Compare travel insurance for India from £5.00[1]
Key takeaways
The average cost of travel insurance for India is £48.27[2]
It can protect you if you have medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more
If you’re planning a longer stay, or if your journey includes several countries, backpackers’ insurance may be a good option
Do I need travel insurance for India?
Holiday insurance is not a legal requirement. But without it you will be personally responsible for paying all the costs if something goes wrong with your trip.
Travel insurance can financially protect you if your holiday to India is unexpectedly cancelled, you need medical treatment while travelling, or your valuables are lost or stolen.
According to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers:
British residents had to make 574,000[3] claims on their travel insurance in 2023
The average claim amount was £972[4] and the average medical claim £1,750[4]
In contrast, you can find travel insurance to India from just £5[1]
What type of travel insurance do I need for India?
India is typically covered under worldwide travel insurance policies.
The specific type of policy you need depends on your travel plans:
If you are only visiting India, choose single-trip travel insurance and select India as your destination.
Combining a holiday in India with visits to other countries, perhaps on a backpacking trip?
Single-trip travel insurance can cover multiple countries as long as:
You don’t head home in-between countries. For that you need multi-trip insurance.
You are not away for a long time (policy-dependent, but usually a month). For that, you need backpackers’ insurance.
You might save money by selecting an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy.
This will also cover you for staycations in the UK.
You can get travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition, but it may be more expensive than a standard policy.
One trip to India only
One trip to India and other countries
Several holidays throughout the year
Travelling with a medical condition
How much is travel insurance for India?
The table shows the average prices paid by our customers for holidays to India this year. Average price means 51% of customers paid this amount or less. Cheapest price means 10% of customers paid this price or less.
Cheapest price | Average price |
|---|---|
£5[1] | £48.27[2] |
Can I get last minute travel insurance for India?
Yes, it is possible to get last-minute travel insurance up to the day of your departure, although not all insurance providers will offer this.
Is it cheaper to buy travel insurance closer to my departure date?
No, it is usually more expensive to buy travel insurance last-minute.
If possible you should buy your holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way you'll be covered if you have to cancel your India holiday.
What should my travel insurance policy for India include?
🚩Different travel insurance policies have different inclusions and exclusions. You should always read your documents and check what you're covered for.
Standard travel insurance will usually cover:
Illness and accidents
Trip and activity cancellations
Lost luggage (including your passport)
Theft
Repatriation (bringing you home if you are seriously injured, ill, or dead)
Personal liability (you are responsible for accidentally harming someone or their property)
What isn’t covered by travel insurance to India?
Typical exclusions include:
Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions
'Unforeseeable' disasters including terrorism, war, strikes, and natural disasters
Alcohol and drug-related incidents
Travel to areas advised against by the government (found on the FCDO website)
Adventure or winter sports
💡 Top tip: You can upgrade your insurance to include add-ons like winter sports, gadget cover and travel disruption cover.
Remember your excess!
Your excess is the amount of money you must pay towards any insurance claim you make. It is a fixed amount regardless of the claim size and it is set in advance when you take out your policy.
Increasing your excess can lower the cost of your policy, but make any claims less affordable.
Medical care in India
Cover for medical treatment costs is a vital part of travel insurance.
India's healthcare varies greatly; local hospitals and clinics can provide basic care, but private facilities in cities offer superior services. Due to the high cost of private care, ensure your travel insurance has a high limit for medical expenses.
Can I get travel insurance for India if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, you can get travel insurance cover with a pre-existing medical condition, but it may be more expensive than a standard policy.
A pre-existing condition is any medical issue for which you had symptoms, medication, medical advice, treatment, or tests before you took out your insurance policy. It includes mental health conditions and disabilities.
You must disclose all pre-existing medical conditions. If you don't, your insurer can refuse to pay out for a claim.
Do I need vaccinations to visit India?
🚩 Vaccination recommendations may be different for individuals with specific health conditions. We recommend speaking to your doctor before travelling.
The NHS Fit for Travel website recommends that your regular vaccinations are up to date before you travel to India, including your flu and Covid-19 vaccines if you are eligible for these.
Travellers are also advised to vaccines for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Other vaccines that you might wish to consider are hepatitis B and rabies, and individuals at the highest risk are also advised to get Cholera and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines.
Do I need a visa to visit India?
🚩 Visa requirements for a country can change. For the most up-to-date information, check the UK government’s foreign travel advice website.
You must have a visa to visit India. India has a number of visa categories, so you should check the UK government’s foreign travel advice website to determine which visa you require, and find out how to apply.
It’s also worth noting that your passport must have an expiry date of at least six months after the date you arrive, and have at least two blank pages.
What travel insurance do I need for trekking in India?
You may need cover to go trekking in India, depending on the specific trek.
Trekking holidays are popular in India, with many tourists descending on the Himalayas in hiking season. If you’re planning on trekking in India, you may need to have adventure sports cover. Standard travel insurance policies often will not cover hiking above a certain height or in riskier locations. If your hiking trip involves mountaineering or using climbing equipment you'll almost certainty need extra cover.
You may be able to add adventure sports cover to your existing travel insurance for a fee. Travel insurers will also often bundle together adventure sports cover and winter sports cover.
Do I need cover for extreme weather or natural disasters in India?
India is susceptible to extreme weather, particularly during monsoon season, so it’s advised to get travel insurance that covers any disruptions this might cause.
Travel disruption insurance can cover flight delays, cancellations, and tour cancellations as a result of tropical storms, earthquakes, floods, or other unexpected events. It’s not always included in standard travel insurance, so it’s crucial to check your policy documents. If you find that your insurance doesn’t cover weather disruptions, you may be able to purchase this as an add-on.
Is backpacker’s insurance suitable for my trip to India?
India is a haven for backpackers, and if you're one, you can find great deals on backpackers’ insurance, which is tailored for longer stays or if your journey includes several countries.
How do I claim on my travel insurance?
Report the incident you want to claim for to your insurer as soon as possible
If something is stolen, report it to the local police within 24 hours and get a report
Keep records of what has happened, including photos or videos and the contact details of anyone involved
Read our guide to making a claim on your travel insurance.
Find cheap India travel insurance with MoneySuperMarket
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Just sign up to our free SuperSaveClub[6] before you buy your travel policy.
Compare travel insurance quotes | India cover from just £5[1]
