Travel Insurance Plans on PolicyBazaar#1
- Individuals
- Sr. Citizens
- Students
What is International Travel Insurance?
International travel insurance is a comprehensive travel protection policy that covers major and minor travel risks when you travel abroad. Buying international travel insurance online covers many unexpected financial losses and expenses caused by a range of emergencies:
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Medical Expenses
Covers emergency medical issues due to accidents, injuries or sudden illness via travel medical insurance
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Trip Issues
Provides financial protection in case of trip cancellations or unexpected interruptions
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Personal Belongings
Reimburses loss or theft of personal belongings, including your international driving permit and passport
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Flight Disruptions
Offers compensation for flight delays due to bad weather or cancellations by the airline through international flight insurance
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Severe Emergencies
Crucial guidance & financial support for hospitalisation, personal liability, medical evacuation and repatriation.
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Missed Connecting Flight
Covers additional expenses (alternate bookings, hotel & food) due to a missed flight connection
Additionally, international travel insurance also offers extensive coverage for issues not typically covered by regular plans. These include travel insurance add-ons like pre-existing conditions cover, refunds of visa fees in case of rejection, and adventure sports-related injuries/equipment damage.
International Travel Insurance Online: Facts
| Categories | Specification |
| Trip Duration | Single and multi-trip available |
| Major Benefits | Emergency medical expenses, flight insurance, passport loss, baggage insurance, evacuation & repatriation, personal liability |
| Where is it Mandatory | Over 40 countries (Schengen area, Turkey, Qatar, UAE, Cuba, etc) |
| Popular Add-ons | Visa fee rejection refund, adventure sports cover, pre-existing disease (PED) cover, mental/nervous disorders (student plans) |
| 24x7 Worldwide Assistance | Via Emergency Helpline, Mobile Apps, etc. |
| COVID-19 Cover | Provided |
Who Should Buy Overseas Travel Insurance?
From flight tickets costing lakhs of rupees to emergency hospitalisation abroad, securing your trip with travel insurance from India is essential.
Anyone who is not covered by regular health insurance overseas must buy foreign travel insurance.
Here is a simple breakdown of different travellers who need overseas travel insurance for various reasons:
People Who Must Buy Travel Insurance
These travellers must buy travel insurance for their trip abroad because they need to fulfil certain entry requirements to visit a certain country, or the financial risks abroad are too high to ignore:
| Type of Traveller | Why Travel Insurance is a Must | How Travel Insurance Helps |
| Visiting Countries with Travel Insurance Mandate | Visa will not be issued without valid international travel insurance (Schengen area in Europe, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, etc) | Visa-compliant plans help in smooth visa issuance while protecting your travel plans. |
| Visiting Countries with High Healthcare Costs | ER visits in the USA, Canada, or the UK can cost thousands of dollars/pounds. Medical evacuation is even costlier (>USD 100,000) | High-coverage plans for travel insurance for USA and the UK protect from exorbitant prices |
| Adventure Sports Enthusiasts | Adventure activities like skiing, scuba diving or riding motorbikes require specialised coverage. | Adventure sports coverage add-on helps cover injuries and gear damage |
People Who Need Specific Protection
These travellers must buy overseas travel insurance because they are more likely to face specific risks while abroad:
| Type of Traveller | Why Travel Insurance is a Must | How Travel Insurance Helps |
| Senior Travellers (60+ years) | Elderly travellers face a higher risk of age-related medical issues abroad | Dedicated senior citizen medical insurance plans for foreign travel. |
| Families with Kids | Children can easily get sick or damage third-party property. | International travel insurance plans for families typically provide medical coverage and personal liability protection. |
| People with PED | Climate change and eating habits can trigger pre-existing diseases like high BP, diabetes, kidney issues, etc., abroad. | PED add-on offers extensive medical coverage for declared health conditions. |
Types of International Travel Insurance Plans
Since people go abroad for various reasons, they are prone to different risks. A tourist visiting Canada for a couple of weeks won’t need extensive coverage like a student enrolled in a 4-year program. This is why travel insurance companies in India offer a variety of overseas travel insurance plans:
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
Family Travel Insurance
Schengen Travel Insurance
You can easily compare different international travel insurance plans based on your purpose of visiting a country and the risks you are most prone to.
Top 6 Reasons to Buy International Travel Insurance
International travel insurance offers crucial safety from unforeseen events that can drain you of finances and peace of mind.
Protects from Financial Losses
Your overseas travel insurance covers non-refundable bookings and unexpected financial burdens & helps you stick to your budget.
Covers Costly Medical Bills
Provides the best cashless travel insurance so you don’t have to pay costly bills abroad.
Safety from Flight Disruptions
A delayed or cancelled flight can cost you lakhs of rupees in bookings. Your policy can compensate you for many flight-related losses.
Coverage for Whole Family
From a 2-year-old toddler to your recently retired mother, find customisable plans with travel insurance add-ons.
Meets Mandatory Requirement
International travel insurance is mandatory to visit 40+ countries. Buying a policy means one step closer to visa approval.
Quick Support
USA or Thailand, you will receive instant support in emergency situations. From medical assistance to connecting with authorities, you're covered.
What does International Travel Insurance cover?
Covered in policy
Medical & Health Inclusions
Medical Expenses Cover
Reimburses medical costs due to unexpected illness, accidental injuries, hospitalisation or surgeries abroad.
Medical Evacuation
Medical evacuation is unavoidable if you’re in a dire medical emergency, but the medical care may not be close by. This is common when travelling through remote areas or islands where you can't access healthcare readily.
Repatriation Cover
In case of death abroad, the expenses for cremation and transporting the mortal remains to the family members in India are covered by overseas trip insurance.
Dental Cover
Any emergency dental treatment taken due to an injury or acute pain during the trip is covered.
Baggage & Personal Items Related Inclusions
Loss of Baggage
It protects your luggage in case your airline delays, damages or misplaces it after checking in.
Baggage Theft/Loss
If your luggage is stolen or lost abroad, then you can be covered for the loss of contents up to the specified policy limit.
Travel-related Inclusions
Compassionate Visit
In case of hospitalisation for an extended period, the cost of transportation and boarding of one of your family members will be covered. This facility is primarily provided for student travel insurance.
Trip Delay
If your trip commencement is delayed due to an unavoidable emergency, it is covered by international insurance for travel. For example, a family member's hospitalisation or a natural calamity, etc.
Trip Cancellation & Disruption Cover
Your policy will cover several non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled before you even start or curtailed due to a covered emergency.
Passport Loss Cover
In case your passport is lost or stolen during your trip, your overseas holiday insurance will cover reimbursement of the cost incurred in obtaining a fresh passport.
Personal Liability
This coverage helps with any third-party liability if you accidentally cause damage to a third party or their property.
Flight-Related Inclusions
Flight Delays/Cancellations
Your foreign travel insurance will compensate you for any flight delays that exceed a certain number of hours. It will also cover flight cancellations due to certain reasons.
Hijack Risk Cover
A Hijack distress allowance is granted if the flight you were travelling on abroad or vice versa is hijacked for more than a certain number of hours.
Missed Connection Flight Cover
If your connecting flight is missed due to the delayed arrival of your inward flight, your insurer will cover it.
Does International Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19?
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every international travel insurer covers a range of COVID-19 contingencies. Here are some benefits of COVID-19 coverage offered under overseas travel insurance:
Cover for Accident and Sickness-related Expenses
If diagnosed with COVID-19 outside India, the overseas travel medical insurance will cover relevant medical expenses up to a specified limit.
Trip Curtailment Cover
If you, your travel companion, or an immediate family member is diagnosed with COVID-19, your trip interruption expenses will be reimbursed thanks to insurance for foreign travel.
Trip Cancellation
If the insured, their immediate family member or a co-traveller is diagnosed with coronavirus before beginning their overseas trip, any unused and non-refundable amount will be reimbursed. This includes unused portions of your accommodation and travel expenses.
Add-Ons for International Travel Insurance Plans in India
Add-ons or optionals are special coverages not offered by standard policies due to the higher risk associated with those conditions. Many insurers realise the importance of covering these risks, so they offer additional coverage with the base plans for extra premium.
These extended coverage options are available at an additional travel insurance premium to ensure you are protected from specific risks abroad. Common add-ons include coverage for:
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PED (pre-existing diseases)
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Adventure sports injuries and related hospitalisation
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Refund of visa fees covers incase your visa is rejected
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Home fire and home burglary insurance while your home is empty during your trip
Buying addons with your overseas trip insurance policy is helpful as they secure you from risks that are not generally covered.
Not Covered in policy
Every insurance policy comes with some limitations. Before zeroing in on foreign travel insurance online, read carefully about the expenses that will not be reimbursed. Have a quick rundown of the things which will not be included in your overseas travel insurance:
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If the pre-existing diseases were not disclosed/ declared before the international travel insurance policy was issued, you won't be covered.
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Expenses or any loss due to mental issues, depression or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any suicidal attempt, are not covered
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Venereal diseases and patients with HIV/AIDS are not covered under international trip insurance online.
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If you're travelling abroad for medical treatment, it won't be covered
- Adventure sports like scuba diving, bungee jumping, etc., are not covered unless you buy an add-on
- Government-advisory-based high-risk destinations are not covered
- Illegal activities or losses due to criminal activities are not covered
- If your passport loss complaint is not registered with the police authorities, the policy will not cover any damages or losses incurred.
- Acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest are not covered.
- Casualties or damages due to nuclear threats in the concerned country are not covered.
- Natural disasters or severe weather-related issues are not typically covered unless specifically included in the policy of certain insurers.
- Trip cancellation/missed flights for invalid reasons (change in plans, leaves not permitted, etc.)
How to Buy International Travel Insurance Online?
You can easily buy overseas travel insurance online on Policybazaar.com or any insurer’s website of your choice. If buying through Policybazaar, follow these:
Share your basic details like name, mobile number, travel destination, age, and travel dates etc. to get travel insurance plans accordingly.
Select from the list of travel insurance options that fit your needs and budget best.
Once finalised, pay online for travel insurance. Use the convenient mode of payment like UPI, credit/debit card, netbanking, etc.
Your travel insurance policy will be instantly issued and sent to your registered email.
Tips to Find the Best International Travel Insurance
Getting travel insurance quotes from different insurers lets you choose a policy that offers maximum coverage for the least possible premium.
Before you buy international travel insurance online, have a look at some of the most important factors to consider so that you're aware of all the technicalities:
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Assess Travel Frequency
Choose a single-trip policy for occasional travel, or an annual multi-trip plan if traveling multiple times a year.
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Compare Top Insurers
Use Policybazaar to review coverage, claim settlement ratios, and network hospital lists to find the best international travel insurance india.
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Choose Destination-Specific Cover
Ensure high medical limits for destinations like North America by choosing specialised travel insurance for usa plans. For European holidays, opt for the cheapest Europe travel insurance that meets all Schengen visa criteria.
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Check Cashless Facilities
Ensure your insurer offers best cashless travel insurance through global emergency assistance partners.
Therefore, depending on your country of travel and the trip duration, consider different risks before you purchase an overseas travel insurance plan. This way, there will be no disappointments later. Don't forget to compare the best international travel insurance India online to decide which offers the most benefits at the best price.
Countries That Require Mandatory Travel Insurance
From minor setbacks, such as flight delays to major inconveniences like falling seriously ill, governments realise that such experiences may ruin a visitor's experience in their country.
Over 40 countries have made it mandatory for visitors to buy overseas travel insurance:
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Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, etc. (Minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover required).
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Middle East
UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey.
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Americas & Others
Cuba, Seychelles, Russia.
Here are the top 4 reasons why international travel insurance is mandatory in some countries:
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Inability to pay for expensive medical treatments abroad
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Accidental legal liabilities
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Helps deal with local authorities
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Provides document-related assistance
Moreover, failing to afford healthcare or having insufficient funds to recover from unexpected issues abroad leaves a bad aftertaste for both parties involved. All of this can be easily avoided if you simply buy international travel medical insurance for all your foreign trips. Several countries in Europe and Asia do not process your visa unless you provide proof of international travel medical insurance from India.
How to Extend International Travel Insurance
Several reasons, from unfortunate hospitalisations to natural disasters, may force you to extend your trip. However, what if your trip insurance expires before your revised departure?
Thankfully, almost every travel insurance company in India offers the option to extend the international travel insurance policy if necessary.
If you find yourself in a situation that forces you to delay your departure, make sure to extend your international travel insurance plan using the following steps:
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Contact your insurer online or through the available customer service. Inform them about your requirement to extend the trip.
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The representative will ask you to provide the details.
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Once your request for extension is reviewed, you will be informed about any additional requirements
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The insurance provider will inform you about the status of your extension request.
While some insurers offer automatic extensions, some may require additional premiums. You must pay an additional bonus if the extension exceeds the maximum period.
How to Make an International Travel Insurance Claim?
For Cashless Claims (Hospitalisation)
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Intimate the EAP
Intimate the EAP (emergency assistance provider) about the emergency
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Pre-authorisation
Request a pre-authorisation letter from the insurer (for cashless hospitalisation). The insurer will send the pre-authorisation after verifying the claim
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Treatment
Receive treatment for your injury/ illness
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Discharged
Get discharged from the hospital
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Hospital Bills
The hospital bills will be settled directly by the insurance company
For Reimbursement Claims
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Notify your insurer within the specified timeframe (usually within 24–48 hours of the emergency).
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Collect all original hospital bills, prescriptions, discharge summaries, police FIRs (for theft/passport loss), and airline certificates (for flight delays).
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Submit completed claim forms along with passport copy and immigration stamps via the Policybazaar portal or insurer app upon returning to India.
Depending on your insurer, you can also file claims online via mobile apps, helpline numbers, and other means.
International Travel Insurance: Documents You Need
You must provide the necessary paperwork to buy foreign travel insurance in India. These documents may vary depending on your travel purpose and visa category.
Documents for Purchase
KYC for international travel insurance from India is mandatory before you buy, so keep these documents handy before you start filling out the proposal form. Indians travelling abroad can buy international travel insurance by providing the following documents:
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Passport number of travellers
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ID proof, like PAN/other government-issued documents, for the proposal form
Which Documents are Required for Travel Insurance Claims?
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FIR or police report for criminal cases
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Copy of your Original Policy & Identity Proof
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Original bills and receipts
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Copy of your passport with immigration stamps
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Completed claim forms
Important Things to Remember on Your International Trip
You must always carry your passport during your trip. It should be valid for six months and have at least two blank pages.
Ensure to buy travel medical insurance with PED coverage for international travel. Normal plans don't cover PEDs, but with an add-on, you can easily stay protected if pre-existing health issues flare up during the journey.
Make sure to inform your bank by giving them a ‘Travel Notice’. If you fail to do so, your card may get frozen the moment you buy a simple meal in Vienna, thinking it’s fraud.
Remember to buy forex cards for international trip to avoid hidden charges. Carry a multi-currency Forex card and minor local currency cash for immediate expenses upon arrival.
Save your insurer's 24x7 international helpline number and policy number on your phone and offline notes.
Affordable Foreign Countries to Visit from India
Excited about travelling abroad? Here are some of the most budget-friendly countries from India. Travel insurance is not mandatory for these destinations, but recommended for your safety. All expenses are for a 5-day trip and do not include flight tickets.
| Country & Cost | Popular Cities & Famous Attractions | Entry Requirements for Indians |
| Nepal (INR 12,000 – INR 18,000) |
Kathmandu, Pokhara. Famous for: Pashupatinath Temple, Mt. Everest views, Phewa Lake, and trekking. | Visa-Free. Just carry a Passport or Voter ID required. |
| Vietnam (INR 15,000 – INR 22,000) |
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang. Famous for: Limestone karsts, Banh Mi, ancient towns, and coffee culture. | e-Visa required. |
| Sri Lanka (INR 18,000 – INR 25,000) |
Colombo, Kandy, Ella. Famous for: Scenic train rides, tea plantations, Sigiriya Rock, and pristine beaches. | Visa-Free (ETA registration required). |
| Thailand (INR 20,000 – INR 28,000) |
Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya. Famous for: Floating markets, vibrant nightlife, Phi Phi Islands, and Thai massages. | Visa-Free |
| Bhutan (INR 25,000 – INR 35,000) |
Thimphu, Paro. Famous for: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and "Gross National Happiness." | Entry Permit. Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200/day applies. |
| Indonesia (INR 22,000 – INR 30,000) |
Bali (Ubud, Kuta), Gili Islands. Famous for: Rice terraces, Hindu temples, surfing, and beach clubs. | Visa-on-Arrival (VoA). |
| Malaysia (INR 20,000 – INR 30,000) |
Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi. Famous for: Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves, Genting Highlands, and duty-free shopping. | Visa-Free (Valid until Dec 2026). Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is required. |
| Cambodia (INR 18,000 – INR 25,000) |
Siem Reap, Phnom Penh. Famous for: Angkor Wat (the world's largest religious monument) and the Khmer history. | Visa-on-Arrival. |
| Kazakhstan (INR 25,000 – INR 35,000) |
Almaty, Astana. Famous for: Shymbulak ski resort, Charyn Canyon, and unique Central Asian architecture. | Visa-Free (Up to 14 days). |
| Azerbaijan (INR 25,000 – INR 35,000) |
Baku, Gabala. Famous for: Flame Towers, mud volcanoes, "Land of Fire," and modern-meets-old architecture. | e-Visa required. Insurance not mandatory for a visa, but checked occasionally at immigration. |
International Travel Insurance: FAQs
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Q: I’m travelling to multiple countries in a single trip. Will I need separate travel insurance policies for each country?
Ans: No, you don’t need separate foreign travel insurance plans for your trip. You can buy a single-trip plan for multiple destinations under a worldwide coverage plan.No, you don’t need separate foreign travel insurance plans for your trip. You can buy a single-trip international travel insurance plan with worldwide coverage to protect your multi-country trip. -
Q: Does international travel insurance expire?
Ans: Yes, your international travel insurance expires when your trip ends. -
Q: What is the maximum trip length under a single-trip policy?
Ans: Most international travel insurance online plans cover a single trip for up to 180 days. However, this can be extended depending on the insurer. -
Q: What will be the start and end dates of my travel coverage?
Ans: You can choose your trip's start and end dates at your convenience. Ccertain benefits will be applicable before starting your trip, such as trip cancellation. Similarly, you will receive applicable policy coverage for a disability occurring as a direct result of a travel-related accident within a year of your trip. -
Q: Should I buy international travel insurance online before booking a flight abroad?
Ans: There is no fixed time to buy international travel insurance online but we strongly recommend to but it as soon as you have made all the bookings. It will cover unforeseen situations like trip cancellation, flight delays/cancellations, etc. that can happen before your departure from India. -
Q: What is International Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens?
Ans: Older travellers have higher risk of getting injured or have PEDs which can limit their movement plans. They can go on foreign trips with senior citizen travel insurance. It will cover many medical emergencies and other non-medical risks associated with travelling. -
Q: Do Indians Need Insurance to Travel to Schengen Countries?
Ans: Senior citizen travel insurance is a specialised product for travellers above 60 years. Older travellers have a higher risk of getting injured or have PEDs which can limit their plans It will cover many medical emergencies and other non-medical risks associated with travelling. -
Q: Do Indians Need Insurance to Travel to Schengen Countries?
Ans: Yes. Indians applying for a Schengen visa need to provide proof of international travel insurance policy online. You will not be issued a Schengen visa otherwise. -
Q: What is the Maximum Trip Duration Covered Under an Overseas Travel Insurance Policy?
Ans: An international travel insurance plan covers you for 180 days while travelling, which is extendable to another 180 days. However, the maximum duration varies from insurer to insurer. -
Q: Do I Need Separate Overseas Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries?
Ans: No, you only need one Schengen-compliant travel insurance plan for all 29 countries in the Schengen region. You must meet all the entry requirements with a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage for your Schengen trip.
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