Travel Insurance Guide for Indians 2026: What to Buy, Why It Matters & What’s Covered

Of all the travel decisions Indian travellers debate — which airline, which hotel, which destination — travel insurance is the one most frequently skipped, and the one whose absence is most painfully regretted. A medical emergency abroad, a cancelled flight, a stolen passport, lost baggage: without travel insurance, any of these turns from an inconvenience into a financial catastrophe. At Shahi Travels, we make travel insurance non-negotiable for every client we serve, and this guide explains why — and exactly what to look for.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy for a 10-day Europe trip costs approximately ₹800–1,800 depending on your age and total insured value. This is one of the highest-ROI financial decisions any traveller makes.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Choosing the Right Policy: Key Factors

Factor	What to Look For
Medical Sum Insured	Minimum $100,000 for USA/Canada; $50,000 for Europe; $25,000 for Asia
Medical Evacuation	Should be included or available as add-on — look for $200,000+ coverage
Pre-existing Conditions	Declare honestly; some policies offer emergency coverage for declared conditions
Adventure Activities	If you're scuba diving, skiing, or trekking — ensure activities are covered
24x7 Helpline	Essential — ensure the insurer has a dedicated international emergency number
Cashless Hospital Network	A wide cashless hospital network in the destination is a major advantage
Claim Process	Look for insurers with simple, documented claim processes and quick settlement history

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Indians?

Travel insurance is legally mandatory for Schengen visa applications (Europe's 26-country zone). Without proof of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses, your Schengen visa will be rejected. Several other countries also require proof of insurance for visa issuance.

Even where it isn't legally mandatory — USA, UK, Southeast Asia, Australia — the cost of healthcare makes it an absolute necessity. An uninsured day in an American hospital can cost more than your entire holiday.

Common Mistakes Indians Make with Travel Insurance

• ✗ Buying the cheapest policy: The cheapest policies often have low Sum Insured caps, high deductibles, and limited cashless networks. Read the fine print.
• ✗ Not disclosing pre-existing conditions: If you have diabetes, hypertension, or any chronic condition and don't declare it, your claim can be rejected.
• ✗ Buying after booking: Buy insurance at the same time as your flights and hotels — so trip cancellation coverage begins immediately.
• ✗ Assuming credit card insurance is sufficient: Credit card travel insurance (if any) typically has very low limits and many exclusions. Don't rely on it alone.
• ✗ Not keeping original receipts for claims: Always keep original medical bills, police reports, baggage loss reports — all are required for claims.

Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens

Senior travellers (aged 60+) are at higher medical risk abroad, and travel insurance becomes even more critical. Look for policies specifically designed for senior citizens with higher age acceptance (some go up to 85 years), coverage for pre-existing chronic conditions, and higher medical Sum Insured. The premium will be higher but the protection is worth every rupee. Shahi Travels can recommend appropriate senior travel insurance from India's leading providers.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---