Last Updated:June 29, 2025, 13:32 IST
Kapadia from Policybazaar stresses the need for comprehensive travel insurance for Indian travelers to Europe, covering medical emergencies, strikes, etc.
A European holiday is often the experience of a lifetime, and investing in higher coverage travel insurance helps protect that dream.
Authored by Meet Kapadia, Head, Travel Insurance, Policybazaar:
For most Indians, a trip to Europe is a lifelong dream. Months of planning, budgeting, saving, navigating visa hurdles, and even picking the right wardrobe go into it. Often, these dreams are shaped by the movies we’ve grown up with—from the snow-covered Swiss Alps of DDLJ, to the romantic streets of Paris, or the scenic trails of Slovenia recently made famous by Thalapathy Vijay. With so much emotional and financial investment, it makes sense to take one more crucial step: securing comprehensive travel insurance.
The Schengen visa requires a minimum of €30,000 in coverage, but that is just the baseline. A basic policy may get you the visa, but it often falls short when real-world complications hit. Opting for higher coverage offers more meaningful protection without adding a significant financial burden.
Take the example of Ankit and Priya, a newlywed couple who had saved diligently for over a year to make their dream honeymoon in Italy come true. Thanks to their decision to purchase comprehensive travel insurance, they were fully reimbursed when a sudden climate event cancelled their return flight, covering new tickets and accommodation without denting their savings.
They were among the growing number of Indian travelers planning ahead. In fact, 62% of travelers now opt for travel insurance with $250,000 or more in coverage, showing a clear shift toward prioritising protection over minimum compliance. If you’re still wondering why higher coverage matters, here’s what it protects you from:
- Medical emergencies in Europe are expensive: You’re enjoying a gondola ride in Venice when a minor slip leaves you with a fractured ankle. A quick hospital visit turns into a multi-day stay, and suddenly, you’re facing a bill that could wipe out your holiday budget. Basic travel insurance may meet Schengen visa rules, but its €30,000 cap often falls short—a quick comparison on insurance portals can show how much more protection a slightly higher premium offers. A single hospital night in Paris or Zurich can cost thousands of euros, and major treatments run into lakhs. European healthcare is high-quality, but not free for tourists; it’s funded by taxes paid by residents, and visitors are billed in full unless their insurance covers it.
- Strikes are common and disruptive: From airline walkouts to transport worker protests, strikes are relatively common in Europe. These disruptions can result in missed connections, sudden layovers, or last-minute changes to your travel plans. Comprehensive coverage cushions the blow by reimbursing rebooking fees, accommodation costs, and other expenses. Given that a European trip often spans multiple countries and flights, the risk of getting caught in such a situation only increases.
- Lost or delayed baggage can derail your itinerary: Imagine arriving in Florence only to discover your luggage has been left behind in Frankfurt. It’s a common mishap—especially with multi-country itineraries—and replacing essentials in cities like Rome or Amsterdam can be costly. Higher coverage ensures compensation for baggage delay, loss, or theft, so you can continue your journey without financial strain.
- Visa rejections are a sore point for many Indian travellers: Despite careful planning, Schengen visa rejections are a reality. With rejection rates touching over 15% for Indian applicants in recent years, the financial loss from non-refundable visa fees, hotel bookings, and flights can be significant. Some comprehensive policies now offer visa rejection protection if bought well in advance, though they come at a slightly higher premium. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
- Minor crimes and personal liability: Crowded tourist spots like metro stations in Paris or squares in Prague are hotspots for pickpocketing. Losing a wallet is bad enough, but imagine your phone, camera, or laptop being stolen or damaged. Basic insurance may offer minimal compensation or exclude high-value electronics entirely. A high coverage policy with gadget protection ensures you don’t end up paying out of pocket to replace your essentials, helping you stay connected and stress-free throughout your trip.
A European holiday is often the experience of a lifetime, and investing in higher coverage travel insurance helps protect that dream. For just a slightly higher premium, you gain financial security, peace of mind, and the freedom to enjoy your trip without worrying about the unexpected. With so many plans available today, it’s worth spending a few minutes online to compare features and pick one that truly fits your needs, especially when the difference in cost is often marginal, but the benefits can be significant.
It is authored by Meet Kapadia, Head, Travel Insurance, Policybazaar.com.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
- First Published:
#Comprehensive #Travel #Insurance #European #Trip #Banking #Finance #News
