Hi,

i am leave from new york to europe on may 27th -> landing in uk (for 4 days) and then going to amsterdam (2 days) and then italy (for 5days) and then back to london and then new york. I am an indian national and since my first place is uk, i figured i need a uk visa first and then should apply for a schengen visa, so will be sending my documents to the british consulate in la by this weekend.

My problem is that i think by the time the uk visa comes it will be may 5th atleast and even if i go to the italian consulate immediately after that for the schengen visa, it will be less than 30 days before travel.

A) do you think i should rush process the uk visa paying $160? Is the uk consulate taking time this month for visa processing? Anyone who got their tourist visa recently should be able to answer!
B) is there a strict deadline in the italy consulate to appear for visa before 30 days?
C)is there a way to rush process the italy schengen visa? Is the italian consulate taking more than a week? I will be going to the consulate in philadelphia.
D) i have medical insurance but should i purchase travel insurance as well to show in italy consulate?

I know these are a lot of questions, but if someone who knows could answer them, id really be grateful! I cant find much info about this by browsing.

Thanks!!