Travel Insurance in India: What It Covers & When It’s Mandatory
Last verified: June 2026. Insurance terms, waiting periods and rules vary by insurer and change — read the policy wording and confirm current terms before buying. General information, not financial advice.
Travel insurance protects you against the expensive surprises of a trip — a medical emergency abroad, a cancelled flight, lost baggage. For some destinations it’s also mandatory. Here is what to know.
What it covers
- Emergency medical expenses and hospitalisation abroad (the most important cover).
- Trip cancellation/interruption and delays.
- Lost or delayed baggage and passport loss.
- Personal liability and emergency evacuation in some plans.
When it’s mandatory
The Schengen visa requires travel insurance with at least €30,000 of medical cover for the trip. Several other countries also require proof of cover for a visa.
Single-trip vs multi-trip
A single-trip policy covers one journey; a multi-trip (annual) policy covers multiple trips in a year and is cheaper if you travel often. There are also student travel plans for those studying abroad (often with longer durations and tuition-related covers).
What to check
- Adequate medical sum insured for your destination (healthcare in the US/Europe is expensive).
- Pre-existing condition coverage and exclusions.
- Coverage for adventure activities if relevant.
- The claim process and cashless hospital network abroad.
Note on credit-card cover
Some premium cards include complimentary travel insurance — useful, but check the limits, which are often lower than a dedicated policy. See credit cards with free travel insurance.
Worked example: cost vs risk
A 10-day Europe trip for two typically costs ₹2,000–₹5,000 for travel insurance. A single hospital visit in Europe can cost several lakh rupees, and Schengen visas require cover of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation. For older travellers, premiums rise sharply, so buy early and declare pre-existing conditions.
Common mistakes
- Relying on credit-card travel cover without reading the conditions — it often applies only to tickets bought with that card and may exclude medical costs.
- Buying cover that excludes adventure activities you plan to do.
- Not carrying the policy document and emergency helpline numbers.
Reviewed October 2026. Card and product terms change — confirm current details with the provider.
FAQs
Does my health insurance cover me abroad?
Most Indian health policies cover only treatment in India; buy separate travel medical cover for trips abroad.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
For a Schengen visa, yes — with at least €30,000 medical cover; several other countries also require it.
Single-trip or multi-trip?
Single-trip for one journey; an annual multi-trip plan is cheaper if you travel several times a year.
What’s the most important cover?
Emergency medical expenses abroad — make sure the sum insured suits your destination.
