Travel is no longer just a luxury it has become a common aspect of life for education, business, medical treatment, or leisure. As Indians become increasingly mobile, both domestically and internationally, the demand for comprehensive travel protection has also grown. This is where travel insurance becomes an essential financial safety net. It is designed to protect you from unforeseen expenses and disruptions that can arise during or before your journey.
This guide aims to explain what travel insurance covers, list the top travel insurance companies in India, and provide a step-by-step process to file a travel insurance claim, all based on the most relevant updates for 2025.
Understanding What Travel Insurance Covers in 2025
Travel insurance is a short-term policy that provides coverage against travel-related uncertainties. It is especially useful when you are venturing abroad where healthcare is costly, or when traveling within India with expensive bookings already made. Here are the major areas typically covered by a standard travel insurance policy for Indian travelers in 2025:
Medical Emergencies and Hospitalization
Medical treatment coverage is among the most essential elements of any travel insurance plan. If you fall ill, meet with an accident, or require emergency surgery during your trip, the policy reimburses or directly pays for your treatment.
Example: Suppose you suffer from acute food poisoning while visiting Thailand. A good policy will cover your hospitalization, medication, and consultation charges.
Benefit: It prevents out-of-pocket expenses, especially in countries with expensive healthcare systems like the USA or Japan.
Trip Cancellation and Curtailment
If your travel plans get canceled due to a medical emergency, visa rejection, or a natural calamity, travel insurance ensures you don’t lose your hard-earned money on prepaid hotel bookings and flights.
Example: If your visa for the UK is denied just two days before departure, the insurance will cover non-refundable expenses.
Benefit: Helps mitigate financial loss due to events beyond your control.
Loss or Delay of Baggage
Many travel policies provide compensation if your baggage is delayed, stolen, or permanently lost during transit. Some policies also cover the cost of essentials purchased during the delay.
Example: If your checked-in bag is delayed for over 12 hours in Dubai, you may be eligible for reimbursement for clothes and toiletries purchased in the interim.
Benefit: Saves you from spending extra money due to airline mishandling.
Passport Loss and Document Assistance
Losing a passport in a foreign country can be terrifying. Fortunately, many policies provide assistance in retrieving or reissuing a passport and also cover the application and logistic costs involved.
Example: Suppose you misplace your passport during a tour in Italy. Your travel insurance provider will not only assist you in getting temporary travel documents but may also pay for local travel and embassy expenses.
Personal Liability and Legal Expenses
Some policies include personal liability protection, which covers legal expenses if you accidentally harm a person or property abroad and are held legally accountable.
Example: If you damage hotel property or are involved in a road accident, legal fees may be reimbursed.
Benefit: Prevents legal troubles from escalating financially while you're abroad.
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
In case of natural disasters, political unrest, or severe medical emergencies, your policy may cover the cost of emergency evacuation to the nearest safe hospital or even repatriation to India.
Example: If an earthquake strikes while you’re on a business trip in Turkey, the insurer will coordinate and fund your emergency relocation to a safe location or your return to India.
Top Travel Insurance Companies in India (2025)
There are several trusted companies in India that offer travel insurance policies tailored to student travel, business trips, senior citizens, and leisure vacations. Here are some of the top options available in 2025:
1. Tata AIG Travel Insurance
USP: Globally recognized with high claim settlement ratio
Plans: Single trip, multi-trip, student, and family coverage
Highlights:
Cashless hospitalization in over 130 countries
Covers passport loss, trip cancellation, and COVID-19 related costs
Add-ons for adventure sports and trip curtailment
Eligibility: Indians aged between 6 months and 70 years
Purchase Method: Online or through licensed travel agents
2. Reliance General Travel Insurance
USP: Affordable premiums with comprehensive benefits
Plans: Student, individual, and family floater
Highlights:
Immediate policy issuance
Study interruption cover for students
Emergency cash allowance for theft or robbery abroad
Eligibility: All Indian nationals traveling abroad or domestically
Purchase Method: Online portal, app, or Reliance outlets
3. ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance
USP: Real-time claim support with a broad hospital network
Plans: Custom plans for Schengen visa, student visa, or business travel
Highlights:
No pre-policy medical check-up for travelers under 85
24/7 customer care
Covers pre-existing conditions in life-threatening scenarios
Eligibility: Travelers of all age groups
Purchase Method: Fully digital or at ICICI branches
4. HDFC ERGO Explore Travel Plan
USP: Ideal for long-stay or frequent travelers
Plans: Single trip, annual multi-trip, and family coverage
Highlights:
Unlimited emergency medical cover in select plans
Policy extension facility
Covers adventure sports injuries with add-ons
Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 6 months to 70 years
Purchase Method: HDFC ERGO website or affiliated banks
5. Digit Travel Insurance
USP: Technology-first company with a seamless claims process
Plans: Single trip and multi-trip plans for individuals and families
Highlights:
Easy documentation
No hidden clauses
Reimbursement for visa rejections and missed flights
Eligibility: Indian residents
Purchase Method: Online via mobile app or website
How to File a Travel Insurance Claim in 2025
Filing a travel insurance claim can feel overwhelming during a stressful situation, but modern insurers have simplified the process in 2025. Here is a step-by-step guide for Indian travelers:
Step 1: Notify the Insurer Immediately
As soon as an incident occurs whether it’s medical, loss-related, or legal contact your insurer through the customer helpline or app. Most companies now have 24/7 toll-free numbers and online portals.
Step 2: Collect and Preserve All Evidence
Submit all necessary documents like medical bills, police reports, hotel invoices, flight delay certificates, or lost baggage tags. Ensure these are stamped, signed, and dated.
Step 3: Fill Out the Claim Form
You can typically download the claim form from the insurer’s website or receive it through email. Fill in the details accurately, including your policy number, incident details, and expenses incurred.
Step 4: Submit the Claim with Supporting Documents
Digitally scan your documents and send them via the insurer’s online portal, mobile application, or email. Some insurers allow physical submission through courier, though this is less common in 2025.
Step 5: Wait for Claim Processing
Most claims are processed within 7 to 14 working days. If your documentation is complete and valid, you will receive either direct reimbursement or a cashless claim clearance, depending on your situation.
Step 6: Escalate if Needed
If your claim is delayed or unfairly denied, escalate to the grievance redressal officer of the company.Assistance is also available from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) if needed.
Conclusion
In 2025, travel insurance is not just an optional add-on it’s a fundamental necessity for Indian travelers, both abroad and within India. From safeguarding your health to protecting your hard-earned money from trip disruptions, a good travel insurance plan ensures that your journey remains smooth, secure, and stress-free.
Choose your insurer wisely, understand the coverage details thoroughly, and always keep your policy details accessible during your trip. In a world where uncertainties can strike at any moment, being insured means being prepared.
