Types of cover, what's actually included and excluded, how much cover you need for the US, Schengen, UAE and beyond, pre-existing conditions, and exactly what to do if something goes wrong while you're away.
Most Indian health insurance policies don't cover treatment outside India — and even if a credit card offers "complimentary" travel cover, the limits are usually too low to matter in a real emergency. A single hospitalisation abroad, especially in the US, Europe, or even Southeast Asia, can run into lakhs or even crores of rupees if it involves an ICU stay, surgery, or medical evacuation.
Beyond medical emergencies, travel insurance also protects against trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, passport loss, and personal liability — situations that, while less catastrophic, are far more common and can derail an expensive trip.
This guide covers everything an Indian traveller needs to know — whether you're going on a short leisure trip, a long study programme abroad, or visiting family overseas.
Choosing the right plan structure is the first decision — here's how the main options differ.
Covers one specific journey, from departure to return, for a defined duration. The most common choice for occasional travellers.
Best for: One-off leisure or business tripsCovers unlimited trips within a year, each up to a maximum duration per trip (commonly 30-90 days). More economical if you travel internationally 3+ times a year.
Best for: Frequent international travellersDesigned for students studying abroad — often required by universities, with longer durations and cover for sponsor protection, study interruption and tuition fee loss.
Best for: Students on long-duration study programmesTailored for travellers above 60-70, with higher medical cover, options for pre-existing condition cover, and adjusted premiums for age-related risk.
Best for: Parents/grandparents visiting family abroadCovers trips within India — typically focused on baggage loss, trip cancellation, and personal accident, since domestic medical costs are lower.
Best for: Domestic leisure trips, especially adventure travelCovers an entire family or group under a single policy, often with a shared sum insured — convenient and usually cheaper than individual policies for families travelling together.
Best for: Families travelling togetherA comprehensive travel policy bundles several distinct types of protection. Here's what to expect.
Hospitalisation, surgery, doctor consultations abroad
Emergency transport to the nearest adequate facility, or repatriation to India
Compensation for lost, stolen or significantly delayed checked baggage
Fixed payouts for delays beyond a threshold (e.g. 6+ hours)
Cost of obtaining an emergency replacement passport abroad
Reimbursement for non-refundable costs if a covered reason forces cancellation
Covers legal liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage property
Daily allowance if your flight is hijacked or you're detained
Ready to compare plans side by side? See our Travel Insurance Plan Comparison for premiums, sum insured, and claim ratios across the top 10 insurers in India.
Medical costs vary dramatically by country — your sum insured should reflect where you're going.
| Destination | Recommended Medical Cover | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada | USD 250,000 - 500,000 | Highest medical costs globally; ICU stays can run $10,000+/day |
| Schengen (Europe) | EUR 30,000 minimum (mandatory) | Required for visa application; we recommend higher if budget allows |
| UK | GBP 50,000 - 100,000 | Private healthcare costs are high; NHS doesn't cover visitors |
| UAE / Middle East | USD 50,000 - 100,000 | Good private hospital network; moderate costs |
| Southeast Asia | USD 50,000 | Lower costs but cashless network coverage varies by country |
| Domestic (within India) | ₹2-5 lakh | Focus on baggage, cancellation & accident cover over medical |
For destination-specific guidance, see our dedicated guides: Best Travel Insurance for the USA, Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa, and Travel Insurance for UAE.
Here's the process we walk every traveller through.
Schengen visas need proof of EUR 30,000 cover; other countries vary.
Match your medical cover to your destination's healthcare costs.
Add PED cover if relevant — non-disclosure voids the claim.
Multi-trip is usually cheaper for 3+ trips/year.
We compare cashless hospital networks, not just price.
Save the assistance helpline number on your phone before departure.
Most policies must be issued before your departure date — last-minute issuance can be limited.
For claim guidance and escalations, at no extra cost.
Quick, straight answers to what people ask us most.
For the latest travel insurance rules, visa requirements, and government travel advisories, refer to these official sources.
India's insurance regulator — travel insurance regulations and circulars
Official travel advisories for Indian citizens travelling abroad
Official EU guidance on Schengen visa travel insurance requirements
File a complaint against an insurer directly with IRDAI
Tell us your destination, dates and traveller ages on WhatsApp — we'll recommend the right cover amount, check pre-existing condition options, and compare plans across insurers. Completely free.