India travel insurance

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From the golden beaches of Goa and the enchanting beauty of the Taj Mahal, to the mighty foothills of the Himalayas and Kerala’s majestic backwaters, every inch of India has an intriguing story to tell.

This vast, beguiling subcontinent has captivated travellers for centuries, its seemingly endless potential rooted deep in a fascinating culture and varied, breath-taking landscapes.

A trip to India can be more than just a holiday, but to make sure you get the most out of it, you will need to cover yourself properly.

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Why do I need travel insurance in India?

A comprehensive travel insurance policy covering medical costs, loss and theft is strongly recommended for travel in India.

The cost of medical care can be high in India, especially if you need to be transported to due to your condition, so a policy that covers you for at least £2 million in medical costs is recommended.

Always make sure you know what the process is with regards to paying medical costs; some policies may ask you to pay first, refunding you later when you claim, while others will pay costs up front should you need them.

Besides medical costs, you should also consider cover for loss and theft as petty crime can effect tourists on holiday in India. In the event you are a victim of theft, ensure that you obtain a report from the police as this will help support your claim.

You may also want to consider a cheap insurance policy that covers you in the event of cancellation.

What kind of travel insurance policy do I need in India?

What kind of policy you take out depends on your trip to India. If you’re only planning to visit once this year, then a single-trip travel insurance policy is probably best for you.

However, if you’ll be visiting multiple times in one year then an annual policy might work out to be better value for you. A multi-trip annual policy will also cover you for different destinations, so it’s ideal for travellers who intend to take multiple holidays over the course of the year.

If you are intending to travel in India for an extended period, ensure that your policy reflects this.

Will I need extra cover for certain activities?

Some activities that are deemed to be potentially dangerous – for example, scuba diving, paragliding and motor biking – may not be included in a standard holiday insurance policy.

In some instances even trekking may not be covered, and some companies may only take customers who have emergency helicopter evacuation covered by their holiday insurance.

If you intend to undertake anything you think an insurer could deem to be “dangerous” then ensure that you take out a specialist policy that will cover you. Always read the small print of any travel insurance policy before purchasing.

Are there any areas that would void my Indian travel insurance?

The FCO advises against travel to some areas of India, like Kashmir and Jammu on the Pakistani border.

Although many of the areas listed by the FCO are not regularly frequented by tourists, travelling there may cause issues with your travel insurer. To make sure you are not in danger of voiding your India holiday insurance, always check the details of your itinerary with the insurer.