- The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- The price of comprehensive travel insurance
- What comprehensive travel insurance covers
- The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
- Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
- How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
- Do my current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
- FAQ
comprehensive travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Comprehensive travel insurance offers wide protection against medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage during your trip.
2. Price: For a one-week Europe trip, comprehensive insurance from India costs between ₹2,500 and ₹4,500.
3. Coverage: It typically covers medical care, repatriation, and trip cancellation, but excludes pre-existing conditions and high-risk sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and health plans like ESIC/CGHS offer very limited or no overseas medical or cancellation cover.
5. Tips: Check medical limits for destinations like the USA/Europe and declare all pre-existing conditions before you buy.
6. Other useful info: Schengen visa applications require a minimum medical coverage of €30,000, which most comprehensive policies meet.
Why trust HelloSafe ?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in India, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best comprehensive travel insurance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best comprehensive travel insurance plans available for travelers from India in 2025. These plans are among the best due to their high medical coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified policy terms, ensuring quality protection wherever you travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₹82,00,000 | ₹0 | • Wide global coverage. • 24/7 worldwide medical assistance. • Fast digital claims process. • Teleconsultation service included. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₹41,00,000 | ₹0 | • 24/7 multilingual support. • No age-based premium increase. • Medical repatriation included. • Mobile app to access services. |
| Tourist Card | ₹27,00,000 | ₹8,200 | • Fast claim settlement. • Covers visa refusal. • Suitable for frequent trips. • Covers lost documents. |
| World Travel | ₹82,00,000 | ₹0 | • Telemedicine access. • Pandemic medical included. • Personal liability option. • Family discounts available. |
| Globe Partner | ₹20,50,000 | ₹4,100 | • Quick online purchase. • Policy in English. • Pre-existing condition option. • Suitable for long trips. |
| Globe Traveller | ₹27,00,000 | ₹0 | • Long duration coverage. • Stable premium rates. • Available for all ages. • Multilingual emergency assistance. |
• 24/7 worldwide medical assistance.
• Fast digital claims process.
• Teleconsultation service included.
• No age-based premium increase.
• Medical repatriation included.
• Mobile app to access services.
• Covers visa refusal.
• Suitable for frequent trips.
• Covers lost documents.
• Pandemic medical included.
• Personal liability option.
• Family discounts available.
• Policy in English.
• Pre-existing condition option.
• Suitable for long trips.
• Stable premium rates.
• Available for all ages.
• Multilingual emergency assistance.
The best comprehensive travel insurance may vary according to your own needs. Use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the plan that fits you best and subscribe online.
Compare the best travel insurance plans for freeI compareComprehensive travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is a policy that covers a wide range of risks before and during your trip, offering medical, baggage, trip cancellation, and personal liability protection in one contract.
It typically protects travellers from India against emergencies abroad, including unexpected illness or injury, lost or delayed luggage, missed connections, and trip disruptions.
This type of coverage is essential for those wanting all-round security, as it saves you from needing separate single-risk policies.
Comprehensive insurance is more extensive than basic travel insurance, with higher limits and broader benefits.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out comprehensive travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in India:
- Your Indian health insurance likely offers no overseas medical coverage.
- When visiting countries with high healthcare costs like the USA.
- For Schengen visas which mandate specific minimum insurance coverage.
- If you book an expensive or non-refundable trip in advance.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are a senior.
- When participating in adventure sports like skiing, diving, or trekking.
- If you travel with children or elderly family members abroad.
The price of comprehensive travel insurance
On average, comprehensive travel insurance costs between 3% and 6% of your total trip price.
| Trip | Trip cost (₹) | Indicative price per person (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Three days in Singapore | 40,000 | 1,200 to 2,400 |
| Two weeks in France and Switzerland | 2,00,000 | 6,000 to 12,000 |
| Three weeks tour in the United States | 3,50,000 | 10,500 to 21,000 |
| One week Maldives resort holiday | 1,50,000 | 4,500 to 9,000 |
These prices are provided as an indication and may vary depending on the type of plan chosen (standard or premium) and the specific conditions of each insurer.
The price of your comprehensive travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your trip, the higher the premium.
- destination: countries with high medical costs, like USA or Japan, lead to higher insurance prices.
- traveller’s age: older travellers usually pay more.
- level of coverage: premium policies with higher medical and cancellation limits are more expensive.
- coverage options: adding adventure sports, valuable items, or trip cancellation benefits increases the cost.
What comprehensive travel insurance covers
Comprehensive travel insurance is designed to provide protection before departure, during transit and for your entire stay abroad. It gives you strong support by combining financial, medical, and legal coverage in one contract.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Refund of trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason before departure. | You should have a minimum cover of ₹1 lakh and avoid deductibles above ₹1,000. Pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are usually excluded. |
| 🚨 Missed departure | Covers cost of alternative transport if you miss your flight because of specified delays. | Opt for at least ₹25,000 cover with no deductible. Delays due to personal fault or unverified circumstance are not covered. |
| 🎒 Baggage loss or theft | Compensation if your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip. | A minimum coverage of ₹50,000 is recommended with a deductible not exceeding ₹1,000. Electronics, cash, and unattended baggage are excluded. |
| 🕒 Travel delay | Lump sum compensation for long delays of flights or trains. | The plan should offer ₹10,000+ per delay event with no deductible. Delays under 6 hours and those without written proof are not covered. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Covers urgent hospital and outpatient costs if you fall ill or are injured when abroad. | Choose at least ₹20 lakh with deductibles no more than ₹2,000. Planned check-ups and pre-existing illnesses are usually excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers transport back to India if your health requires emergency evacuation. | This guarantee should be unlimited or above ₹20 lakh and organized by the insurer. Refusal to travel or mild cases are excluded. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Covers costs of sudden and urgent dental treatment abroad. | At least ₹15,000 is advised, limit deductible to ₹500. Cosmetic, planned, and orthodontic care are not included. |
| 🪪 Personal liability abroad | Covers injury or damage caused accidentally to others during your trip. | Minimum ₹10 lakh cover, deductible below ₹5,000. Damages to family members or hired property are usually excluded. |
| 🧍♂️ Personal accident | Compensation for accidental death or permanent disability while abroad. | A starting limit of ₹5 lakh with no deductible is recommended. Claims for self-harm, war, or intoxication are not covered. |
| 💔 Trip interruption | Refund of prepaid and unused expenses if you have to cut your trip short for covered reasons. | Always look for ₹50,000+ plus low or no deductible. Voluntary returns and minor issues are not included. |
Pre-existing illness, visa refusal, and change of mind are usually excluded.
Delays due to personal fault or unverified circumstance are not covered.
Electronics, cash, and unattended baggage are excluded.
Delays under 6 hours and those without written proof are not covered.
Planned check-ups and pre-existing illnesses are usually excluded.
Refusal to travel or mild cases are excluded.
Cosmetic, planned, and orthodontic care are not included.
Damages to family members or hired property are usually excluded.
Claims for self-harm, war, or intoxication are not covered.
Voluntary returns and minor issues are not included.
Reimbursement limits vary depending on the insurer and the plan selected (eco, standard, premium). They must always be checked in the general terms and conditions.
To find the comprehensive travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of comprehensive travel insurance
To benefit from comprehensive travel insurance from India, certain key conditions must be fulfilled for the coverage to apply.
- Timing of subscription: you must purchase the comprehensive policy before departing from India, not after the trip has started.
- Residency requirement: you must be a resident of India when buying the policy and the trip must start in India.
- Trip duration compliance: your trip duration should not exceed the period specified in the policy documentation.
- No already-ongoing travel: coverage cannot be activated if you are already abroad at the time of applying.
- Destination restrictions: travel to destinations under Indian government advisories or embargoes may be excluded from coverage.
- Premium payment: you must pay the required premium in full before the policy start date to be eligible.
- Claim notification: you should notify the insurer promptly in case of an incident or emergency during travel.
- Supporting documents: you must provide all necessary documents when filing a claim, such as medical reports or police certificates.
Watch out!
A critical misunderstanding: comprehensive insurance doesn't automatically cover pre-existing conditions like diabetes. For your policy to be valid, you must declare all such conditions to your insurer when purchasing it. Failure to do so can result in claim rejection and significant out-of-pocket expenses abroad.
Why take out comprehensive travel insurance?
While abroad, even a minor health problem can result in significant expenses for Indian travellers. Most medical and travel risks are not covered by standard health plans.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs abroad:
| Type of treatment | Average cost | Covered by insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Foot sprain (X-ray and consultation) |
| Up to 100 percent, depending on policy limit |
| Medical repatriation |
| Usually up to 100 percent, if medically required |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Up to 100 percent, excluding any deductible |
| Emergency tooth extraction |
| Partial reimbursement, subject to sub-limits |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100 percent, depending on overall policy limit |
- Europe: ₹15,000 to ₹20,000
- North America: ₹35,000 to ₹50,000
- Asia: ₹8,000 to ₹12,000
- Europe: ₹8,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
- North America: ₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
- Asia: ₹5,00,000 to ₹8,00,000
- Europe: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000
- North America: ₹25,000 to ₹35,000
- Asia: ₹6,000 to ₹10,000
- Europe: ₹18,000 to ₹25,000
- North America: ₹40,000 to ₹50,000
- Asia: ₹10,000 to ₹15,000
- Europe: ₹4,00,000 to ₹6,00,000
- North America: ₹12,00,000 to ₹15,00,000
- Asia: ₹2,00,000 to ₹4,00,000
Coverage varies greatly depending on the plan chosen (standard or premium) and the insurer. Refer to the general conditions and always compare with tools like HelloSafe.
Besides medical costs, comprehensive travel insurance usually includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, personal liability abroad, repatriation assistance, and services like 24x7 teleconsultation or emergency fund advances. These features make it a reliable protection for Indian travellers planning a trip abroad.
Good to know
Don't let unexpected events ruin your trip. A medical emergency abroad can cost lakhs. Comprehensive insurance covers medical bills, trip cancellation, and lost baggage, ensuring financial protection. Travel worry-free with a plan like Chapka's Cap Assistance, so you're always covered.
How to choose the right comprehensive travel insurance
Coverage such as reimbursement and coverage limits varies from plan to plan, so it is important to understand what criteria to compare before choosing comprehensive travel insurance that fits your needs.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | This determines the maximum amount paid for claims | Always select coverage of at least ₹10,00,000 for USA/Europe trips to avoid unexpected expenses. |
| 📉 Deductible | This is the amount you pay before the insurer reimburses you | Check whether your plan has a low or zero deductible, especially for hospitalization abroad. |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Not all benefits apply automatically; timing and eligibility matter | Take out comprehensive insurance within 48 hours of booking to ensure trip cancellation is included. |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Older travelers may face higher premiums or specific exclusions | Compare age limits and look for senior-friendly plans if aged 60 or above. |
| 👨👩👧 Traveller profile | Individuals, families, or groups may have different coverage needs | Choose a policy that fits your family or group, especially for long stays or multiple destinations. |
| 📆 Trip duration | Policies have limits on days per trip or over a year | Annual multi-trip or extended-stay comprehensive policies are best for trips longer than 30 days. |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Costs and coverage differ by region or country visited | Confirm that specific destinations, especially USA, Canada, or Schengen, are not excluded from the contract. |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | You might already have partial benefits from health or bank insurance | Check all current coverage to avoid paying extra for benefits you may already receive from cards or employer. |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure or risky activities are often excluded | Clearly disclose and add specific options for activities like skiing, rafting, or trekking to get full support. |
Do my current insurance policies cover comprehensive travel insurance?
It is legitimate to wonder if your current insurances, like credit card insurance or public health schemes, can offer you a comprehensive travel insurance, but unfortunately it is often not enough. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Comprehensive travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (ESIC, CGHS) | Never | ESIC: No coverage abroad. CGHS: Up to ₹50,000 in select countries for emergencies. No trip cancellation, evacuation, or baggage coverage is ever included. | Travel insurance covers up to ₹50,00,000 for medical, plus trip cancellation and personal liability, which are never included. |
| Private health insurance (Star Health, Max Bupa) | Almost Never | Emergency medical treatment abroad, limits from ₹2,00,000 to ₹10,00,000. No loss of baggage, trip cancellation, or travel delay included. | Travel insurance reimburses up to ₹50,00,000 and emergency evacuation, plus cancellation and delay, which other policies exclude. |
| Classic credit card (HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite) | Almost Never | Some emergency medical, max ₹2,00,000 to ₹5,00,000. Limited baggage loss (₹20,000–₹50,000). No trip cancellation, personal liability, or evacuation assist. | Travel insurance offers reimbursement up to ₹50,00,000 and always includes trip interruption and higher baggage loss coverage. |
| Premium credit card (Axis Magnus, ICICI Emeralde) | Limited Coverage | Emergency medical (up to ₹4,00,000), baggage loss (up to ₹40,000), basic personal accident. No trip cancellation, missed connections or evacuation. | Travel insurance covers up to ₹50,00,000 and guarantees compensation for missed connections, trip cancellation, and evacuation. |
CGHS: Up to ₹50,000 in select countries for emergencies.
No trip cancellation, evacuation, or baggage coverage is ever included.
No loss of baggage, trip cancellation, or travel delay included.
No trip cancellation, personal liability, or evacuation assist.
No trip cancellation, missed connections or evacuation.
Expert advice
Your bank card or health insurance often excludes critical situations like trip interruption due to a relative’s illness. Read the conditions carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe a dedicated travel insurance tailored to the trip.
FAQ
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not legally mandatory for all international trips from India. However, it becomes mandatory for travel to countries that require proof of insurance for entry, such as Schengen states and Russia. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended for all trips abroad, for example, if your baggage is lost or you need emergency medical care in countries like the USA or Singapore.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your trip. This way, you receive maximum protection, including cover for trip cancellation or interruption before departure. Early purchase ensures all time-sensitive guarantees are active and helps avoid denied claims for events occurring before policy activation.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare options easily using HelloSafe’s travel insurance platform. Check each plan’s guarantees, exclusions, and special clauses relevant to comprehensive coverage. Buy your chosen policy online in just a few minutes. Once the payment is complete, you will instantly receive your policy certificate by email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive travel insurance after making your travel bookings or even close to your departure date. However, it is advised to buy it as soon as possible so you can benefit from cancellation and other pre-trip protections. Delaying the purchase may result in reduced coverage for certain situations.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and provide supporting documents such as medical reports, invoices, or flight details. Most insurers offer 24/7 helpline numbers and digital platforms to simplify claims. Claims are usually processed within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some comprehensive travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but usually under specific terms and higher premiums. It is essential to declare all existing conditions truthfully at the time of purchase. Not declaring them can result in claim rejection, so reading the policy wording is crucial.
Is family coverage available under comprehensive travel insurance?
Yes, many insurers in India offer comprehensive family floater policies. These plans cover the policyholder, spouse, and dependent children under a single sum insured, often at lower premiums than buying separate policies for each person. Review age limits and coverage features before purchase to suit your family’s needs.
Is comprehensive travel insurance mandatory?
Comprehensive travel insurance is not legally mandatory for all international trips from India. However, it becomes mandatory for travel to countries that require proof of insurance for entry, such as Schengen states and Russia. Even when not required, it is strongly recommended for all trips abroad, for example, if your baggage is lost or you need emergency medical care in countries like the USA or Singapore.
When is it recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
It is best to purchase comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking your trip. This way, you receive maximum protection, including cover for trip cancellation or interruption before departure. Early purchase ensures all time-sensitive guarantees are active and helps avoid denied claims for events occurring before policy activation.
How do I purchase comprehensive travel insurance?
First, compare options easily using HelloSafe’s travel insurance platform. Check each plan’s guarantees, exclusions, and special clauses relevant to comprehensive coverage. Buy your chosen policy online in just a few minutes. Once the payment is complete, you will instantly receive your policy certificate by email.
Can I purchase comprehensive travel insurance after booking?
Yes, you can purchase comprehensive travel insurance after making your travel bookings or even close to your departure date. However, it is advised to buy it as soon as possible so you can benefit from cancellation and other pre-trip protections. Delaying the purchase may result in reduced coverage for certain situations.
How do I make a claim?
To make a claim, notify your insurer as soon as possible and provide supporting documents such as medical reports, invoices, or flight details. Most insurers offer 24/7 helpline numbers and digital platforms to simplify claims. Claims are usually processed within a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity.
Does comprehensive travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Some comprehensive travel insurance policies offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, but usually under specific terms and higher premiums. It is essential to declare all existing conditions truthfully at the time of purchase. Not declaring them can result in claim rejection, so reading the policy wording is crucial.
Is family coverage available under comprehensive travel insurance?
Yes, many insurers in India offer comprehensive family floater policies. These plans cover the policyholder, spouse, and dependent children under a single sum insured, often at lower premiums than buying separate policies for each person. Review age limits and coverage features before purchase to suit your family’s needs.
