Compare travel insurance for India
- Compare brands you won't find elsewhere
- Get the right cover at the right price
- Cover whatever your age
Travel insurance for India at a glance
Travelling to India from the UK? Whether it’s for family, work or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, having travel insurance can give you added peace of mind. Unexpected costs can add up quickly, so it’s always wise to be prepared in case something goes wrong.
This guide will help you compare travel insurance options for India and find a policy that offers the protection you need for the right price.
Key things to know about travel insurance for India
- UK nationals aren’t entitled to free healthcare in India, and access to medical care can vary. Having medical travel insurance cover for your holiday can help you get private treatment if you need it.
- Pickpocketing can be common in tourist hotspots, so high levels of theft protection for your personal items is always nice to have.
- Being aware of cultural differences, health risks and travel insurance limitations before booking can help you stay safe and respect local communities.
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Why do I need travel insurance for India?
Travel insurance isn’t essential for travelling to India. But although the country is largely a safe and welcoming place to visit, there are some situations where having cover can provide extra reassurance and protection
UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHICs) or European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) don’t work outside of Europe. So, if you need to access emergency medical care during your stay, you’ll need to rely on your own funds or insurance to pay for it. Many Brits prefer to seek private healthcare in India when available, as local facilities may only offer basic services. These private clinics are often expensive, so having medical travel insurance can make a big difference in an emergency.
Getting you back home, where you’re flown back home due to illness, injury or death, is also expensive given the long-haul nature of the trip. Travel insurance for India can cover these costs if something happens while you’re abroad.
It’s not just medical expenses that travel insurance helps with. It can also come in handy if you face delays or cancellations outside of your control. And if your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during your stay, most standard travel insurance policies will cover the cost to replace them.
What should my travel insurance policy cover for India?
Not sure what to look for when buying travel insurance for India? If you want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever happens on your adventure, it’s a good idea to check your policy has the following cover.
Emergency medical care | India has a universal healthcare system, but the quality of public facilities can vary a lot — especially in remote or rural areas. |
Repatriation | Repatriation cover will help get you home safely for emergency medical treatment or as a result of unforeseen travel disruption. |
Cancellation and curtailment | If your trip is cancelled or cut short for reasons out of your control, travel insurance can help you recover the money you’ve lost. This is especially worthwhile for long-haul flights, like from the UK to India, which are often expensive. |
Special activity cover | Standard insurance rarely covers things like extreme sports or adventure activities. So, before you book that safari or surfing lesson, it’s a good idea to make sure your policy will cover it. |
Lost, stolen or damaged luggage (including passports) | Having the right travel insurance cover will give you extra peace of mind in case your belongings are lost by an airline or stolen while you’re exploring India. |
It’s just as important to understand what your travel insurance won’t cover for your trip to India, so make sure you read the policy carefully. As a starting point, look out for these common exclusions:
- Illness or injury relating to an undisclosed, pre-existing medical condition
- Illness or injury caused by excessive alcohol consumption or recreational drug use
- Elective, non-emergency medical treatments
- Travelling against medical advice or advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
- Injuries or accidents that happen while taking part in an activity that’s not covered by your travel insurance policy
- Injuries or accidents that happen while driving a scooter without a helmet or valid UK licence
Important considerations for your trip to India
India is a big country with multiple states and religions and over 20 spoken languages. So, it’s wise to do your research before you travel to make sure you know what to expect on your trip.
Visas and entry requirements
British citizens need a visa to go to India on holiday, even to visit friends or family. You can apply for a basic visa or eVisa that will allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Having a valid passport is also essential to enter India. According to government travel advice, yours should have an expiry date at least six months after the date you arrive and at least two blank pages.
Government advice
Your travel insurance could be cancelled if you go against advice from the FCDO. There are several areas where travel is not advised due to border restrictions, terrorism threats or civil unrest. So, it’s important to check the latest foreign travel advice for India before planning your trip. The government offers lots of general guidance for Brits abroad, including:
Health risks and vaccinations
You may want to brush up on the common health risks you can face in different parts of India. Common conditions include dengue and malaria, Zika, chikungunya, poor air quality and altitude sickness.
The government recommends you check the latest vaccine recommendations for India at least eight weeks before your trip to make sure you’re protected. Read all the guidance carefully and visit the NHS website for advice on booking travel vaccinations.
Natural disasters
India can experience some extreme weather events, including cyclones, tropical storms, earthquakes and monsoons. It’s a good idea to research the typical conditions in the area for the time of year you plan to visit. It’s also worth checking that your travel insurance policy covers disruption caused by natural disasters and, if it doesn't, understanding what that means.
Crime and scams
Like in many tourist hotspots, theft and petty crime aren’t uncommon in busy Indian cities. While most people enjoy a problem-free trip, it’s always wise to stay vigilant and make sure you have appropriate insurance protection for any valuables you’re carrying with you.
Cultural differences
Some activities that are accepted and legal in the UK may not be in India. For example, while India decriminalised homosexuality in 2018, same-sex marriage isn’t recognised there. There are also certain expectations around respectful dress, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s a good idea to check the FCDO’s guidance on local laws and customs before booking your trip to make sure you’re informed
Comparing travel insurance for India
Travel insurance can seem overwhelming at first. Every policy and insurer offers something different, which makes it difficult to know if you’re getting a good deal.
Whatever your age, health history and travel plans, researching all your options can help you get the right cover for the right price. Fortunately, there are specialist travel insurance comparison sites like PayingTooMuch that can make this process simple.
Complete one form, and you can see quotes from verified insurance providers side-by-side. Whether you want family cover or solo protection for a single trip, reviewing all your options in one place can help you make pocket-sized wins on suitable travel insurance for India.
Discover specialist travel insurance cover
Below, we’ve answered some common questions people have about travel insurance for India. Remember that every situation is unique, so it’s a good idea to ask a professional for advice before you leave the UK.