Travel insurance advice for India

India is a populaIndia is an enchanting destination, home to some of the world’s greatest ecosystems alongside vibrant markets and friendly people. Perfect for meandering adventure, few countries offer such a rich cultural experience. 

Spanning vast, ever-changing scenery, there are countless landscapes and cultures to enjoy in India. However, several parts of the country aren’t considered safe for tourists, so it’s important to plan your India trip accordingly. 

Do I need travel insurance for India? 

Tourists aren’t generally required to have Travel Insurance when they arrive in India, but it can come in handy in numerous situations. A policy can protect you if your luggage gets lost, you encounter emergency medical expenses or travel delays strike. Alongside a host of other benefits, purchasing Travel Insurance for your journey could be a sensible decision. 

Get cover for India’s enchanting travel activities 

Travellers to India are spoilt for choice. Whether you want mountains or beaches, villages or mega cities, nature or culture, India offers it all. 

Create your own tiger tale

India is one of the few countries that offers travellers the chance to see tigers in the wild – but even at dedicated wildlife parks, there’s still an element of luck involved in seeing these elusive, endangered animals. If you do try to see tigers, remember that fatal tiger attacks do occur in India, so choose a reputable guide and always follow instructions about maintaining a safe distance. 

Take in the majesty of the Taj Mahal

Adorned in ivory-white marble and semi-precious stones, the iconic Taj Mahal is a must-see landmark for travellers exploring northern India. However, like many tourist attractions in India, the risk of theft is high, so carry only what you need, pay close attention to your belongings, and consider how travel insurance can help you replace your stuff if you do fall victim to pickpockets. 

Cruising the backwaters of Kerala

Hire a houseboat and spend a few days enjoying the peace of rural India – an especially restorative experience if you’ve been overwhelmed by one of the country’s big cities. Take in shady palms, paddy fields and quiet rural villages. Look to hire your boat from a reputable operator and get to know how your travel insurance policy covers accidents. 

Trekking in the Himalayas

Stunning mountain scenery, orchid forests, giant butterflies and even the chance to spot a snow leopard are all part of a Himalayan trekking experience. When planning your adventure, go with a trusted operator and stick to safe regions. Travel insurance can protect against twisted ankles and other mishaps in the mountains, but remember, some policies won’t cover hiking above a certain altitude, so always read the fine print. 

Ride the rails

India features an impressive rail network, recognised as the fourth-longest in the world. There are numerous routes to choose from, each with their own charms. But as always when travelling in India, be sure to pay attention to your personal safety and keep your belongings secure. Travel insurance could help replace any valuables stolen during your journey. 

Travelling carefully in India 

India is only becoming more popular as a travel destination, with the number of trips from Australia reaching 329,220 in 2022 – an increase of 52% in the past decade.¹Indianlink – India sees a 52% increase in travellers from Australia over the past decade, 19 May 2023.   However, it’s important to remain mindful of some risks you could encounter. Get to know these hazards and how travel insurance can support your journey. 

Extreme weather 

Natural disasters and extreme weather are common in parts of India, ranging from flash flooding to heat waves. If your trip is disrupted by an unexpected weather event or natural disaster, travel insurance can reimburse travel and accommodation expenses.  

Viruses 

Travellers to India can catch waterborne, foodborne and parasitic viruses. You should only drink bottled or treated water while avoiding undercooked food. If you need medical attention, travel insurance can help cover the costs. 

Road safety 

The roads in India can be remarkably scenic, but driving is a hazardous experience for foreigners. If you decide to rent a car, avoid driving at night and take your time. Travel insurance can help cover personal liability and rental vehicle excess if you have an accident. 

What can travel insurance cover in India?  

India can be a crazy ride and most tourists will come home with great memories. But getting sick, having an accident or seeing your travel plans cancelled remains a concern. You’re a long way from home in a different culture, so explore how a travel insurance policy can provide an appropriate level of protection. 

Medical problems 

Your policy could cover medical bills, ambulance transport and emergency evacuation costs, dental treatment and more. While some policies cover unlimited medical expenses, others are more restrictive. 

Personal liability 

If you injure someone or damage property while you’re in India, some policies can help you manage your expenses. 

Cancellation fees and lost deposits 

If you have to cancel or rearrange any part of your trip, then you may lose your deposits and incur cancellation fees.  

Lost or delayed luggage 

If your luggage is lost or delayed, most policies will help you replace your items, up to certain limits. 

Stolen possessions 

If your luggage gets stolen during the holiday, then you could be reimbursed for the costs of replacing your items. 

Travel delays and cancellations 

If your travel plans are disrupted by adverse events, then you may be entitled to get a payment to cover the expenses of additional meals and accommodation. 

Lost or stolen travel documents 

If you need to replace passports or visas during your holiday, travel insurance can help cover the costs associated with replacing them. 

Rental vehicle excess 

If you crash your rental car, then you may be protected against the rental company’s insurance excess payment up to the limit specified on your cover. 

Does my Travel Insurance cover COVID-19?   

Travel Insurance for India usually includes COVID-19 cover but read the fine print as providers can offer protection in different ways. For example, medical costs you incur after returning to Australia might not be covered. Review the product disclosure statement (PDS) to find relevant information. 

What doesn’t Travel Insurance cover in India? 

Travel Insurance protects against numerous situations, yet there are certain things it won’t cover. For example, if you encounter issues because of an undeclared pre-existing medical condition, your claim could be rejected. You might also need to purchase additional cover for certain adventure activities, like hiking above 3,000 metres. 

Some insurers may refuse to cover trips to dangerous areas in India, such as the Union Territory of Jammu, Kashmir or Manipur. As of August 2024, Smartraveller lists these regions as ‘Level 3’ and ‘Level 4’, recommending people reconsider their plans or not travel at all. If you still intend to travel to these parts of India, check with individual insurers to learn how your cover could be affected. 

How much does travel insurance for India usually cost? 

Every provider charges differently for Travel Insurance, but you can expect a basic policy for a week-long stay in India to cost about $35-$75, depending on factors like your age and pre-existing medical conditions. 

While travellers are advised to “exercise a high degree of caution” in India, travel insurance remains more affordable than some trips to Europe and a similar cost to a destination like New Zealand. 

Compare Travel Insurance policies with iSelect 

Travel insurance can give you that much-needed peace of mind during your India trip. Compare travel insurance from our range of providers today to look for a great policy.