So, you’re packing up for your next adventure abroad—passport, playlist, and camera ready. But before you board that plane, have you thought about Travel insurance? Nope, it’s not just a boring requirement—it’s actually your ticket to a stress-free journey in case things don’t go as planned.
In some countries, travel insurance is a must, and without it, you might not even make it past customs. Here’s everything you need to know about mandatory travel insurance requirements for popular destinations, so you can travel smart and stay protected.
What’s on this page?
Why Travel Insurance is Important
While your health insurance might cover you in India, most plans have geographical limits that stop at the border. Travel insurance fills this gap by covering medical expenses, emergency evacuations, or cancellations while you’re abroad. Plus, some countries require you to have travel insurance, either at the visa stage or upon entry.
Travel Insurance Requirements by Country
| Country | Requirement Stage | Minimum Sum Insured | Coverage Requirements |
| Algeria | Visa Application | €30,000 | Repatriation, Medical Expenses, Third Party Liability, Loss & Theft, Cancellations, Delays |
| Antarctica | Pre-Expedition | $150,000 | Medical Evacuation, Repatriation, Hospitalization, Trip Delays |
| Cuba | On Arrival | Adequate (unspecified) | Medical Expenses |
| Ecuador | On Arrival | $50,000 (Medical), $100,000 (Evacuation) | Hospitalization, Emergency Evacuation |
| Jordan | Visa or On Arrival | Adequate (unspecified) | Theft, Loss of Valuables, Cancellations, Hospitalization |
| Nepal | On Arrival (for trekking/adventure) | Adequate (unspecified) | Hospitalization, Emergency Evacuation |
| Qatar | On Arrival | QAR 150,000 (Medical), QAR 10,000 (Repatriation), QAR 35,000 (Medical Assistance) | Medical Treatment, Repatriation, Ambulance |
| Russia | Visa | €35,000 | Repatriation, Hospitalization |
| Rwanda | Visa or On Arrival | Adequate (unspecified) | Hospitalization, Accident Cover, Repatriation |
| Saudi Arabia | On Arrival | Adequate (unspecified) | Repatriation, Emergency Medical Expenses |
| Schengen Countries | Visa | €30,000 / $50,000 | Hospitalization, Accident Cover, Repatriation |
| Seychelles | On Arrival | Adequate (unspecified) | Repatriation, Emergency Medical Expenses |
| Turkey | Visa | Adequate (unspecified) | Medical Treatment, Repatriation, Ambulance |
| Ukraine | Visa | €30,000 / $50,000 | Hospitalization, Accident Cover, Repatriation |
| UAE | Visa (if applicable) | Adequate (unspecified) | Medical Treatment, Repatriation, Ambulance |
| Romania | Visa | €30,000 / $50,000 | Hospitalization, Accident Cover, Repatriation |
| Egypt | On Arrival | Adequate (unspecified) | Medical Treatment, Repatriation, Ambulance |
Understanding Key Terms in Travel Insurance
- Repatriation: The cost of returning you to your home country in case of serious illness or death.
- Emergency Evacuation: Covers transportation to the nearest hospital or back home during medical emergencies.
- Cashless Claim Settlement: Some policies provide cashless treatment at network hospitals abroad, saving you from paying out of pocket initially.
Tips for Travelers from India
- Top Destinations for Indian Tourists: Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, and Bali remain popular among Indian travelers, with emerging destinations like Vietnam and Kazakhstan gaining interest.
- Buying Travel Insurance in India vs. Abroad: It’s generally more cost-effective to purchase travel insurance in India. Indian policies also cater more closely to the needs of Indian travelers and often cover a broader range of scenarios at a lower price.
- Check Cashless Network Availability: Confirm if the travel insurance provider has a cashless settlement network in your destination country, particularly for countries where emergency medical expenses are costly.
FAQs:
What is a travel insurance policy?
A travel insurance policy is a contract between the insurance company and the insured customer in which the insurer agrees to compensate the insured for the losses suffered due to an insured peril during the policy period in return for a nominal amount known as a premium.
What are the top international destinations for Indians in 2023?
Thailand, Dubai, Singapore, and Bali are the top international destinations for tourists from India. Of these, Dubai occupies the prime spot, followed by Bangkok. Other key destinations emerging as new favourites include Hong Kong, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Istanbul, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
Is it better to purchase travel insurance in India or the destination country?
Travel insurance can be purchased in India from here, or you may get it from the country you visit. However, you should consider the cost of travel insurance if you purchase it from your destination country. In most cases, travel insurance costs are low when you buy it from India instead of the destination country.
Is cashless claim settlement available in travel insurance?
Yes. A cashless claim settlement facility is also available with travel insurance plans. However, due to the limited scope of Indian insurance companies in a foreign country, the number of hospitals offering cashless facilities would be low. On the other hand, a reimbursement facility is available for all travel insurance claims.
What is emergency evacuation and repatriation cover?
Emergency evacuation cover in a travel insurance policy refers to shifting the insured from one hospital to another or from the destination country to India in an emergency. Medical emergency evacuation and repatriation cover is applicable only on the advice of the treating doctor, keeping in mind the condition of the insured policyholder.
