Travel Insurance for India

India is a sensory feast — from bustling cities and sacred sites to coastlines, mountains, and everything in between. It’s an unforgettable place to explore, but it also comes with its share of unpredictable moments. Travel insurance helps you stay prepared so you can soak up the experience without sweating the surprises.

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Do You Need Travel Insurance for India?

While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for India, it’s still recommended because it offers protection with benefits or many common travel risks (U.S. Department of State), which, according to On Call International, include*:

Uneven healthcare access. Private hospitals in India’s largest cities generally offer capable care with English‑speaking staff, but facilities in smaller towns can be basic or limited. Travel insurance that includes emergency medical treatment and evacuation can bridge those coverage gaps.
Seasonal and environmental risks. Western and southwestern India’s monsoon season typically runs June to October and can bring severe flooding and landslides. Coastal areas face cyclones between April and November. Heat waves and earthquakes also occur. A travel insurance plan with travel assistance services can help you adjust plans and cover eligible losses.
Health risks. Malaria, dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and Japanese encephalitis are prevalent mosquito-borne illnesses. Air quality in some cities can reach harmful levels, and some popular destinations sit at high altitudes where altitude sickness is a concern.
Security risks. Petty theft and scams are common in crowded areas. Express kidnappings and highway robberies have been reported, and terrorism is a persistent concern, particularly in Indian‑administered Kashmir. Travel insurance cannot prevent incidents, but some plans provide 24/7 emergency assistance and other benefits.

Travel insurance helps you prepare for the unexpected by pairing your itinerary with emergency medical benefits, medical evacuation, and support if your trip is disrupted.

Will Domestic Insurance Work in India?

Your U.S. health insurance may not provide full protection while traveling in India, so it’s important to review your policy before you go.

Medicare typically excludes coverage for medical care received outside the United States, with only rare exceptions noted by Medicare.gov. Travelers who rely on Medicare often need supplemental coverage to receive healthcare benefits abroad, a limitation that applies to many U.S. health plans.

Because of these gaps, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends considering travel medical insurance for international travel. Given that healthcare costs, systems, and payment requirements in India may differ from what travelers are used to, travel-specific coverage can provide important protection.

What Type of Travel Insurance is Right for Your Trip?

When comparing travel insurance for India, it’s helpful to understand that most plans fall into two main types: comprehensive trip protection and travel medical insurance. Knowing how these coverage options differ can make it easier to choose the right policy for your trip. A comprehensive trip protection plan is designed to protect your prepaid, non-refundable travel costs—such as flights, hotels, and tours—while also including coverage for some unexpected illnesses, injuries, and emergency medical evacuations. This type of plan is best for travelers who want financial protection against trip cancellations, interruptions, or delays that could lead to extra expenses or lost payments.

For instance, WorldTrips’ Atlas Journey comprehensive trip protection plan can reimburse you for covered trip cancellations or interruptions, helping recover non-refundable expenses if your plans change for a covered reason.

Travel medical insurance, on the other hand, focuses mainly on covering unplanned medical expenses that occur during your trip abroad. These plans often include limited trip benefits like coverage for lost luggage or travel delays.

With Atlas Travel insurance, you’ll also have access to Air Doctor, a service that connects you to telehealth consultations, in-clinic appointments, or in-hotel medical visits during your trip. These flexible plans let you choose your deductible and coverage limits based on your destination, length of stay, and budget.

Travel Medical Insurance

Atlas Travel

Designed for international travelers who need travel medical insurance coverage while abroad. Choose your deductible and coverage limits to match your destination, length of stay, and budget.

Highlights

Coverage for New Illnesses, Injuries, and Accidents
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Emergency Dental
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Lost Checked Luggage
NO Trip Cancellation
Pre-existing Conditions Generally Excluded**

Trip Protection Plans

Atlas Journey

A great option for U.S. residents looking for trip protection. Trip insurance includes benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and emergency medical care.

Highlights

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Trip Delay
Missed Connection
Medical: Accident and Sickness
Emergency Evacuation
Baggage Damage or Loss
Pre-existing Conditions Waiver Available**

Healthcare in India

According to On Call International* and the U.S. Department of State, healthcare quality can vary by location, so make sure you do your research on each city and town you’re visiting. In major urban centers, private facilities are typically well staffed and can provide good care, often staffed with English-speaking clinicians. However, many rural areas have limited services, and staff may have limited English and rely on translators. Always carry proof of coverage.

If you need medical treatment while in India, WorldTrips gives you the flexibility to visit a healthcare provider of your choice for eligible benefits. Since medical facilities usually require payment before you can receive treatment, you’ll pay the provider directly at the time of service and then submit a claim for review for reimbursement. When filing your claim with WorldTrips be sure to keep the following documentation:

Itemized bills with diagnosis details
Medical records and prescriptions
Payment receipts
A doctor’s note if your condition impacts your travel plans

Why Choose WorldTrips for Your India Travel Insurance?

The most memorable journeys come from discovery and connection—not from navigating unexpected challenges. With WorldTrips, you can explore the world confidently, knowing your travels are supported by dependable coverage and decades of international experience.

Global Experience

For over 30 years, WorldTrips has protected more than five million travelers across the globe, including students, families, and professionals. As a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies, we combine financial strength with a trusted reputation for reliability. The A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best reflects our commitment to stability and exceptional travel protection.

Flexible Coverage

Each trip is different, which is why we offer plans designed for a range of needs. WorldTrips offers flexible plans that can be customized to include benefits for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, delays, and lost baggage. Whether you’re heading out for a short getaway, studying abroad, visiting loved ones, or embarking on an extended adventure, you can choose the plan that best fits your itinerary and budget.

24/7 Global Support

Access care wherever you are with healthcare providers in more than 190 countries and 24/7 multilingual emergency assistance. Our team can help arrange medical evacuations, connect you to trusted local doctors, and more. Through our partnership with Air Doctor, you can also schedule virtual or in-person appointments with ease with eligible plans.

Transparent Claims Process

Travel insurance should be simple. WorldTrips makes it easy to file claims online, helping you receive reimbursements faster. Our policies are written clearly, and we provide you with a Description of Coverage at purchase, so you’ll be able to understand your coverage—giving you peace of mind long before your trip begins.

Here’s what our customers had to say:

“Brilliant service especially when you require their help. Highly recommend if you are an international.” - Rocco
“This was my second time buying from WorldTrips. Their buying process is easy. When I had a health issue, it was easy to file my claim and send in my supporting documentation online, from abroad. I also had some questions and found it easy to reach them by phone.” - Levi

At WorldTrips, our goal is to help you focus on your travels knowing that we are there to assist if things don’t go according to plan.

Getting around

India has one of the world’s highest road‑fatality rates. Expect inconsistent road quality outside cities, confusing signage, aggressive driving, and heavy congestion. Avoid driving at night. If you take trains, consider first‑class A/C when available.
Use taxis booked through reputable services, taxi stands, or your hotel. Avoid unmarked or freelance taxis and agree on a metered fare before departure. Rideshare services operate in major cities, but solo travelers should exercise caution.

Situational awareness

Large protests happen and can turn disruptive. Foreigners who participate risk detention or deportation. If you encounter a demonstration, leave the area.
Terrorism remains a credible threat from multiple actors. Tourist areas, transit hubs, hotels, religious sites, and government facilities have been targeted. Expect security checks and follow all directions from authorities. Exercise caution with travel to Indian‑administered Kashmir due to terrorism and heavy security measures.
The all‑India emergency number is 112.

Preventative health considerations

Mosquito‑borne illness: Use repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider nets or repellent devices when sleeping, especially after heavy rains that create standing water.
Air quality: Expect periodic smog in cities due to traffic and agricultural burning in northern India during autumn and winter. Those with respiratory issues should limit outdoor activity on poor‑air days.
Medications: Keep prescriptions in original packaging. Quantities should match your prescription, and understand the local rules around narcotic and psychotropic drugs .
Food & Water: Stick to bottled or filter water. Tap water is often unsafe to drink. Be cautions of when choosing street food.

Visa & Entry Requirements for India

According to the U.S. Department of Health, entry rules can change, so verify your visa and entry requirements with Indian authorities and your airline before you travel. In addition:

There are some areas in India that are restricted and protected, requiring special permission to visit. Check whether your itinerary includes any such zones and secure permits in advance (U.S. Department of State).
Carry identification during your trip and expect security checks at transport hubs and some attractions. Keep a copy of your passport with you.

Destination Safety in India

Travelers who go to India prepared and ready to embrace new experiences often experience wonderful, life-changing trips.

According to solo female travel blogger Laure Wanders’ personal experience, some destinations where she felt safe traveling in India include Jaipur in Rajasthan, Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu, Rishikesh in Uttarakand, and Kolkata in West Bengal. Orange Wayfarer, a female solo travel blogger from India, agrees that in her experience Kolkata is a safe travel destination and a cultural and historical hub as the capital city of the British colonial empire in India for nearly 140 years. The Times of India also ranked Jaipur as one of the 10 safest destinations in India in 2025, known for its elaborate architecture and historical significance to Indian royalty. Unleavables blog agrees that Rishikesh and Pondicherry as safe destinations for travelers.

The US Department of Health lists Jammu and Kashmir as areas of instability that tourists should avoid, along with several other areas due to conflict with Pakistan and China. Make sure to research the destinations in your itinerary before you go.

With diverse health systems, seasonal hazards, crowded transit, and region‑specific security risks, travel insurance for India is a practical safeguard. Choose a plan that includes emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, trip interruption, and baggage benefits so you can focus on experiencing India with more confidence.

* Country safety data provided by our trusted partner On Call International

** Pre Existing Condition Definitions

Pre existing condition definitions vary by plan type. Review the definition that applies to the product you are considering.

Comprehensive Trip Protection

(Atlas Journey, Atlas Cruiser, Atlas On the Go)

Pre existing condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 90 day period immediately before your coverage effective date for which you did any of the following:
• received a test, examination, or medical treatment
• received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment
• took or received a prescription for medication

Item (3) above does not apply to a condition that is treated or controlled solely through the use of prescription medication and remains treated or controlled without any change in required prescription throughout the 90 day period before your coverage effective date.

Change in required prescription means the dosage or frequency has been increased, reduced, stopped, and or new medication has been prescribed due to the worsening of the condition being treated. Exceptions include:
• switching between brand name and generic medication with equivalent dosage
• adjustments to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage

Pre-existing Condition Exclusion Waiver: Pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage unless you meet both of these requirements: 1) you purchase your Atlas Journey Elevate or Explore plan within 21 days or purchase your Atlas Escape plan within 14 days of the date you made your first payment toward your trip; and 2) you are medically able to travel on your coverage effective date.

If you do not purchase your Atlas Journey plan within the required time period, a 90-day lookback period will apply to pre-existing conditions. Coverage varies by plan and state of residency. Please review the policy documents specific to your plan and state of residency for a full list of covered reasons, conditions, and exclusions.

Travel Medical Insurance

(Atlas Travel, Atlas Premium, Atlas Nomad, Atlas MultiTrip, Atlas America)

Pre-existing Conditions are excluded except for an applicable Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition.

Pre existing condition means any injury, illness, sickness, disease, or other physical, medical, mental, or nervous disorder, condition, or ailment that, with reasonable medical certainty, existed at the time of application or at any time during the 2 years prior to the effective date of this insurance. This applies whether or not the condition was previously manifested, symptomatic, known, diagnosed, treated, or disclosed, and includes any subsequent, chronic, or recurring complications or consequences related to the condition.

An Acute Onset of a Pre-existing Condition means a sudden and unexpected outbreak or recurrence that is of short duration, is rapidly progressive, and requires urgent care. A pre-existing condition that is a chronic or congenital, or that gradually becomes worse over time is not acute onset of a pre-existing condition. An Acute Onset of Pre-existing Condition does not include any condition for which, as of the Effective date, the Insured Person (i) knew or reasonably foresaw he/she would receive, (ii) knew he/she should receive, (iii) had scheduled, or (iv) was told that he/she must or should receive, any medical care, drugs or treatment.