- The best short term travel insurance plans
- What exactly is short term travel insurance?
- The price of short term travel insurance
- What short term travel insurance covers
- The conditions of short term travel insurance
- Why take out short term travel insurance?
- How to choose the right short term travel insurance
- Do your current insurance policies cover short term travel insurance?
- FAQ
Short-term travel insurance: key takeaways
1. Definition: Short-term travel insurance covers medical emergencies and travel risks for international trips typically under 90 days.
2. Price: A one-week policy for Europe from India costs between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000, depending on coverage.
3. Coverage: It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and baggage loss, but often excludes pre-existing conditions and adventure sports.
4. Bank cards and health insurances: Bank cards and health plans like CGHS offer very limited travel cover, often excluding repatriation costs.
5. Tips: For Schengen visas, ensure minimum medical cover of €30,000 and check the insurer's cashless hospital network.
6. Other useful info: Keep all original bills, as Indian insurers require extensive documentation for processing claims from abroad.
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 short term travel insurance.
The best short term travel insurance plans
Here is a selection of the best short term travel insurance plans available for residents of India in 2025. These policies stand out for their high coverage limits, low deductibles and simplified terms, providing optimal protection for worry-free travel.
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement | Deductible | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹0 | • 24/7 global support. • Adventure sports included. • Concierge services for emergencies. • Direct claim settlement online. |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | ₹1,00,00,000 | ₹0 | • No deductible. • Multilingual hotline. • Medical teleconsultation service. • Coverage extension possible abroad. |
| Tourist Card | ₹50,00,000 | ₹2,500 | • Easy online claims. • Family plans with discounts. • Covers loss of baggage. • Flexible cancellation for trip interruptions. |
| World Travel | ₹75,00,000 USA/Canada, ₹30,00,000 others | ₹1,500 | • COVID-19 and quarantine expenses. • Emergency evacuation included. • Student trip coverage. • Fast assistance via WhatsApp. |
| Globe Partner | ₹30,00,000 | ₹0 | • Paperless online policy. • Competitive for short stays. • Worldwide network access. • Exclusive rates for younger travellers. |
| Globe Traveller | ₹50,00,000 | ₹0 | • Long trip eligibility (up to 12 months). • No age increase after 60. • Multilingual support center. • Baggage delay coverage included. |
• Adventure sports included.
• Concierge services for emergencies.
• Direct claim settlement online.
• Multilingual hotline.
• Medical teleconsultation service.
• Coverage extension possible abroad.
• Family plans with discounts.
• Covers loss of baggage.
• Flexible cancellation for trip interruptions.
₹30,00,000 others
• Emergency evacuation included.
• Student trip coverage.
• Fast assistance via WhatsApp.
• Competitive for short stays.
• Worldwide network access.
• Exclusive rates for younger travellers.
• No age increase after 60.
• Multilingual support center.
• Baggage delay coverage included.
The best short term travel insurance may vary depending on your needs. We invite you to use HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison tool to find the one that suits you and subscribe directly online.
Compare the best travel insurance plans for freeI compareWhat exactly is short term travel insurance?
Short term travel insurance is a temporary insurance policy that covers a single trip or journey, usually lasting less than 90 days, for Indian travelers.
It protects against financial losses from medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and personal accidents during a short stay, either in India or abroad.
The policy becomes active when you begin your trip and remains valid until you return, only for the specified duration.
Short term travel insurance is essentially multi-risk coverage but limited to trips under 90 days, and may also be known as short-stay or single-trip insurance.
Expert advice
Here are the situations where taking out short term travel insurance is especially recommended if you live in India:
- When a visa requires it, like for the Schengen Area.
- For travel to countries with high medical costs like the USA.
- If your credit card insurance provides insufficient international travel coverage.
- As your domestic Indian health policy will not cover you abroad.
- To protect non-refundable costs for flights, hotels, or tours.
- When your trip includes adventure sports like trekking or skiing.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, even minor ones.
- For peace of mind when travelling with children or elders.
The price of short term travel insurance
On average, short term travel insurance costs between 2% and 4% of your total trip cost.
| Trip | Trip cost | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days in Singapore | ₹45,000 | ₹900 to ₹1,600 |
| 1 week in Dubai | ₹85,000 | ₹1,700 to ₹3,100 |
| 2 weeks in France | ₹1,50,000 | ₹3,200 to ₹5,400 |
| 3 weeks in the United States | ₹2,50,000 | ₹5,500 to ₹9,500 |
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 short term travel insurance depends on several factors:
- trip duration: the longer your trip, the higher the insurance cost.
- destination: traveling to countries with high medical costs increases the premium.
- traveller’s age: older travelers generally pay more.
- coverage limits: higher medical and personal accident limits result in a higher price.
- selected options: including adventure sports or valuable item coverage will increase the total cost.
What short term travel insurance covers
Short term travel insurance is temporary coverage for trips usually up to 90 days.
This policy protects travellers from India for a single journey, whether abroad or within the country, with fixed start and end dates.
| Covered guarantee | Definition | Expert advice |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Trip cancellation | Key protection. Refund of prepaid costs if you need to cancel before departure for approved reason. | Minimum ₹1L cover, deductible under ₹1,000 advised. Check for exclusions: pre-existing illness, change of mind, and unapproved documents. |
| ⏰ Missed departure | Covers extra travel expenses if transport delay outside your control makes you miss your trip. | Get at least ₹10,000 cover, no deductible preferred. Delays due to personal fault or late arrival are often excluded. |
| 🛬 Travel delay | Pays fixed compensation if your flight or train is delayed beyond a set period. | Look for ₹4,000+ after 4 hours delay, with no deductible. Delays under minimum hours or lack of written proof are not covered. |
| 🧳 Baggage loss or theft | Key guarantee. Pays if luggage is stolen, lost, or seriously damaged during your trip. | Minimum ₹50,000 cover, deductible under ₹500 advised. Unattended bags, electronics, and valuables may be excluded. |
| 📦 Baggage delay | Reimburses essential purchases if luggage arrives late. | At least ₹8,000 after 24 hours recommended. Delayed bags on return home and lack of proof are usually excluded. |
| 🏥 Medical expenses abroad | Key guarantee. Pays for urgent treatment, hospitalisation, and ambulance during your trip. | Minimum ₹30L cover, deductible under ₹1,000 strongly recommended. Routine care, chronic illness, and non-emergency visits are excluded. |
| 🚑 Medical repatriation | Key guarantee. Covers emergency medical transport back to India if needed. | Cover must be unlimited or at least ₹10L. Repatriation for non-medical or voluntary reasons is not covered. |
| 🦷 Emergency dental care | Urgent treatment for acute pain or injury to natural teeth only. | At least ₹10,000 cover, deductible max ₹500. Routine, cosmetic, or pre-scheduled treatments are excluded. |
| 🛡️ Personal liability abroad | Pays if you accidentally injure others or damage property overseas. | ₹10L cover advised, deductible under ₹2,000. Intentional acts and damage to family or rented items are excluded. |
| ⚖️ Legal assistance abroad | Pays legal fees if you face legal issues abroad during travel. | Minimum ₹2L for costs, bail at least ₹5L. Incidents linked to alcohol or criminal conduct are generally not covered. |
Check for exclusions: pre-existing illness, change of mind, and unapproved documents.
Delays due to personal fault or late arrival are often excluded.
Delays under minimum hours or lack of written proof are not covered.
Unattended bags, electronics, and valuables may be excluded.
Delayed bags on return home and lack of proof are usually excluded.
Routine care, chronic illness, and non-emergency visits are excluded.
Repatriation for non-medical or voluntary reasons is not covered.
Routine, cosmetic, or pre-scheduled treatments are excluded.
Intentional acts and damage to family or rented items are excluded.
Incidents linked to alcohol or criminal conduct are generally not covered.
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 short term travel insurance best suited to your profile and your trip, easily compare offers on HelloSafe.
The conditions of short term travel insurance
To be valid, a short term travel insurance policy in India must meet certain conditions. The main requirements are as follows:
- Purchase before departure: the policy must be bought before leaving India.
- Residency: you must be an Indian resident when purchasing the insurance.
- Trip duration limit: your trip cannot exceed the maximum number of days specified in the contract, usually 90 days.
- No pre-existing travel: you cannot already be abroad when taking out short term coverage.
- Claim documentation: you must keep and submit documents like receipts and medical reports for successful claims.
- Destination restrictions: cover may be excluded for countries under Indian government travel advisories.
- Timely incident reporting: any medical emergency or loss must be promptly reported to the insurer.
- Premium payment: the full insurance premium must be paid before the policy starts.
Watch out!
A common mistake is assuming stable pre-existing conditions are covered. Most basic policies exclude them unless declared and specifically added, often for a higher premium. Always disclose your full medical history to the insurer to ensure your policy is valid and avoid claim rejection during an emergency.
Why take out short term travel insurance?
While short term travel insurance is not mandatory for all destinations, it is required for Schengen visas and several countries outside India.
Travelling even for a few days exposes you to unexpected medical emergencies that can quickly lead to high expenses abroad.
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%, usually up to ₹50,00,000 |
| Medical repatriation |
| Up to 100%, often to ₹50,00,000 or more |
| Appendicitis surgery and hospitalization |
| Up to 100%, typically ₹1,00,00,000 limit |
| Stitches after a fall |
| Normally 100%, subject to chosen policy limit |
| Consultation and treatment for an intestinal infection |
| Typically 100%, within selected sum insured |
- Europe: ₹25,000 to ₹30,000
- North America: ₹45,000 to ₹55,000
- Asia: ₹8,000 to ₹12,000
- Europe: ₹8,00,000 to ₹12,00,000
- North America: ₹15,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
- Asia: ₹4,00,000 to ₹8,00,000
- Europe: ₹4,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
- North America: ₹12,00,000 to ₹20,00,000
- Asia: ₹1,50,000 to ₹7,00,000
- Europe: ₹15,000 to ₹20,000
- North America: ₹35,000 to ₹40,000
- Asia: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000
- Europe: ₹20,000 to ₹22,000
- North America: ₹40,000 to ₹45,000
- Asia: ₹7,000 to ₹12,000
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.
In addition to medical expenses, short term travel insurance can also provide cover for trip cancellation, baggage loss or delay, civil liability, repatriation assistance, and emergency services such as teleconsultation or cash advances.
Good to know
Don't let a medical emergency ruin your trip! A simple hospital visit in Europe can cost over ₹20,000. Protect yourself from massive overseas medical bills and travel with peace of mind. Insurers like Chapka offer comprehensive coverage so you can enjoy your vacation worry-free.
How to choose the right short term travel insurance
Not all short term travel insurance policies offer the same coverage or reimbursement limits. Comparing different options is essential to match your needs, as benefits, conditions, and compensation can differ widely between plans in India.
| Criterion | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 💶 Reimbursement limits | Insufficient limits can leave you exposed to major expenses in serious situations | Select at least ₹30,00,000 for Europe, ₹50,00,000 for North America |
| 📉 Deductible | Higher deductibles increase your personal payment during claims | Prefer policies with a nil or low deductible for medical expenses |
| 📋 Policy conditions | Coverage often depends on purchase timing and policy activation rules | Always buy insurance before your departure and after booking your trip |
| 👵 Traveller’s age | Older travellers may face higher premiums or restricted coverage | Check age limits and ensure seniors are specifically covered |
| 📆 Trip duration | Some policies restrict coverage length | Choose a plan matching your complete travel dates, with margin for delays |
| 🌍 Geographic area | Benefits and required limits differ by destination | Ensure zones like USA or Schengen are explicitly included if travelling there |
| 🛡️ Existing coverage | Overlapping benefits from cards or health insurance may occur | Assess all existing plans to avoid paying twice for the same benefit |
| 🧗 Planned activities | Adventure sports and risky activities are often excluded | Declare all planned activities and add coverage for sports if required |
| 🖥️ Online subscription | Immediate policy access is useful for last-minute travellers | Use insurers offering easy and secure online contract sign-up options |
Do your current insurance policies cover short term travel insurance?
It is natural to ask if your existing insurance, such as credit card insurance or India's public health system, can provide you with short term travel insurance, but unfortunately, it is usually not sufficient.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Short term travel insurance included? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (ESIC/CGHS) | Never | Emergency hospitalisation in government network, only in India, up to ₹50,000 if abroad. No coverage for foreign medical care above limit, no repatriation, no baggage, no trip cancellation. | Travel insurance covers emergency abroad up to ₹1,00,00,000, including repatriation, cancellation and baggage loss. |
| Private health insurance (Star, Max Bupa) | Almost Never | Some add-on global medical or accidental expense, typically up to ₹2,00,000-₹5,00,000. No trip delay, no baggage loss, and very limited or no evacuation coverage. | Travel insurance covers higher costs up to ₹1,00,00,000, plus non-medical emergencies like trip delay and lost baggage. |
| Classic credit card (HDFC Regalia, SBI Elite) | Almost Never | Emergency medical, some liability or baggage, mostly capped at ₹1,50,000-₹3,00,000. No trip cancellation, limited evacuation, hardly any personal liability. | Travel insurance gives comprehensive coverage for up to ₹50,00,000+, including evacuation, cancellations, and much more. |
| Premium credit card (ICICI Sapphiro, Axis Bank Magnus) | Limited Coverage | Medical and accident, some baggage coverage, evacuation sometimes up to ₹10,00,000. No full trip interruption, no cashless overseas hospital, and often region limits. | Travel insurance can provide up to ₹1,00,00,000, full trip interruption, and international cashless medical network. |
No coverage for foreign medical care above limit, no repatriation, no baggage, no trip cancellation.
No trip delay, no baggage loss, and very limited or no evacuation coverage.
No trip cancellation, limited evacuation, hardly any personal liability.
No full trip interruption, no cashless overseas hospital, and often region limits.
Expert advice
Many Indian bank cards and health insurance policies exclude trip interruptions, like a relative's illness or death. Always read the fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. For complete peace of mind, it is always safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory for Indian travelers visiting counties like all Schengen nations, Turkey, UAE, and Russia, as these countries require proof of insurance for visa approval. For most other destinations, it is not legally required but is strongly advised. Even on a holiday to Thailand, a hospital visit without insurance can lead to out-of-pocket costs running into several lakhs.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
The best time to buy short term travel insurance is immediately after booking your flights or accommodation. Early purchase ensures you are covered if your trip needs to be canceled or delayed for a covered reason and maximizes your financial protection before the journey begins.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
Start by comparing different policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Review all guarantees and exclusions tailored to short term trips. Once you identify the best option, buy your policy online. The insurer will send your insurance certificate via email after confirmation.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my tickets?
Yes, you can buy short term travel insurance even after booking flight tickets or hotels. However, for coverage on trip cancellation or delays, it is best to purchase the policy before any unforeseen situation arises. Always read the insurer’s timing rules for specific benefits.
How do I make a claim on short term travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s helpline as soon as possible and collect all necessary documentation, such as hospital bills and receipts. Submit these along with a completed claim form, either digitally or by post. Quick response and proper paperwork can help speed up reimbursement.
Is COVID-19 treatment included in short term travel insurance?
Most short term travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 related benefits, such as medical treatment, quarantine expenses, and cancellation if you test positive. It is essential to read your policy to understand which events and expenses related to COVID-19 are covered, and their limits.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by short term policies?
Cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely by insurer. While most standard short term policies exclude these, some offer add-ons or special plans with limited cover for stable pre-existing conditions. Always disclose your health history and check exclusions before buying your policy.
Is short term travel insurance mandatory?
Short term travel insurance is mandatory for Indian travelers visiting counties like all Schengen nations, Turkey, UAE, and Russia, as these countries require proof of insurance for visa approval. For most other destinations, it is not legally required but is strongly advised. Even on a holiday to Thailand, a hospital visit without insurance can lead to out-of-pocket costs running into several lakhs.
When is it recommended to purchase short term travel insurance?
The best time to buy short term travel insurance is immediately after booking your flights or accommodation. Early purchase ensures you are covered if your trip needs to be canceled or delayed for a covered reason and maximizes your financial protection before the journey begins.
How do I purchase short term travel insurance?
Start by comparing different policies using HelloSafe’s travel insurance comparison platform. Review all guarantees and exclusions tailored to short term trips. Once you identify the best option, buy your policy online. The insurer will send your insurance certificate via email after confirmation.
Can I purchase short term travel insurance after booking my tickets?
Yes, you can buy short term travel insurance even after booking flight tickets or hotels. However, for coverage on trip cancellation or delays, it is best to purchase the policy before any unforeseen situation arises. Always read the insurer’s timing rules for specific benefits.
How do I make a claim on short term travel insurance?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer’s helpline as soon as possible and collect all necessary documentation, such as hospital bills and receipts. Submit these along with a completed claim form, either digitally or by post. Quick response and proper paperwork can help speed up reimbursement.
Is COVID-19 treatment included in short term travel insurance?
Most short term travel insurance policies now include COVID-19 related benefits, such as medical treatment, quarantine expenses, and cancellation if you test positive. It is essential to read your policy to understand which events and expenses related to COVID-19 are covered, and their limits.
Are pre-existing medical conditions covered by short term policies?
Cover for pre-existing medical conditions varies widely by insurer. While most standard short term policies exclude these, some offer add-ons or special plans with limited cover for stable pre-existing conditions. Always disclose your health history and check exclusions before buying your policy.
