- The best travel insurance options for India
- Is it currently safe to travel to India?
- Is travel insurance required for an Indian visa?
- Why Take Out Travel Insurance for India?
- Travel insurance coverage in India
- The cost of travel insurance for India
- Paying Less for Travel Insurance to India
- Will My Insurance Cover Me in India?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for India: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for India protects against medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and travel disruptions.
2. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers to India but highly recommended for financial protection abroad.
3. Healthcare cost: Private healthcare in India can be expensive; a typical hospital night costs $100–$300 for foreign visitors.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for India from the US averages between $30 and $60 per person.
5. Good to know: Insurance policies should clearly cover medical evacuation and repatriation due to potential infrastructure or location challenges.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international expert in travel insurance comparison, providing guidance to over one million travelers each month. After reviewing 41 travel insurance policies available in the United States, our specialists share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for your trip to India.
The best travel insurance options for India
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M USD | Top coverage for trips to India. - generous medical limit - repatriation included - strong emergency support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M USD | Reliable for India and urgent health issues. - 24/7 helpline - simple claims - cancellation benefit |
| Tourist Card | $0.55M USD | Good value for tourists in India. - emergency medical cover - global assistance - budget-friendly |
| Travel Pass Monde | $0.77M USD | Balanced solution for longer stays in India. - hospital cover abroad - large area covered - repatriation |
| Globe Partner | $0.33M USD | Basic guarantees suitable for standard trips. - medical care abroad - personal liability - easy claim process |
| Globe Traveller | $0.55M USD | Affordable for brief and simple travel. - essential medical support - fast reimbursement - lower coverage limits |
- generous medical limit
- repatriation included
- strong emergency support
- 24/7 helpline
- simple claims
- cancellation benefit
- emergency medical cover
- global assistance
- budget-friendly
- hospital cover abroad
- large area covered
- repatriation
- medical care abroad
- personal liability
- easy claim process
- essential medical support
- fast reimbursement
- lower coverage limits
Is it currently safe to travel to India?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises travelers to exercise increased caution in India due to ongoing risks related to crime and terrorism. Travel to certain border regions, including parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, and areas adjacent to Pakistan, is particularly discouraged.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorism and violent crime remain concerns in several states, especially in Jammu and Kashmir and central India. Attacks on public markets and crowded places have occurred in cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
- Health risks: malaria and dengue fever are present throughout much of the country, and air pollution in cities like Delhi can reach hazardous levels. Medical care varies greatly and reliable facilities may be far from rural areas.
- Legal constraints: satellite phones and certain GPS devices are illegal and violations can result in detention and heavy fines. Restrictions also apply to photography near military sites and sensitive government buildings.
- Cultural and environmental factors: some states enforce strict alcohol laws or bans, which can vary even within regions. During festival seasons, large crowds and religious events may disrupt public transport and increase risks of stampedes.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in India.
Is travel insurance required for an Indian visa?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US nationals applying for a visa to visit India.
It is still strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance. The US Department of State highlights significant risks due to the varied quality of healthcare, the potential need for emergency evacuation, and the high cost of private medical care in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to India. This high rate is because of possible serious health incidents, expensive hospital stays, and unpredictable risks.
Why Take Out Travel Insurance for India?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to India.
In India, foreigners often rely on private hospitals in large cities such as Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi or Fortis in Mumbai, where treatment can be expensive. Public hospitals may suffer from overcrowding and variable quality, and access to quality care outside major urban centers is limited.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospital stays, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the US in the event of a serious accident or illness.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in India.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 100,000 INR (about $1,200 USD) | up to $1,000,000 USD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 60,000 INR (about $720 USD) | up to $1,000,000 USD |
| I need to be repatriated | 1,500,000 INR (about $18,000 USD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 300,000 INR (about $3,600 USD) | up to $1,000,000 USD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
Travel insurance coverage in India
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital stays, outpatient treatment, and prescribed medication for illness or injury during your trip. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 USD. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for transfer to another facility or to the US if suitable care is not available locally. Recommended minimum coverage: $100,000 USD. |
| 🧳 Luggage protection | Provides reimbursement for theft, loss, or damage to your checked or carry-on baggage. Choose a plan with at least $1,000 USD coverage. |
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refunds prepaid expenses (flights, hotels) if you have to cancel for a covered event. We advise a minimum reimbursement of $3,000 USD. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Protects in case you accidentally injure someone or damage property. Recommended coverage: $50,000 USD. |
| 💊 Emergency dental | Covers urgent dental care for pain relief or due to accident. Aim for at least $500 USD in coverage. |
| 📞 Travel assistance | 24/7 support for emergencies, legal help, and translation. Look for unlimited assistance by phone. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $100,000 USD.
Recommended minimum coverage: $100,000 USD.
Choose a plan with at least $1,000 USD coverage.
We advise a minimum reimbursement of $3,000 USD.
Recommended coverage: $50,000 USD.
Aim for at least $500 USD in coverage.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often offers limited protection, with low reimbursement limits and frequent exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with complete coverage. Compare the top options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant proof of insurance.
The cost of travel insurance for India
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $34 USD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $60 USD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $98 USD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $210 USD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance is influenced by several factors: age of the traveler, length of stay, destination, coverage limits, and optional add-ons like cancellation protection. Costs may increase for seniors, longer trips, or travel to higher-risk locations. It’s important to consider these elements carefully to ensure you pick the best policy for your trip and budget.
Paying Less for Travel Insurance to India
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to India while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Travel duration | Policies are priced based on length of stay. Avoid overestimating dates to limit unnecessary costs. | Select coverage only for your exact travel period and consider annual plans for frequent trips. |
| 👤 Traveler’s age | Premiums rise for those over 65, which is relevant given India’s variable healthcare availability. | Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, compare their offers before buying. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Local private care and evacuations can be expensive. Higher limits cost more but are important in India. | Choose a policy with at least $100,000 USD in medical and evacuation coverage for real savings. |
| 👫 Number of travelers | Family/group policies may reduce individual costs for multi-person trips to India. | Check for bundled plans to lower per-person premiums when traveling as a group. |
| 🛫 Cancellation terms | India is a long-haul destination, but not everyone needs trip cancellation benefits. | Skip cancellation coverage if tickets and hotels are refundable or low cost. |
| ✈️ Point of purchase | Where you buy coverage impacts price, sometimes dramatically, for travel to Asia. | Compare plans online rather than at the airport or via airlines for better rates. |
| 💳 Credit card cover | Credit card insurance is rarely sufficient for travel in India, especially for medical emergencies. | Read your card’s limits and supplement with travel insurance if necessary. |
Will My Insurance Cover Me in India?
It is completely legitimate to wonder if your current coverage, such as credit card insurance or the public health system, can protect you during a trip to India. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in India? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare, Medicaid) | No, never | No overseas medical, hospitalization, or evacuation coverage | Travel insurance can cover over $100,000 USD in medical and evacuation costs |
| Private health insurance (UnitedHealthcare, Aetna) | Yes, partly | Overseas emergencies may be covered up to $5,000 USD; no baggage or trip delay | Travel insurance raises limits to $100,000 USD+ and includes lost luggage and trip issues |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Yes, partly | Emergency medical up to $10,000 USD, no trip cancellation or evacuation | Travel insurance reimburses up to $100,000 USD+ and adds evacuation and cancellation |
| Premium credit card (Visa Signature, Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Preferred) | Yes, partly | Medical up to $100,000 USD, limited trip delay and baggage loss | Travel insurance offers higher limits and full support for emergencies and cancellations |
Example
Visiting Mumbai, Brian needed emergency appendicitis surgery. The total hospital bill reached $10,000. His Chase Sapphire card covered only $500, and his U.S. health insurance reimbursed $600, citing limited international coverage. Brian had to pay $8,900 out-of-pocket, illustrating the high risk of inadequate insurance and card protection while traveling in India.
Expert advice
Always review the terms, exclusions, and limits of your current insurance. Essential events like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness or death might not be covered. Carefully reading the conditions helps prevent unpleasant surprises abroad. Ultimately, it is safer and more reassuring to purchase travel insurance specifically tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. You can apply for a traditional 10-year tourist visa or an e-Tourist visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the visa application date and have at least two blank visa pages.
How do I purchase travel insurance for India?
First, compare multiple policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool. Then, review the coverage and exclusions of each plan, focusing on specific needs for India—such as medical evacuation. Finally, select and purchase your policy online. Your insurance certificate will be sent to you directly by email.
What is medical evacuation insurance and why is it important for India?
Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transferring you to a hospital with appropriate care or repatriation to the U.S. if necessary. This is crucial when traveling in India, as rural healthcare facilities may not meet international standards, and evacuation costs can be high—sometimes exceeding $50,000 USD.
Does travel insurance for India cover COVID-19 and other communicable diseases?
Many travel insurance policies now include coverage for emergency medical costs and quarantine related to COVID-19, as well as illnesses like dengue fever or malaria. Be sure to check the details of your policy, as coverage limits and conditions can vary between insurers, and some exclusions may apply.
When should I buy travel insurance before my trip to India?
It’s best to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip—ideally at the same time as your flights and accommodations. This ensures you’re protected for trip cancellations as well as any emergencies that may arise before or during your stay in India.
Are activities like trekking, safaris, or renting motorcycles covered by travel insurance?
Coverage for activities such as trekking, safaris, and motorcycle rentals varies by policy. Many insurers require you to select an option or add-on for adventure sports to be covered. Always confirm in advance that your planned activities are included, and review your policy’s exclusions and medical coverage limits.
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, U.S. citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India. You can apply for a traditional 10-year tourist visa or an e-Tourist visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the visa application date and have at least two blank visa pages.
How do I purchase travel insurance for India?
First, compare multiple policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool. Then, review the coverage and exclusions of each plan, focusing on specific needs for India—such as medical evacuation. Finally, select and purchase your policy online. Your insurance certificate will be sent to you directly by email.
What is medical evacuation insurance and why is it important for India?
Medical evacuation insurance covers the cost of transferring you to a hospital with appropriate care or repatriation to the U.S. if necessary. This is crucial when traveling in India, as rural healthcare facilities may not meet international standards, and evacuation costs can be high—sometimes exceeding $50,000 USD.
Does travel insurance for India cover COVID-19 and other communicable diseases?
Many travel insurance policies now include coverage for emergency medical costs and quarantine related to COVID-19, as well as illnesses like dengue fever or malaria. Be sure to check the details of your policy, as coverage limits and conditions can vary between insurers, and some exclusions may apply.
When should I buy travel insurance before my trip to India?
It’s best to purchase your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip—ideally at the same time as your flights and accommodations. This ensures you’re protected for trip cancellations as well as any emergencies that may arise before or during your stay in India.
Are activities like trekking, safaris, or renting motorcycles covered by travel insurance?
Coverage for activities such as trekking, safaris, and motorcycle rentals varies by policy. Many insurers require you to select an option or add-on for adventure sports to be covered. Always confirm in advance that your planned activities are included, and review your policy’s exclusions and medical coverage limits.
On the same topic
