Travel insurance for international trips from India
By Ganesh ·
What travel insurance to buy for a trip abroad from India. The covers that matter, Schengen visa requirements, single vs multi-trip policies, typical premiums in rupees, exclusions and how to claim.
The short answer: for an international trip from India, buy a travel insurance policy that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation (at least US$50,000 for most of Asia, more for the US and Europe), trip cancellation and delay, lost baggage and passport, and personal liability. For a Schengen visa the policy must give at least €30,000 of medical cover, including repatriation, valid in every Schengen country for your whole stay. Buy from an IRDAI-registered insurer, check the exclusions, and expect to pay roughly ₹500–3,000 per person for a one- to two-week trip, depending on destination and age.
Premiums and rules below are approximate. Check the policy wording before you buy.
Why you need it
Indian health insurance usually doesn't cover treatment abroad, and hospital bills overseas can be very high. A few nights in a US or European hospital can run into lakhs of rupees. A travel policy also pays out when flights are cancelled, bags go missing or you lose your passport. Several countries, including the Schengen states, require proof of cover for a visa.
What a good policy covers
| Cover | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Emergency medical expenses | US$50,000–100,000 for Asia; US$250,000+ for the US and Canada; €30,000+ for Schengen. Hospitalisation, doctor fees, medicines, and ideally cashless treatment through the insurer's network. |
| Medical evacuation and repatriation | Air ambulance or flight home with a medical escort, vital for trekking and remote areas. |
| Trip cancellation / interruption | Refund of non-refundable bookings if you cancel or cut the trip short for covered reasons (illness, death in the family, etc.). |
| Flight delay and missed connection | A fixed amount after a delay of a set number of hours. |
| Baggage loss and delay | Check per-item limits; carry valuables in hand luggage. |
| Loss of passport | Costs of getting an emergency certificate or new passport. |
| Personal liability | If you accidentally injure someone or damage property. |
| Adventure sports | Usually excluded unless you add it: needed for skiing, scuba, paragliding or trekking above certain altitudes. |
Schengen visa insurance requirements
- Minimum €30,000 (or equivalent) medical cover, including emergency hospital treatment and repatriation.
- Valid in all Schengen countries, for the full length of your stay (some travellers add a day either side).
- Bought before applying; the certificate goes in your visa file.
- Most Indian insurers issue a Schengen-compliant certificate that names the coverage explicitly. Check it does.
Single-trip vs multi-trip
A single-trip policy covers one journey and is cheapest for occasional travellers. An annual multi-trip policy covers all trips in a year up to a maximum length per trip (often 30–45 days). Worth it if you go abroad three or more times a year. Students studying abroad need a separate student policy.
What it costs (approximate, per adult)
| Trip | Typical premium |
|---|---|
| 1 week in South-East Asia (US$50,000 cover) | ₹400–1,000 |
| 10 days in Europe, Schengen-compliant | ₹800–2,500 |
| 2 weeks in the US or Canada | ₹2,000–6,000 |
| Annual multi-trip, worldwide excluding the US | ₹4,000–10,000 |
Premiums rise sharply after 60–70 years of age, and with higher cover or add-ons such as adventure sports.
Exclusions to read carefully
- Pre-existing conditions: often excluded except for life-threatening emergencies; some insurers offer cover for a higher premium.
- Sub-limits: caps on room rent, specific treatments or the amount per claim.
- Deductibles: the amount you pay before the insurer pays.
- Alcohol- or drug-related incidents, and travel against medical advice.
- Unattended baggage and cash losses.
How to make a claim
- Save the insurer's 24-hour assistance number and policy number on your phone and on paper.
- For a medical emergency, call the assistance line first. They can arrange cashless treatment.
- Keep every receipt, medical report and police or airline report (a Property Irregularity Report for lost bags).
- File within the deadline in the policy, usually 30 days after returning.
Practical tips
- Buy as soon as you book. Trip-cancellation cover only helps if the policy started before the problem arose.
- Credit-card travel cover is usually limited; read its terms before relying on it.
- Store the policy PDF with your bookings in your Sancharees trip, so your travel companions and family can find it in an emergency.
FAQ
Is travel insurance mandatory for a Schengen visa?
Yes, at least €30,000 of medical cover including repatriation, valid across the Schengen area.
Does my Indian health insurance work abroad?
Usually not, or only for limited planned treatment. Check the policy, but don't rely on it for travel emergencies.
Do I need insurance for Thailand, Dubai or Bali?
It isn't always required for entry, but medical care for tourists can be expensive, a cheap policy is strongly recommended.
Can I buy travel insurance after leaving India?
Most Indian policies must be bought before departure. Buy before you fly.
Photo: DN Int'l Airport Jetstar Check-in by Dragfyre, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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