Travel Insurance: What It Covers and Why You Need It in India

When you leave India for a trip, travel insurance, a financial safety net for unexpected events during international or domestic travel. Also known as trip protection, it doesn't just cover flight cancellations—it can pay for emergency medical care, lost luggage, or even evacuation if something goes wrong. Most people think it’s just for rich travelers or far-off destinations, but that’s not true. Even a short trip to Thailand or Dubai can turn costly if you get sick, lose your passport, or miss a flight because of a strike. In India, where many don’t have global health coverage, travel insurance is often the only thing standing between you and a $10,000 hospital bill abroad.

Medical coverage abroad, the part of travel insurance that pays for emergency treatment outside your home country is the most important piece. A simple case of food poisoning in Bali or a fall during a hike in Nepal can mean a trip to the ER—and without insurance, you’ll pay out of pocket. Indian health plans rarely work overseas. Even if you’re young and healthy, accidents happen. And if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, you need a policy that actually covers it. Many cheap plans exclude pre-existing conditions outright, so read the fine print. Also, check if the insurer works with hospitals directly or if you have to pay first and claim later. The difference? Hundreds or thousands of rupees in cash upfront.

Travel health insurance, a subset of travel insurance focused specifically on medical needs during travel is not the same as regular health insurance. It includes things like emergency dental care, repatriation, and even coverage for COVID-19 treatment in some countries. Some policies also cover adventure sports—if you’re skiing in Switzerland or scuba diving in Goa, make sure your plan includes it. Most Indians assume their credit card’s free travel insurance is enough, but those often have low limits, high deductibles, or exclude key services like ambulance transport. Don’t rely on free perks. Compare real policies.

And it’s not just about health. International travel safety, the overall protection against risks like theft, delays, and document loss during overseas trips matters too. Lost luggage? Delayed flight? Missed connection because of a strike? Good travel insurance will reimburse you for meals, hotels, or even the cost of replacing essentials. Some even cover trip cancellations if a family member back home gets sick. These aren’t luxury features—they’re practical tools for real travel chaos.

What you’ll find in the articles below are real stories and clear guides on how to pick the right plan, what to watch out for in the fine print, and how to file a claim without getting stuck in paperwork hell. No fluff. No upsells. Just what works for Indians traveling abroad—and what doesn’t.