European travel has long been a cherished experience for Indians, with many eager to explore the continent’s rich history, culture, and beauty. According to recent data from Policybazaar, European-bound travel by Indians is surging, with Schengen visits rising 18.95% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The top destinations for Indian travellers are Germany, France, and Switzerland, accounting for 57.27% of all Schengen-bound Indian travel between January and March 2025, according to the report. The Netherlands and Italy follow closely, rounding out the top five destinations. Germany’s popularity stems from both business and leisure travel, while Switzerland and the Netherlands are attracting adventure tourists, fueling demand for policies that cover activities like skiing and hiking. Women Travellers Lead the Way
Women travellers are driving a significant portion of this boom, with travel among Indian women rising 19% in Q1, surpassing the 13% growth among men. “Women travellers, in particular, are leading this shift with a 19% uptick—opting for more comprehensive plans and essential add-ons like visa fee refund and trip cancellation coverage,” said Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Policybazaar. What Are People Opting For? Visa rejection concerns are prompting smarter insurance buying, with a Schengen rejection rate of 15.7% in 2023. Indian applicants lost nearly €12.1 million (₹109 crore) in non-refundable fees. In response, about 20% of travellers now opt for a Visa Fee Refund rider. Coverage choices are also getting bolder, with 62% of travellers now choosing $250,000+ coverage, indicating that customers are prioritising peace of mind over cost. Senior Citizens Gravitate Towards Higher Coverage
Senior citizens are gravitating towards policies offering $500,000 or more, primarily for hospitalisation and emergency care. Plans with pre-existing disease coverage and evacuation services are gaining traction. Peak Season for Insurance Purchases
Spring travel planning is the peak season for insurance purchases, with about 60–80% of Europe-bound policies bought between February and April. March and April see the highest volume, driven by visa timelines and growing awareness of disruptions. About 76% of travellers now buy insurance 45–50 days before departure. Why Are Women Travellers Leading the Way? Several factors contribute to the growing demand for travel insurance among Indian women. According to Kapadia, women travellers are opting for more comprehensive plans and essential add-ons like visa fee refund and trip cancellation coverage, driven by concerns about safety and security. Additionally, women are more likely to engage in adventure activities, such as hiking and skiing, which require higher coverage limits. Key Highlights:

“Women travellers, in particular, are leading this shift with a 19% uptick—opting for more comprehensive plans and essential add-ons like visa fee refund and trip cancellation coverage,” said Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Policybazaar.

“With 62% of travellers now choosing $250,000+ coverage, it’s evident that customers are prioritising peace of mind over cost,” Kapadia added.
Why Are Travellers Buying Insurance? There are several reasons why European-bound travel has led to a surge in insurance purchases among Indians. According to Kapadia, one of the primary reasons is visa rejection concerns. With a Schengen rejection rate of 15.7% in 2023, Indian applicants lost nearly €12.1 million (₹109 crore) in non-refundable fees. Another factor is the growing awareness of disruptions, such as flight cancellations and medical emergencies.
Defining the Perfect Policy
With so many options available, it can be challenging to define the perfect policy. However, Kapadia suggests that customers should focus on the following factors:

Minimum coverage

$100,000

Maximum coverage

$250,000+

Optional coverage

Pre-existing disease, evacuation services, and visa fee refund

Policy duration

Maximum 365 days

Policy cancellation

Flexible cancellation terms

Pre-activation

Easy online activation

By considering these factors, customers can find a policy that meets their needs and provides peace of mind during their European getaway.
Key statistics:

• 18.95% increase in Schengen-bound travel by Indians in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. • 62% of travellers now choosing $250,000+ coverage. • 60–80% of Europe-bound policies bought between February and April.
Why women are leading the way:

Women travellers are driving a significant portion of this boom, with travel among Indian women rising 19% in Q1, surpassing the 13% growth among men. By understanding the trends and preferences of European-bound travellers, travel insurance companies can tailor their policies to meet the evolving needs of customers, providing a more comprehensive and risk-mitigating solution for a smoother and more enjoyable trip.