Travel Insurance for Indians: What It Covers, Schengen and Visa Rules, Costs and Claim Tips

A medical emergency abroad can cost lakhs, or even crores in countries such as the United States. Travel insurance is a small cost that protects you from those bills and from trip disruptions. It is also mandatory for some visas. This guide explains what it covers, how to choose and how to claim.

This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, rates and limits change, so confirm current details with the official source or a qualified professional.

What travel insurance covers

Visa requirements

Many countries and visa types require proof of insurance. For Schengen visas, applicants usually need medical insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000, valid across all Schengen states for the entire stay, including emergency medical repatriation. Some other destinations have their own requirements. Always check the embassy's current rules before buying, and ensure the policy dates match your itinerary exactly.

How much cover do you need?

• Europe: at least €30,000 for visas, and higher is wise because costs add up.
• United States and Canada: medical costs are very high, so choose a high sum insured, often $100,000 or more.
• Southeast Asia and the Middle East: moderate cover is often adequate, but not less than visa requirements.
• Adventure sports, cruises and winter sports often need add-ons.

What it costs

Premiums depend on destination, trip length, age, sum insured and add-ons. Short trips to Asia cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand rupees, and longer trips to the US cost much more. Older travellers pay more. Compare several insurers online, and also include the cost in your travel budget.

What is usually not covered

• Pre-existing conditions, unless you buy a specific cover and declare them.
• Pregnancy-related issues beyond limits, and routine check-ups.
• Injuries from risky activities not declared, or while intoxicated.
• Travel to countries under government advisories, war or pandemic exclusions.
• Theft of unattended items.

How to choose

1. Pick the right geography and dates, and cover the full journey including transit.
2. Choose the sum insured based on the country.
3. Check the cashless hospital network and 24x7 assistance number.
4. Look at deductibles, co-payments and sub-limits.
5. Check exclusions for existing illnesses and sports.
6. Buy as soon as you book the trip, so cancellation cover starts early.

If something goes wrong

1. Call the insurer's assistance line immediately in a medical emergency, before treatment if possible, to arrange cashless care.
2. Keep all bills, medical reports, prescriptions and police reports (for theft or loss).
3. For baggage loss, get a property irregularity report from the airline, and for delays, keep written confirmation.
4. Submit your claim with documents within the policy's time limit.

Money and safety checks while travelling

• Carry digital and printed copies of the policy and the emergency number.
• Understand the rules on carrying cash and cards abroad. See the currency converter.
• Check your credit card's own travel cover, which may be limited.

Compare with other covers in types of insurance, and see how to use UPI internationally for payments. Policy terms and visa rules change, so confirm them before you buy.

Common traps and how to avoid them

Many travellers buy the cheapest policy that satisfies the visa and later find that it has a low sum insured, a high deductible, or no cashless network in their destination. Others forget to declare existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, which can lead to a rejected claim. Read the exclusions for adventure activities, alcohol-related incidents and travel to regions under advisories. If you travel several times a year, an annual multi-trip policy may be cheaper than buying single-trip policies. Save the insurer's 24x7 number and the policy PDF offline on your phone before you leave.

Family, senior and student travel

Families can often buy a single family floater that covers children at a lower cost. Senior citizens should expect higher premiums, lower age limits for some plans and medical screening, so apply early. Students going abroad for long periods need specialised student policies that cover the whole stay and allow renewals. In each case, compare the sum insured, the treatment of pre-existing conditions and the extent of repatriation cover, and keep the documents with you during the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visas?

Yes, with minimum medical cover of €30,000 valid across the Schengen area.

Does it cover pre-existing illnesses?

Usually not, unless you buy a specific add-on and declare them.

When should I buy it?

As soon as you book the trip, so cancellation cover applies.

How do I claim?

Inform the insurer, keep all documents and submit the claim form within the time limit.

Does my credit card give travel insurance?

Some do, but cover is often limited, so check the terms.

Is adventure sport covered?

Only with an add-on, so declare it when you buy.

Last reviewed 8 November 2026. Rates, limits and rules change, so confirm figures with the official source before you act.