Taking out Schengen insurance, what should you pay attention to?

Anyone who is going to apply for a Schengen visa will certainly have to deal with it, the mandatory one Schengen insurance (travel medical insurance). But what should you pay attention to when applying for such insurance? We will explain this in this article.

Schengen insurance is mandatory for anyone planning to apply for a Schengen visa. This specific insurance focuses on medical coverage for foreign visitors who want to travel to Schengen countries. When submitting a visa application to the Dutch embassy or an external service provider, such as VFS Global, it is necessary to provide this insurance policy to be shown as proof of coverage.

Schengen insurance mandatory for a visa application

The European Union established in 2004 that appropriate medical travel insurance is required for every Schengen visa application. The purpose of this insurance is to provide financial security in the event that the insured needs medical assistance during his stay in the Schengen area. This can vary from emergency treatment in a hospital to repatriation for medical reasons.

An important detail to pay attention to is that the Schengen insurance must not only be valid for the specific Schengen country you are visiting, but for all Schengen countries. In addition, the insurance must be valid for the entire period of stay, with a minimum coverage of €30.000.

But Schengen insurance goes further than just the Schengen zone. It offers coverage throughout Europe. This means that, provided you have the correct visa, you can also visit other European countries such as Croatia, Germany, Liechtenstein and Norway, to name a few.

Schengen insurance ensures that visitors to the Schengen Zone and other European countries can travel worry-free, knowing that they are covered for any medical emergencies during their stay. It is an important part of the preparation for anyone who wants to travel to this region.

What should you pay attention to when taking out Schengen insurance?

Choosing travel medical insurance is not simply a matter of selecting the cheapest option. The nuances of coverage can vary significantly, meaning the insured may not be covered for certain scenarios that could be critical to them. Indeed, a lower premium may suggest less coverage or stricter restrictions.

For example, imagine that while traveling you learn that a beloved family member has been in a serious accident in your home country. In such a situation, you may want to return home immediately. If your travel insurance does not cover the costs of such an unexpected return trip, you may incur significant costs.

Moreover, various unforeseen circumstances can arise during a trip: from the loss of your travel documents to damage to your accommodation. If your insurance does not cover these incidents, the financial and emotional consequences can be quite severe.

It is therefore important to not only look at the price, but also at what exactly is covered by the insurance. For example, if Schengen visa travel insurance is significantly cheaper than other options, it is advisable to read the policy conditions thoroughly and understand which potential risks are not covered.

What options does Schengen insurance have?

Selecting travel medical insurance goes beyond just covering basic medical costs. Depending on your travel plans and personal situation, there are several additional options you may want to consider.

• Winter sports and special sports: If you plan to go skiing, snowboarding or other adventure sports during your trip, it is essential to check whether your insurance covers these activities. Many standard Schengen insurance policies do not cover these sports due to the increased risk of injuries.
• Cancellation insurance: Life is unpredictable, and sometimes events can force you to change or even cancel your travel plans. Cancellation insurance can help cover the costs you incur if you have to cancel or postpone your trip due to unforeseen circumstances.
• World coverage: While Schengen insurance is specifically intended for the Schengen zone, you may want to travel further than just Europe. For example, if you want to travel to other continents with your visa-required partner, worldwide coverage is necessary. This ensures that you are assured of medical assistance in almost every country in the world.

Is the guarantor also the policyholder?

When you act as guarantor for a foreign guest or partner who comes to the Netherlands, it is very important to protect yourself against possible financial risks. Medical care in the Netherlands, as in many other countries, can be very expensive. Without suitable Schengen insurance, these costs can quickly add up, and as a guarantor you can be held responsible for this.

Taking out medical Schengen travel insurance for your guest or partner is a wise decision for several reasons:

• Control over coverage: By taking out your own insurance, you can ensure that coverage is comprehensive and sufficient, and that it covers any potential medical expenses that may arise during your visa-required guest's stay.
• Direct communication with the insurer: If something goes wrong or if there are any questions about the policy, you can contact the insurance company directly, because you are the policyholder and premium payer.
• Financial protection: By ensuring that you are the policyholder, you also ensure that any insurance payments go directly to you instead of to your foreign guest. This is especially useful if medical costs have been incurred that you as a guarantor must cover.
• Simplicity for your guest: By taking out the insurance yourself and emailing the policy to your guest, you make the process easier for your guest from abroad. They do not have to worry about the details of the insurance and can concentrate on their travel and accommodation.

Is the Schengen insurance offered by a Dutch insurer?

Indeed, choosing a Dutch travel insurer offers several advantages for Dutch citizens or for those who want to insure their guests or partners from abroad:

• Dutch legal system: If you have a dispute with your insurer or if there are ambiguities in the policy, it is nice to know that you are covered by the Dutch legal system. The regulations may be better known and more accessible to you, which can make handling any problems easier.
• Strict supervision: Dutch insurers are subject to strict supervision by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). This ensures that they have to adhere to certain standards and codes of conduct, which contributes to their reliability.
• Language barrier: Communication is crucial, especially in situations where you have to use your insurance policy. With a Dutch insurer you can express your concerns, questions or problems in Dutch, which can reduce misunderstandings and frustrations.
• No international calling charges: In case of an emergency or question, you don't have to worry about the extra costs and hassle of international calling. You can simply call locally, which saves both time and money.
• Local knowledge: A Dutch insurer will likely have a better understanding of the specific needs and circumstances of Dutch customers. This can be beneficial when taking out a policy and handling claims.

Does the insurer offer a visa guarantee?

A visa rejection can be unexpected and disappointing. In addition to the emotional and practical consequences, there may also be financial implications, such as the costs you have already incurred for the visa application and the associated Schengen insurance. When taking out Schengen medical insurance in preparation for a visa application, it is indeed essential to take into account the scenario of a visa rejection.

A visa may be rejected. In that case, you would like a refund of the premium for the medical Schengen insurance. Not all insurers do that, so keep that in mind.

Does the Schengen insurance meet all requirements?

The European Union has established strict guidelines for travel insurance used in Schengen visa applications. These rules are in place to ensure that visitors to the Schengen zone have adequate financial protection in the event of medical emergencies, and to protect Schengen area member states from unexpected financial burdens.

Let's summarize and elaborate on the requirements:

• Validity during the entire visa period: This means that if a visitor applies for a visa for, say, 30 days, the travel insurance must be valid from the first day to the thirtieth day.
• Coverage in all Schengen countries: Even if a visitor plans to visit only one or two Schengen countries, the insurance must be valid in all Schengen countries. This is because the person can travel freely within the Schengen zone once the visa has been granted.
• Coverage for repatriation costs: This is about the costs of taking someone back to their home country in the event of serious illness, accident or death.
• Medical coverage: In addition to repatriation, insurance must also cover general medical expenses that a visitor might have during their stay, such as a doctor's visit, hospitalization, etc.
• Minimum coverage of €30.000: This is the minimum amount that the insurance must pay out in the event of medical costs or repatriation. This amount has been determined to ensure that the insurance is sufficient to cover possible costs.

Does the Schengen travel insurance have exclusions?

The focus of one medical travel insurance for a Schengen visa is mainly based on unforeseen and emergency medical assistance. It is important to be aware of these restrictions to avoid misunderstandings and financial problems during the stay.

• Existing medical conditions: Since the Schengen insurance is intended for urgent and unforeseen situations, existing diseases and ailments are indeed excluded. This means that visitors with chronic or pre-existing medical conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes or respiratory problems, must bear the costs of treating these conditions themselves if they require medical attention during their stay.
• Medication: If your guest is taking medication for a chronic or pre-existing condition, it is crucial that he or she brings sufficient supplies to cover the entire duration of their stay. It is also wise to be aware of the rules and regulations for taking medication across borders to avoid problems at customs.
• Pregnancy: As with many other types of travel insurance, costs related to pregnancy, such as prenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care, are usually not covered by Schengen medical travel insurance. This is an important detail to remember for visitors who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during their stay.

These nuances underscore the importance of thoroughly evaluating insurance options and limitations. Both the guest and the guarantor must be aware of what is and is not covered, in order to make the right preparations and ensure that the stay is as smooth and worry-free as possible.

Do you have an easily accessible point of contact for policy changes?

The flexibility and accessibility of an insurer or intermediary is also important, especially when dealing with international guests and the dynamic nature of travel plans. Here are some important points to consider when taking out Schengen visa insurance:

• Opening hours office Choose an insurer or intermediary who is easily accessible by telephone. Travel plans can change, and you don't want to be stuck with a policy that can't be adjusted to new dates or conditions.
• Checking the policy: After you have purchased insurance, always check the policy for errors or inaccuracies. Make sure names are spelled correctly, dates are correct, and all other details match as planned.
• Flexibility: Inquire in advance about the insurer's policy about changes. Can you easily adjust the policy if necessary? Will you be charged for changes? It is best to know this in advance so that you are not faced with any surprises.
• Customer service: Also consider the quality of customer service. How quickly do they respond to questions or problems? Do they have experience with international customers? Are they helpful and understanding?

Give the policy to the foreign visitor

Possession of a Schengen visa is an important step, but it does not automatically guarantee access to the Schengen area. Border control authorities, such as the Royal Military Police in the Netherlands, have the right to ask additional questions and check documents before admitting a traveler.

Here are some important points to keep in mind if your visa-required guest travels to the Netherlands or another Schengen country:

• Documents at hand: Your guest must always have the Schengen visa, passport and other relevant documents with them. This makes the border control process smoother and faster.
• Insurance policy: It is important that the traveler has the Schengen travel insurance policy with him. This proves that he or she meets the insurance requirements of the Schengen area.

Need excellent Schengen insurance?

If you are looking for reliable travel insurance for a Schengen visa, Travel Risk Insurance from Allianz Global Assistance is an excellent choice. This insurance is specially designed for travelers who need a visa for the Schengen area and offers the assurance that it will be accepted by the Dutch embassy and external service providers.

The advantages:

• Allianz Global Assistance has built a reputation in providing reliable and quality insurance. With Travel Risk Insurance you are insured from just €2 per day. This means that your loved one, whether it is a family member, partner or friend, can enjoy his or her stay in the Schengen area without any worries. This insurance covers, among other things, assistance, medical costs and repatriation.
• One of the notable benefits of this insurance is the 'Visa Guarantee'. If the visa is not granted for any reason, the premium will be refunded. This means you do not run any financial risk when taking out insurance prior to obtaining the visa.
• Communication is essential, especially when it comes to insurance. That is why Allianz Global Assistance ensures that all policy conditions are clear and transparent. You can receive the conditions in Dutch, but also in English if desired. In addition, Allianz Global Assistance offers flexibility by giving you the option to change the policy free of charge before the effective date. And with their fast service, you will receive the policy within one working day, or even sooner if you indicate so.

Benefits of Travel Risk Insurance for a Schengen visa
√ Meets all requirements for a Schengen visa.
√ Accepted at all embassies and consulates.
√ You can change the policy free of charge before the commencement date.
√ VISA GUARANTEE: If your visa is rejected, you will receive the premium back and pay nothing.
√ Fast service: on working days you will receive the policy within 24 hours or earlier if you request it.
√ The certainty of the largest travel insurer in the world: Allianz Global Assistance.

What does the Travel Risk Insurance Schengen insurance from Allianz offer?

Traveling always brings uncertainties. Whether it concerns a sudden illness, lost travel documents or damage to a holiday accommodation. Allianz Travel Risk Insurance has been specially developed for travelers with a Schengen visa and offers a wide range of coverage for most unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

The details of the Allianz Travel Risk Insurance

• Daily premium: You are insured from just €2 per day.
• Age range: This insurance is available for persons up to 70 years of age.
• Coverage:
  • Assistance in SOS situations, including rescue and search operations.
  • Medical costs, such as hospitalization, specialists and doctor visits, are covered.
  • Support in the event of illness, accident or loss of the insured.
  • The policy also provides support in the event of an accident or death of non-traveling family members or a co-insured travel companion.
  • Repatriation, including services such as the use of an air ambulance or transportation of remains, is reimbursed.
  • Costs for a funeral or cremation, as well as the costs for family members to travel to the location, are included.
  • Lost or stolen travel documents? The purchase costs are covered.
  • If you need replacement clothing or toiletries, these costs are also covered.
  • Any damage to your holiday accommodation or property in your home country is also insured.
  • You are also insured in the event of forced delays.

This overview is only an indication, no rights can be granted. Always consult the insurance conditions, especially the obligations stated in the General Provisions, before taking out the insurance.

Questions and answers about Schengen insurance (FAQ)

Questions?

Do you have a question about Allianz's Schengen insurance or do you have other questions? Please contact our partner: Telephone 055-5400409 (09.00:12.00 - XNUMX:XNUMX from Mon - Fri) or send an e-mail: info@reisverzekeringkorting.nl

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