Many people buy medical insurance when applying for a Schengen visa not because they should buy it to protect themselves in case of unforeseen injuries, accidents or sicknesses, but simply because the consulate requires it to get the visa.

We had many instances where we helped the person choose the right insurance, the person bought it, we provided a confirmation of coverage letter, the person got the visa and then immediately sent us the request for cancellation.

To reduce the possibility of this happening, strict rules for cancellation must be followed. In order to cancel such insurance, the insurance company will really require the proof that you did not get the visa or you are really not going after getting the visa.

Actual proof may vary depending upon your circumstances, but you may use the following tips to prove it:

• Provide entire copy of the passport
• Provide cancelled tickets
• After sending the cancellation request before the effective date, call us from the U.S. after the effective date of the insurance to prove that you have indeed cancelled your trip.

Of course, once you cancel it, the insurance company may also inform the consulate where you got the visa about the insurance cancellation and that may prevent you from entering Schengen countries because you cancelled the insurance.