Why is travel insurance compulsory for getting a visa?

Overseas travel – as exciting a prospect it is – warrants meticulous planning and research prior to boarding the flight to your destination. Basis the country that you intend to visit, its sovereign jurisdiction might deem essential that you have a travel visa in order to enter its territory.A visa refers to an official document that the country (one that you intend on visiting) grants you, and with it, the permission to enter its space and reside there for a specified period of time. That being said, not every visa is the same and every country has separate laws in place – ones that preside over business travellers and tourists differently. While some countries issue visas depending on the objective of your visit, some grant general visas that retain their validity through a limited period of time.

Should you want to visit a country that mandates a visa, bear in mind that you would have to, in all probability, need a valid travel medical insurance as well. That is because a travel medical insurance here would act as proof that expenses – resulting from a probable hospitalization, repatriation to home country or treating other medical emergencies – are well covered.For instance, should you be visiting any of the Schengen countries – irrespective of whether you’re or a tourist or visiting for business reasons – and intend on staying there for a time period in upwards of 90 days, a single visa is all you’d need. At the same time, a travel medical insurance policy is a necessity that is accorded with a Schengen visa.

In maximum cases, investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy should suffice your visa-related needs. However, if you are not too sure of the level of coverage, you should ideally ask the insurance interface about it. The idea here is to clarify and be sanguine about the fact that you are roundly covered, prior to departing for your destination.

A few visas warrant you to furnish proof that you have availed a travel medical insurance policy from a reputable insurer. Ensure that your chosen insurance company is licensed and one that is generally accepted in the country that you are planning to visit.Besides granting you indemnity against a host of medical emergencies, a travel insurance policy is designed to provide coverage for:

• Emergency evacuation to home country, in case of a natural calamity or catastrophe
• Return of a minor
• Loss or theft of luggage and other valuables
• Loss of passport and other documents
• Cancellation or delays in flights

Visas to select countries require you to possess travel insurance so that you don’t have to sustain financial damages should you be detected with a condition or any other medical emergency over the course of your trip.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.