Travel Insurance: India

With nearly 800 languages, an incredible variety of local cuisines, and sights from the Taj Mahal to the beaches of Goa, India is a feast for all the senses and the holiday of a lifetime. But wherever you choose to go, just make sure you’re protected with a suitable travel insurance policy first.

Do I need travel insurance for India?

When you’re planning a holiday in India, you should always make sure you have travel insurance before you set off. That way, you’ll be protected against many common travel problems while on your trip. For instance, travel insurance can cover you against illness, accidents, lost baggage, and theft on your getaway.

Travel insurance also means you’ll be able to reclaim your costs if you have to cancel or cut short your trip in an emergency – so you can relax and enjoy your holiday.

What type of travel insurance do I need for India?

Your trip to India should be covered by any worldwide travel insurance policy.

However, there are many different types of insurance that might suit your holiday. When you find the best travel insurance deals through MoneySuperMarket, you’ll be able to tailor your insurance to your needs. Some categories to watch out for:

Single-trip insurance

If you only want to cover your trip to India, select single-trip travel insurance and type in ‘India’ as your destination.

Annual multi-trip insurance

If you take three or more holidays a year, it might save money to buy an insurance policy for the entire year.

Backpackers’ insurance

If you’re visiting India as part of a backpacking holiday, you can find great deals on backpackers’ insurance, which can cover you for longer trips or if you’ll be visiting several different countries.

What should my India travel insurance include?

When you’re choosing a travel insurance deal for your holiday to India, your cover should include:

Medical cover

This will help you cover the cost of any emergency medical treatments you may need while you are abroad.

Cancellation cover

This pays out up to a certain amount if you need to cancel your holiday or cut it short due to an emergency.

Repatriation

If you need to return home, you’ll be covered for the cost of bringing you back to the UK.

Baggage cover

This cover insures you in case your luggage is lost during your trip or any of your possessions are stolen. If you’re taking any particularly expensive items – such as jewellery – on your holiday, make sure they’ll be included in your insurance policy.

Gadget cover

This cover will help in case a possession such as a mobile phone or a GoPro is lost or stolen.

Passport cover

This protects you against extra expenses if your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad.

You should also keep an eye on your excess. That’s the amount you’ll have to pay yourself towards any claim. A higher excess usually means your premium is cheaper. However, you should make sure it’s an amount you’ll be able to pay.

The full details of your insurance will be in your policy document, so make sure you read it in full before you choose a travel insurance deal.

What won’t be covered by my India travel insurance?

There are some features that may not be included in your insurance for your trip to India. These are known as exclusions. Make sure you know what you can and can’t claim before you make your holiday plans. Some exclusions and things to look out for include:

Travelling against UK guidance

Your policy will be invalidated if you travel to locations that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has said British holidaymakers should avoid. Parts of India may be unstable, so make sure you check the FCDO's travel guidelines for India before you plan your trip.

Adventure sports and activities

Some insurance policies might not cover you for accidents or injuries you sustain during activities like skiing and snowboarding, or even hiking or kicking around a football on the beach. MoneySuperMarket’s insurance comparison tool allows you to quickly find out what activities will and won’t be covered in any travel insurance policy.

If you plan on enjoying any physical activities while on your getaway to India – and there are winter sports resorts in the country – check that they’re included first.

Pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, or you’ve had one in the past for which you’ve received advice or treatment, you may be charged a higher premium. If this is the case, it may help to take out a special policy for pre-existing conditions.

Civil unrest, war, or terrorism

You may not be covered for incidents related to civil unrest, war, or terrorism – but it’s possible to purchase an additional policy to keep you protected.

Alcohol or drug use

If you suffer an accident or injury that can be linked to you drinking too much or using illegal drugs, insurers are likely to refuse your claim.

When should my India travel insurance policy start from?

When you choose an insurance policy, make sure you’re covered from the day you book your trip, not the day you actually leave. That way, you’ll be covered in case you need to cancel your holiday before you set off.

How do I access medical care in India?

Local hospitals and clinics in India may only be able to offer basic care. If you have any specialised care needs, you may have to locate a private hospital or clinic, which are more common in city centres.

The level of care to be the same as in the UK, so you should contact your insurance provider for suggestions on accessing the best care if a medical emergency arises. Private medical care in India is also expensive, so you must have a travel insurance policy with a high medical limit.

What vaccinations do I need to visit India?

If you are visiting India, you should be up to date with all vaccinations. These include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); diphtheria-tetanus-polio; hepatitis A; and typhoid.

You should arrange a consultation with you doctor at least eight weeks before you travel to understand any further and specific risks to your health.

Top travel tips for India

With over a billion people, dozens of bustling cities, and 5,000 years of history, there’s no shortage of activities to do and sights to see in India. You can use our India travel tips to help you make the most out of your holiday:

Enjoy more by seeing less

With so many great sights, it’s understandable that you’d want to take in all that India has to offer. But cramming everything in can be stressful. Focus on a few key experiences and you’ll enjoy them more – the rest will still be waiting for you when you come back.

Taste the cuisine

India has some of the world’s greatest cooking and no shortage of amazing restaurants. You should exercise some caution with street food and consider how it is prepared. Vegetarian food in India is widespread, delicious, and a safer option if you buy street food. You’re at far less risk of upset from a vegetable curry than from meat.

Drink bottled water

Tap water in India isn’t safe to drink. You should drink sealed, bottled water instead. You should also avoid drinks with ice cubes unless you can be sure of the water source they were made from.

Escape to the country

The big cities like Delhi and Mumbai each have a whole holiday’s worth of sights and experiences – but for a change of pace, try exploring some of rural India. As well as fresher air and a slower pace of life, you’re sure to find some of the country’s hidden gems.

Wear modest clothing that beats the heat

While India’s markets are full of great shopping experiences, it’s a good idea to have a few essentials before you leave. Bring loose, baggy clothing to beat the heat. Both men and women should wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees when visiting temples and monasteries. Keep in mind that leather clothes and shoes aren’t allowed in Jain temples.

Know the law

Laws in India vary from place to place, especially around alcohol, which is illegal in some states. Keep out of trouble by ensuring you know the local laws wherever you’re headed.

Travel in style

A highlight of any Indian holiday is a trip on one of the country’s famous railways. The luxury Palace on Wheels takes a leisurely route through Rajasthan in opulent style, while solo travellers might enjoy the sociability and great chai on a second-class sleeper. Don’t expect to get there quickly, though – trains are often delayed, and for fast travel, it might be better to fly.

Get stuck in

In some parts of India, people tend to eat without cutlery. Instead, they use a piece of bread to scoop up food. Some restaurants might offer you a knife and fork, but it’s much more fun to eat like the locals. Just remember to always eat with your right hand – in India, the left hand is used for wiping your bottom.

Beat the scammers

As a tourist, you are likely to be approached by scammers. Scams could include fake ticket offices outside train stations, or a stranger outside a temple or mosque who might give you a spiritual offering before demanding money. These scams are usually more of a hassle than anything else – just keep your cool and your wits about you.

Get the best price on travel insurance for India

Travel insurance for India is essential to keep you protected, but not all policies are the same. To find the cheapest Indian travel insurance that meets all your needs, it’s important to compare before you buy.

MoneySuperMarket’s comparison tool asks you a few simple questions about you and your holiday: where you are going, how long for, and what you want your policy to cover. In just a couple of minutes, you can compare prices from a range of leading travel insurers.