Travel Smart
Travel Insurance Guide
Travel insurance is not optional — it is essential. Here is everything an Indian traveller needs to know to choose the right policy, file a claim and avoid the most common pitfalls.
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Best Travel Insurance for Indians (2025)
TATA AIG Travel Guard: Best overall. High medical cover (up to $5,00,000). Cashless hospitalisation in 150+ countries. Claims 24/7 helpline.
HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance: Best for families. Covers pre-existing conditions with declaration. Good trip cancellation cover.
Bajaj Allianz Travel Care: Best for Schengen visas — meets all EU requirements. Adventure sports add-on available.
Care Health Travel Insurance: Best for seniors. Covers people up to 85 years. Specific plans for pre-existing conditions.
Religare (Care) Go Explore: Best budget option. Good basic cover for short UAE/Thailand trips from ₹299.
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What Must Be Covered
✅ Medical emergency: Minimum $1,00,000. Schengen requires minimum €30,000. USA/Canada requires $5,00,000 minimum.
✅ Medical evacuation: Emergency transport to nearest adequate hospital or repatriation to India. Cover: $2,50,000+
✅ Trip cancellation: If you or a family member falls seriously ill before departure. Cover trip cost.
✅ Baggage loss/delay: At least ₹50,000 for loss. ₹5,000–10,000 for delay over 6 hours.
✅ Flight delay/cancellation: Compensation for delays over 4–6 hours. Hotel accommodation cover.
✅ Personal liability: If you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad. Essential in the USA.
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Common Exclusions to Watch
❌ Pre-existing conditions: Most policies exclude unless declared and accepted. Declare everything honestly.
❌ Adventure sports: Trekking above 3,500m, scuba diving, skiing often excluded. Buy adventure add-on.
❌ Self-inflicted injuries: Injuries from being under influence of alcohol/drugs not covered.
❌ Unattended baggage: If your bag is stolen while unattended, many policies won't pay. Always file a police report immediately.
❌ Travel against advisories: If MEA issues travel advisory for a region, claims from that region may be rejected.
❌ Cash and mobile phones: Most policies have low or nil cover for cash lost and limited cover for mobiles stolen.
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How to File a Claim
1
Call the helpline immediately — don't wait. Medical claims must be reported within 24 hours. Inform insurer before any major treatment if possible.
2
Save every receipt — hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, hotel stays due to delay, transport costs. Photograph everything.
3
File police report — for theft, robbery or any criminal incident. Required by all insurers. Get a copy within 24 hours.
4
Get airline documentation — for delays and baggage loss, get official written confirmation from the airline with reference number.
5
Submit within 30 days — most insurers require claim documents within 30 days of return to India.
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Approximate Costs (2025)
UAE 5 nights
₹299–699/person
₹299–699/person
Thailand 7 nights
₹499–999/person
₹499–999/person
Europe 10 nights
₹1,200–2,500/person
₹1,200–2,500/person
USA 14 nights
₹3,500–8,000/person
₹3,500–8,000/person
Japan 10 nights
₹1,500–3,000/person
₹1,500–3,000/person
Family of 4, Schengen
₹4,000–8,000 total
₹4,000–8,000 total
* Prices for comprehensive cover including medical, cancellation and baggage. Always compare on Policybazaar or InsuranceDekho for current rates.