Compare incoming insurance: What should you pay attention to?

In an increasingly globalized world, it is crucial for travelers to ensure they have appropriate coverage. An important component of this is the Incoming insurance. But how can one find the right insurance with optimal protection? In this article, we will compare three different Incoming insurances and highlight the key aspects to help travelers choose the right insurance.

Table of Contents:

• What is Incoming Insurance? 
• How do I choose the right Incoming Insurance? 
• Incoming Insurance: Comparison of three insurance policies
• The benefits of AXA Incoming Insurance at a glance 
• Who needs private health insurance as a foreign guest?
• Why is Incoming Insurance important? 

What is Incoming Insurance?

Incoming insurance is a specific type of travel insurance that focuses on insurance coverage for foreign guests who wish to travel to the Schengen area. It is designed for travelers who are visiting one of the Schengen countries (which includes Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) for a vacation, business stay, or family visit. For visa-required travelers, it is even mandatory. Without Incoming insurance, your visa application will not be processed.

How do I choose the right Incoming Insurance?

Incoming insurances (also referred to as guest insurance in Switzerland) are offered with varying services and prices depending on the provider. How can you know which health insurance for foreign visitors is the right one for you?

1. Incoming Insurance Comparison: the Services

If you are visa-required, then your Incoming insurance must fulfill the following services for a Schengen visa:

• valid in all Schengen countries
• valid for the entire duration of your trip
• coverage amount of at least 30,000 euros
• repatriation to the country of origin

Look for reputable and recognized providers so you can be sure that your insurance meets the requirements and is recognized by all embassies and consulates.

If you are a visa-exempt third-country national taking out private insurance for your trip to Europe, then your insurance does not need to meet specific conditions. However, still ensure that you have sufficient coverage (at least 30,000 euros) and that your insurance is valid in all countries you wish to travel to. For example, AXA Europe Travel is valid for all Schengen countries and EU countries (including Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Ireland), as well as in the UK, San Marino, Andorra, Vatican City, and Monaco.

2. Incoming Insurance Comparison: the Price

In addition to the guarantees, the price is an important criterion for decision-making. In Switzerland, expensive guest insurances can cost between 200 to 400 francs (205 - 410 euros) per month. Therefore, an Incoming insurance comparison is definitely worthwhile, as well-known insurers offer affordable alternatives.

Did you know? With AXA, you can secure your trip for a low premium starting at 22 euros per week! These are of course compliant with Schengen visa regulations and suitable for trips of up to 6 months throughout the Schengen area, as well as optionally across the entire EU.

3. Incoming Insurance Comparison: Other Comparison Factors

In the comparison of incoming insurances, the benefits vary. Here are some additional differences that may occur between insurers:

1. Deductible: Some incoming insurances require a deductible. This means that the insured must bear a part of the costs themselves. Other insurers, such as AXA, offer full cost coverage without a deductible.

2. Scope of Coverage: The scope of coverage varies from insurance to insurance. Some insurers offer more comprehensive benefits, while others provide more basic coverage. AXA offers both options: the low-cost insurance with basic services and a minimum coverage of €30,000, and the Europe Travel insurance with many additional benefits (such as search and rescue costs up to €5,000) and a coverage of €100,000, as well as the annual Multi-Trip insurance for frequent travelers and multiple visa holders.

3. Baggage Loss, Trip Cancellation & Liability Claims: When comparing incoming insurances, there are also insurers that include baggage loss, trip cancellation, and liability in their coverage.

4. Exclusions and Limitations: It is important to carefully review the insurance terms, as different insurers may have different exclusions and limitations. For example, certain pre-existing medical conditions or risky activities may be excluded from coverage. AXA covers all medically necessary treatments, including treatments related to a COVID-19 illness, provided you adhere to government and medical recommendations. However, planned medical stays and procedures are not covered.

5. Age Restrictions: When comparing incoming insurances, you may notice that some insurers only insure individuals up to a certain age (usually the limit is 65 or 70 years). AXA insures all travelers, regardless of age or nationality. With AXA, even those over 80 can easily obtain travel health insurance for foreign guests.

6. Customer Service and Claims Processing: The quality of customer service and claims processing can vary from insurer to insurer. AXA offers you quick and efficient service with 24/7 AXA Assistance, which you can reach at any time.

Incoming Insurance: Comparison of AXA Insurance Policies

AXA offers three incoming health insurances without deductible that are tailored to the different needs of travelers. In direct comparison, you can see which insurance policy is right for you! Important information in advance: all three insurances meet the requirements for a Schengen visa application and are accepted by all embassies and consulates!

1. Low-Cost Insurance

The cheapest incoming insurance is the “Low-Cost” policy. It protects travelers in all Schengen countries with the required minimum coverage of €30,000, provides support on-site in emergencies, and if necessary, facilitates the return to the home country. The Low-Cost insurance can be purchased for a period of up to 6 months and at €22 per week, it is the ideal travel health insurance for Schengen visa applicants and travelers who are budget-conscious.

2. Europe Travel Insurance

The Europe health insurance “Europe Travel” offers you, in addition to the described basic services, an extended protection: Should a medical emergency occur during your trip, your treatment, hospital, and return travel costs will be covered up to a maximum of €100,000. In addition, AXA takes care of your relatives, assists with language problems, or obtains necessary documents. In the event of death, AXA is also there for your family.

Moreover, the “Europe Travel” Schengen insurance is ideal for travelers who wish to visit other countries in Europe besides the Schengen countries (such as Bulgarian, Romania, Cyprus, Ireland, and Great Britain). This insurance policy can also be taken out for a period of up to 6 months. The costs for the Schengen visa health insurance “Europe Travel” with extended coverage amount to only €33 per week.

3. Multi-Trip Insurance

For frequent travelers, the annual AXA-Schengen insurance “Multi Trip” is of interest. It provides you with coverage up to €100,000 for medical treatments, necessary hospital stays, and return transport to your home country. This insurance option costs €328 for one year and is worthwhile for you if you travel to Europe more than twice a year for 90 days at a time. The insurance coverage applies during the contract period for as many trips as you wish to countries where the insurance is valid (Schengen countries, EU countries, and Great Britain). However, individual trips may never last longer than 90 days.

The Advantages of AXA Incoming Insurance at a Glance

All travelers who take out an incoming insurance policy with AXA have access to a 24/7 emergency hotline for advice and assistance. You can complete our insurance online and receive the insurance certificate immediately by email, which you can attach to your visa application. All insurances can also be taken out as a host for a foreign guest.

1. No deductible costs

2. The right insurance for every budget

3. Also available for hosts of foreign guests

4. Meets all criteria for a Schengen visa

5. Recognized by all embassies and consulates

6. Simple and quick online completion

7. Affordable rates and very good guarantees

8. No age restrictions

9. Excellent customer service and support

10. Flexible booking: from 1 day to six months or as an annual subscription

Who Needs Private Health Insurance as a Foreign Guest?

All travelers who require a visa for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (a so-called Schengen visa) must take out travel health insurance and attach it to the visa application.

All other travelers who do not come from the European Union and the Schengen Area are advised by the Foreign Office to take out incoming insurance to protect themselves and their families from high costs in the event of an accident or illness.

Examples of individuals from third countries who take out incoming insurance:

• Foreign tourists traveling for tourism purposes
• Foreign guests visiting family and friends
• Foreign business travelers
• Foreign au pairs
• Foreign exchange students and pupils
• Foreign language students
• Foreign visiting scholars and guest lecturers
• Applicants for a marriage visa, etc.

Why is Incoming Insurance Important?

Incoming insurance is important as it provides comprehensive coverage for foreign visitors traveling to the Schengen Area and the EU. Imagine arriving in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland and suddenly falling ill or getting injured, requiring treatment in a hospital. Without travel health insurance, you or your family would have to cover the costs of thousands of euros out of pocket. The same applies to repatriation to your home country. Only with travel health insurance can you travel worry-free!

3 main reasons why incoming insurance is important:

1. Coverage of medical costs: In the event of illness or injury, medical costs can be substantial. Incoming insurance covers the costs of necessary medical treatments, thus providing financial protection for the insured person.

2. Repatriation to the home country: In case of illness or death, you will want to be returned to your home country. Your insurance covers the costs of the special transport.

3. Meeting entry requirements: For anyone applying for a Schengen visa, incoming insurance is a prerequisite for entering the Schengen Area. Without appropriate insurance, the visa application will be rejected.

The incoming insurance includes benefits such as coverage of medical costs, repatriation to the home country, and other individually selectable options. Its purpose is to provide visitors with foreign nationality a high level of safety and financial protection during their stay.

You might also be interested in these articles

Which visa health insurance should you choose for a national visa?

Which is the best health insurance for the Schengen visa?

Is there an age limit for Schengen health insurance?

Which Incoming Insurance is the Cheapest in Comparison?

In the price comparison of health insurance for foreign guests, AXA Schengen Low Cost is one of the cheapest insurance policies on the market. You only pay 22 euros per travel week. It is valid in all Schengen countries and meets the requirements for a Schengen visa.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Comparing Incoming Insurances?

Be sure to pay attention to sufficient coverage amounts. Travelers who need a Schengen visa must have insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros for medical treatments and repatriation to the home country! Also, look for insurances without deductibles.

Which Incoming Insurance is the Best in Comparison?

AXA has been offering incoming insurances that comply with Schengen visa regulations for over 10 years, providing comprehensive protection for European travelers and flexible booking options (from 1 to 180 days, as a host or as the traveler themselves). Additionally, various policies are available for different budgets, along with excellent customer service available 24/7.