Travel Insurance in India
A complete guide to travel insurance. Domestic and international coverage, visa requirements, claim process, and how to choose the right plan for your trip.
Travel insurance is a policy that covers unexpected financial losses during a trip. This includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, flight delays, passport loss, and more. It provides a safety net when you are away from home, whether within India or abroad.
With international medical treatment costing anywhere from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.50 lakh+ depending on the country, a single medical emergency during a trip can wipe out your savings. Travel insurance makes sure that does not happen.
| Type | Coverage | Best For | Premium Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Travel | Medical emergencies, trip cancellation, baggage loss within India | Holidays, pilgrimages, business trips in India | Rs.200 to Rs.1,500 per trip |
| International Single Trip | Medical emergencies, evacuation, baggage, trip cancellation abroad | One-time international travel | Rs.500 to Rs.5,000 per trip |
| International Multi-Trip | Same as single trip, covers multiple trips in a year | Frequent international travellers | Rs.5,000 to Rs.15,000/yr |
| Student Travel | Medical cover, study interruption, sponsor protection, baggage | Students studying abroad | Rs.5,000 to Rs.20,000 (duration-based) |
| Senior Citizen Travel | Higher medical cover limits, pre-existing disease cover | Travellers aged 60+ years | Rs.2,000 to Rs.10,000 per trip |
- Medical and hospitalization expenses abroad
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement
- Loss of checked baggage and personal belongings
- Flight delay compensation (after specified hours)
- Loss of passport and travel documents
- Personal liability coverage
- Accidental death and disability during travel
- Missed connecting flights
- Dental treatment for emergency pain relief
- Pre-existing diseases (unless specifically covered)
- Travel against medical advice
- Claims from adventure sports (unless add-on purchased)
- Self-inflicted injuries or substance abuse
- Pregnancy-related claims (most standard plans)
- War, terrorism, or civil unrest in some plans
- Loss of cash or jewellery beyond specified limits
- Travel to sanctioned or restricted countries
- Claims if trip was for medical treatment abroad
- Routine medical check-ups or non-emergency treatments
Several countries require proof of travel insurance as a mandatory part of the visa application process. Without it, your visa can be rejected.
| Destination | Insurance Required? | Minimum Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Area (Europe)Mandatory | Yes, mandatory for visa | EUR 30,000 (approx. Rs.27 lakh) |
| UAE / Dubai | Yes, mandatory for visa | Varies by visa type |
| Thailand | Recommended but not always mandatory | USD 10,000+ recommended |
| USA / Canada | Not mandatory but strongly recommended | USD 50,000+ recommended (high medical costs) |
| Australia | Mandatory for some visa types | Varies by visa category |
Always check the latest visa requirements for your destination country before booking. Requirements can change without notice.
1. Notify Immediately
Call the insurer's 24/7 helpline as soon as the incident happens. Most insurers require notification within 24 to 48 hours.
2. Collect Documents
Keep all medical reports, bills, receipts, FIR copy (for theft), property irregularity report (for baggage), and airline delay certificates.
3. Cashless or Reimbursement
If the hospital is in the insurer's network, use cashless treatment. Otherwise, pay upfront and file for reimbursement after returning.
4. Submit Claim Form
Fill out the claim form (usually online) and attach all supporting documents. Most insurers process claims within 15 to 30 days of submission.
1. Medical Cover Amount
For USA/Europe, choose at least USD 50,000 to USD 1,00,000 medical cover. For Southeast Asia, USD 15,000 to USD 25,000 is usually sufficient.
2. Trip Cancellation Cover
If your trip involves expensive bookings, ensure the policy covers trip cancellation for valid reasons like illness, visa rejection, or natural disasters.
3. Adventure Sports Add-On
Standard plans exclude activities like scuba diving, skiing, and bungee jumping. If your trip includes such activities, buy the adventure sports add-on.
4. Pre-existing Conditions
If you have health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, look for plans that specifically cover pre-existing diseases during travel.
5. Evacuation Coverage
Emergency medical evacuation can cost Rs.20 lakh or more. Ensure your plan covers evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility.
6. 24/7 Assistance
Choose an insurer with a round-the-clock helpline that supports your destination's time zone and language. This is critical during emergencies abroad.
| Insurer | CSR | Key Strength | Popular Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz | 97.9% | Wide global assistance network | Travel Guard |
| Tata AIG | 96.8% | Strong Schengen visa compliance | Travel Guard Plan |
| ICICI Lombard | 97.5% | Quick online claim process | International Travel Insurance |
| Care Health | 95.8% | Affordable multi-trip plans | Care Travel Insurance |
| Digit Insurance | 96.2% | Simple policies, fast claims | Digit Travel Insurance |
Are You an NRI? Travel Insurance is Even More Important
If you are an NRI or frequently travel between India and abroad, travel insurance becomes essential. Medical emergencies in countries like the USA can result in bills of Rs.50 lakh or more. Multi-trip annual plans can save you money if you travel often.
We have a dedicated section for NRIs covering LIC policies for non-resident Indians, tax implications, and how to manage your Indian insurance portfolio from abroad.
Visit NRI Insurance Guide →Travel Insurance and LIC: Complementary Protection
LIC does not offer travel insurance. LIC specializes in life insurance products that provide long-term financial security for your family. Travel insurance, however, is a short-term policy designed to cover trip-specific risks.
Smart financial planning means having both: an LIC life insurance policy for long-term family protection and travel insurance whenever you go on a trip. Your LIC policy ensures your family is secure, while travel insurance ensures you are protected during your journey.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Premium ranges, coverage details, visa requirements, and CSR data are approximate and may change. Always verify current details with the respective insurance company and consulate before purchasing. PolicyBros.in specializes in LIC life insurance and does not sell or recommend specific travel insurance policies.