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Understanding

What Is Travel Insurance?

A whole world of fresh perspectives, cultures, and adventures can be explored through travel. Imagine yourself getting excited about packing your outfits, matching accessories and your favourite blue sneakers!

This is how excited Riya was when she planned her solo trip to Phuket. As an IT employee wanting a break, she was looking forward to exploring fresh places, tasting new cuisines, and meeting new people. However, she paused for a minute, second thoughts lingering in her mind!

"But hold on! What if an unforeseen detour in my trip turns everything upside down?"

These could include circumstances like missing a flight, misplaced luggage, or even an unexpected illness. Nobody enjoys considering the "what ifs" — but travel insurance exists to help with just that. Riya understood that it was more than just a backup plan; it was a sense of security that allowed her to live in the present without worrying about the future.

Have you ever considered what you would do if the flight got cancelled at the last minute? Or how would you deal with a medical crisis while travelling overseas?

In circumstances like these, having travel insurance can be really beneficial. But how exactly does it help? Is it a must-have before packing your bags, and what does it cover? Let's deconstruct it.

Travel Insurance Just Got 18% Cheaper!

Effective 22 September 2025, the Government of India exempted individual & family travel insurance from GST entirely (0% from 18%), under Notification No. 16/2025 Central Tax (Rate). A policy that used to cost ₹11,800 now costs just ₹10,000. Senior citizens, students, and multi-trip policies all qualify.

0% GST Active
Why It Matters

Importance of Having Travel Insurance

Life is unpredictable. One missed flight or a sudden illness can turn your dream vacation into a financial nightmare. Here's how travel insurance protects you.

1. Medical Emergencies

If you fall sick or meet with an accident abroad, travel insurance covers your hospitalisation, treatment, and even repatriation costs. Finding quality healthcare can be difficult — and shockingly expensive — in many countries. A single hospitalisation in the USA can exceed ₹30 lakh.

2. Trip Cancellation or Interruption

A family emergency or sudden illness may force you to cancel or cut short your trip. Travel insurance protects the money you've invested so you're not left with a financial loss.

3. Lost or Delayed Baggage

Global airlines mishandled 33.4 million bags in 2024. International routes are 5× more likely to result in lost luggage. Travel insurance reimburses you for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage — including your important medication.

4. Flight Delays & Cancellations

At least 1 in 5 flights globally does not arrive on time. Travel insurance covers extra accommodation, meals, and transport costs caused by unexpected delays — including geopolitical disruptions.

With rising geopolitical tensions and airspace disruptions (including over Middle Eastern airspace), DGCA and IRDAI have tightened passenger rights norms. Comprehensive policies now cover such events.

5. Personal Liability Coverage

If you unintentionally cause damage to someone or their property during your trip, travel insurance protects you from legal and financial liability — especially crucial in places without reliable legal aid systems.

6. Emergency Evacuation & Assistance

Travel insurance covers urgent evacuation costs during natural disasters, political unrest, or medical crises in remote areas. You also get 24/7 travel assistance — embassy contacts, travel details, and emergency support.

7. Adventure Activities Coverage

Most travel insurance plans include coverage for adventure activities — trekking, scuba diving, skiing, and more. So go ahead and explore without worrying about whether you're covered during those exciting adventures.

8. Legal Assistance

Travel insurance offers legal aid and coverage for unforeseen legal costs that may arise during your travels. If you need legal support in a foreign country, your policy has you covered.

9. Emergency Hotel Accommodation

If an emergency forces you to stay longer than planned, your travel insurance covers emergency hotel accommodation for you and your family — so you're never stranded without a safe place to stay.

Do You Really Need It?

Is Travel Insurance Really Necessary?

Although not legally mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended — especially for international travel. Here's why smart travellers never leave without it.

First-time International Travellers

A new country with different cultures, languages, and laws can be challenging. Losing your belongings to theft is not uncommon for tourists. Travel insurance gives you a financial safety net.

High-Risk Destinations

Countries with high medical costs (USA, UK, Australia) or uncertain political situations make travel insurance not just useful — but essential. A single hospitalisation abroad can cost lakhs of rupees.

Schengen Visa Requirement

For all 29 Schengen countries, travel insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 in medical expenses — including emergency care and repatriation — is mandatory for visa approval. Without it, your application will be rejected.

Peace of Mind

The best journeys are the ones where you feel free to explore, knowing you're protected. Travel insurance lets you live in the present without worrying about the future — just like Riya did on her Phuket trip.

Risks You Face Without Travel Insurance

  • Unexpected flight cancellations with no refund
  • Luggage loss and urgent need for prescribed medication
  • Passport and wallet theft with no embassy support
  • Trip cancellation due to sudden illness — total financial loss
  • Medical emergencies in a foreign country — bills in lakhs
  • Urgent hotel evacuation due to natural disasters
  • Trip cancellation due to terrorist activities at destination
  • Legal trouble abroad with no legal aid available

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USD 1,329M
India Travel Insurance Market Size — 2024
Projected to reach USD 6,556M by 2033
17.3%
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
Driven by rising outbound tourism & digital access
25%
Increase in Indian outbound travel (FY 2024–25)
31.7 million trips | USD 31.7 billion spent abroad
Coverage Details

What Does a Perfect Travel Insurance Plan Cover?

A comprehensive plan protects you against every major travel risk. Here's a detailed look at what's included.

Medical Emergency & Hospitalisation

Covers emergency hospitalisation, treatment for life-threatening pre-existing conditions, medical evacuation, and repatriation to your home country. Essential in countries like the USA where a single hospitalisation can exceed ₹30 lakh.

Loss of Passport & Personal Belongings

Covers delayed or lost checked baggage and vital passport documents. In case of an incident, report to local authorities and inform your insurer. The policy covers replacement costs including passport reissuance fees.

Travel Destination Risks

Your destination may be susceptible to earthquakes, cyclones, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Choose a policy that provides ample coverage for risks associated with your specific destination.

Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations

Covers extra accommodation, food, and transport caused by adverse weather or unexpected events. Also protects against cancellations due to family emergencies, sudden illness, or geopolitical disruptions.

Personal Liability

If you accidentally cause injury or damage to a third party or their property, your policy covers legal costs and compensation. Also helps you claim losses if a third party damages your belongings.

Geopolitical Disruptions & Flight Cancellations

With rising tensions globally — including disruptions over Middle Eastern airspace — comprehensive travel insurance now increasingly covers flight cancellations and delays due to geopolitical conflict, per updated IRDAI norms.

Exclusions

What is Not Covered by Travel Insurance?

Knowing the exclusions helps you choose the right policy and avoid surprises at claim time. Always read the fine print before you buy.

Travel Exclusions

  • Travelling without a valid visa
  • Overstaying your visa
  • Travelling solely for medical treatment
  • Travelling with a terminal medical prognosis
  • Travelling against your doctor's advice

Medical Exclusions

  • Pre-existing diseases and related complications
  • Disability report prepared by a close relative
  • Pregnancy-related issues or associated treatments

Legal Exclusions

  • Injuries from suicide or self-inflicted actions
  • Events linked to drug, alcohol, or intoxicant use
  • Engaging in illegal activities, crimes, or riots
  • Injuries from hazardous activities (if not covered by add-on)
Plan Types

Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India

From solo backpackers to business travellers and senior citizens — there's a plan designed for every type of journey.

Solo Travel

Individual Travel Insurance

Designed for solo travellers. Provides comprehensive protection against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and more — all personalised for you.

  • Medical cover up to ₹50 lakh
  • Personal liability included
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Adventure activities optional
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Most Popular

Family Travel Insurance

A single policy covering the entire family — typically a couple with up to 2 children. Simpler documentation and more cost-effective than buying separate policies.

  • All members under one plan
  • Cost-effective vs individual plans
  • Child escort cover included
  • Emergency family accommodation
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Business Travel

Corporate Travel Insurance

Purchased by employers to safeguard employees during work-related travel. Includes business-specific risks like loss of business documents and emergency assistance.

  • Business document coverage
  • Group employee protection
  • Flexible multi-destination cover
  • Priority claim processing
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Above 60 Years

Senior Citizen Travel Insurance

Designed for individuals above 60 years. Leading insurers now extend coverage up to 80 years and beyond. Covers medical costs, baggage, passport loss, and trip cancellations.

  • Coverage up to age 80+
  • Higher medical sum insured
  • Pre-existing illness optional cover
  • Repatriation assistance
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Study Abroad

Student Travel Insurance

For Indian students studying abroad on long-term stays. Includes unique benefits like sponsor protection, maternity coverage, study interruption cover, and loss of laptop cover.

  • Sponsor protection cover
  • Study interruption cover
  • Loss of laptop cover
  • Compassionate visit cover
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Frequent Flyers

Annual Multi-Trip Insurance

Ideal for frequent international travellers — covers multiple trips within a year (up to 30, 45, or 60 days per trip) with fast claims and cashless treatment options worldwide.

  • Unlimited trips in 12 months
  • Up to 60 days per trip
  • Cashless hospitalisation
  • Fast-track claim processing
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IRDAI Standardised

Bharat Yatra Suraksha — Domestic Travel Insurance

IRDAI introduced this standardised domestic travel insurance product with uniform features across all insurers. Available to individuals, families, and groups. No waiting period, no entry age restriction (proposer must be 18+), and mandatorily sold online.

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Enhance Your Cover

Add-On & Optional Cover Options

Fortify your base policy with add-ons tailored to your unique travel needs. Each add-on provides an extra layer of protection — though adding more cover will also increase your premium.

Trip Delay Delight

Covers financial losses from delays or cancellations — whether single, round, or multi-trip. Coverage based on respective policy limits.

Schengen Coverage

Mandatory for Schengen visa. Covers min. €30,000 in medical expenses, emergency care, and repatriation across all 29 Schengen countries.

Compassionate Family Visit

Covers stay and financial support if a family member needs to make a compassionate visit during your hospitalisation abroad.

Emergency Hotel Accommodation

Covers emergency accommodation for the insured and family members, up to specified limits, during unexpected delays or medical stays.

Escort for Minor Child

Covers expenses related to escorting a minor child to safety during flight emergencies or family medical situations.

Loss of Personal Belongings

From misplaced luggage to a lost passport — covers all such costs and assists with replacement of vital travel documents.

Pre-Existing Illness Cover

Optional cover for diseases or conditions that were present when you purchased the policy. Covers related complications during your travels.

Maternity & Baby Cover

Day-one maternity and baby-related expense coverage for expecting mothers travelling internationally. Ensures a safe and worry-free journey.

HIV & AIDS Optional Cover

Available for individuals of any age with pre-existing HIV/AIDS conditions. Covers all complications arising from these conditions during travel, avoiding hefty medical bills abroad. Note: add-ons may differ among insurance companies.

Pandemic Protection

Travel Insurance with COVID-19 Coverage

The pandemic highlighted the risk of infection while travelling. Comprehensive travel insurance now includes dedicated COVID-19 protection for peace of mind.

Accident & Sickness Medical Expenses

Covers all medical costs incurred due to a COVID-19 diagnosis leading to hospitalisation during your international travels. No additional paperwork required beyond the standard claim process.

Trip Cancellation Due to COVID

If you test positive for COVID-19 before your departure date, the policy provides compensation for trip cancellation costs — protecting your investment in bookings and reservations.

Trip Curtailment & Interruption

If you test positive mid-trip and must cut your journey short, the insurer covers all additional expenses — including emergency accommodation and return travel costs.

Ready to Travel Without Worry?

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Not legally mandatory for most destinations, but strongly advisable. For Schengen countries (Europe), travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses is mandatory for visa approval. Without it, your Schengen visa will be rejected.
Standard plans cover pre-existing conditions only if they become life-threatening during travel. For full coverage, you can purchase an optional add-on cover available from most insurers.
Yes. Effective 22 September 2025, the Government of India exempted individual and family travel insurance policies from GST (0% from 18%) under Notification No. 16/2025 Central Tax (Rate). This applies to individual, family, student, senior citizen, and multi-trip plans. Group employer-sponsored plans still attract 18% GST.
Comprehensive travel insurance policies now increasingly cover flight cancellations and delays caused by geopolitical disruptions (such as airspace closures). IRDAI has updated norms to ensure better protection for Indian travellers. Check your policy wording for specific coverage details.
Report the loss immediately to the airline and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Also report to local police for theft cases. Then notify your insurer with the PIR, boarding passes, proof of purchase for lost items, and your policy number. Attach identification tags to your belongings as a preventive measure.
Yes, you can buy travel insurance any time before your departure. However, for maximum benefit — especially trip cancellation cover — it's best to purchase immediately after booking your trip, so you're protected for the entire period from purchase to return.
Bharat Yatra Suraksha is a standardised domestic travel insurance product introduced by IRDAI. It has uniform features across all insurers, is available for individuals, families, and groups, has no waiting period, no entry age restriction (proposer must be 18+), and is mandatorily sold online.
Most regular travel insurance plans include coverage for common adventure activities like trekking, snorkelling, and skiing. However, extreme or hazardous activities may require a specific add-on cover. Always check the policy wording and exclusions before engaging in adventure activities.

Still Have Questions?

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this platform is intended for general awareness and educational purposes. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, some details may change with policy updates, regulatory revisions, or insurer-specific modifications. Readers should verify current terms and conditions directly with relevant insurers or through professional consultation before making any decision. All views and analyses presented are based on publicly available data and other sources considered reliable at the time of writing. These do not constitute professional advice, recommendations, or guarantees of any product's performance. Customers are advised to review official sales brochures, policy documents and disclosures before proceeding with any purchase or commitment.

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