Best Travel Insurance Plans in India

How does Schengen compliance affect travel insurance?

For travel to the 29 Schengen countries, you must have a specific travel insurance policy. This policy needs to give at least €30,000 in medical cover. That is about ₹27 lakh. This amount makes you eligible for a Schengen visa. Many Indian insurers offer plans that meet Schengen rules. This helps travelers meet this key need. If you do not get a policy that meets these rules, your visa could be rejected, or you could be denied entry. HDFC ERGO, for example, says travel insurance is a must for entry into several areas, including the Schengen zone.

The Schengen rule shows why good medical coverage is important. Standard policies might not always meet this level. Travelers should check that their chosen plan clearly says it meets Schengen rules. It should also clearly state the medical expense limit. Policies from providers like ICICI Lombard and Acko specifically mention visa compliance. This makes choosing easier for those going to Europe. Always check the policy papers to confirm the exact medical emergency coverage amount, and note that the cover is denominated in euros or dollars — what it is worth in rupees moves with the exchange rate on the day.

What medical limits are available in travel insurance plans?

Travel insurance policies have very different medical limits. Options range from USD 40,000 to USD 1,000,000. This depends on the plan and where you are going. For instance, HDFC ERGO offers coverage in this range. A single hospital stay in the USA can cost over ₹55 lakh. This shows why high medical limits are needed, especially for places with costly healthcare. This figure comes from an average ICU cost of USD 65,000+ for a two-week stay.

Many basic travel insurance plans, especially those bought only for a visa, offer less medical coverage. Sometimes it is as low as ₹15 lakh. This amount would barely cover a three-day hospital stay in countries like Germany, CreditMitra points out. Travelers with existing health issues should look for plans that clearly cover these conditions. Not all standard policies do. Policybazaar notes that coverage for existing conditions is available. However, it often comes with specific rules and higher costs. A travel policy is not a substitute for a domestic health insurance plan or for term life cover — it covers the trip, not your life.

What are typical premiums and trip cancellation covers?

Travel insurance premiums in India can start from just ₹19 per day. Policybazaar advertises this rate. ICICI Lombard offers plans from ₹20 per day. Acko and HDFC ERGO also have good starting premiums at ₹45 and ₹31 per day. These prices are often for specific cases. An example is a 90-day trip to Thailand with USD 50,000 coverage for a 25-year-old adult. Since September 2025, travel insurance plans for Indians have become cheaper. This is because of a 0% GST rate on premiums, as HDFC ERGO states.

Trip cancellation cover is a key part of travel insurance. It protects you from money losses if a trip is suddenly called off. Policies usually cover non-refundable costs like flights and lodging. Besides cancellation, plans also offer benefits for flight delays, lost bags, and lost passports. For example, ICICI Lombard policies cover lost passports and baggage. Star Health includes costs for lost or delayed checked-in baggage. Travelers should carefully read the policy wording. Look for specific sub-limits and exclusions for trip cancellation and other travel problems. Some free cover already sits in your wallet: several travel credit cards bundle insurance and lounge access, and the Axis Atlas Credit Card is one we review in full. Check what your card already gives you before buying a duplicate benefit, and budget the foreign spend using the currency converter.