Schengen countries signify a collection of 26 countries in Europe that came to an agreement to negate the effects of border control.
Travel Insurance
The residents of these countries freely travel across borders and so can tourists if they hold a Schengen visa.
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In order to control the chaos that may ensue due to these lax rules, Schengen countries mandate travel insurance for Schengen visas. Let’s take a look at how to file claims for travel insurance in case you run into any mishaps or medical emergencies.
Types of travel insurance claims in Schengen countries.
In order to file a travel insurance claim in a Schengen country, you need to know the nature of your claim. Schengen Travel Insurance claims come in many forms, such as:
1. Claims pertaining to your trip to a Schengen country - Oftentimes, due to bad weather or extenuating circumstances, flight plans could change. There could be a delay in take-off, which is a problem if you have a connecting flight to catch. The inconvenience can be troubling, but claiming travel insurance eases the hole in the bank.
Also, if the plane is hijacked, you can file a trip-related claim for the same. Furthermore, if your flight is cancelled, thus resulting in huge losses on accommodation and charges for another flight, trip claims could be filed for them as well.
2. Claims for medical emergencies and accidents - Primarily, travel insurance protects against medical emergencies. If you met with an accident while travelling through Schengen countries or if you had a dental emergency, these plans could help ease the burden of huge medical bills. Even if a sudden medical circumstance arose that requires immediate surgery and the patient needs to be admitted, it could be very cumbersome to pay the bills out of your pocket.
Such medical emergencies can be claimed while in Schengen countries, as long as the medical condition isn’t a result of self-harm.
Please note that the claims can be filed for medical emergencies if the hospital is affiliated with the insurance provider. If you are uncertain about the hospital network, call the toll-free number for a quick clarification of which hospital is associated. You can also ask the hospital to check by sharing the details of your travel insurance.
3. Claims for lost baggage - It can be really annoying to learn that the airlines made a mistake and put your luggage on another flight. It is human error, given the volume of baggage they handle but it can be quite inconvenient when you are travelling to a Schengen country and have no clothes or emergency supplies. You may even have lost your documents in the luggage that was misrouted, or if the bag was picked up by another passenger unknowingly.
It is hard to replace everything immediately or to wait in a foreign country for your baggage to arrive when you already have limited time for your visit. Baggage claims would help provide you with the cash required for emergency supplies and clothes while you wait for the airlines to sort it out without having to compromise on your trip.
Procedure to file a travel insurance claim in Schengen countries
Different types of claims require a set of documents to be submitted in order to get your travel insurance coverage. Here are some of the documents to be submitted when you file a claim pertaining to the type and reasons discussed above:
1. Property Irregularity Report (PIR) - If you lose your baggage or the airline misplaces it, then you need to first discuss it with the authorities at the airport. You will receive a Property Irregularity report which you then need to submit to your travel insurance provider. You will need to select whether the claim is from an individual travel insurance plan, family plan, or student plan.
2. Letter from the airlines - Along with the PIR, you also need to ask the airline for a letter stating the circumstances of baggage loss. You need to submit this letter along with your boarding pass and a copy of your travel ticket (to highlight the dates)
3. Medical bills - In case of medical emergencies, you will need to furnish the bills processed and provided by the hospital. The bills will indicate whether or not it was treatment for a pre-existing disease or if it is for any form of cosmetic surgery, in which case the insurance provider need not pay. The bill is also suggestive of if the insured harmed themselves, in which case the travel insurance provider is once again not obligated to pay. However, if the medical bills indicate an emergency or accident, you need to fill out the claim form and submit the documents to receive the claim.
4. Bills for refreshments - If your flight is delayed by hours and you need to replenish your strength, you can claim the cost of refreshments along with the claim form and a letter from the airline clearly stating the reason for the delay and an Estimated time.
Always keep the bills and receipts during your travels to Schengen countries. You never know when a situation may arise that will call for a travel insurance claim.
Conclusion
Filing your travel insurance claims in Schengen countries is much simpler than you think. As long as you have proof of the requirement along with the original receipts, letters, and other concerning documents, you can file the claim.
You will need to file the claim form and send a copy of the original documents to your insurance provider. In case of doubts, reach out to the toll-free numbers for more information pertaining to your particular issues.
FAQs
1. Do I need travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Yes, you absolutely need to have travel insurance for a Schengen visa. Without Schengen travel insurance, your Schengen visa will not be processed.
2. Can I choose any international travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
No. You need to purchase Schengen travel insurance specifically if you plan on travelling to any of the 26 Schengen countries. A general international travel visa will not serve the same purpose. Your travel insurance must be tailored to Schengen countries. However, you can acquire Schengen travel insurance for all Schengen countries collectively.
3. What other documents do I need besides travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
Here is the list of documents required apart from travel insurance for Schengen visa:
- Visa application form
- 2 passport-sized photographs clicked within the last 6 months of processing the visa application.
- A passport that is valid up to 6 months after the date of return from the Schengen trip.
- Itinerary stating the date of departure to date of return
- Details of accommodation in Schengen countries
- Bank Statements and financial proofs
- Payment details for visa application
- Business license or employment contract for working professionals and NOCs and proof of enrollment for students. Spouse’s documents or letter of employment in case of visas for a long duration.
4. Why is it mandatory to have travel insurance for a Schengen visa?
The unrestricted passage through borders is an advantage for all, but it breeds stricter laws of conduct. That is why Schengen countries insist on travel insurance before a visitor can apply for their visa. Travel insurance protects the tourists’ interests in case of thefts or loss of important documents, baggage, etc. while on their trip as well as cover for medical costs. It also ensures the Schengen government that if the tourist meets with a personal accident or death, the insurance provider will take responsibility and look into the arrangements and costs. Additionally, if the tourist damages or harms an individual during their trip, the costs for the same will be covered without consequence or government intervention.
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