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Frequently asked questions
What is a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows its holder to travel to any of the 27 Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?
Yes — travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for anyone applying for a Schengen visa. All Schengen states require proof of valid insurance as part of your application, and missing or insufficient insurance is one of the top reasons visas are denied.
What does Schengen travel insurance need to cover?
For a Schengen visa, your travel insurance must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Medical coverage of at least €30,000 for emergency treatment.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation in case you need to be returned home for medical reasons.
- Valid in all Schengen countries for the entire duration of your stay.
This ensures you’re protected anywhere in the Schengen Area and throughout your trip.
Which countries are included in the Schengen Area?
The Schengen Area includes the majority of European countries that have abolished passport controls between each other. These include Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and others in the region. Our Travel Schengen insurance covers all these countries and more and proves you have travel health insurance. This is one of the requirements when applying for a Schengen visa. The exact list is defined by EU visa policy and can be confirmed with official government sources when planning your visa.
How do I provide proof of insurance for my visa application?
You must submit a travel insurance certificate or policy document with your visa application. This certificate should clearly show:
- Your full name matching your passport
- The validity dates covering your entire trip
- The minimum coverage amount (at least €30,000)
- That it covers all Schengen Area countries
Embassies or consulates will use this document to verify your insurance meets Schengen requirements.
Does GIG’s Schengen insurance meet all visa requirements?
Yes — GIG’s Schengen travel insurance is designed to meet and even exceed Schengen visa requirements. It provides:
- Medical coverage above the minimum (e.g., up to €40,000)
- Coverage including emergency medical costs, evacuation, and repatriation
- A certificate that can be submitted with your visa application
- Coverage valid across all Schengen countries for the duration of your trip
Because it meets these standards, it supports a compliant visa application when you’re applying for a Schengen visa.
Can I use my existing health insurance for Schengen visa requirements?
Not usually. Your regular health insurance or domestic policy may not meet Schengen visa criteria unless it explicitly covers medical emergencies, repatriation and hospitalisations in all Schengen states with at least €30,000 cover. Many providers’ domestic plans do not include repatriation or abroad coverage, so traveller's are advised to buy a dedicated Schengen travel policy.
Do children and seniors need the same Schengen travel insurance?
Yes — Schengen travel insurance requirements apply to all ages, from infants to senior travellers. Your policy must meet the same minimum coverage and validity criteria regardless of the traveller’s age. Premium costs may vary by age group, but coverage requirements do not change.
When should I buy my Schengen travel insurance?
It’s best to purchase your Schengen travel insurance before you submit your visa application. The insurance certificate is a mandatory part of your documents, and buying it early gives you time to correct any discrepancies, such as wrong dates or coverage issues.
How long should the insurance be valid?
Your travel insurance must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the Schengen Area, from the day you arrive until the day you leave. Make sure the start and end dates on your policy match your travel itinerary exactly to avoid gaps in coverage.
Can one policy cover multiple Schengen trips?
Yes — if you have a multiple-entry Schengen visa, your travel insurance must cover all trips and visits throughout the visa’s validity period. A single continuous or annual travel insurance policy that meets Schengen requirements can be used for multiple entries.
What do I need to know about applying for a Schengen visa?
When applying for a Schengen visa, you need a complete set of documents, including:
- A completed visa application form
- A valid passport
- Two recent photos
- Proof of travel and health insurance (like GIG Gulf's Travel Schengen insurance)
- Proof of accommodation (like hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host)
- A round-trip reservation or itinerary
- Proof of financial means (like bank statements, proof of income)
The exact requirements may vary depending on the specific Schengen country you are planning to visit first.
- Application Timing: Apply for your visa at least 15 days before your planned departure date, but not more than 6 months in advance.
- First Point of Entry: Apply for your Schengen visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to visit first.
- Visa Type: Make sure to apply for the correct visa type based on your travel purpose (tourism, business, studying, etc.).
Remember always to check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate from which you are applying, as they may have specific rules or guidelines.
Travel documents
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