Tips on International Medical Insurance for tralvelers

Planning a Europe Vacation? Get a Schengen Visa

February 18, 2014 by Mrithyu

Europe is considered to be one of the best holiday destinations today, with its interesting mix of ancient and modern history. Visitors to the wonderful continent of Europe get a great opportunity to experience its amazing history and culture. There are plenty of places that offer excitement, fun and entertainment on your European vacation. You can experience the beautiful museums, art galleries and magnificent monuments; you can enjoy sightseeing, adventure sporting and more. As far as destinations go, the options are endless in Europe; from Paris, Spain, Italy to Holland, Portugal and many more. Since most of the destinations are not far from each other, you can visit many places on a single trip. If you are looking at traveling Europe on a budget, there are many airlines that offer budget airfares for travel between European countries.

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Schengen Visa
The introduction of Schengen visa has simplified travel in Europe to a great extent. Gone are the days when travelers had to take individual visas for each country in Europe, costing both money and time. But a Schengen visa works out great for travelers who wish to visit several European Union countries on the same journey; you can travel between countries on a single visa, as all internal air, road and train travel are treated as domestic trips. However, please note that if you carry a tourist visa, you are given a maximum of 90 days to stay in the Schengen area.

Getting a Schengen visa is quite simple; applications are available free online or at the embassies belonging to the European Union. Along with the visa application, one will also need to submit the necessary documents to the consulate office for the application form to be processed. Travelers should note that it takes several months to get a Schengen visa, so it is good to apply at least 3 months before a planned vacation. If you are planning to apply for a visa, then your passport should be valid for at least 3 months on the conclusion of your trip.

Types of Schengen visa
A great benefit of Schengen visa is that people can travel to different places in Europe without any restrictions and with minimum paperwork; this is especially useful for people traveling to attend conferences or business events. For example, if your visa has been issued by the German Consulate, this visa is also valid for other European countries that fall under the Schengen region such as Austria, Belgium, France, Finland and many more. But remember that you have to apply for your visa at the consulate of the country that is your primary destination. If you do not have a primary destination in mind, then you can apply at the consulate of the country that is your first port of entry.

There are various visas available, so you can find an option that suits you the best. Short stay visa is the most common visa that is applied for, especially by students visiting Schengen countries. It is a perfect choice for people traveling on business or as tourists for at least 90 days on a period of 6 months. Visa for airport transit allows you to transit through airports of Schengen countries, before flying to the next destination, but you cannot exit the airport. For example, if your flight itinerary requires an overnight stay at a German airport, you will have to apply for a regular tourist visa. In some cases, your itinerary may include an airport transit in Germany, but you do not have a confirmed onward flight from Germany. In such a situation, an airport transit visa will not work and you will have to apply for a regular tourist visa.

If you want to apply for a visa for your child under 18 years, you will have to apply for a regular tourist visa. As children under 18 are considered minors under EU law, the visa application will need to be signed by both parents and a birth certificate will also need to be submitted. For travelers interested in visiting the Schengen region more than once during the 90 day period, a multiple entry visa is a good choice. With a transit visa, one can travel across multiple country borders before traveling outside the Schengen zone.

There is nothing worse than going on a vacation without proper planning; it is good decide on the budget for your European trip in advance. It is a good idea to check the foreign exchange rates, so one can plan the budget and itinerary accordingly. Travelers can go online and find out about hotel bookings, places of interest, sightseeing options, food, shopping and much more. Plan a European vacation today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

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Filed Under: Schengen Visa

What are the General Conditions for Schengen Visa and Insurance?

January 3, 2014 by Mrithyu

The Schengen area is a group of 26 European countries that have a common visa policy. Named after the Schengen village in Luxembourg, this area was established under the Schengen Agreement which was signed on 14 June 1985 and the Schengen Area which was created on 26 March 1995. Upon its establishment, it enabled citizens of the Schengen states to travel freely across the borders of the said states (without passports). This area is the largest passport-free zone in the world. The common visa rules also imply that nationals from other countries are also allowed to travel between its member countries in an easy and less bureaucratic manner.

The countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985 are referred to as Schengen countries and they are covered by the Schengen visa as well. The 26 European countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Monaco, Gemany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. The other EU states of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania are expected to join the Schengen states eventually when they have proven preparedness in cooperation of police forces, personal data protection, visas and air borders.

Schengen Visa

Schengen-visa-stamp

The visa for the Schengen states which is granted in the form a sticker affixed on the traveller’s passport allows him or her to stay in the region for up to 90 days within a period of 6 months after issue. It can be used for tourist or business purposes. While a multiple entry visa provides the traveller an opportunity to leave and return any number of times during the 6-month period, the combined stay should not exceed 90 days. The Schengen visa is an effort to promote a unified Europe.

You can submit an application for your Schengen Visa anytime within three months before your planned trip to the Schengen states. If you have a new passport (renewed after expiry of the older one), you will need to provide your older passport while you apply for Schengen visa. The reasons of rejection range from confusion about the durability or processing time of the visa.

Another important point to remember is that anyone entering the Schengen area with a common visa requires valid travel insurance to meet the needs of the European Union. The Schengen visa insurance requirements are medical coverage of minimum 30,000 Euros and cover for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

All applicants need to prove that they can sustain themselves for the duration of their intended stay in the Schengen states. The means of sustenance is then assessed with details on the duration and purpose of stay. Sponsorship or private accommodation also serves as evidence for means of sustenance when travelling to the Schengen states.

What are the different types of Schengen Visa?

The most common reasons for visiting the Schengen states are business, tourism or visiting family or friends. Visas are issues depending on the purpose of your visit as well. The types of documents required will depend on the type of Schengen visa you are applying for and the Schengen state to which you are applying.

Short-stay, single-entry or multiple-entry visa: The most common types of visa issued, they entitle travellers to enter the Schengen states for one or several visits. While the single-entry visa allows one uninterrupted stay for a maximum of 90 day, the multiple-entry visa allows several stays in the territory; however, the total length of the visit should not exceed 90 days in six months from the date of first entry.
Transit visa: This type of visa is granted to travellers moving from one non-Schengen state to another, or who pass through any of the Schengen states. An airport transit visa might be issued at a stop-over or transfer between international flights. Some travelers might be required to pass through international transit areas of various airports, but they might not be entering the territory of the country in question.

If you are looking for options to apply for a Schengen Visa and need health insurance, read more about the policies that provide coverage and meet your stated requirements.

Filed Under: Europe Travel, Schengen Visa

Schengen Visa Insurance faq

December 12, 2013 by Mrithyu

What are the insurance specifications that the consulates require for issuing the Schengen Visa ?

Insurance company must have a representative office in Europe

Medical evacuation/repatriation coverage of at least US $37,500

Insurance must be valid for duration of stay in the Schengen states

What are the requirements for a Schengen Visa insurance?

Before the visa can be issued, the applicants must show proof that they have adequate health insurance protection that meets the Schengen Visa requirements as follows:

• The insurance company must have a representative office in Europe
• Medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation coverage of at least US $37,500 (or the equivalent of 30,000 euros)
• Insurance must be valid for the duration of stay in the Schengen countries

The applicants will need to provide a letter from their insurance company that confirms that the above requirements have been met by the insurance that has been purchased.
The duration of coverage will need to match the period of travel stated on your visa.

What are the countries that are included in the Schengen territory?

The 26 Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

I am a resident of the US, do I still need to satisfy the insurance requirement?

If you are a Non US citizen applying for a visa at the embassy, you will have to show proof of insurance. You should have an insurance policy that meets the Schengen Visa insurance requirements, in place before you go to the embassy for your visa appointment.

Do I need to buy separate insurances for the countries I would be travelling to?

No, typically these policies provide you with protection outside your country of citizenship or home country. Hence one policy can protect you in all the Schengen countries and outside your country of citizenship or home country.

Will I get a letter stating the benefits of the insurance to submit to the embassy as proof of insurance?

Yes, you should be able to download this Visa letter within 30 minutes of purchase. You can review a sample letter at https://www.schengenvisainsurance.com/brochure/patriot-america-insurance/patriot-sample-visa-letter.pdf

How soon can I get my insurance documents?

As soon as you complete your application and submit it online, you will get a confirmation of your purchase which will show you your Certificate number. If you have opted for the Online Fulfillment, an email will be sent to your email address that you have provided on the application form. Within 30 minutes after you receive this email, you should be able to download all the documents including the ID Card, Visa letter Policy details etc. from the links that are available at the bottom of the email or the client zone.

I am a US Citizen, do I need a visa to go to the Schengen countries?

If you are a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. tourist passport, traveling for tourism or business for up to 90 days you do not need a visa. If you do not meet these conditions, contact the embassy of the country where you plan to spend the majority of your time.

Filed Under: faq

Schengen Visa Medical Insurance Requirements

November 28, 2013 by Mrithyu

What is the Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is a visa issued under the terms of the Schengen treaty.

The Area is named after the village of Schengen in Luxembourg where the Schengen Agreement was signed in June 1985. There have been several modifications to the original treaty with more countries joining the area. At present there are 26 countries in the Schengen Area. The countries in the Area have abolished internal border controls and have adopted a common visa policy.

Part of the Schengen treaty covers co-operation between the police in the treaty nations and also a computer system whereby your passport is checked against a database of offenders wanted in the Schengen zone when you enter the zone.

Where should one apply for Schengen Visa?

The following are the main guidelines for applying for Schengen Visa

If you intend to visit only one particular Schengen country, you must apply at the Embassy of that particular country.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, you must apply at the Embassy of your main destination.
If you intend to visit several Schengen countries, but you do not have a main destination, you should apply at the Embassy of your first port of entry.
What are the requirements while applying for the Schengen Visa?
- 2 application forms (completely filled in) with photograph.
- valid passport (validity must extend until at least 3 months after the end of the planned journey).
- copy of itinerary with confirmed reservation, airline ticket to be presented prior to issuance of visa.
- proof of sufficient means of support e.g. bank statements, proof of income or an invitation letter and sponsorship declaration from your relatives / friends in a Schengen country.
- Letter from your company giving details about your business trip.
- proof of health insurance cover for your stay in the Schengen area to be presented prior to issuance of visa.
- visa fees (please contact the Embassy or Consulate where the application is to be lodged).
- Minors traveling by themselves or with only one custodian need to contact the respective Embassy or Consulate for further requirements.

Filed Under: Uncategorized