67 it is strongly recommended that the experts contact the Swiss representation in their country as soon as possible to enquire whether a visa is needed and, if so, the documentation required. The time required for a Schengen visa to be processed also varies from case to case. It is important to take the necessary steps to apply for a visa at least 15 days prior to the date of travel. Experts are able to obtain a one-year multiple-entry Schengen visa upon submission of the invitation from OHCHR indicating the dates of meetings for the coming year. If experts experience any difficulties obtaining a one-year Schengen visa, they should immediately contact OHCHR for further follow-up. 30. A requirement for issuance of the Schengen visa is that travellers be insured at a specified level for the duration of their stay in the Schengen zone. Should it be necessary for the expert to obtain temporary travel insurance specifically for the Schengen visa requirement, he or she may request reimbursement for its cost via a travel claim. This must be supported by submission of the original receipt for the insurance policy. Please note that only temporary policies which cover the period of official travel specifically can be reimbursed. 31. In some cases, additional expenses are incurred by experts who need to travel within their countries to obtain visas for official travel. In these cases, OHCHR will cover the related additional expenses incurred through a travel claim, but the travel within the county must be justified in a memorandum or note from the expert and all original supporting documents (train/bus tickets, etc.) must be retained and forwarded with the travel claim. H. Medical expenses 32. Experts are covered for any “service-incurred” accidents that may arise as a direct result of their participation in official meetings or missions as indicated by the Secretary-General’s bulletin on “Rules Governing Compensation to Members of Commissions, Committees or Similar Bodies in the Event of Death, Injury or Illness Attributable to Service with the United Nations” (ST/ SGB/103/Rev.1). The bulletin outlines the terms and conditions for coverage. This coverage does not extend to illness, injury or death that is not serviceincurred, such as illness occurring as a result of a chronic condition. Experts are therefore recommended to have their own medical insurance coverage. 33. An ad hoc insurance coverage specifically for official travel can be made available by the United Nations to experts through the Van Breda insurance company. This insurance covers expenses for medical treatment resulting from sickness or accident, other than service-incurred. Experts who choose this insurance will be charged $1.25 per day, which will be deducted from their DSA in relation to meetings in Geneva or recovered through the travel claim