Traveling to Europe is a dream for many Indians. From planning and saving to getting visas and packing right—every step matters.
But even one small mistake can ruin the entire trip. That’s why buying the right travel insurance is crucial.
For a Schengen visa, a minimum cover of €30,000 (around ₹27 lakh) is required. But that’s just the basic requirement.
In real emergencies, this cover often falls short. By paying a small extra premium, you can get higher coverage and more peace of mind.
Why is Better Coverage Important?
1. Costly Medical Treatment in Europe
Meet Kapadia, Head of Travel Insurance at PolicyBazaar, shared an example. If you twist your ankle during a gondola ride in Venice and end up in the hospital, even a short stay can cost thousands of euros.
The basic €30,000 plan may not be enough for ICU, surgery, or long stays. By paying a slightly higher premium, you can get coverage of $2.5 lakh or even $5 lakh, giving you peace of mind.
2. Frequent Strikes
Strikes by airlines or public transport are common in Europe.
If your flight is cancelled or delayed, or you need extra hotel stays or new tickets, you’ll have to pay from your own pocket—unless your policy covers trip disruption. A higher cover includes these unexpected costs.
3. Lost or Delayed Baggage
If you land in Florence but your luggage stays back in Frankfurt, you may have to buy new essentials in expensive cities like Italy or the Netherlands.
Good insurance plans give quick payments for delayed or lost baggage, so your trip continues smoothly.
4. Visa Rejection Risk
The Schengen visa rejection rate for Indians is as high as 15%. If your visa is denied, you could lose money spent on non-refundable bookings.
travel insurance plans cover visa rejection costs, but only if you buy the plan early.
5. Theft and Liability
Pickpocketing is common in places like Paris metros or public squares. Basic plans don’t always cover electronic items like mobiles and laptops.
Better policies cover stolen gadgets and offer personal liability insurance, which helps if you accidentally harm someone and face legal action.
What a Honeymoon Couple Learned
Aniket and Priya saved for a year to enjoy their honeymoon in Italy. Their return flight got cancelled due to bad weather.
Thanks to their comprehensive travel insurance, they were fully reimbursed for new flight tickets and extra hotel costs, without any stress. That’s why today, 62% of Indian travellers are choosing coverage of $2.5 lakh or more.
Is the Premium Difference Big?
Not really. A basic plan costing ₹800–₹1,000 only meets the visa rule. But for just ₹1,200–₹1,500, you can get much higher coverage, which could save you lakhs in case of an emergency.
How to Pick the Right Policy
Choose a cover amount of at least $2.5 lakh (or €2 lakh)
Make sure both medical and trip disruption are included
Look for add-ons like gadget and personal liability cover
Use online portals to compare multiple plans, check claim processes and hospital networks.
