Best Travel Insurance in India
Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visa applications and strongly recommended for all international trips. The right plan covers medical emergencies, baggage loss, trip cancellation, and travel delays. Here are the best plans for 2026.
Side-by-side comparison
| Insurer | Premium (international, 7 days, Schengen, age 30) | Medical cover | Baggage loss cover | Pre-existing cover | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bajaj Allianz Travel Companion | Rs 1,200 | USD 50,000 | USD 1,000 | No (rider available) | Schengen visa filings |
| Tata AIG Travel Guard | Rs 1,400 | USD 100,000-500,000 | USD 1,500 | Optional rider | USA / Canada trips |
| HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance | Rs 1,500 | USD 250,000 | USD 1,200 | No | Brand reassurance |
| ICICI Lombard Single Trip | Rs 1,300 | USD 50,000-500,000 | USD 1,000 | Optional | Wide coverage tiers |
| Reliance Travel Care | Rs 1,100 | USD 50,000 | USD 800 | Optional | Lowest premium |
| Care Travel Insurance Senior | Rs 4,500 (age 60-75) | USD 250,000 | USD 1,500 | Yes (with declaration) | Senior travellers (60+) |
The verdict
Frequently asked questions
Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen visa?
Yes — Schengen visa requires medical travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 (~ USD 33,000) cover for the entire trip duration. Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO and ICICI Lombard all offer Schengen-compliant policies starting Rs 800-1,500.
How much medical cover do I need for international travel?
Schengen / Asia: USD 50,000 minimum. USA / Canada: USD 250,000 (medical costs there are extreme — a single hospital admission can exceed USD 50,000). Africa / Latin America: USD 100,000. Always declare pre-existing conditions for the cover to apply.
Can I buy travel insurance after starting my trip?
No — travel insurance must be purchased before the trip begins (and many insurers require purchase at least 24 hours before departure). Mid-trip purchase claims will be rejected. Buy 2-7 days before travel for both safety and peace of mind.
Does travel insurance cover trip cancellation?
Most plans cover cancellation due to medical emergency, family death, natural disaster, or visa rejection. They do NOT cover voluntary cancellation, change of mind, or work commitments. Premium plans (Tata AIG Premier, HDFC ERGO Plus) extend cancellation cover to more reasons — worth the extra Rs 300-500.
Should I get domestic travel insurance for India trips?
Domestic travel insurance is optional and rarely worth it for routine travel. Useful for adventure activities (trekking, paragliding, scuba), high-value trips (USD 5,000+ booking value), or travel with elderly/young children. Costs Rs 200-500 for a typical 3-7 day trip.