Do Indians Need Travel Insurance for International Trips?

Many Indian travellers consider travel insurance as optional or unnecessary. One common myth is that travel insurance is only required for long trips or during emergencies. However, international travel can come with unexpected issues such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or baggage losses.

This is why International Travel Insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring peace of mind when you are abroad.

Which Countries Mandate Travel Insurance for Indians?

Many countries require Indian travellers to have valid travel insurance before granting a visa. This ensures visitors can handle medical emergencies or travel-related issues without burdening the host country.

1. Schengen Countries

Travellers visiting any of the 27 Schengen countries, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, must have travel insurance.

● The policy should offer a minimum medical coverage of €30,000.

● It must be valid across all Schengen states for the entire duration of the trip.

● Without this, your visa application will not be approved.

This type of policy is known as Schengen Travel Insurance, and it is a non-negotiable requirement.

2. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Travel insurance is mandatory for Indian travellers visiting the UAE. The coverage must include medical emergencies and hospitalisation. This is a visa condition.

3. Russia

Russia requires Indian nationals to submit valid travel insurance documents while applying for a visa. The coverage must explicitly mention that it is valid in Russia.

4. Turkey

Turkey also mandates travel insurance for all foreign visitors, including those from India. Insurance proof must be submitted at the time of visa application.

5. Cuba, Qatar, and Ecuador

These countries also require travel insurance. The insurance must cover health emergencies and be valid throughout the stay.

While countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK do not legally demand insurance, they strongly recommend it due to high healthcare and travel-related costs.

Why Travel Insurance is Essential Even for Non-Mandatory Destinations?

Skipping travel insurance for destinations that do not legally require it can be risky. Here are a few important reasons why it is still essential.

1. Covers Medical Emergencies

Healthcare abroad can be extremely expensive. A single hospital visit in countries like the United States can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. International travel insurance typically covers:

● Emergency hospitalisation

● Doctor consultations

● Surgeries and outpatient care

● Medical evacuation and repatriation

This ensures you do not face financial strain in case of sudden illness or injury.

2. Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Delays or cancellations can occur due to weather disruptions, political unrest, or airline strikes. Travel insurance helps you recover:

● Prepaid accommodation expenses

● Non-refundable airfares

● Booking cancellation fees

This allows you to minimise the financial loss caused by changes to your itinerary.

3. Lost or Delayed Baggage

Luggage loss or delay is more common than expected. Travel insurance offers reimbursement for:

● Lost baggage

● Purchase of essential items during baggage delay

● Lost travel documents such as passports or visas

This ensures you can manage the inconvenience without added stress.

4. Emergency Assistance Services

Most International Travel Insurance plans offer global assistance services that include:

● Finding nearby hospitals or clinics

● Language translation help during emergencies

● Connecting with Indian embassies

● Arranging transportation during emergencies

These services are highly useful when travelling in unfamiliar countries.

5. Personal Liability Coverage

In case you cause injury to someone or damage property abroad, some insurance plans provide third-party liability cover. This can save you from unexpected legal expenses.

What to Check Before Buying Travel Insurance?

While purchasing a policy, here are the key points you should look at:

● Sufficient medical cover for emergencies and hospitalisation

● Coverage for trip cancellations and delays

● Protection against loss of baggage and important documents

● Inclusion of Covid-19 or other pandemic-related medical expenses

● 24/7 international emergency assistance

● Validity across the countries you plan to visit

If you are applying for a Schengen visa, make sure your policy clearly mentions the required €30,000 minimum coverage and that it applies across the entire Schengen area.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Buying Travel Insurance

● Buying insurance after departure instead of before the trip begins

● Ignoring exclusions, such as adventure sports, mental health issues, or pregnancy

● Choosing the cheapest policy without checking coverage limits

● Assuming short trips do not need insurance

Even a two-day business trip can lead to unplanned expenses due to emergencies.

Yes, Indians do need travel insurance for international trips. In some countries like the Schengen region, UAE, and Russia, it is legally required for visa issuance. In others, it remains strongly advisable because it protects you from high medical costs, travel interruptions, and other unexpected incidents.