Travel Insurance is an insurance policy which covers all risks while you are travelling within India or abroad. Everybody loves to travel. Travelling is an amazing experience & fun to cope up with stress & depression. While spending quality time with friends & family on a vacation, you live many key moments and collect unforgettable memories forever.
Whether you're planning to travel for a business trip, enjoying vacation either with family or close friends, or studying abroad, it's highly recommended to buy travel insurance plan to take care of risks or losses that might occur during the trip. Travel Insurance is meant to protect you & your loved ones from unforeseen circumstances, even if you are not with them.
Compare & select the best online travel insurance policy is one of the major key factors. PolicyBazaar is one-stop platform, which gives you an opportunity to explore & deeply analyze the various travel plans offered by general insurance companies in India. Below mentioned are few things, which you need to keep in mind while buying a travel plan:
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”
Saint Augustine
As you know that travel insurance includes coverage for medical emergencies too, it is prudent as well as highly recommended for you to collect your E Card from your insurer before traveling to a foreign country. Insurance companies have their agencies in different countries, which settle all such claims.
All you need to do register yourself with the number mentioned on the E Card in order to be eligible for any such treatment in a foreign land if and when necessary. However, you can avail cashless hospitalization at a network hospital only, which means it should be inpatient hospitalization only.
| Travel Insurance Companies | Eligibility | Medical Checkup | Inclusions | Exclusions |
| SBI Travel Insurance | 6 Months to 70 Years | Not required | • Accidental cover up to 10% of the coverage limit ($25K) • Personal liability cover up to 50% of the coverage limit (or $2,00,000) • Loss or passport, checked baggage, cover against hijack, etc. |
• Claim filed by an individual who is part of Military, Airforce, or Navy. • Any claim arising in relation to a nuclear or civil war, or when traveling via an aircraft not licensed to carrying passengers. • Loss or injuries arising from mountain climbing, racing, or any professional sports. • Claims arising from any of the criminal acts. |
| TATA AIG Travel Insurance | Up to 70 years | N/A | • Accidental Death or Dismemberment • Delay or Loss of baggage, Personal liability, passport loss, hijack cash benefit, or trip delay or cancellation |
• Traveling despite physician’s advice or for medical treatment • Claims arising from a pre-existing condition • Attempt to suicide, mental disorder, STD, depression • Claim arising from a war, life-threatening sports, etc. |
| Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance | Up to 75 years of age | N/A | • Hospitalization expenses, loss of baggage, trip delay or cancellation • Emergency cash in foreign land |
• Attempt to suicide due to mental disorder, drug or alcohol consumption • Treatment other than allopathy, pregnancy or childbirth, miscarriage, abortion • Loss or passport |
| HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance | 6 Months to 70 Years | Not required until you're 70 | • Emergency medical expenses • Dental expenses (if any) • Emergency hospital cash • Personal accident coverage • Flight delay, loss of checked baggage, passport • Flight hijack cover |
• Attempt to suicide due to mental disorder, drug or alcohol consumption • Treatment other than allopathy, pregnancy or childbirth, miscarriage, abortion |
| Bharti AXA Travel Insurance | 3 Months to 60 Years | N/A | • Expenses arising from emergency medical evacuation/death • Personal accident causing death or dismemberment • Loss or passport or other traveling documents • Flight delay/loss of checked baggage |
• Any pre-existing medical condition • Expenses arising out of a cosmetic surgery unless due to an accident • Injuries arising from fatal sport activities, viz. bungee jumping etc. • Loss of baggage or passport unless reported within 24 hours of its occurrence • Partial loss of any item within the checked baggage is not covered. |
| Future Generali Travel Insurance | • 6 Months to 71 Years71 to 80 Years (Senior Citizen) | N/A | • Loss of checked baggage • Compensation for duplicate passport if lost • Personal accident causing death or permanent dismemberment |
• Pre-existing medical conditions • Emergency arising out of consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicants • Self-inflicted acts causing bodily injuries • Medical emergency arising out of pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or during childbirth |
| IFFCO Tokio Travel Insurance | N/A | Not required until you’re 70 | • Health care expenses are covered, including dental treatment • Daily hospital cash • Loss of passport • Personal accident • Personal liability • Loss of baggage • Flight delay |
• Any existing condition leading to claims after policy commencement • Claim filed by an individual who is part of Military, Airforce, or Navy. • Claims arising from riots, terrorist activities etc. • Injuries caused indirectly due to radioactive, hazardous, ionizing acts etc. |
| Cholamandalam Travel Insurance | • 3 Months to 80 Years • 61 Years to 70 Years (Senior citizens) |
Not required until you’re 65 | • Medical emergency during the trip • Coverage for any illness or injury • Loss of checked baggage • Expenses incurred for obtaining a fresh passport • Coverage for hijack distress |
• Pre-existing medical conditions • Injuries caused indirectly due to radioactive, hazardous, ionizing acts etc. • Injuries arising out of fatal sports activities |
| Apollo Munich Travel Insurance | • 6 Months to 70 Years | N/A | • Medical assistance • Loss of checked baggage • Hijack distress • Personal accident causing death or permanent dismemberment • Trip delay or cancellation • Expenses incurred for obtaining a fresh passport |
• Sole purpose of journey is to avail medical treatment • Any claim arising in relation to a nuclear or civil war, revolution, invasion, riots, nuclear or radioactive contamination etc. • Medical emergency arising out of pregnancy or childbirth, miscarriage, abortion • Injuries arising out of fatal sports activities scuba diving, mountain climbing, parachuting etc. |
You can choose which coverage to opt for on the basis of your specific requirement. Travel plans and policy offer coverage against all possible emergency situations during transit.
Domestic travel insurance is meant for customers who are travelling within the country. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, permanent disability and death, checked-in lost/stolen baggage, travel delay and personal liability.
International travel insurance offers protection from a number of contingencies for overseas travellers during international travel. It provides a comprehensive coverage for medical expenses overseas, hijack, baggage and travel delays, repatriations/evacuation to India, and loss of travel documents/passport besides the usual coverage.
Student Travel Insurance is a travel policy designed for students travelling abroad on student visa to pursue higher studies. The policy covers students who are going colleges, universities or institutes in a foreign country for academic or professional courses. There is minimum paperwork involved in student plans. The coverage is comprehensive and provides for expenses incurred on medical treatment, passport loss, and study interruptions.
Medical travel insurance is a short-term travel insurance plan formulated to cover specifically the health care and medical expenses incurred such as medical emergency and evacuation etc. when an individual travel overseas. The exact inclusions and exclusions depend upon the insurance provider from whom the medical travel insurance plan is purchased.
Group travel insurance, as the name suggests, is a type of travel insurance policy that covers a bunch of people who are not related to each other by blood and are traveling to a distant place together. This group of people could be members of a club, who are going on an international trip to participate in an activity or something. A group travel insurance policy in such a case saves thousands on the premium.
Senior citizen travel insurance is for people who belong to the age group of 61-70 years. It is a travel medical insurance policy aimed at senior citizens to make their travel a pleasant experience. It includes coverage for dental treatments and cashless hospitalization besides the usual benefits associated with travel insurance.
A family travel Insurance plan insures the entire family of the insured individual from travel related emergencies. This plan covers hospitalization (travel medical insurance), baggage loss, and other incidental expenses. The claim disbursement is easy with minimal paperwork involved.
A multi-trip travel insurance is a type of travel insurance offering extended coverage usually for a year, specially designed for frequent fliers for multiple trips so that they don't have to apply for insurance every time they travel.
This type of travel insurance provides coverage for the duration of a single trip. It takes care of medical (travel health insurance) and non-medical emergencies during travel including coverage for loss of checked-in baggage.
Under corporate travel insurance India, employees of an organization can get coverage for both international and domestic trips.
Purchasing a travel policy online is all about providing travellers an ideal cover against emergencies and unforeseen situations right from the comfort of home. There are certain key features which one should look out for while zeroing in on a plan.
Over the last decade, travel has become a significant part of our lives. Be it for business, leisure, or pursuing higher education overseas, a large number of individuals travel regularly. With this increase in frequency, the risks associated with traveling have also increased. Hence, it is crucial to be aware of everything related to your trip. All that information will come in super handy if you find yourself in unforeseen situations while you are aboard.
To know why you should buy travel insurance, take a look below. It will help you avoid any confusion whenever any emergency knocks on your door.
While planning a vacation with your family or a group of friends, you probably always think about adventure, entertainment, camping and fun and often overlook the likely eventualities like an accident, a sudden illness or a medical emergency. Below mentioned are couple of points which you need to consider before purchasing the best plan for you or your loved ones:
The coverage offered by a travel plan varies from one insurer to another. The sum assured and coverage depends on the various add-ons selected and opted plan. Here are the inclusions that come with various travel plans:
| International Travel Plans | Student Travel Plans | Family Travel Insurance Plans | Corporate Travel Insurance Plans | Senior Citizen Travel Insurance Plans |
| o Trip delays o Missed connected flight o Emergency medical evacuation o Emergency medical charges o Repatriation of the mortal remains o Emergency dental charges o Hospital cash o Accidental death benefit o Permanent total disablement benefit o Baggage loss o Loss of personal documents o Delay/ loss of checked-in baggage o Personal liability benefit o Contingency travel benefit o Hijack distress allowance o Assistance in financial emergency o Catastrophe and political risk and evacuation o Return of minor child o Compassionate family visit |
o Accidental death benefit o Permanent disability benefit o Emergency medical charges o Emergency dental treatment expenses o Passport loss o Delay or loss of checked-in baggage o Personal liability benefit o Study interruption o Bail bond o Protection of sponsor o Compassionate family visit o Medical screening or tests o Psychological coverage |
o Emergency medical charges o Medical evacuation expenses o Personal accident benefit o Hospital cash allowance o Delay/loss of checked-in baggage o Baggage loss o Personal documents loss o Passport loss o Personal liability coverage o Emergency cash benefit o Home burglary coverage o Trip delays/curtailment o Golfer hole-in-one coverage o Emergency dental treatment charges o Flight accident insurance o Emergency healthcare charges |
o Emergency medical evacuation o Personal accident coverage o Hospital cash allowance o Delay or loss of checked-in baggage o Baggage loss o Personal documents loss o Passport loss o Personal liability coverage o Emergency cash benefit o Home burglary coverage o Trip delays or curtailment o Golfer hole-in-one coverage o Emergency dental treatment charges o Flight accident insurance |
o Medical evacuation coverage o Personal accident coverage o Hospital cash allowance o Delay or loss of checked-in baggage o Baggage loss o Personal documents loss o Passport loss o Personal liability coverage o Emergency cash benefit o Home burglary coverage o Trip delays/ curtailment o golfer hole-in-one o Emergency dental treatment charges o Accidental death and dismemberment insurance |
There are some common exclusions to a travel policy such as:
Note: The exclusions differ from one policy to another. It is best to compare quotes of travel plans online using travel plans comparison feature and choose the best travel policy with minimum exclusions.
There are travel insurance policies that offer add-on benefits when you opt for additional coverage. It can be opted for by the insured in case, he/she needs an extra layer of protection. These additional covers can be purchased by paying an extra premium amount to the insurance company.
Here are a couple of conditions for which optional coverage for travel plan can be purchased.
Mentioned below are the eligibility criteria for purchasing travel insurance plans.
It goes without saying that a travel holiday insurance policy is a must when travelling. Travel policy offers protection from unforeseen contingencies during travel such as a medical emergency (travel health insurance), loss of passport, loss of checked-in baggage, trip cancellation etc. allowing a pleasant, worry-free travel experience. But how much does it cost? What is the premium for a travel policy for your specific trip?
Internet-based online tools known as a travel insurance premium calculator gives you a tentative idea of the cost of travel policy. It provides an approximate figure when required particulars are keyed in helping one budget for a trip.
One has to provide destination details. It has several options under this section - whether one is travelling to Europe/Schengen country or US/Canada etc. One is also required to mention whether insurance is required for a single trip or multiple trips. Details of the number of travellers for whom insurance is required and tentative travel dates are to be given. It next asks for personal details of travellers like their gender, date of birth, annual family income, city of origin etc.
Finally, after filling in all these details, the travel insurance premium calculator displays the approximate premium amount that one will have to pay for a travel policy for the desired destination and travel dates. It also facilitates in travel plan comparison and procuring the best travel policy from a host of insurance providers.
It is important to get a comprehensive travel insurance cover before commencing travel. One should opt for features that will cover likely travel related contingencies specific to one's travel. This will prevent disappointment later when filing for travel insurance claim.
Always carry the main policy document when travelling. It is advisable to have photocopies of the document handy in case one loses the original copy. Keeping a PDF soft copy of the document is also a good idea. One can store it online, in email, on a pen drive or computer or on the mobile phone.
In case of an emergency during travel, one should call or email the travel insurer to understand the claims process including supporting documents required specific to one's case. The insurer's contact number - customer care number (generally a toll-free number) and email address are always clearly mentioned on the policy document. One may have to call the contact number of their international partner if travelling abroad.
One is then required to send supporting documents to the insurer by post, fax or email.
Relevant documents like passport with immigration stamp, claims form, copy of policy, original bills and receipts, police report (if applicable), personal identity proof should be kept handy.
Upon submission of claim including all required documentation and proof, it is assessed by a surveyor appointed by the insurance company and processed accordingly.
PolicyBazaar provides you with a quick and reliable online platform to compare travel insurance quotes offered by leading general insurance companies in India. You can instantly view and compare travel insurance premium with assured assistance in unforeseen situations, such as trip delay or cancellation, loss of complete or part of checked-in baggage, etc. Compare travel insurance online at PolicyBazaar and enjoy the following benefits:
Travel to create good memories. Stay safe, stay insured!
| Insurer | Categories covered | Special Features | Exceptions |
Apollo Munich
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Bajaj Allianz
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Bharti Axa
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Future Generali
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HDFC Ergo
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Iffco Tokio
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New India Assurance
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Reliance
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Religare
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Royal Sundaram
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Star Health
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TATA AIG
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Universal Sompo
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Why should I buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance provides protection to you and your loved ones in case you get sick or suffer an injury while travelling. It covers hospital expenses, emergency evacuation bills, lost baggage, flight cancellations and a long list of other costs which can add up to the tens of thousands. Travel insurance provides coverage to deal with unforeseen situations while in transit.
What If I forgot to carry my travel insurance?
It is strongly advised to carry travel insurance during trips. In case you miss out the documents then you should have important details of your policy like policy number or customer ID number to avail its benefits.
Can I cancel a policy?
Yes, are allowed to cancel your travel insurance only if you don’t undertake the journey covered by your insurance policy. You may have to submit a copy of your passport as a proof that no journey has been undertaken. Insurance companies normally refund premium subject to deductions made towards administrative costs.
What is single and multi-trip insurance?
Single and multi - trip insurance depends on the frequency of your trips.
Single trip insurance - It stands valid for a single trip and only for a pre-defined number of days.
Multi-trip insurance - People who go on frequent personal or business trips should go for multi-trip insurance policy. With this insurance cover, you are secured for a maximum number of trips in a year and you don’t need to inform the insurance company about every trip.
How long does the insurance cover start?
For how many days can I extend my overseas travel insurance?
The policy can be extended for a maximum of 180 days. In any case, extension should not be more than 360 days. You can renew your plan online by filling a claim form before 7-10 days of the expiry of the current plan.
Can I buy travel medical insurance for my parents who are over 70 years?
Yes, travel insurance can be purchased for senior citizens also. There are various insurance companies that offer travel insurance for people who are aged between 71-85 years.
What documents are required to make claim?
For claim settlement, you need to fill the claim form and submit following documents-
Any other document(s) that the company needs to process the claim.
How to avail cashless facility?
When you buy a policy, you are given E-card by an insurance company. Please register yourself on the numbers mentioned on the E-card to avail treatment. Every insurance company has its authorized agency working abroad who settles all overseas claims. Usually, cashless benefits are available only for in-patient treatment and not for outpatient treatment.
Is student travel insurance mandatory?
It is not mandatory in every country but yes, there are few countries which have made it compulsory. United States, France, Germany, Italy and Spain have made it mandatory for students travelling into their country to have a proper insurance plan.
Even if it is not obligatory, one should buy this cover in order to ensure a safe and happy stay in an unfamiliar country. Travel insurance helps students during medical contingencies, reimbursement on failure of presence during exams, etc.
Can I buy travel insurance from overseas for my parents who stay in India and are travelling to meet me abroad?
Yes, you can buy travel insurance for your parents by using an international debit/credit cards. The soft copy of the policy is a valid legal document and proof of your travel insurance cover.
Who can buy travel insurance?
Any individual above the age of 3 years and below 80 years (may vary as per plan) can be covered by travel insurance. It is mandatory that a trip should commence from India.
Why should I buy travel insurance online from PolicyBazaar?
As an eminent insurance aggregator, PolicyBazaar is committed towards making your travel pleasant and hassle free. We give you a viable platform to compare travel insurance plans of different companies so that you choose the one that suits you best. When you buy online, you instantly get the policy. Moreover, our experts are available at 1800-103-3999 (Toll free) to address any query.
What is the minimum period for a domestic trip to be insured?
Usually, travel insurance offers coverage to domestic trips as short as 1-4 days.
In what circumstances travel insurance claims will not be given?
Here is a tabular representation of reasons when travel insurance claims might get rejected under the following broad heads:
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Medical |
Personal Liability |
Personal Accident |
Trip inconvenience |
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Pre-existing diseases |
Claims arising out of unlawful acts |
Pre-existing diseases |
No claim will be entertained for loss/delay of baggage containing perishable items |
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Pregnancy and related treatment |
If an insured was under the influence of drugs, alcohol at the time of incident |
Pregnancy and related treatment |
Delay due to custom official |
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Treatment which can be delayed till the insured returns to India |
Employer’s liability |
Accident occur while doing hazardous activities like parachuting, gliding, etc. |
Baggage is delayed on arriving in India |
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Travelling against medical advice |
Disputes between travel companions |
Disability due to riots, stroke |
Travel document is confiscated by custom official |
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Treatment for illness if medical help was the sole purpose of travelling |
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Suicide attempt |
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What is personal liability?
Personal liability means when you unintentionally injure an unknown person in a fatal accident or you damage third party property. There are various insurance companies which are offering personal liability coverage also. Check your policy wordings to know the extent of coverage.
Do I have to undertake any medical test to buy travel insurance?
You must check with the insurer and agent/or broker about medical tests that are required to be submitted along with the duly filled proposal form. Check the validity period of such reports also. Normally, medical reports within three to four weeks prior to departure are accepted. However, there are some companies like HDFC Ergo which doesn’t requires medical insurance up to 70 years.
Can foreign nationals be covered under travel insurance?
Foreign nationals working in India with Indian employers of multinational companies and drawing salary in Indian currency can be covered.
What is trip cancellation travel insurance?
It is a pre-departure coverage that reimburses you if due to some reasons your trip got cancelled. Some of the reasons of trip cancellation are natural disaster, injury, traffic accidents, assaults, illness, etc.
Will claims be settled on my return to India?
Except in case of hospitalization, insurer will settle claims once the insured is back in India.
Is loss of passport covered?
Yes, passport is covered in the insured policy. Also, expenses incurred towards the procurement of a duplicate/temporary passport are also covered under travel insurance policy.
Are ambulance charges covered under the policy?
Under emergency medical expenses, charges incurred on ambulance services (to and from the hospital) are covered by insurance company.
What is medical repatriation?
Medical repatriation means arranging transportation to move an insured to his/her country of residence following a medical emergency.
What is medical evacuation?
Medical evacuation means arranging transportation to move an insured to the nearest hospital.
What are the benefits available under hijack distress allowance?
If the common carrier in which an insured is travelling is hijacked, insurance company pays compensation to his/her family for fixed number of days.
Does travel insurance cover loss of credit card/cash?
Travel insurance doesn’t cover loss of debit/credit card, cash, cheques and bank notes.
Can I get refund under travel plan if I cut short my travel?
In case you cut short your travel, policies may or may not allow refund and this is subject to terms and conditions. Please check your policy wordings to know whether such provision is available or not.
Is my visa status sufficient to get overseas travel insurance?
In most cases, your visa status would be sufficient to get overseas travel insurance.
Is emergency financial assistance available under travel insurance?
Yes, emergency financial assistance is given to insured by the insurance company through its service provider. Financial emergency is a situation when a policyholder loses all his/her cash due to theft, robbery or mugging. Under this benefit, insured is given emergency cash up to the limit mentioned in the policy.
Can I avail cashless facility for hospitalization under travel insurance?
Yes, insurance companies offer cashless facility for hospitalization under travel insurance.
