A complete guide to travel insurance in India -- what it covers, best plans for domestic and international trips, visa requirements, claim process, and how to choose the right policy.
Travel insurance is one of those expenses that feels unnecessary until you need it. A medical emergency abroad can cost Rs 10--50 lakh out of pocket. A cancelled flight or lost luggage can ruin a vacation budget. For international trips, many countries (including all Schengen nations and some visa categories for the US, UK, and Canada) require proof of travel insurance as part of the visa application.
This guide explains what travel insurance covers, how to choose a plan, the best policies available in India in 2026, and how to file a claim if something goes wrong.
What Travel Insurance Covers
Medical Emergencies
This is the most important coverage. It includes: - Hospitalisation expenses (room, surgery, doctor fees) - Emergency dental treatment - Medical evacuation and repatriation - Ambulance charges
Coverage typically ranges from USD 50,000 to USD 500,000 for international plans.
Trip Cancellation and Interruption
- Reimbursement of non-refundable hotel bookings, flights, and tour costs if you cancel due to illness, family emergency, or natural disaster.
- Typical coverage: Up to the trip cost or a specified limit (Rs 50,000--5,00,000).
Baggage Loss and Delay
- Compensation if your checked luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Daily allowance (Rs 1,000--5,000/day) if baggage is delayed beyond a specified number of hours.
Flight Delay
- Reimbursement for meals, accommodation, and essential purchases if your flight is delayed beyond 6--12 hours.
Personal Liability
- Coverage if you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage their property during your trip.
Passport Loss
- Covers expenses related to obtaining a replacement passport -- fees, additional accommodation, and travel.
Domestic vs International Travel Insurance
| Feature | Domestic Plan | International Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Medical coverage | Rs 1--5 lakh | USD 50,000--500,000 |
| Trip cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Baggage loss | Yes | Yes |
| Flight delay | Yes | Yes |
| Visa requirement | No | Yes (many countries) |
| Premium (7-day trip) | Rs 100--500 | Rs 500--3,000 |
| Adventure sports add-on | Available | Available |
For domestic trips, medical insurance is less critical if you have a comprehensive health insurance policy that covers you pan-India. Trip cancellation and baggage coverage are the main reasons to buy domestic travel insurance.
For international trips, travel insurance is essential. Your regular health insurance does not cover you outside India, and hospital costs abroad are dramatically higher.
Best Travel Insurance Plans in India 2026
For International Trips
| Insurer | Plan | Coverage | Premium (7-day USA trip) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Lombard | International Travel Plus | USD 100,000--500,000 | Rs 800--2,500 | Cashless hospitals in 180+ countries |
| Bajaj Allianz | Travel Guard | USD 50,000--250,000 | Rs 600--2,000 | Adventure sports included |
| TATA AIG | Travel Guard | USD 100,000--500,000 | Rs 700--2,200 | COVID coverage, trip delay from hour 6 |
| HDFC ERGO | Optima Secure | USD 50,000--500,000 | Rs 650--2,100 | Pre-existing disease cover (add-on) |
| Care Insurance | Travel Plus | USD 50,000--250,000 | Rs 500--1,500 | Most affordable option |
For Domestic Trips
| Insurer | Plan | Coverage | Premium (7-day trip) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICICI Lombard | Domestic Travel | Rs 2--5 lakh | Rs 150--400 | Trip cancellation + medical |
| Bajaj Allianz | Domestic Trip Guard | Rs 1--3 lakh | Rs 100--300 | Baggage delay coverage |
| Digit Insurance | Domestic Travel | Rs 2--5 lakh | Rs 99--350 | Instant policy, simple claims |
*Premiums are indicative and vary by age, destination, trip duration, and coverage amount.*
Travel Insurance for Visa Applications
Schengen Visa (Europe)
Mandatory requirement. The policy must: - Cover a minimum of EUR 30,000 (approximately Rs 28 lakh). - Include medical evacuation and repatriation. - Be valid for the entire duration of stay plus a buffer period. - Cover all 27 Schengen countries.
USA Visa
Not mandatory for the visa itself, but strongly recommended. A single day of hospitalisation in the US can cost USD 5,000--20,000 (Rs 4--16 lakh). Most travel advisors recommend USD 100,000+ coverage.
UK, Canada, Australia
Not mandatory but highly recommended. Some student visa categories for Australia require Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
How to Choose the Right Plan
Step 1: Assess Your Needs
- Destination: High-cost countries (US, Europe, Japan) need higher coverage.
- Trip duration: Longer trips need more comprehensive coverage.
- Activities: If you plan trekking, scuba diving, or skiing, ensure adventure sports are covered.
- Age: Premiums increase for travellers above 60. Some plans cap coverage for senior citizens.
- Pre-existing conditions: If you have diabetes, hypertension, or other conditions, look for plans that cover pre-existing disease emergencies.
Step 2: Compare on Aggregators
Websites like Policybazaar, Coverfox, and InsuranceDekho let you compare plans side-by-side. Filter by destination, age, and trip dates to get accurate premium quotes.
Step 3: Read the Fine Print
Pay attention to: - Deductible/excess: The amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Lower deductible = higher premium. - Sub-limits: Some plans cap specific expenses (e.g., dental treatment at USD 500 even if total coverage is USD 100,000). - Exclusions: Pre-existing conditions, extreme sports, self-inflicted injuries, and alcohol-related incidents are commonly excluded. - Cashless vs reimbursement: Cashless means the insurer pays the hospital directly. Reimbursement means you pay first and claim later.
How to File a Claim
For Medical Claims
- Contact the insurer's 24/7 helpline immediately.
- If cashless treatment is available, the insurer coordinates directly with the hospital.
- If reimbursement, keep all hospital bills, prescriptions, and diagnostic reports.
- Submit the claim form with documents within 30 days of returning to India (timelines vary by insurer).
For Baggage or Flight Delay Claims
- Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline for lost/delayed baggage.
- Keep receipts for essential purchases made due to the delay.
- Submit the claim form with PIR, boarding pass, and receipts.
For Trip Cancellation Claims
- Obtain proof of the reason for cancellation (medical certificate, death certificate, airline communication).
- Submit booking confirmations showing non-refundable amounts.
- File the claim as soon as possible -- delays can lead to rejection.
Tips to Get the Most From Your Policy
- Buy before booking flights, not at the airport or just before departure. Some trip cancellation benefits only apply if the policy was purchased before the cancellation event.
- Carry a printed copy of your policy document and the insurer's helpline number.
- Declare pre-existing conditions honestly. Non-disclosure can void the entire policy.
- Check your credit card: Some premium credit cards include complimentary travel insurance. Read the terms carefully -- coverage may be limited.
FAQ
Q: Is travel insurance mandatory for international trips from India? A: It is mandatory for Schengen visa applications and some other visa types. Even when not mandatory, it is strongly recommended because healthcare costs abroad are very high and your Indian health insurance does not cover you internationally.
Q: How much does travel insurance cost for a USA trip? A: For a 7-day trip with USD 100,000 coverage, premiums range from Rs 700 to Rs 2,500 depending on age, plan, and insurer. This is a small cost compared to the potential medical bills in the US.
Q: Does travel insurance cover COVID-related expenses? A: Most plans in 2026 include COVID-related hospitalisation as part of medical coverage. However, trip cancellation due to COVID quarantine rules varies by policy. Check the terms before purchasing.
Q: Can I buy travel insurance for someone else? A: Yes. You can purchase a policy for family members, parents, or friends. The policyholder and insured person can be different individuals.
Q: What happens if I extend my trip beyond the policy period? A: Most insurers allow extension of the policy while you are abroad, subject to additional premium payment. Contact the insurer before the policy expires. If you do not extend, you will be uninsured for the additional days.
This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.
More frequently asked questions
Does travel insurance cover adventure sports like trekking in India?
Standard travel insurance policies usually exclude adventure sports. However, most insurers offer an adventure sports add-on or a separate adventure plan that covers trekking, scuba diving, paragliding, and skiing for an additional premium of Rs 200-800.
Can I buy travel insurance after reaching my destination?
Some insurers allow purchasing a policy after departure, but trip cancellation coverage will not apply, and there may be a waiting period of 48-72 hours before medical coverage activates. It is always better to buy before you leave for full coverage from day one.
Is travel insurance required for domestic flights in India?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for domestic flights or travel within India. However, it is useful for covering trip cancellation, baggage loss, and medical emergencies, especially for expensive holiday bookings or travel to remote areas.