Travel Insurance for Indians: Why You Need It & What to Buy

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Travel Insurance: The Most Important Thing Most Indians Skip

Here is a fact that surprises most first-time international travellers: a single night in a hospital in the USA costs USD 3,000–₹10,000 (₹2.5–₹8.3 lakh). A medical evacuation flight from Southeast Asia back to India: USD 15,000–₹12.5 lakh. A cancelled trip due to illness or a diplomatic crisis: the full cost of your flights and hotel (₹50,000–₹2,00,000). Without travel insurance, any of these scenarios can be financially catastrophic. With the right policy, they cost you nothing beyond the premium. Travel insurance for international trips typically costs just ₹500–₹2,000 per person per week — a fraction of any possible claim.

What Travel Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Covered by Most Comprehensive Policies

• Emergency medical expenses abroad — hospitalisation, doctor fees, ambulance, surgery. The most critical coverage — minimum ₹25 lakh ($30,000) for Europe; ₹75 lakh ($100,000) for the USA.
• Medical evacuation/repatriation — emergency flight home in a medical crisis
• Trip cancellation — if you cancel due to illness, death in family, natural disaster, or other covered reasons
• Trip interruption — costs if your trip is cut short by a covered emergency
• Baggage loss, delay, or theft — compensation if your checked baggage is lost, damaged, or delayed more than 6–12 hours
• Flight delay compensation — daily allowances if flights delayed beyond 6–12 hours
• Passport loss — administrative costs of emergency passport replacement
• Personal liability — if you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad

Typically NOT Covered

• Pre-existing medical conditions (unless specifically declared and premiums adjusted)
• Adventure sports injuries (unless you buy an adventure sports add-on)
• Travel to countries under "Do Not Travel" advisories
• Intoxication-related incidents
• Trip cancellation due to "change of mind" or work reasons (unless "cancel for any reason" policy)
• Losses over the policy limit

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost for Indians?

• Southeast Asia (7 days): ₹400–₹800 per person
• Europe Schengen (10 days, €30,000 cover): ₹800–₹1,800 per person
• USA/Canada (10 days, USD 100,000 cover): ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person
• Annual multi-trip policy (all destinations, unlimited trips): ₹6,000–₹15,000 per person per year

Best Travel Insurance Providers for Indians

• HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance: Comprehensive cover, good claim settlement, easy online purchase
• ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance: Wide network, reliable Schengen-compliant policies
• Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance: Competitive pricing, good adventure sports coverage options
• Tata AIG Travel Insurance: Strong USA/Canada medical coverage
• Care Health Insurance (formerly Religare): Good for families and seniors
• Policybazaar.com: Compare all of the above on one platform and buy online in minutes

How to Make a Travel Insurance Claim

1. Call the emergency assistance helpline number on your policy card immediately (available 24/7)
2. For hospitalisation: get the insurer's cashless hospital network list — in many countries, they have empanelled hospitals where you pay nothing upfront
3. Keep ALL receipts, medical reports, police reports (for theft), and airline documentation (for delays)
4. File the claim within the policy's stipulated time frame (typically within 30–60 days of return)
5. Submit documents via the insurer's online portal or courier

Our Recommendation

Buy travel insurance as soon as you book your flights and hotels — not at the airport before departure. Pre-departure insurance covers trip cancellation from the day you buy it. Airport counter insurance is typically overpriced. Always compare 3–4 policies on Policybazaar.com before buying — premiums for the same coverage can vary by 40% between providers.

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