Best International Travel Insurance in India: Compare & Choose the Right Plan

Written By
Jyoti Bhatt
Last Updated
Feb 04, 2025
Read
10 min

When planning an international trip, we focus on booking flights, hotels, visas, and shopping. Some even plan sightseeing and learn local phrases. But one crucial thing often gets overlooked: Travel Insurance! Many assume nothing will go wrong, but unexpected issues like medical emergencies, flight cancellations, or lost baggage can happen anytime. Imagine falling sick in a country with high medical costs or losing your passport in an unfamiliar place. Without travel insurance, these situations can cause financial and emotional stress.

Travel insurance is a small but essential investment that protects you from unforeseen expenses, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey. Whether it’s medical emergencies, trip delays, or lost belongings, a good travel insurance policy provides peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Before packing your bags, ensure you’re covered; it’s one of the smartest travel decisions you can make!

Understanding International Travel Insurance

International travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected expenses during a trip abroad. These policies typically offer coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations or delays, lost or delayed baggage, and personal liability, among other risks. By securing a comprehensive travel insurance plan, travellers can avoid potential financial losses and focus on enjoying their journey.

What are the Best International Travel Insurance Plans for Indians?

Here are the top 6 international travel insurance providers for Indians:

  1. Care Insurance 

  2. Tata AIG Travel Guard

  3. HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance

  4. Reliance General Insurance

  5. ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance

  6. SBI Travel Insurance

1. Care Insurance 

Care Health Insurance's Explore plan provides comprehensive coverage for individuals travelling abroad, ensuring protection against various health and travel-related emergencies. This plan caters to diverse traveller needs, offering region-specific options and benefits to make international journeys safer and more enjoyable.

Official website: careinsurance.com

Key Features:

  • Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Includes both inpatient and outpatient treatments, covering emergency hospitalisation and medical evacuation if necessary.

  • Trip-Related Benefits: Offers compensation for trip delays, cancellations, or interruptions, ensuring minimal financial loss due to unforeseen changes in travel plans.

  • Baggage and Document Protection: Provides coverage for lost checked-in baggage and passports, assisting in recovery and reimbursement processes.

  • Region-Specific Plans: Tailored coverage options based on the traveller's destination, ensuring relevant and adequate protection.

  • Flexible Policy Options: Available for single or multiple trips, with no minimum or maximum age restrictions for single-trip policies.

Pros:

  • Extensive Coverage: Addresses various potential risks, from medical emergencies to travel inconveniences.

  • No Age Restrictions: Suitable for travellers of all ages, making it inclusive for families and senior citizens.

  • Customisable Plans: Region-specific options allow travellers to select the coverage that best fits their destination and needs.

  • 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock customer assistance ensures help is available whenever required.

Cons:

  • Policy Complexity: The variety of options and add-ons may be overwhelming for some users, necessitating careful review to select appropriate coverage.

  • Exclusions Apply: Certain conditions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered unless specified, requiring travellers to understand policy terms thoroughly.

2. Tata AIG Travel Guard

Tata AIG's Travel Guard Plus is a comprehensive travel insurance plan to safeguard travellers against unforeseen events during international journeys. This policy offers extensive coverage options, ensuring peace of mind whether you're travelling for leisure, business, or education.

Official website: Travel Guard Plus 

Key Features:

  • Medical Expense Coverage: Covers medical emergencies, including hospitalisation and emergency medical evacuation, ensuring financial protection against unexpected health issues abroad.

  • Trip Cancellation and Delay: Provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses in case of trip cancellations or delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

  • Baggage Loss or Delay: Offers compensation for lost or delayed baggage, helping you replace essential items during your trip.

  • Personal Liability: Covers legal liabilities arising from third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by the insured during the trip.

  • Adventure Sports Coverage: Optional add-on to cover injuries sustained during adventure sports activities, catering to thrill-seekers.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses various potential risks, from medical emergencies to travel inconveniences.

  • Customisable Plans: Offers various plan variants and add-ons, allowing travellers to tailor the policy to their needs.

  • 24/7 Assistance: Provides round-the-clock emergency support, ensuring help is available whenever needed.

  • No Medical Check-Up Required: Simplifies the application process with instant policy issuance without the need for medical examinations.

Cons:

  • Policy Complexity: The variety of options and add-ons may be overwhelming for some users, necessitating careful review to select appropriate coverage.

  • Exclusions Apply: Certain conditions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered unless specified, requiring travellers to understand policy terms thoroughly.

3. HDFC ERGO's Explorer Travel Insurance

HDFC ERGO's Explorer Travel Insurance is a comprehensive plan to safeguard travellers against unforeseen events during international journeys. Whether travelling solo, with family, or for business, this policy offers extensive coverage to ensure a worry-free experience abroad.

Official website: hdfcergo.com

Key Features:

  • Medical Emergency Coverage: Covers hospitalisation, outpatient treatment, and emergency medical evacuation, ensuring financial protection during health crises overseas.

  • Journey-Related Benefits: Provides compensation for trip delays, cancellations, or interruptions, minimising financial losses due to unforeseen travel disruptions.

  • Baggage Protection: Offers reimbursement for loss, delay, or theft of checked-in baggage, ensuring you're not left without essentials during your trip.

  • Personal Accident Cover: Includes coverage for accidental death and permanent total disability, providing financial security in case of severe incidents.

  • 24/7 Global Assistance: Access to round-the-clock emergency support services, including assistance with lost passports, medical referrals, and more.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses various potential risks, from medical emergencies to travel inconveniences.

  • Flexible Plans: Offers various plan options, including individual, family, and multi-trip policies, catering to different traveller needs.

  • No Medical Check-Up Required: Simplifies the application process with instant policy issuance without the need for medical examinations.

  • Cashless Hospitalization: Access to a vast network of over 1 lakh cashless hospitals worldwide, ensuring hassle-free medical treatment.

Cons:

  • Exclusions Apply: Certain conditions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered unless specified, requiring travellers to understand policy terms thoroughly.

  • Adventure Sports Coverage: Standard plans may not cover injuries from adventure sports; additional coverage might be necessary for such activities.

4. Reliance General Insurance

Reliance General Insurance offers a comprehensive International Travel Insurance plan to protect travellers from unforeseen events during their journeys abroad. This policy provides extensive coverage, ensuring peace of mind whether you're travelling for leisure, business, or education.

Official website: reliancegeneral.co.in

Key Features:

  • Medical Emergency Coverage: This covers medical expenses, including hospitalisation and emergency medical evacuation, with coverage options up to USD 500,000.

  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Provides reimbursement of up to USD 600 for non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or severe weather.

  • Baggage Loss and Delay: Compensates up to USD 1,500 for total loss of checked-in baggage and up to USD 100 for baggage delays exceeding 12 hours, allowing you to purchase essential items.

  • Passport Loss: Offers coverage up to USD 300 for expenses incurred in obtaining a new or duplicate passport if yours is lost or stolen during the trip.

  • Personal Liability: Provides coverage for legal liabilities arising from third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by the insured during the trip.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses various potential risks, from medical emergencies to travel inconveniences.

  • High Sum Insured Options: Offers substantial coverage limits, ensuring financial protection in various scenarios.

  • 24/7 Assistance: Provides round-the-clock emergency support, ensuring help is available whenever needed.

  • Affordable Premiums: Offers competitive pricing with premiums starting at ₹306, making it accessible for various budgets.

Cons:

  • Exclusions Apply: Certain conditions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered unless specified, requiring travellers to understand policy terms thoroughly.

  • Adventure Sports Coverage: Standard plans may not cover injuries from adventure sports; additional coverage might be necessary for such activities.

5. ICICI Lombard International Travel Insurance 

ICICI Lombard's International Travel Insurance is designed to provide comprehensive protection for travellers venturing abroad, ensuring coverage against unforeseen events that may disrupt travel plans.

Official website:  icicilombard.com

Key Features:

  • Medical Expense Coverage: Offers cashless hospitalisation worldwide, covering medical emergencies, including inpatient and outpatient treatments, ensuring financial security during unforeseen health issues abroad.

  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption: Provides reimbursement for non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, minimising financial losses.

  • Baggage and Document Protection: Covers total loss of checked-in baggage, including handbags, and offers assistance in case of lost passports, ensuring you're not left stranded without essential belongings.

  • No Medical Check-Up Required: Policies are issued without the need for medical examinations, simplifying the application process and providing instant coverage.

  • 24/7 Customer Support: Access to round-the-clock emergency assistance, including medical referrals, travel assistance, and more, ensuring help is available whenever needed.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses a wide range of potential risks, from medical emergencies to travel inconveniences, providing peace of mind during international travel.

  • Flexible Plan Options: Offers various plans, including single-trip, multi-trip, and student travel insurance, catering to different traveller needs and preferences.

  • Cashless Medical Facility: The availability of cashless hospitalisation worldwide ensures that travellers can receive timely medical care without upfront payments.

Cons:

  • Exclusions Apply: Certain conditions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, may not be covered unless specified, requiring travellers to understand policy terms thoroughly.

  • Age Restrictions: Some plans may have age limits, which could restrict coverage options for senior travellers.

6. SBI Travel Insurance

SBI General's Travel Insurance (Business and Holiday) plan provides extensive coverage for international travellers, addressing various potential risks to ensure a secure and enjoyable trip. Prospective policyholders should review the terms and conditions carefully to understand the scope of coverage and exclusions.

Official website: sbigeneral.in

Key Features:

  • Medical Expenses Coverage: Covers medical expenses, including evacuation and repatriation, for treatment of illnesses or injuries sustained during travel.

  • Personal Accident: Provides compensation in case of accidental death or permanent total disability during the trip.

  • Loss of Passport: Offers assistance and covers expenses incurred due to the loss of passport while travelling.

  • Home Burglary Insurance: Covers loss or damage to the insured's residence in India due to burglary or attempted burglary while they are abroad.

  • Trip Delay and Cancellation: Provides compensation for trip delays and covers non-refundable expenses in case of trip cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Offers many protections, including medical emergencies, personal accidents, and travel inconveniences.

  • 24/7 Assistance: Provides round-the-clock emergency support, ensuring help is available whenever needed.

  • No Medical Examination Required: Simplifies the application process by not requiring medical tests for policy issuance.

  • Home Protection: Includes coverage for home burglary, adding an extra layer of security for travellers concerned about their residence while away.

Cons:

  • Age Limitations: The policy is available for individuals aged 6 months to 70 years, which may exclude older travellers.

  • Exclusions Apply: Certain conditions, such as pre-existing medical conditions, self-inflicted injuries, and participation in hazardous activities, are not covered.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Insurance Policy

Selecting the right travel insurance policy involves evaluating several factors to ensure it aligns with your travel needs:

  1. Coverage Scope: Ensure the policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage loss, and other potential risks relevant to your travel itinerary.

  2. Sum Insured: Choose a sum insured that adequately covers potential expenses, especially for medical emergencies in countries with high healthcare costs.

  3. Policy Exclusions: Carefully read the exclusions to understand what is not covered, such as pre-existing medical conditions, adventure sports, or specific destinations.

  4. Claim Process: Opt for insurers with a straightforward and efficient claim settlement process, including 24/7 customer support and cashless hospitalisation facilities.

  5. Duration and Frequency of Travel: A multi-trip policy might be more cost-effective for frequent travellers, while single-trip policies are suitable for occasional travellers.

  6. Age Limitations: Some policies have age restrictions or offer specialised plans for senior citizens; ensure the policy suits the age group of all travellers.

  7. Adventure Activities: If you plan to engage in adventure sports, check whether the policy covers related risks or if you need to purchase additional coverage.

Conclusion

From Care Insurance to SBI Travel Insurance, India offers several reliable international travel insurance options, each with unique benefits tailored to different needs. Whether you're a frequent traveller, a senior citizen, or an adventure seeker, there's a policy designed for you.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, compare coverage options, claim processes, and exclusions. Investing in the right policy can save you from unforeseen expenses and ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Why do I need international travel insurance?

International travel insurance protects you from financial losses due to medical emergencies, flight cancellations, baggage loss, and other unexpected incidents while traveling abroad.

How do I choose the best travel insurance plan?

Consider factors like coverage limits, exclusions, claim process, sum insured, premium cost, and additional benefits like cashless hospitalization and 24/7 assistance.

Can I buy travel insurance after booking my flight?

Yes, you can purchase travel insurance after booking your flight, but it's advisable to buy it before your trip starts to ensure full coverage, especially for trip cancellations.

Is international travel insurance mandatory?

While not mandatory for all countries, some destinations, like Schengen countries, require travel insurance for visa approval. It’s always a good idea to have one regardless.

How do I file a claim for travel insurance?

You must notify your insurer, submit required documents (medical reports, receipts, police reports, etc.), and follow their claim procedure. Many insurers offer online claim filing.