Travel insurance for India

Travelling to India could leave you with memories to last a lifetime. But what you don’t want to remember about your trip is an expensive bill from an unexpected event – one that might’ve been prevented had you been covered by travel insurance.

A travel insurance policy can cover you for large expenses you might have to shell out in the event of an accident – not to mention added confidence before you take off. And during a holiday, isn’t that priceless?

If you’re heading on that trip of a lifetime to India anytime soon, we’re sharing all the reasons to grab travel insurance beforehand.

What do I need to consider before purchasing travel insurance for India?

So, you’re planning your trip to India and it’s time to look into purchasing travel cover. Let’s explore the specific things that should be taken into account before deciding which travel insurance policy is right for you.

Local conditions

It’s vital to stay informed about what is going on in India, particularly in any specific areas you intend to visit. The best way to do this is to check in regularly with Smartraveller and keep up to date with the latest travel warnings for your destination.

Travel plans and activities

Additionally, it’s important to consider the activities you’ll be doing during your trip; tours, adventure sports, renting a car or riding a motorcycle or scooter could all potentially require specific coverage in your travel insurance policy.

Protect your belongings

You should also consider the value of your personal belongings, as well as any cash or contents you may use during your travels, to guard against unexpected bumps like lost or stolen belongings.

Comprehensive Cost Assessment

Factor in all elements of your journey – from flights and transportation to accommodation and the attractions you plan to visit. Calculate the overall cost of your travel plans and ensure your travel insurance covers these aspects comprehensively. This involves not just the upfront expenses but also considering the level of coverage needed to safeguard your travel investment.

Travel companions

Who are you travelling with? If it's a family affair, contemplate opting for family travel insurance instead of individual coverage. This way, not only do you safeguard yourself but you also extend that protection to your partner and dependents.

Healthcare and medical needs

Consider your current and potential healthcare and medical needs, including pre-existing and other medical conditions. Make sure you understand what your travel insurance policy includes and excludes in terms of medical coverage. Knowing the extent of your protection can help you prepare for any unforeseen health-related situations.

What should my travel insurance for India include?

Travelling can be an enriching experience, made even better by the reassurance that comes from having adequate travel cover. Our insurance policies provide cover across a variety of areas, including personal belongings, medical expenses, travel delays/cancellations due to unforeseen events and more.

You’ll be covered for theft

Despite being more wary of pickpockets and thieves when we travel, unfortunately, we can still be taken advantage of. Thieves can grab your handbag, steal your luggage or snatch your credit cards, passport and any other IDs.

The right travel insurance cover for India means you can be confident that if you do fall victim to petty crime, we will be there to help replace stolen travel documents or reimburse you for your loss after the assessment of your claim. Our insurance policies cover the value of lost, stolen or damaged smartphones, cameras, tablet computers, laptops and other electronics.

Note that item limits and depreciation may apply. We also have travel insurance options to increase the value of cover for specific items, like a designer bag, a special camera lens or even an heirloom ring. So, you can gain comfort that your policy contains coverage for your personal items while on the trip.

You’ll get access to an Australian-based doctor

India is known for its use of herbs and spices, resulting in flavour-packed cuisine. On a trip there, you’ll no doubt be feasting on deep-fried snacks, vegetarian curries and tandoor-cooked meats. But with your body being exposed to so many new flavours, there’s a chance you might end up with what’s been dubbed ‘Delhi belly’ – or worse.

With every policy you take out with us, you’ll have access to our Virtual Care services. Virtual Care provides access to telehealth consultations within 73 countries and across five different languages that offer advice and e-script capabilities 24/7.

You’ll be covered for changes and cancellations

Plans for your trip to India might change. So might government travel advice levels, flight, train or bus times and group tour bookings. Depending on the situation, our insurance policy may provide cover for out-of-pocket expenses due to unforeseen events that cause changes or cancellations to your original travel plans.

Some other scenarios that might see you having to cancel part or all of your trip to India include a natural disaster happening in the country or an itinerary item you had planned getting cancelled.

You can tailor the travel insurance policy to your needs

Travel insurance policies in general aren’t one-size-fits-all. They can be tailored to your exact trip, considering the activities you plan on doing, the level of cancellation cover you choose and the dollar amount of valuables you plan on taking with you.

Travel insurance policies also consider your age when travelling and which countries you plan on visiting. This means you’re only paying for the exact level of cover you need – nothing more.

Travel tips for India

Staying safe is a top priority when preparing for travel to India. Here are our essential travel tips to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey.

Stay informed

Stay updated on current events and any travel advisories for the regions you plan to visit. Use reputable travel apps like Smartraveller for real-time information on transportation, safety and local services.

Cultural sensitivity

Respect local customs and traditions, dress modestly - especially when visiting religious sites- and be mindful of your behaviour in public spaces.

Health precautions

Consult your healthcare provider well in advance for recommended vaccinations and health advice. You should also carry a basic medical kit with essentials like first aid supplies, necessary medications and any prescription documents.

Secure your belongings

Use a money belt or hidden pouch for valuables and important travel documents and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places, for instance, when using public transport.

Documentation and safety copies

Make photocopies of important documents such as your passport, visa, and travel insurance policy. It’s also a good idea to share your travel itinerary, emergency contact numbers and travel insurance policy details with a trusted friend or family member.

Travel safely and stay connected, knowing there's always someone you can contact if you need help. Our comprehensive travel insurance covers a broad range of events, from minor mishaps to major emergencies-from natural disasters and hijacking, to lost luggage and money.

Whether you're exploring the vibrant markets of Delhi or the serene landscapes of Kerala, having comprehensive travel insurance allows you to soak up the experience, secure in the knowledge that we’ve got you covered. For a full list of cover provided please read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 696kB).