Everything You Need To Know About Schengen Visas And Travel Insurance

Last Updated On 11/4/2020

The Schengen visas have made traveling to European Schengen countries much easier for international travelers. With Schengen visas, those that are traveling can explore multiple European countries with the Schengen Area without having to obtain multiple tourist or business visas. One of the requirements of the Schengen visa application is Schengen Visa Travel Insurance. As a matter of fact, Schengen visa applicants are required to submit a proof of travel insurance, that meets the Schengen visa insurance requirement, to the visa issuing authorities in order to issue the travel visa. Here’s everything you need to know about Schengen Visas and travel insurance.

The Schengen Countries

The Schengen Area is comprised of 26 countries that have agreed to allow free movement of their citizens within this area as a single country. Of the 26 countries bound by the Schengen agreement, 22 are part of the EU and the other 4 are part of the EFTA.

The Schengen area covers the majority of European countries, except for Great Britain and countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Ireland soon to be part of the agreement. However, there are countries that are not part of the EU like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein, yet they do belong in the Schengen area and cherish the free movement policy.

Who Needs A Schengen Visa?

The citizens of the non-Schengen member countries are requested a required Schengen Visa in order to enter the Schengen Zone. There are exceptions to this rule, however: for some countries that are not part of the Schengen Agreement yet don’t require a visa to enter the Schengen zone (a list of all the countries that need a visa to enter the Schengen Area can be found here). There are three basic types of Schengen Visa:

    • Uniform Schengen Visas (USV)

    • Limited territorial validity visas (LTV)

  • National Visas

Schengen Visa Insurance

It is essential for you to know travel insurance is necessary for all travelers who plan to visit any of the Schengen area countries and that the minimum medical coverage is EUR 30,000. You can compare policies on Yonder and find a plan that meets this requirement –without breaking the bank!

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Schengen Visa Refusal

If you don’t submit all the required documents your visa can be rejected by the consular officers. It is important to understand why your application was denied in the first place because that can help you out the next time you try to apply for a visa. Have in mind that the reasons for refusing a short stay visa must be given. Also, you must pay attention to all requirements because there is no room for minor mistakes. Before applying you should check your application thoroughly.

Schengen Visa Categories

There are several categories of visa:

    • Short stay visa – if visiting Schengen countries for tourism, business or if you want to stay with your relatives for up to 90 days within a 180-day period from the date of first entry.

    • Transit visa – used for transiting through the international parts of airports

  • Long stay visa – issued for stays exceeding 3 months

Schengen Visa

Now that you know about the necessity of Schengen travel insurance visit Yonder for an instant travel insurance quote now!

Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.

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