For U.S. residents whose citizenship is elsewhere, travel among fifteen European countries is now easier with the Schengen visa. This visa allows travelers to cross the borders of the now 15 participating countries without the inconvenience of lengthy border checks. Requirements for this visa are extensive, including providing proof of qualifying travel health insurance for the duration of the stay.

Walnut Creek, CA (PRWEB) May 23, 2006 -��" For U.S. residents whose citizenship is elsewhere, travel among fifteen European countries is now easier with the Schengen visa. This visa allows travelers to cross the borders of the now 15 participating countries without the inconvenience of lengthy border checks. Requirements for this visa are extensive, including providing proof of qualifying travel health insurance for the duration of the stay.

The Schengen visa can save travelers money and hassle because they can avoid obtaining individual visas for each of the 15 participating countries that is on their travel itinerary. This is especially beneficial for travelers who wish to visit several European countries on the same trip, as the following 15 countries participate: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.    

Tourists and business travelers with a stay of fewer than 90 days may be required to obtain a Schengen visa. Specific details are available from, and the application should be submitted to, the embassy or consulate of the country that’s your primary destination. Helpful information is also found at eurovisa.info. Schengen visa requirements include the following:
- Two original application forms with photograph
- Valid passport
- Copy of itinerary with confirmed reservation
- Proof of sufficient means of support (e.g. bank statements, proof of income or an invitation letter and sponsorship declaration)
- Letter from your company giving details about your trip
- Proof of travel health and accident insurance coverage for the duration of your stay
- Visa fees (vary by location)

Unlike visa requirements for some non-participating countries, evidence of individual or group travel insurance to cover any expenses which might arise in connection with repatriation, urgent medical attention and/or emergency hospital treatment during your stay must be provided. The coverage must be valid for the duration of the trip and requires medical coverage limit of at least $37,500 (the Rand equivalent of Euro $30,000).

Travel Insurance Services (TIS) offers affordable travel insurance plans that meet the requirements of the Schengen visa and provide insurance coverage for U.S. residents who hold their citizenship in another country, while they are traveling to or in any country other than the country of their residence. Plans like WorldMed Insurance™ and InterMedical Insurance™ include not only Emergency Medical Evacuation, but also coverage for Medical Expenses, Repatriation of Remains and Accidental Death & Dismemberment. Travelers can get a quick quote or buy travel health insurance online at travelinsure.com.

"Many European embassies have been recommending our company for years," said Kevin O’Neal, President of TIS. "They know that our products, as well as our service, meet the expectations of their travelers. Our plans are also comprehensive enough to fulfill requirements for the Schengen visa."

Each plan is underwritten by The Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, a member company of American International Group, Inc., a world leader in insurance and financial services, rated Superior for financial strength by A.M. Best.

Travel Insurance Services is a USI Affinity Company, a division of USI Holdings Corporation (USI). TIS is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has been meeting the insurance needs of travelers for 33 years. It develops, markets and administers travel insurance and international medical policies for individuals, families, groups and businesses. For more information about the company and its products, visit travelinsure.com. USI is a leading distributor of insurance and financial products and services to businesses throughout the United States. USI is headquartered in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., and operates out of 68 offices in 19 states; www.usi.biz.

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