Indian travel to Schengen countries soars 19% in early 2025, ET TravelWorld

Travel from India to Europe witnessed significant growth in the first quarter of 2025, with Schengen destinations recording an 18.95 per cent year-on-year increase, according to exclusive data from Policybazaar. This sharp rise reflects changing travel patterns, rising disposable incomes, and increased awareness of travel risks, prompting more travellers to prioritise comprehensive insurance.

Germany, France, and Switzerland emerged as the most visited Schengen countries, accounting for 20 per cent, 17.57 per cent, and 10.67 per cent of visits respectively. Germany’s strong draw among business and leisure travellers is boosting demand for business travel insurance and coverage for work-related emergencies. Switzerland and the Netherlands are also gaining traction, especially among those seeking adventure activities, leading to a rise in policies with specialised add-ons.

Women travellers are now outpacing men, with a 19 per cent rise in international travel compared to 13 per cent for male travellers. Solo female travel to Europe is growing steadily, and women are increasingly opting for enhanced travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation, emergency medical care, and flight delay compensation.

Visa-related concerns are shaping insurance decisions. In 2023, over 15 per cent of Schengen visa applications from India were rejected, leading to an estimated loss of EUR12.1 million in non-refundable fees. In response, 20 per cent of travellers are now including a visa fee refund rider in their policies.

There is also a marked shift towards higher coverage, with 62 per cent of Indian travellers now choosing policies worth $250,000 or more. Senior citizens are driving demand for $500,000+ plans that cover pre-existing conditions and emergency hospitalisation.

Kapil Kapadia, Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar, said, “The surge in Schengen travel is a strong indicator of evolving travel aspirations among Indian consumers. We’re seeing a clear shift in mindset—travel insurance is no longer viewed as a formality, but as an essential part of trip planning.”

Travel insurance purchases peak between February and April, coinciding with spring and summer planning, with 76 per cent of buyers securing their policies 45–50 days in advance. Millennials and Gen X continue to dominate the segment, favouring flexible, high-cover plans that address both leisure and business travel needs.