10 Red Flags: Insurance Rejection by VFS Global

VFS Global processes millions of Schengen visa applications each year. One of the most common reasons for document rejection at the visa application centre? Travel insurance that doesn't meet the requirements – or looks suspicious. Here are 10 red flags that will get your insurance rejected immediately.

Red Flag #1: Coverage Below €30,000

Schengen rules require minimum €30,000 (or $50,000) medical coverage. Any policy showing less – or not stating the amount clearly – will be rejected immediately. Some cheap policies show "unlimited" but fine print reveals lower limits for certain regions.

Red Flag #2: Territory Exclusion of Schengen Zone

The policy must explicitly state it covers all Schengen countries. If it says "Europe excluding Schengen" or only covers specific countries like France and Germany, VFS will reject it. Check the "Geographical Scope" section – must say "Schengen Area" or list all 27 countries.

Red Flag #3: Policy Start Date After Trip Start Date

Your insurance must be valid from the day you enter Schengen. If your policy starts one day after your flight arrival, VFS will flag it. Ensure the start date is on or before your trip start date.

Red Flag #4: Expiry Before Trip End

Similarly, the policy must cover your entire stay. If you leave on June 15 and your insurance expires on June 14, rejection. Add 2-3 extra days of coverage as a buffer.

Red Flag #5: No Repatriation Clause

Schengen rules require coverage for "repatriation for medical reasons" and "emergency medical evacuation." If your policy omits this, VFS will reject it. Look for the words "repatriation" or "evacuation".

Red Flag #6: Photocopy or Unclear Document

VFS requires a clear, legible printout of your insurance certificate. Blurry scans, missing policy numbers, or pages that are cut off will be rejected. Always print in color from the original PDF.

Red Flag #7: Name Mismatch with Passport

Your full name on the insurance must match your passport exactly, including middle names. A missing middle initial can trigger rejection. Double-check every letter.

Red Flag #8: Policy Issued by Unrecognized Insurer

VFS maintains a list of approved insurance providers. If your policy is from a tiny local insurer that doesn't have a European presence, they may reject it as unverifiable. Stick with major names (AXA, Allianz, etc.) or our verifiable dummy insurance.

Red Flag #9: Fake or Photoshopped Documents

VFS scanners detect many forgeries. If the policy number format looks wrong, the logo is misaligned, or the QR code doesn't work, they will reject and may flag your entire application. Our dummy insurance is real and verifiable – not a fake.

Red Flag #10: No Deductible or Excess Information

Some policies have high deductibles (e.g., €500 excess). While not strictly banned, VFS may reject if the deductible makes the coverage effectively useless. Policies with €0 excess are preferred.

What Happens After Rejection?

If VFS rejects your insurance at the counter, you have two options:

• Same-day resubmission: If you have a corrected policy on your phone, some VFS centres allow you to reprint and submit within hours (extra fee may apply).
• New appointment: You'll need to book another appointment, which can take 1-3 weeks depending on the country.

Neither is ideal. Better to get it right the first time.

Quick Checklist Before Your VFS Appointment