Travel Insurance for International Trips from India: Do You Really Need It? (2026 Guide)

By Dook International Travel Experts  |  13+ Years of International Travel Expertise

You have planned your flights. You have booked your hotels. You have designed your itinerary. So you ask yourself: Have I bought travel insurance yet?

The answer in most cases is going to be a hesitant no, not because Indians do not believe in travel insurance, but because most of us think that we don't need it. There is no harm in admitting it: most Indians buy cheap travel insurance without reading the terms and conditions. Some of us don't buy any travel insurance at all. And a significant portion of Indians have been shocked at the last minute when they landed in their hotel room in Thailand to discover that they have no travel insurance or that their claim was outright rejected.

In this 2026 guide, we tell you everything there is to know about international travel insurance for Indians: why you need it, where it is compulsory, how to compare plans (we compare Tata AIG vs HDFC Ergo), what it costs in INR, and how to claim it without getting rejected.

Is Travel Insurance Compulsory for Indians Travelling Abroad? (2026 Answer)

The straightforward answer is: it depends upon your destination and visa type. Travel insurance is a legal necessity for a limited number of destinations, whereas it is highly recommended for other international destinations. It is rarely a mandatory visa requirement for any country except the ones listed below.

Where Travel Insurance Is Mandatory for Indian Travellers

There are two types of destinations where travel insurance becomes a mandatory necessity for Indians:

All 29 Schengen Member Countries (Strict Requirement)

It is an absolute necessity to have travel insurance for your Schengen visa application. The list of Schengen visa countries comprises:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

The Schengen visa requirements strictly mention that you must have medical insurance cover for EUR 30,000 (or equivalent INR amount) for the entire duration of your trip. Your medical insurance must clearly mention that it covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical repatriation. The insurance premium is typically from ₹26/day. A 10-day trip to Europe will cost you approximately ₹500–₹2,000 for medical insurance.

•        Required minimum medical cover: EUR 30,000 (approx ₹2,70,000)

•        Policy duration: Should be valid for the entire travel period, covering all countries within the Schengen visa zone

•        Repatriation insurance: Must be mentioned (repatriation insurance brings you back to India, if medically necessary)

•        Consequence of non-compliance: Visa application will be summarily rejected

•        Average premium rate for Schengen insurance cover: ₹26/day (or ₹500 for a 10-day trip)

35+ Other Countries Require Travel Insurance

Apart from Schengen, more than 35 countries also require you to have a medical cover for visa processing purposes or proof of insurance at the border on arrival. These countries include:

•        Cuba — mandatory travel insurance is required for all international tourists and must be provided at the entry point

•        Saudi Arabia — travel insurance is a mandatory visa requirement

•        UAE — travel insurance is required for visa applications

•        Turkey — travel insurance is mandatory for some visa categories

•        Ecuador — mandatory travel insurance

•        Qatar, Oman, Bahrain — mandatory for visa applications

•        Costa Rica, Antarctica, Jordan, Sri Lanka — mandatory or closely checked at the point of entry

Please note: Insurance requirements are updated frequently. Always verify visa insurance requirements with the relevant embassy/consulate before you book your trip. At Dook International, we always perform latest insurance checks on the destinations we sell in our international travel tour packages.

Where Travel Insurance Is Not Mandatory But Highly Recommended

For most other countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and South East Asia, travel insurance is a highly recommended insurance but not a requirement for visa application purposes. Indian passport holders are allowed to enter those countries without travel insurance.

But not having travel insurance has its financial consequences once you leave the borders of India:

•        Hospitalisation in the United States can cost $5,000 to $15,000 (or ₹4 lakh to ₹12 lakh) in the absence of insurance cover

•        Emergency medical evacuation from far-off places such as the Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal can cost ₹5 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs

•        Missed flight due to emergency medical conditions, and hotel/cruise bookings can result in loss of ₹1 lakh to ₹3 lakhs worth of non-refundable bookings

•        Checked baggage loss or delay by the airlines is one of the most commonly reported issues for which insurance cover is required

The average price range for a travel insurance policy for a one-week trip from India is ₹800 to ₹3,500. On the other hand, the typical claim size when something happens is ₹2 lakhs to ₹8 lakhs.

What Does International Travel Insurance Actually Cover?

Most of us tend to purchase travel insurance in India without knowing precisely what is covered in the policy and what is excluded. Here is a list of the most common covers offered in international travel insurance policies:

1. Emergency Medical Expenses (The core coverage)

It is the fundamental reason behind travel insurance. Medical cover ensures you are protected against emergency hospitalisation, surgeries, ambulance transport, physician consultation, and other related expenses in case you suffer an illness or accident during your trip overseas.

•        Recommended minimum cover: USD 100,000 (₹83 lakhs) for general international destinations; USD 250,000 - 500,000 (₹21-42 lakhs) for the United States and Canada as medical costs are much higher there

•        What is covered: Hospitalisation, surgery, ICU charges, ambulance, prescribed medicines, outpatient care

•        What to be aware of: Room rent limits (capped at USD 150 per day in some policies); no coverage for some day-care procedures

2. Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

If you happen to be critically sick or injured overseas, where the local hospitals are unable to provide proper treatment, then your insurance must cover medical evacuation services for the purpose of transferring you to a more appropriate hospital or back home.

•        Repatriation of bodily remains: In case of death of the traveller, the policy shall pay for bringing back the bodily remains — a necessity for Schengen visa insurance

•        Recommended minimum cover: USD 500,000 (₹42 lakhs) for emergency evacuation from long-haul destinations

3. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

In case of unexpected cancellation or interruption of your trip, whether before or after departure, due to illness, death of a close family member, natural disaster at the destination, travel advisor's "Do Not Travel" warning, or airline company bankruptcy, the cover reimburses non-refundable expenses related to your cancellation.

•        Common covered scenarios: Serious illness (self or immediate family); death in the family; natural disaster or civil unrest at the destination; issuance of 'do not travel' warning by travel advisor

•        What is excluded: Changes of mind or work obligations or fears of travelling are usually never covered

•        Key rule: Purchase within 15 days of booking your trip to include pre-trip cover as well

4. Baggage Loss/Delay/Damage

When your baggage is lost by the airline or damaged during transport, this particular cover helps compensate you for the same. It also provides you with a lump-sum cash benefit in case your checked baggage gets delayed for a set number of hours (typically 12 hours).

•        Baggage loss: Up to ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000 for total loss of checked baggage — always document your luggage before your trip

•        Baggage delay: Up to ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 if your bags are delayed for more than 12 hours — needs Property Irregularity Report from the airline

•        Important exclusion: Loss of valuables, electronic devices, jewellery, and cash inside checked bags; always carry those in cabin baggage

5. Flight Delay Compensation

If your flight is delayed for over a set number of hours (generally 6 to 12 hours), travel insurance will compensate for the expenses incurred during the delay, such as food or lodging.

•        Required documents: Proof from the airline that you've suffered a delay of over the stipulated time — the airline's delay certificate (not your mobile phone app screenshot)

•        Most common error: Claiming flight delay without an official delay certificate issued by airline is the most common reason for rejection of flight delay claims

6. Trip Curtailment and Additional Accommodation

If circumstances force you to extend your trip in a foreign territory, this cover pays for accommodation and daily living expenses during your trip extension period.

7. Personal Liability

In case you happen to hurt another individual or damage his/her property during your visit overseas, you would require personal liability cover. It helps cover the legal expenses as well as monetary damages that need to be paid to the complainant.

•        Example scenarios: Accidental injury to an individual, accidental damage to rented property (car), breaking a piece of equipment at a museum

8. Accidental Death and Permanent Disability

This benefit pays a fixed amount in case the traveller suffers accidental death or permanent disability due to an accident during the course of the trip.

What Travel Insurance Does NOT Cover? — Critical Exclusions

Note: Reading the exclusion clauses in the policy booklet is more important than reading the coverages.

•        Pre-existing illnesses are excluded if not explicitly mentioned at purchase, and a special premium is paid; this is the most common reason behind rejection of medical claims in India

•        Any injury from adventure sports such as skiing, scuba diving, mountaineering, bungee jumping, white water rafting, etc., is specifically excluded in most cases

•        Self-inflicted injury, injury due to intoxication, or injury due to participation in criminal activity is never covered by any standard travel insurance

•        Travel to any foreign destination under a government "do not travel" advisory notice will be specifically excluded

•        Elective medical procedures are excluded; only emergency medical treatment is covered

•        Loss arising due to any negligence, such as leaving your bags unattended at the airport lounge, will be considered a negligence case and thus, rejected by most insurers

•        Claim for any pregnancy-related complications beyond the 26th week is normally excluded

•        Mental health claims abroad are normally excluded from most Indian insurers

Tata AIG vs HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance — Detailed Comparison Guide (2026)

Tata AIG Insurance Company Limited and HDFC Ergo General Insurance Company Limited (earlier known as Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co. Ltd.) are the two topmost travel insurance providers among Indians visiting abroad. Both of these companies have high claim settlement ratios in the region of 90%. Both of them offer comprehensive insurance policies complying with Schengen visa rules.

Here is an objective comparison of these two policies to help you decide:

Tata AIG Travel Insurance Overview

Tata AIG is owned by the Tata group and American International Group Inc. Their international travel insurance policies, particularly TravelGuard Plus, are well-known for their efficient cashless services in Asia and Europe as well as global assistance cover. Tata AIG is widely accepted by all Schengen embassies.

•        Claim settlement ratio (2024-25): 98.02% (one of the best)

•        Cashless international hospitals: 13,741 worldwide

•        Strengths: Superior global emergency assistance network, efficient cashless hospitalisation in Asia and Europe, better coverage in terms of medical evacuation, widely accepted by Schengen embassies

•        Things to be careful about: Documentation requirements are rigorous and missing any document leads to outright rejection; ideal for organized and detail-oriented customers

•        Claim settlement time (medical): Typically 45-60 days

•        Best suited for: Repeat international visitors; trips to Europe; customers preferring an international brand name

HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance Overview

HDFC Ergo is the joint venture of HDFC Ltd and ERGO International AG. After merging with Apollo Munich Health Insurance Co. in 2020, HDFC Ergo has become one of the leaders in health and travel insurance in India. Customers are consistently praising their easy documentation process and quick claim settlements through their digital platform.

•        Claim settlement ratio (2024-25): Over 90% (one of the best)

•        Cashless international hospitals: 14,476 worldwide (slightly higher compared to Tata AIG)

•        Strengths: Good 24/7 assistance with quick responses; efficient cashless hospitalisation process in Asia/Europe; reasonable documentation process (rather than outright rejection, they usually ask you to furnish the missing document); relatively faster claim settlement

•        Things to be careful about: The online purchase process may be cumbersome for older customers; some plans have stringent sub-limits on room rent, etc.

•        Claim settlement time (medical): 30-45 days (relatively faster for well-documented claims)

•        Ideal for: First-time travellers abroad; Asians; families; customers requiring good customer support

Tata AIG vs HDFC Ergo Side-By-Side

•        For Schengen visa: Both companies are accepted everywhere; choose whichever one is cheaper

•        For USA/Canada travel: Both offer high coverage plans (USD 500,000+); always check sub-limits on room rents carefully, as USA hospitals have very expensive room rent rates

•        For senior citizens (60+): HDFC Ergo offers plans up to age 85, while Tata AIG covers up to 70 (most cases); for customers above 70, check both carefully

•        For pre-existing illnesses: Declaration of existing medical condition and paying extra premium is mandatory for both; HDFC Ergo has a relatively more straightforward claim settlement process

•        For adventure sports: Both offer an option of adventure sports rider, which you must buy explicitly if your activities include skiing, scuba diving, mountaineering, bungee jumping, etc.

•        Based on claim experience: HDFC Ergo suits new claimants better; Tata AIG prefers customers with experience in documentation

Other IRDAI-Regulated Travel Insurance Providers to Consider

1. ICICI Lombard — good digital documentation system, comparatively cheaper for younger travellers

2. Bajaj Allianz — excellent tuition fee reimbursement cover for students travelling abroad

3. Go Digit — purely digital insurer, good claim settlement process; excellent customer satisfaction index

4. Reliance General — covers travellers up to age 90, making it one of the best options for seniors

Pro Tip: Always opt for an Indian insurer offering travel insurance products regulated by IRDAI. In case of disputes, your consumer grievances will be entertained by Indian authorities, including the insurance ombudsman. You have a legal recourse if you receive a rejection from your insurance provider.

How Much Does International Travel Insurance Cost in India? (2026 Rates in INR)

International travel insurance prices in India are based on four factors: the age of the policyholder, destination countries, duration of the trip, and the sum insured amount. Here are some indicative premium rates for travel insurance from India in 2026:

Premium by Destination and Trip Duration — Indicative Rates (Adults 30-45)

•        Europe (Schengen countries) — 10 days: ₹800 – ₹2,500 (minimum EUR 30,000 cover)

•        Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, etc.) — 7 days: ₹600 – ₹1,800

•        United States/Canada (10 days): ₹3,500 – ₹8,000 (higher due to expensive USA medical bills)

•        Australia/New Zealand (10 days): ₹1,500 – ₹4,000

•        Middle East (Dubai, Oman, etc.) (7 days): ₹500 – ₹1,500

•        Japan/South Korea (7 days): ₹800 – ₹2,500

•        Multi-trip plan (unlimited trips up to 30 days): ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 annually

Some Premium Loading Factors to Be Aware of

•        Age 60-70: Premium loading increases by 50-100% over the basic rates

•        Age 70+: Premium loading can increase by 150-300% or more; not all insurers offer plans for age 70+

•        Existing medical condition: Extra premium loading of 10-40% depending on the severity of the disease and destination

•        Adventure sports rider: Additional ₹500-₹2,000 extra for adventure cover per trip

•        USA/Canada: Higher premium rates as USA hospitals have very high costs compared to other countries

Pro Tip: Travelling abroad for 3 or more times a year? A multi-trip travel insurance plan (covering unlimited trips up to 30 days) will cost you less than buying multiple single-trip plans. Annual plans from HDFC Ergo, Tata AIG, and ICICI Lombard start from as low as ₹5,000-₹8,000 per year.

How to Buy the Right International Travel Insurance Policy? 2026 Guide

Indian consumers mostly make two mistakes when buying a travel insurance plan. They either buy the cheapest plan available without reading the details, or they buy from a famous brand without comparing it with other options. Below is a step-by-step guide to buying the right plan:

1.    Check if it is mandatory for your destination country — It is the first step. You have to confirm if you have a legal obligation to buy travel insurance in your chosen destination. In case you travel to Schengen countries, you need to see a EUR 30,000 medical cover in your insurance plan.

2.    Ensure sum insured matches with medical expenses — If you travel to the USA or Canada, then you should opt for USD 250,000 - USD 500,000 medical cover. For Southeast Asian/European destinations, USD 100,000 - 250,000 is enough. Don't ever consider buying policies that cover low medical costs but are cheaper.

3.    Pay attention to sub-limits in the policy booklet — The maximum sum insured you mention is the declared sum, but the actual coverage can be lower if you ignore sub-limits in your policy. For example, the daily room rent sub-limit can restrict the actual claim amount.

4.    Disclose all pre-existing illnesses honestly — Disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions is mandatory