- The best travel insurance plans for India
- Is it currently safe to travel to India?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter India?
- Why take out travel insurance for India?
- What Travel Insurance for India Should Cover
- The cost of travel insurance for India
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to India
- Will my current insurance cover me in India?
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for India: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for India covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage during your stay.
2. Warning: Canada advises against all travel to Jammu and Kashmir and areas near the Pakistan border.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is not mandatory for entry but is strongly recommended for all Canadian travellers.
4. Healthcare cost: Private hospital stays can be costly, averaging between $500 and $1,500 CAD per night.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for India typically costs between $40 and $80 CAD.
6. Good to know: Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation, as healthcare quality varies significantly across the country.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for India.
The best travel insurance plans for India
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | Strong coverage for complex medical needs in India. - high medical ceiling - medical evacuation included - fast and clear procedures |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Good for extensive travel in India, cities or regions. - strong reimbursement cap - multilingual helpline 24/7 - cancellation guarantee |
| Tourist Card | 750k CA$ | A practical solution for tourist visits. - strong medical cover - solid emergency assistance - affordable pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | Adapted to long stays or independent trips. - covers hospitalisation - repatriation included - transparent limits |
| Globe Partner | 450k CA$ | For long-term trips or multiple cities. - essential medical care - personal liability - simple process for claims |
| Globe Traveller | 750k CA$ | Suited for short-term visitors to India. - covers essentials - quick claims - moderate medical limit |
- high medical ceiling
- medical evacuation included
- fast and clear procedures
- strong reimbursement cap
- multilingual helpline 24/7
- cancellation guarantee
- strong medical cover
- solid emergency assistance
- affordable pricing
- covers hospitalisation
- repatriation included
- transparent limits
- essential medical care
- personal liability
- simple process for claims
- covers essentials
- quick claims
- moderate medical limit
Is it currently safe to travel to India?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting India due to regional security risks and consular service limitations in certain cities.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: there are significant safety concerns in places such as Jammu and Kashmir, and near the border with Pakistan, where all travel is advised against. Protests and negative sentiment toward Canada may arise in major urban centres, especially during periods of diplomatic tension.
- Health risks: mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya are present in many regions. Medical resources and infrastructure may be limited outside major cities, and emergency evacuation can be costly.
- Legal requirements: Canadian citizens require a visa to enter India, and travellers staying more than 180 days must register with local authorities. Secure proper documentation, as overstays or paperwork issues can lead to fines or detention.
- Environmental hazards: air quality in northern India, especially Delhi, can reach hazardous levels during the winter months. Flash floods, landslides, and heatwaves are also common in some regions, sometimes resulting in disruptions and safety risks.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by Global Affairs Canada, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in India.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter India?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Canadian travellers entering India.
However, it is strongly recommended due to the variable quality of public and private healthcare, as well as the high cost of medical evacuation and the presence of diseases such as malaria or dengue in some regions. Travel insurance offers essential coverage for medical expenses, hospitalization, medication, and repatriation to Canada in case of serious incidents.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to India, mainly due to the risks associated with health emergencies and significant regional safety concerns.
Why take out travel insurance for India?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to India.
In India, public hospitals are often overcrowded, particularly in cities like Delhi or Mumbai, and may lack modern equipment or English-speaking staff. Foreign travellers frequently turn to private hospitals such as Apollo Hospital in Delhi or Fortis in Bangalore, where care is excellent but costs can be significant and upfront payment is standard.
Travel insurance covers medical expenses, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in India.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Apollo Hospital Delhi | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 85,000 INR (approx. 1,400 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 65,000 INR (approx. 1,050 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 1,000,000 INR (approx. 16,200 CAD) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 120,000 INR (approx. 1,950 CAD) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What Travel Insurance for India Should Cover
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, treatments, diagnostics, prescriptions, and direct hospital costs in case of illness or accident. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 250,000 CAD per person. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Covers air or ground ambulance services and medical evacuation to Canada or the nearest equipped location. We recommend a limit of at least 500,000 CAD. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers transport back to Canada in case of severe medical conditions or death. A reimbursement limit of at least 250,000 CAD is strongly advised. |
| 💼 Baggage insurance | Compensates for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal effects. Recommended minimum cover: 2,000 CAD per person. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses unused expenses if your trip to India is canceled for reasons such as illness, accident, or family emergencies. A recommended coverage amount is 5,000 CAD per person. |
| 🕒 Trip interruption | Refunds additional costs due to a trip being cut short or interrupted. A limit of at least 5,000 CAD per person is sensible. |
| ⚖️ Personal liability | Covers accidental damage to third parties or property while in India. Suggested minimum cover of 1,000,000 CAD. |
| 🏄♂️ Activity injury | Extends cover for injuries from common leisure or sports activities in India, such as trekking or cycling. We recommend verifying inclusions based on your planned activities, often covered within medical fees. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least 250,000 CAD per person.
We recommend a limit of at least 500,000 CAD.
A reimbursement limit of at least 250,000 CAD is strongly advised.
Recommended minimum cover: 2,000 CAD per person.
A recommended coverage amount is 5,000 CAD per person.
A limit of at least 5,000 CAD per person is sensible.
Suggested minimum cover of 1,000,000 CAD.
We recommend verifying inclusions based on your planned activities, often covered within medical fees.
Travel insurance from local providers or with a bank card often comes with low limits and many exclusions. For full protection, it is safer to choose a reputable insurer. Compare the top plans on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant proof of coverage.
The cost of travel insurance for India
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | 29 CAD |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | 48 CAD |
| 1 month | 35 years old | 69 CAD |
| 1 month | 70 years old | 141 CAD |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for India depends on several key factors: your age, the length of your trip, your specific destinations within India, desired coverage amount, and optional benefits like trip cancellation. Keeping these elements in mind is essential to select the most suitable and cost-effective policy for your travels throughout the country.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to India
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to India while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 📅 Trip duration | Premiums are based on length of stay. India often requires extended trips, but you should only insure actual travel days. | Set your policy exactly for your time abroad. Avoid paying for buffer days unless necessary. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Costs increase for older travelers, mostly due to higher medical risk in India. | Compare plans for seniors before booking. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | High limits are wise for private hospitals and evacuation, but over-insuring leads to extra cost. | Choose a medical limit around 250,000 CAD, unless you expect high-risk activities or pre-existing issues. |
| 🧳 Baggage protection | Loss and theft are possible, but high maximums add cost, especially for valuables not essential to your India visit. | Lower baggage cover if your personal belongings are inexpensive or easily replaced. |
| 🏞️ Activities covered | Adventure sports or trekking in India often require special riders and raise costs if not needed for your itinerary. | Only add activities cover if necessary. Remove unnecessary sports coverage if planning a standard tour. |
| 💻 Purchase channel | Online comparison helps spot better prices. Local agents and add-ons increase total cost for trips to India. | Use online brokers or provider direct for more competitive rates and streamlined cover. |
| 👨👩👧 Family/group | Multiple travellers increase cost, but family or group plans may be less expensive per person in India. | Share a policy if travelling together. This often reduces rates versus buying individual contracts. |
Will my current insurance cover me in India?
It is completely reasonable to wonder if your Canadian public health plan, private insurance, or credit card coverage would be enough during a trip to India. In reality, these forms of coverage are usually limited and may leave significant gaps, especially for major emergencies or evacuation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in India? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (RAMQ, OHIP, MSP, etc.) | Never | No coverage in India. Only partial reimbursement might be possible after returning to Canada. | Travel insurance covers up to 250,000 CAD+ in medical and evacuation expenses. |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Desjardins) | Limited coverage | Health expenses capped at 10,000–25,000 CAD. Often excludes evacuation or repatriation. | Travel insurance offers up to 250,000 CAD+ with 24/7 support and direct payment. |
| Classic credit card (TD Classic Visa, Scotia Card) | Limited coverage | Medical fees up to 5,000–15,000 CAD. Rarely covers trip cancellation or baggage issues. | Travel insurance includes 250,000 CAD+, cancellation, baggage, and long stays. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Medical coverage up to 100,000–150,000 CAD. Duration capped at 15–30 days per trip. | Travel insurance can cover up to 10M CAD, extended trips, and full hospital care. |
Example
In Goa, Mark got severe dengue fever, leading to a CA$20,000 hospital bill. His TD Aeroplan card's travel insurance had a CA$5,000 limit, and his provincial health plan covered almost nothing. Without dedicated travel insurance, he was personally liable for the remaining CA$15,000 for a single mosquito bite.
Expert advice
Many bank cards and provincial health plans exclude key coverage like trip interruption for a family member's illness. Always read your policy's fine print to avoid costly surprises abroad. In all cases, subscribing to a dedicated travel insurance plan tailored to your trip is safer and more reassuring.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, Canadian citizens must obtain a visa to visit India. You can apply for an e-visa online, which is commonly granted for 1 year and allows multiple entries. The application process includes paying a fee, uploading documents, and showing your e-visa approval upon arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for India?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare offers for India. Next, carefully check policies for guarantees and exclusions specific to India, such as coverage for medical evacuation or natural disasters. Then, purchase your policy securely online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and entry requirements.
What should my travel insurance cover for India?
Your travel insurance should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, as well as coverage for theft and loss of valuables. Travel in India can involve health risks and varying quality of care, so it is essential to have a policy with high limits, ideally above CAD 150,000 for medical care.
Are there exclusions in policies relevant to travel in India?
Many travel insurance policies exclude “risky” activities, such as riding scooters, adventure sports, or traveling in government-advised high-risk areas. Always review your policy’s exclusions, especially for Northern and border regions, and consider add-ons if necessary to get full protection for your chosen activities in India.
Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Some insurers offer protection for stable pre-existing conditions if you declare them when buying the policy. Read all policy conditions and, if available, purchase a plan with pre-existing conditions coverage. You may pay a higher premium, but this is worthwhile given potential medical costs in India.
How much does travel insurance to India typically cost for Canadians?
For a two-week trip to India, travel insurance usually costs between CAD 60 and CAD 150 for a healthy adult, depending on age, medical limits, and exclusions. Prices may increase for travelers with pre-existing conditions, those seeking full-coverage plans, or those including adventure activities. Always compare quotes before buying.
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
Yes, Canadian citizens must obtain a visa to visit India. You can apply for an e-visa online, which is commonly granted for 1 year and allows multiple entries. The application process includes paying a fee, uploading documents, and showing your e-visa approval upon arrival. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.
How do I purchase travel insurance for India?
First, use the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to compare offers for India. Next, carefully check policies for guarantees and exclusions specific to India, such as coverage for medical evacuation or natural disasters. Then, purchase your policy securely online. Finally, you will receive your insurance certificate by email for your records and entry requirements.
What should my travel insurance cover for India?
Your travel insurance should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation, as well as coverage for theft and loss of valuables. Travel in India can involve health risks and varying quality of care, so it is essential to have a policy with high limits, ideally above CAD 150,000 for medical care.
Are there exclusions in policies relevant to travel in India?
Many travel insurance policies exclude “risky” activities, such as riding scooters, adventure sports, or traveling in government-advised high-risk areas. Always review your policy’s exclusions, especially for Northern and border regions, and consider add-ons if necessary to get full protection for your chosen activities in India.
Can I get travel insurance if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
Some insurers offer protection for stable pre-existing conditions if you declare them when buying the policy. Read all policy conditions and, if available, purchase a plan with pre-existing conditions coverage. You may pay a higher premium, but this is worthwhile given potential medical costs in India.
How much does travel insurance to India typically cost for Canadians?
For a two-week trip to India, travel insurance usually costs between CAD 60 and CAD 150 for a healthy adult, depending on age, medical limits, and exclusions. Prices may increase for travelers with pre-existing conditions, those seeking full-coverage plans, or those including adventure activities. Always compare quotes before buying.
On the same topic
