Travel insurance for India

Safety

As of August 2025, travel advice in India varies depending on where you’re headed. Travellers are advised to reconsider travel to the Attari-Wagah border crossing, Chhattisgarh (central India), Nagaland, and parts of Assam, due to the high risk of violence. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the India–Pakistan border, and Manipur (eastern region near Myanmar) are all ‘Do not travel’ destinations. This is all due to the danger of armed clashes, terrorist activities and violent demonstrations. 

In terms of more general safety issues, female travellers should be extra cautious, as harassment and assault reports are higher in major cities and tourist sites. Food and drink spiking can happen, so never leave your meals unattended. Petty theft is also common in markets and on public transport, with thieves on motorbikes snatching bags and jewellery from pedestrians.  

Extreme weather

Natural disasters and extreme weather are common in parts of India. Heatwaves, droughts, floods, landslides, cyclones, storms, dust storms, earthquakes, and tsunamis are all on the cards. Floods and landslides are highly likely from June to October, especially in the north, east and south regions. Cyclones are common in Indian waters from April to December, particularly around the Bay of Bengal in the east. Earthquakes are more common in the north-eastern regions. No matter where you go, make sure to keep an eye on the forecasts.   

Health

Water-borne, food-borne, and parasitic viruses, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis, are common across India. So, make sure you only drink bottled water, and maybe skip that questionable-looking street snack. HIV/AIDS is also widespread across the country, as are various strains of influenza and Mpox. Add in a lineup of nasty insect-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, zika virus, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, and filariasis, and insect repellent and vaccinations are a must. India can also have dangerous air pollution levels, especially in winter, which can cause transport delays and breathing problems.  

Road safety

The roads in India can be scenic, but they’re also chaotic. Roads are often in poor condition and shared with everything from pedestrians to cows. Driving at night can be especially risky, with little to no lighting. You will, however, be able to drive in India without needing an Indian driver’s licence for the first three months. But you’ll need an international driving permit (IDP) and your current Australian driver’s licence. Expect frequent delays, too; fog in December and January can throw off road, rail, and even air travel.  

Visa

A visa is essential for visiting India, and you should ideally apply before flying out. If you’re visiting India as a tourist, you’ll be able to apply for a Tourist e-Visa for either 30 days, one year, or five years. Once you arrive, it gets stamped into your passport as a formal visa. Just check your arrival airport before you book, as not all international airports accept e-Visas. Make sure to check with your nearest Indian consulate or embassy so you’re not caught short at the border.