#Travel Without Fear: AIICO Expands Travel Insurance for Schengen, Global, Student and Pilgrimage Travellers

By The Ameh News
As more Nigerians travel abroad for business, tourism, education and religious pilgrimage, industry experts are urging travellers to see travel insurance as more than just a visa requirement, but as an essential financial safety net against unexpected medical emergencies, trip disruptions and other travel-related risks.
Responding to the growing demand for comprehensive travel protection, AIICO Insurance Plc, in partnership with AXA Assistance Maroc (AAM), has expanded its travel insurance offerings to provide broad protection for travellers heading to Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and other destinations worldwide.
The insurance solutions are recognised by both Schengen and Non-Schengen embassies, enabling travellers to meet visa requirements while providing access to international emergency medical assistance, evacuation services and financial protection throughout their journeys.
Travel Insurance: More Than a Visa Requirement
Travel experts say many travellers mistakenly purchase travel insurance simply because it is compulsory for obtaining visas, particularly for Schengen countries.
However, they warn that the real value of travel insurance lies in protecting travellers from potentially devastating financial losses that can arise from illness, accidents, emergency evacuations, trip cancellations, lost luggage or legal liability abroad.
Medical treatment overseas can cost tens of thousands of euros or dollars. A major surgery in the United Kingdom may cost between £8,000 and £15,000, excluding specialist fees, while treatment for a heart attack in Germany can exceed €25,000 to €50,000. Emergency medical evacuation by air ambulance may cost between US$50,000 and US$250,000, depending on the location and complexity of the evacuation.
Insurance professionals therefore advise travellers to choose policies based on the level of protection rather than simply selecting the cheapest premium.
Affordable Premiums with Significant Financial Protection
In Nigeria, outbound travel insurance remains one of the most affordable forms of international financial protection.
Basic travel insurance policies generally begin from about ₦12,000, while standard plans from leading insurers including AIICO, Leadway, IGI and Coronation typically range between ₦15,000 and ₦50,000, depending on destination, age and travel duration.
Schengen-compliant policies, which must provide a minimum €30,000 medical cover under European visa regulations, usually start from about ₦15,000 for short trips.
Industry analysts estimate that an annual multi-trip international travel insurance policy may cost between US$250 and US$500, while comprehensive international travel insurance generally represents about 3–10 per cent of the total travel cost.
Experts note that a travel insurance premium of around ₦40,000 can potentially protect travellers against overseas medical bills and emergency expenses running into tens of millions of naira, making it one of the most valuable investments for international travel.
AIICO’s Comprehensive Travel Insurance Packages
Through its strategic partnership with AXA Assistance Maroc, AIICO provides travellers with 24-hour international emergency assistance and claims support across several specialised travel plans.
Schengen Visa Travel Cover
Designed specifically for travellers visiting Europe, the plan provides:
Emergency medical and hospital expenses up to €35,500
Emergency medical examinations abroad
Medical evacuation and transportation
Repatriation services
Body repatriation benefit of €6,000
Schengen Plus
The upgraded European travel package offers:
Medical expenses up to €40,000
Emergency evacuation
Medical repatriation
Personal liability cover of €25,000
Body repatriation benefit of €6,000
Premium Worldwide Plan
For business executives and frequent international travellers, AIICO provides:
Medical expenses up to €100,000
Worldwide emergency medical evacuation
Medical transportation
Body repatriation cover of €15,000
Personal liability protection of €50,000
Gold Worldwide Cover
This package includes:
Medical expenses up to €50,000
Emergency evacuation services
Body repatriation of €10,000
Personal liability cover of €10,000
Africa Travel Cover
Designed for regional travellers within Africa, the policy provides:
Medical expenses up to €15,000
Emergency evacuation
Medical transportation
Body repatriation benefit of €5,000
Personal liability cover of €20,000
Student Travel Insurance
For Nigerians travelling overseas for education, AIICO offers:
Medical cover up to €60,000
Emergency evacuation
Body repatriation benefit of €15,000
Personal liability protection of €20,000
Pilgrimage Extra
Tailored for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia and Vatican City, the plan includes:
Emergency medical expenses up to €25,000
Emergency evacuation
Body repatriation of €15,000
Personal liability cover of €20,000
Protection Beyond Hospital Bills
AIICO says its travel insurance goes beyond paying medical bills by offering emergency medical transportation, evacuation, repatriation, personal liability protection and access to global emergency assistance through AXA Assistance Maroc.
These services are designed to reduce the financial and emotional burden associated with medical emergencies, accidents and unexpected travel disruptions while abroad.
Experts Urge Travellers to Compare Coverage, Not Just Price
Insurance professionals advise travellers to evaluate travel insurance based on the quality of protection rather than the premium alone.
They recommend comparing:
Medical expense limits
Emergency medical evacuation
Repatriation benefits
Personal liability protection
Trip cancellation benefits
Lost baggage compensation
24-hour emergency assistance
Policy exclusions and claim procedures
According to analysts, while cheaper policies may satisfy basic visa documentation requirements, they may not always provide sufficient financial protection during serious medical emergencies.
The Ameh News Analysis
As global travel rebounds and healthcare costs continue to rise across major destinations, travel insurance is becoming an indispensable part of responsible travel planning.
Whether travelling for tourism, business, education or religious pilgrimage, comprehensive insurance protects travellers against unforeseen medical emergencies, evacuation expenses, liability claims and travel disruptions that could otherwise result in overwhelming financial losses.
With destination-specific plans covering Schengen countries, worldwide travel, Africa, students and pilgrims, AIICO Insurance is positioning itself as one of Nigeria’s leading providers of international travel protection, helping customers travel with greater confidence while meeting global visa requirements.
AIICO Insurance, in partnership with AXA Assistance Maroc, offers comprehensive travel insurance covering Schengen visas, worldwide travel, students, Africa and pilgrimage trips, providing medical, evacuation and liability protection for Nigerian travellers.
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