Schengen Travel Insurance for Germany from India: All you need to know

NAME: Axel Strauss
DATE: 26/11/2024

Are you an Indian national hoping to visit Germany in the near future? Then you might have a question or two about the proper travel insurance for your trip. For example, whether travel insurance for Germany from India is mandatory, what options you have, what they cost, how safe Germany is to visit in general, and so on.

Well, fortunately, you're already one big step closer to making your German adventure from India not only a reality — but a safe one at that. Because AXA Schengen travel insurance pros have answers to all those questions (and more) below!

• Do Indian nationals need travel insurance for Germany?
• What are the travel insurance requirements for a Visa for Germany?
• Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for my trip to Germany?
• What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Germany?
• What should I do if I’m ill or injured while I’m in Germany?
• What else should I know when preparing for Germany?

Do Indian nationals need travel insurance for Germany?

Most likely, yes. Because along with being Europe’s largest economy, Germany is also a founding member of both the European Union and the Schengen Zone. And as such, it requires most non-Schengen travelers — including Indian nationals — to apply for a German Schengen visa to cross its borders.

Meanwhile, one of the mandatory requirements for being granted a Schengen visa is having the proper Schengen travel insurance.

Moreover, even if you’re a legal resident of Australia, Canada, the U.K., the U.S., and/or an Indian Green Card holder — as an Indian passport holder, to visit Germany you’ll still need a Schengen visa (and, therefore, travel insurance).

In short, unless your home country* has a visa-waiver agreement with the Schengen (which India does not), you’re going to need to get properly insured.

*PRO-TIP 1: But even if you happen to be a national of a visa-exempt country residing in India, top-quality travel insurance is never a bad call for any European trip — be it Germany or beyond. Because you never know what can go wrong when experiencing a different culture — and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

PRO-TIP 2: And if you do indeed need a German Schengen visa, fear not. Because AXA can also tell you exactly how to apply for a German visa from India, what Schengen visa type options you have, how to apply for a German work visa, and more. So click around!

What are the travel insurance requirements for a Schengen Visa for Germany?

To be granted your German Schengen visa from India, your travel insurance plan must meet the following criteria:

• be purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries;
• cover you in all Schengen member countries (that is, not just Germany);
• have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (including hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation — including in case of death);
• be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

Fortunately, all of AXA’s plans meet the requirements above. And that’s just one of the many reasons why — when it comes to travel insurance — AXA is the best way to get from India to Germany.
 

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for my trip to Germany?

But along with helping you get that visa, here are a few more ways AXA got your back — both before and throughout your stay in Germany. First off, our plans:

• don’t require a medical exam;
• have no age limit;
• and have zero deductibles.

Moreover, AXA offers:

• 24/7 assistance;
• Free Video and Phone Medical Consultations (in English and a number of other languages) with our unique “Doctor, please!” feature;
• Up to €100,000 coverage in medical expenses;
• Medical repatriation & transport;
• Up to 180 days of coverage;
• And coverage not just in Germany but in all Schengen and most European Union countries (including — depending on the chosen plan — the U.K.).

Moreover, AXA’s application process is quick, easy, and straightforward. In fact, your Schengen travel insurance from India can be purchased online in just a few minutes.

Once you’ve purchased your plan, we’ll send you your AXA Schengen travel insurance certificate by email. Said certificate can then be downloaded and/or printed instantly too. And it is accepted by all German (and Schengen) embassies, consulates, and visa application centers in India and worldwide.

And yet another bonus of going with AXA? AXA plans are fully refundable in most cases if your German Schengen visa from India is denied. We’ll only ask that you provide an official explanation as to why your visa was refused (from the relevant German embassy, consulate, or visa application center).

What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Germany?

The specific plan you choose will depend on the particular nature of your trip, how often you plan to travel, and, of course, your budget. And that’s why AXA offers you not one but three comprehensive options — one of which is guaranteed to meet all your German travel needs. Here’s a quick summary of all three (but make sure to click on each one to learn more and compare your options).

-Our Low-Cost plan is perfect for those coming from India to Germany on a budget. While it provides our most basic coverage, it still meets all the requirements for being granted a Schengen Visa, covers medical expenses of up to €30,000, and offers coverage in case of hospitalization or repatriation. And it covers you in all the countries within the Schengen Zone, as well as the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City

-Meanwhile, Europe Travel — along with offering all the benefits above — covers medical expenses of up to €100,000. It also offers coverage for a number of other unexpected issues — for example, lost documents and/or valuables. Moreover, it covers you in all the countries within the Schengen Zone AND the European Union, the European microstates of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City, and the U.K..
Europe Travel is therefore perfect for the more adventurous traveler, those hoping to see a little more of Europe, as well as those traveling from India to Germany with family.

-And our Multi-Trip option, while offering all the perks above, provides you with a full year’s coverage. It’s therefore also ideal for families and adventurous types — but especially so if you hold a multiple-entry visa, are traveling from India on business, applying for residency, and/or planning to enter Germany (and the Schengen area) regularly.

In short, with the right AXA plan, you can get the ball rolling on both your Shengen visa application and your actual German (and European) adventure in no time.

So explore each plan above, compare AXA’s different plans
and
Get a free AXA Schengen Travel Insurance quote today!

What should I do if I’m ill or injured while I’m in Germany?

Germany is home to a uniquely diverse abundance of nature, history, culture, and people. And yet, with so much to do and see, an unpleasant surprise or two is — unfortunately — always a possibility. But, again, no need to worry! Because no matter where in Germany you and your family happen to be, AXA is right there with you.

In case of a medical emergency, all you need to do is contact our AXA Schengen call center.* And our medical assistance professionals are available for you 24/7 — to answer questions, give advice, and/or help you find the closest medical center.

*IMPORTANT: The number for your specific call center will also be provided when you purchase your travel insurance policy. So make sure to save it and keep it on hand.

When calling, you’ll be asked to provide the following:

• The number of your policy (beginning with “SCH”);
• The address and telephone number where you can be reached (as well as the contact details of any people close to you that can be reached locally);
• Your dossier number (which will be communicated at the time of the first call).

So make sure you have these on hand as well!

PRO-TIP 3: Always save any medical bills, invoices, receipts, etc. — and make sure to enclose them with your file as needed. And, of course, keep your phone charged.

What else should I know when preparing for Germany?

Germany is home to roughly 3,000 breads, 5,000 beers, 6,000+ museums, and 20,000+ castles. Plus the German Alps, the Black Forest, lakes, rivers, parks, quaint little villages, historical towns, and modern metropolises galore. So, again, there’s plenty to see and do.

But here are just a few more useful things to know as you plan your journey from India to Germany.

Emergency numbers in Germany

• General emergency: 112
• Police emergency: 110
• Emergency medical service for urgent but not life-threatening situations: 116 and 117

Currency

Germany uses the Euro (€). For Indian travelers, the exchange rate is roughly 1 Euro = 90 INR (as of late 2024 — so make sure to check the latest exchange rates).

PRO-TIP 4: It’s best to have some cash on hand too — as not all German shops accept credit cards.

Security

Germany is a relatively safe nation. But it’s still vital to use common sense and stay vigilant — especially at airports, train stations, and crowded tourist areas.

Getting around

Most German cities have very efficient public transport (trams, buses, rails). The minimum driving age, meanwhile, is 18 — and you’ll need a valid license, insurance, and vehicle documents.

Opening Hours

Shops and supermarkets are typically open Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM. Sundays are usually a day of rest — especially in smaller towns. Meanwhile, most restaurants open around midday and again in the evening — though hours can vary greatly by city and town.

Weather

Summers are mild and average around 20–25°C. The winters can be cold — with temperatures often dropping to around 0°C or lower. And spring and autumn, while moderate, can be rainy. So pack accordingly!

And that’s the gist about most things German. However, for some more in-depth tips, we recommend you also check out AXA’s piece on travel and safety advice for Germany. With it — and with one of the top-quality travel insurance plans above — your trip to Germany from India is guaranteed to be both safe and unforgettable!

RELATED ARTICLES:

• What is health insurance for a Schengen visa?
• Schengen travel insurance costs
• Where to find the Schengen visa application form for India

FAQ

Can I travel to other European countries with a German visa from India?

Yes. With your German Schengen visa, you should be able to visit other European countries — so long as they are part of the Schengen area (IMPORTANT NOTE: However, Germany will have to be either your first point of entry — or the country where you spend the most time).

Can I extend my German Schengen visa?

Yes, but only under special circumstances. And AXA can tell you all about Schengen visa extension too.

Can I take out Schengen travel health insurance for someone else?

Yes. With AXA, you can purchase a travel insurance plan for guests and/or loved ones. You’ll just need to provide their personal info — i.e., DOB, address, passport number, and itinerary.