More Indians travel to Europe this year, with Schengen trips growing by 18.95% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to Pollybazaar, an insurance market. Germany, France and Switzerland continue to be among the five main destinations, with a strong increase in travel insurance demand that offers high coverage and niche accessories.

Germany and France are still favorite

The data compiled by Pollybazaar show that Germany represented 20%of all Indian trips linked to Schengen in the first three months of the year, followed by France (17.57%) and Switzerland (10.67%). The Netherlands and Italy completed the first five.

The popularity of Germany is partly driven by a combination of commercial and leisure trips. Meanwhile, Switzerland and the Netherlands are attracting tourists interested in adventure experiences, which leads to an increase in insurance products that offer coverage for activities such as skiing and hiking.

Traveling women are leading their turn

Travel among Indian women increased by 19% during quarter, exceeding 13% registered growth among men. This is linked to the growth of an increase in solo trips and small groups, with women who show a preference for insurance plans that include travel cancellation, flight delay compensation and emergency medical assistance.

“Traveling women, in particular, are leading this change with an increase of 19%, open for more complete plans and essential supplements such as visa rates reimbursement and travel cancellation coverage,” said Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Policybazaar.

Visa’s rejection is concerned with a refund refund demand

With a Schengen visa rejection rate of 15.7% in 2023, Indian applicants lost almost € 12.1 million (₹ 109 million rupees) in non -refundable rates. In response, about 20% of travelers now choose a visa rate reimbursement rider as part of their insurance coverage.

Demand grows for more coverage policies

62% of Indian travelers now choose an insurance coverage of $ 250,000 or more

Older people tend to choose plans with more than $ 500,000 in coverage, largely for hospitalization and emergency care

Comprehensive plans that include the benefits of pre -existing disease (PED) and evacuation services are becoming more common

“With 62% of travelers who now choose $ 250,000+ coverage, it is evident that customers prioritize tranquility on cost,” Kapadia said.

Most insurance sales take place before spring holidays

Around 60-80% of travel insurance policies for European trips are bought between February and April, in line with spring trip planning and early summer. March and April are particularly busy.

Travelers buy policies in advance

76% of travelers now buy insurance from 45 to 50 days before their scheduled exit

Early purchase is driven by visa requirements and the growing awareness of risks such as medical flight delays and emergencies

Millennials and Gen X represent half of the buyers

Generation X (30%) prefers plans with wide medical and commercial coverage

Millennials (20%) go to digital policies first with flexible terms and faster claims

GEN Z (26%) Choose basic plans with economic accessories such as gadget protection

Baby Boomers (2%) favor premium policies that include PED and emergency evacuation

Kapadia said there has been “a clear change in mentality”, with insurance that is no longer seen as a visa formality. “The growth of 18.95% in Q1 is greatly feeds for a greater awareness of the incidents of travel interruptions and a high approach to medical protection abroad,” he said.