen Visa; these are A, B, C, and D.
The most common is a Uniform Schengen Visa, which covers both categories A and C. This provides the user with an airport travel visa and allows them to stay in any Schengen country for up to 90 days. That is within six months. It is a good option for those traveling to the area for a short vacation.
The category B Schengen visa lasts less than five days, and the category D visa is for more extended stays for those staying in the area for school or business purposes.
What Does Schengen Visa Insurance Include?
Schengen Visa Insurance includes various benefits. The following are some of the standard benefits available with most policies.
Emergency Medical Expenses
This mandatory benefit for Schengen visa insurance provides coverage if the user becomes sick or injured while on the trip. The benefit pays for any eligible medical care needed during the trip.
Instant Visa Letter
Most Schengen visa insurance providers will supply you with an instant visa letter soon after you purchase travel insurance. Users download a visa letter from the website or by email.
Trip Interruption Protection
Trip interruption protection can be a valuable benefit that pays for your travel arrangements if you need to return home earlier than expected, This can be due to returning home because of the death of a family member or if there are other issues such as a home emergency like flooding or fire.
Emergency Medical Evacuation or Repatriation
That is another mandatory benefit for Schengen travel insurance. If you become injured or seriously ill during your trip, this coverage pays for transportation to the closest medical facility where you can receive care.
Return of Mortal Remains
Another mandatory benefit for this insurance is the return of mortal remains. In the event of your death, this coverage to take care of the cost to return your body to your home country or pay for arrangements for local cremation.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
This coverage pays for the unintentional death or the loss of one or more limbs. The insurance provides a lump sum payment to the family of the policyholder. Some plans offer higher coverage based on different circumstances of the accident.
Who Needs Schengen Visa Insurance?
Anyone who is a citizen of a Schengen country, the European Union (EU), Switzerland, The European Economic Area, or any visa-exempt country does not need a Schengen visa to travel throughout this area. All other tourists will need to obtain a Schengen visa before entering the country they wish to visit.
Citizens or residents of the Schengen Area or those who live in the EU or EEA will need a visa for up to 90 days in the Schengen area if they are a traveler with a residence permit issued by a non-Schengen state in the EU.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
First of all, you will want to determine your full travel plans for visiting the area. That will help you figure out the type of visa would be the best option to suit your travel needs.
The next step is to fill out and submit your visa application. You should submit the form to the closest embassy or consulate of the Schengen area you plan to visit.
To have your application approved, you will need to show proof travel insurance to cover unexpected illnesses or injuries during your trip. You can prove you purchased a travel insurance policy with a visa letter.
Next, you will need to provide all the documents that prove you meet the requirements for a Schengen visa to the embassy. You will also need to show your passport, which must be active at least three months after your visit. You will need to show proof of travel insurance as well as proof you can pay for your return trip home.
Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa
Travelers should apply for their Schengen visa in the country where they live. To get the process started, they can schedule an application appointment at the consulate of the destination country they plan to visit. They must go to the consulate whose jurisdiction covers where they currently reside.
Some consulates will accept a Schengen visa application if the individual is present but not legally residing in the same jurisdiction. However, they must be able to explain why they are unable to file at the consulate that serves their place of residence. It is then up to the consulate to decide whether their explanation is acceptable enough to approve their application.
Click here to buy Schengen Visa Insurance online. We have insured millions of travelers and allow you to compare and buy Schengen Visa coverage online in just a few minutes.
