Travel Insurance Expert and Head of Communications
Last updatedDecember 5 2025
12 min read
With its incredible food and spectacular scenery, India is a feast for the senses. And because InsureandGo covers all ages, it’s an experience everyone can enjoy. Pay a one-off visit or make it part of your round-the-world trip. We’ve got the right India travel insurance policy for you, whatever you’ve got planned.
What is India travel insurance, and do you need it?
Our India travel insurance will cover your trip. We’ll protect against medical costs if you fall ill while away. We’ll also cover other mishaps, like trip delays or a stolen bag.
India’s sheer size and diversity can be exciting and overwhelming. But at least getting travel insurance to the subcontinent is easy. Here’s why finding the best travel insurance for India is a must:
Covers emergency medical costs: No one wants to think about getting sick on holiday. But if you’re travelling to India, emergency healthcare can be expensive. The FCDO reports that local medical facilities aren’t comparable to those in the UK. If you need medical care after falling ill, getting travel health insurance to India can help cover the cost and repatriate you back to the UK if needed.
Help when you need it: Traveller’s diarrhoea is a common ailment. It affects up to 20% of visitors to destinations like India. It’s often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. If you’re one of the unlucky 20%, you may need emergency assistance. However, outside of major cities, medical facilities in India may be few and far between. All InsureandGo policyholders have access to our 24-hour medical assistance team. If something happens while you’re in India and you need emergency treatment, we’re here to help.
Protects your valuables:Theft and petty crime are common in tourist spots and major cities. If you’re the victim of a crime while on holiday, travel insurance for India can help replace your possessions. If you’re taking anything precious, our gadget cover protects your valuables, up to £2,000.
Covers your travel itinerary: With so much to see and do in India, it’s hard to fit it all into one trip. Luckily, our policies cover over 100 sports and activities. We also have cover for more adventurous activities.
Make sure the policy you’ve chosen covers you for all the regions and activities you have planned. Our policy wording provides full terms and conditions, including what is and isn’t included with our cover.
What does InsureandGo’s India travel insurance cover?
We strive to provide as much cover as possible. However, there are some situations that no travel insurance will cover. For example:
You cannot cover events or reasons to claim that took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
All of our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip, but there may be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you decide not to go
We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions, find out more about medical travel insurance. The excess and the amount of cover available will vary depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. To check the policy exclusions and what is and isn’t included, take a look at our policy wording.
The best travel insurance for India
Brilliantly bustling and with bags of character, India’s a traveller’s paradise. From Goa to the Taj Mahal, tailor your policy to your itinerary with InsureandGo. Our optional extras are flexible and designed to suit your trip.
Having a year-long trip? From the mountains in the north to the rainforests of the south, India is vast. Explore it at your leisure with long stay policies that cover trips of up to a whole year in length.
Sailing the ancient spice routes?Cruise holiday insurance can protect you against cruise-specific mishaps in India. It includes things like cabin confinement, cruise interruption, and itinerary changes.
Travel insurance for India with pre-existing medical conditions
Travelling to India with a pre-existing condition shouldn’t stop you from experiencing its magic. Declare your conditions when getting your quote, and you’ll be covered for related medical emergencies. That way, unforeseen costs won’t ruin your Indian adventure.
North Indian cities can have high levels of pollution. If you have a respiratory or heart condition, you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.
Securing travel insurance for medical conditions can be a concern, but there’s no need to worry. We’ll consider any medical condition and do our best to provide the best possible cover. Just follow our simple online screening process when you buy your policy, either over the phone or online.
Examples of medical conditions we can cover include:
Ready to explore India’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes? Tick travel insurance off your to-do list before you go. It’s quick and easy to get a quote.
1. Let us know a little info
We need to know a bit about your holiday, who you want to cover, and when you want the policy to start. We will also ask you for information about any pre-existing medical conditions. This helps us provide you with the right level of cover.
It’s quick and easy to give us this information. Either contact us online or by calling our team:
We’ll give you your quote, and you can either choose to buy a policy or save the details for later.
Our experts say…
“India is a land of incredible experiences, from ancient cities to serene beaches. But even the best-laid plans can go awry. Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage can put a damper on your dream holiday. Travel insurance for India ensures you’re financially protected if the unexpected happens. It lets you relax and enjoy the wonders of India, knowing you’re covered for a wide range of situations.”
“The whole procedure of taking out health insurance for a 14-day trip to India was made very easy by the operator, Darren. He was very patient, explaining the policy cover I would receive, and he made sure I understood everything before making my decision.”
Yes, you need travel insurance for India. It’s not a mandatory requirement to enter the country. But the UK Government states that you must have appropriate travel insurance before you travel to the subcontinent. This should include cover for local medical treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.
While this advice applies to everyone, it is particularly important if you have a pre-existing health condition.
Your travel insurance for India should cover:
Medical expenses: Standards of healthcare in India vary by destination. In the more remote parts, the healthcare services aren’t up to the same standard as those in the UK. Private healthcare facilities in larger cities are of a much higher standard but can be expensive. Travel insurance that includes medical cover can protect you against these costs.
Stolen belongings: The FCDO warn that you should be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers, pickpockets and ticket touts target foreigners. Take particular care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on motorbikes and snatch valuables. Getting the appropriate cover for your valuable items can help cover costs if you’re the victim of a crime.
Cancelling your holiday: Travelling to India from the UK can be expensive. Travel insurance can help you recoup prepaid expenses. This includes flights, hotels, and tours if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your trip.
Read our policy documents for a closer look at what is and isn’t included.
Does the GHIC cover India?
No, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) doesn’t cover India. Although it is called the Global Health Insurance Card, you can only use it in EU countries, plus Montenegro, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. For travel to India, you’ll need to buy worldwide travel insurance.
Can I get travel insurance for India as a senior citizen?
Yes, you can. InsureandGo offers travel insurance for India with no upper age limit. We will also consider any pre-existing medical condition, no matter your age. This means you’ll be covered for any emergency medical expenses. Plus, you’ll be protected for cancellation, lost luggage and more.
How much does travel insurance for India cost?
The cost of travel insurance to India is based on multiple factors, including:
Your age. Generally, travel insurance gets more expensive as you get older.
The length of your trip. A longer trip will typically cost more to insure than a shorter one.
Your desired level of cover. At InsureandGo, we offer four levels of cover. With Budget, Silver, Gold and Black, there’s something for everyone. Our Gold and Black travel insurance policies are a Which? Best Buy.
Policy add-ons. Are you planning any extreme sports on your India trip? Want extra coverage for valuables, golf or cruising? These require more comprehensive coverage, impacting the price.
Any pre-existing medical conditions. Declaring them might slightly increase the cost, but it’s crucial to get proper cover.
Each of these can vary from person to person, so the cost of travel insurance for India will vary accordingly.
Can I get travel insurance to India with a pre-existing condition?
Yes, you can. We offer travel insurance for medical conditions. This covers you if you have a medical emergency related to your pre-existing health conditions.
Pre-existing medical conditions describe any illness or condition that has occurred before you take out an insurance policy, from asthma to cancer.
Before you get your travel insurance for India, you’ll need to do a medical screening process. If you have any pre-existing conditions, this is the time to declare them. Based on your information, you’ll get a personalised quote. You can then choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
Remember: It’s always best to declare any pre-existing medical conditions when getting travel insurance. This ensures you have proper cover and avoids any issues if you need to make a claim during your trip.
As a UK passport holder, there are two types of visas you can apply for. One is an e-Visa, which you can apply for online. The other is a regular paper visa.
It’s important to make sure you get the right visa for your stay. Getting the wrong visa could result in being detained on arrival, or even deported and blacklisted.
Who can I contact about travel insurance for my India holiday?
Anything can happen while you’re abroad, and we know your plans might change. If you need to extend your stay, or you just have a question, you can contact us.
Who can buy an InsureandGo India travel insurance policy?
All our travel insurance for India policies are available to UK residents. This means:
Someone who has been living in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months
They must be in the UK at the time of purchase
All trips must start and end in the UK
Unfortunately, we can’t provide cover to anyone who doesn’t fit this description.