India is among the top five countries by Schengen visa applications worldwide. Whether you're heading to France, Germany, Italy, or Spain, every Indian passport holder applying for a Schengen visa must show proof of Schengen-compliant travel insurance before the embassy will approve your application. This guide covers exactly what's required, how to avoid common rejections, and which plans work best for Indian travelers.
Quick Answer
Indian nationals need Schengen travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 (approx. ₹27 lakh) in emergency medical and repatriation coverage, valid across all 27 Schengen countries, for the full duration of their trip. The certificate must come from a recognized international insurer and must be submitted with your visa application.
What Insurance Do Indian Nationals Need for a Schengen Visa?
The Schengen visa insurance requirement is set by the European Commission under Regulation EC No 810/2009. Regardless of which country's embassy you apply through — France, Germany, Italy, Spain, or any other — the minimum requirements are the same:
- Minimum €30,000 in medical coverage — covering emergency treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation to India
- Valid across all 27 Schengen countries — even if you only plan to visit one country
- Covers your exact travel dates — the policy must begin on or before your entry date and end on or after your departure
- Includes emergency medical evacuation — transport to the nearest adequate hospital and back to India if needed
- From a recognized international insurer — the carrier must be authorized in your home country or internationally recognized
Important for Indian applicants: VFS Global (which handles visa applications for France, Germany, Netherlands, and other EU countries in India) may offer insurance at their centers. This is optional — not mandatory. You are free to purchase from any recognized international provider, which often means better coverage at a lower price.
Cost of Schengen Insurance for Indian Nationals
Cost depends on your age, the length of your trip, and the coverage level. Here's a general pricing guide:
| Age | 15-Day Trip | 30-Day Trip | 90-Day Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–35 | $12–$18 | $22–$35 | $55–$90 |
| 36–50 | $15–$24 | $28–$45 | $70–$110 |
| 51–65 | $22–$38 | $40–$70 | $110–$180 |
| 66–75 | $35–$60 | $65–$110 | $180–$280 |
| 76–85 | $55–$90 | $100–$160 | $280–$420 |
Estimates for basic-to-mid plans. Actual prices depend on plan selection and exact dates. Use our quote tool for a precise rate.
Healthcare Costs by Schengen Country — What You're Insuring Against
European healthcare costs vary widely. Here's what Indian travelers could face out-of-pocket without insurance in the most popular Schengen destinations:
| Country | Hospital/Day | ER Visit | Air Evacuation | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €700–€1,200 | €200–€600 | €25,000–€50,000 | High |
| 🇫🇷 France | €600–€1,100 | €150–€500 | €20,000–€45,000 | High |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | €1,500–€3,500 | €400–€1,200 | €30,000–€60,000 | Very High |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | €500–€900 | €100–€400 | €18,000–€40,000 | High |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | €700–€1,300 | €200–€600 | €20,000–€45,000 | High |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | €300–€700 | €80–€300 | €15,000–€35,000 | Medium |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €400–€900 | €100–€350 | €15,000–€40,000 | Medium |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | €350–€700 | €80–€250 | €14,000–€35,000 | Medium |
Representative costs for non-EU/non-EEA travelers. The €30,000 minimum coverage typically covers most single incidents in medium-risk countries. For Switzerland or multi-country trips including Germany, higher coverage limits ($100,000–$500,000) are strongly recommended.
Best Schengen Insurance Plans for Indian Nationals
For full plan reviews, see our detailed guides on WorldTrips Atlas International, IMG Patriot International, and Trawick Safe Travels First Class. For a cost-focused breakdown, see our Schengen travel insurance cost guide.
WorldTrips
Atlas International
from $8/wk
Medical
Up to $2M
Evacuation
$1,000,000
Max Age
79
- ✓Lowest price for young travelers
- ✓Instant digital certificate
- ✓Accepted at all EU consulates
IMG
Patriot International
from $10/wk
Medical
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
99
- ✓24/7 global assistance line
- ✓IPA hospital network in Europe
- ✓Best for travelers over 65
Trawick International
Safe Travels International
from $15/wk
Medical
Up to $1M
Evacuation
$500,000
Max Age
89
- ✓Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
- ✓Telemedicine included
- ✓Strong for family groups
Get an Instant Schengen Certificate
Compare plans, choose your coverage, and get a certificate in minutes — accepted by all EU embassies.
Embassy-Specific Tips for Indian Applicants
While the insurance requirements are uniform across all Schengen embassies, consulates serving Indian applicants have slightly different document review processes:
French VFS centers require the certificate to explicitly mention Schengen area coverage and the €30,000 minimum. They also check that dates match your travel dates exactly.
German consulates (including Mumbai and Chennai offices) require coverage for transit countries as well. Medical evacuation must be explicitly stated.
Italian consulates accept USD-denominated certificates as long as the coverage amount converts to €30,000+. WorldTrips Atlas and IMG Patriot are both accepted.
Dutch embassy staff verify that certificate dates exactly match the intended travel period. Add 1–2 extra days as a buffer to avoid issues.
Spain requires coverage for the entire Schengen period even if you only visit Spain. Policy must include repatriation of remains coverage.
Greek consulates in India accept all major international carriers. Island travelers should confirm that air/sea evacuation is included in their plan.
Step-by-Step: How to Buy Schengen Insurance as an Indian National
- Enter your trip details — destination country, your travel dates, and the number of travelers. This takes under 2 minutes.
- Choose a Schengen-compliant plan — WorldTrips, IMG, and Trawick all meet EU requirements. Select based on your age, budget, and any pre-existing health conditions.
- Complete payment online — secure checkout takes about 1 minute. Credit and debit cards accepted, including international Visa/Mastercard.
- Download your certificate instantly — your insurance certificate arrives by email immediately after payment. Print it or save it digitally for your visa appointment.
- Submit with your visa application — attach the certificate to your Schengen visa application documents. It meets all EU embassy requirements.
What if my Schengen visa is rejected?
If your visa application is denied before your travel starts, you can typically get a full or partial refund on your insurance policy. Contact Tower Hill at support@towerhillcorp.com or (832) 856-1704 with your embassy rejection letter and we'll coordinate the refund with the carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Indian nationals need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes. Indian nationals applying for a Schengen visa must provide proof of travel insurance with a minimum of €30,000 (approximately ₹27 lakh) in emergency medical coverage. The policy must be valid across all 27 Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay.
Which embassy requires the most documentation — France, Germany, or Italy?
All Schengen embassies follow the same EU Visa Code (Regulation EC No 810/2009), but French and German consulates serving Indian applicants are known for detailed document review. Your insurance certificate must clearly show the €30,000 minimum, valid dates, and Schengen area coverage. Tower Hill plans include all required documentation instantly.
How much does Schengen visa insurance cost for an Indian national?
Schengen insurance for Indian nationals typically costs $8–$25 per week depending on age and coverage level. A 30-day plan for a 30-year-old typically costs $24–$45 total. Seniors over 65 pay more — approximately $40–$80 per month. Use our quote tool for an exact price based on your trip dates and age.
Can I buy the insurance before I get my visa appointment?
Yes — in fact, you should. Most embassies require proof of insurance before your visa appointment date. Some travelers buy a plan with the option to cancel if the visa is denied. If your Schengen visa is rejected, you can typically get a full or partial refund by submitting the embassy rejection letter.
Is VFS Global's insurance offer mandatory?
No. VFS Global offers optional insurance at their visa centers, but it is not mandatory to purchase from them. You can — and often should — buy directly from a recognized provider like WorldTrips, IMG, or Trawick International through Tower Hill, which typically offers better coverage at lower prices than VFS partner plans.
Can my Schengen insurance be in INR or must it be in euros?
The policy must provide the equivalent of at least €30,000 in coverage. The policy document itself is typically in USD (e.g., $33,000+), which satisfies the requirement. EU embassies accept USD-denominated certificates as long as the converted amount clearly meets the €30,000 minimum threshold.
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