If you wanted to be covered by your Schengen health insurance right from the day of arrival in Europe, you would have to take out your insurance before departure to the Schengen Area for an immediate commencement of cover on that day. Insurance coverage also starts immediately in case of booking and commencement of your Schengen health insurance not later than 31 days after arrival.
Applying for insurance cover for the Schengen Area later than 31 days after arrival is detrimental. In this particular case there is a waiting period of 31 days starting on the day your Schengen health insurance policy begins.
Damage events - usually medical treatments becoming necessary - occuring during the first 31 days after commencement of your Schengen health insurance are not covered. Insurance cover effectively starts on day 32 of your Schengen health insurance policy.
We therefore strongly recommend to start your Schengen health insurance right on the day of arrival in the Schengen Area and to cover the maximum period of time you might stay in Europe. If you returned back home earlier than planned, overpaid insurance premiums would be refunded to you.
Do you wish to have professional advise on the best insurance cover for your trip to Europe or for persons you have invited to Europe?
We strongly recommend to book your Schengen health insurance before departure to Europe and to start your Schengen insurance policy on the day of arrival at the Schengen Area in order to make sure that you will be covered immediately.
Nevertheless, concluding an insurance contract after entry to Europe is possible however you will have to accept a waiting period of 31 days after commencement of your health insurance policy, if you already are staying in Europe for more than 31 days.
Please avoid a waiting period by taking out your Schengen health insurance in good time in advance before travelling to Europe.
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