Do you need travel insurance for India?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for a trip to India. If you need medical treatment abroad or help returning to Ireland for medical reasons, the costs could be substantial. Cover can also help with eligible cancellation, delays and lost or stolen belongings. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs recommends comprehensive travel insurance before you go.
Before choosing a policy, think about your plans:
- Where you’re going: Access to healthcare can vary between major cities such as Mumbai and remote regions. If you’re visiting more remote parts of Ladakh, medical facilities may be limited.
- What you’ll be doing: Make sure your travel insurance covers the activities you’re planning, particularly if your trip includes trekking in Ladakh or other adventure activities.
- Your health needs: Declare any pre-existing medical conditions and check what emergency medical cover your policy provides.
- Current travel advice: Check the Department of Foreign Affairs’ advice for India when planning your trip and again before you leave.
Travel knowing you have protection in place if your plans don’t go as expected.
What does JustCover’s India trip insurance cover?
India is a long way from home, so the right travel insurance can make a real difference if you need medical treatment, have to cancel your holiday or something happens to your belongings. The exact cover depends on the policy level and options you choose. Always read our Policy Wording to understand what is and isn’t covered.
What's covered
Emergency medical expenses and repatriation costs – This includes the costs of tests, medication and procedures needed to treat an illness or injury while abroad. You’ll also be covered for repatriation, helping you return safely to Ireland.
Cancellation – Cover for flight and accommodation costs if an unexpected event means you have to cancel your trip before you go.
Curtailment – Cover if you need to return home early following an emergency.
Travel delays – If your journey is delayed for a reason covered by your policy, you may be able to claim for the disruption.
Personal belongings – You’ll be covered if your baggage or its contents are lost or stolen.
Personal liability – Cover for legal costs and liability if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while away.
Legal protection cover – Provides cover for your legal expenses if you have to claim compensation or damages due to something that happened while you were away on holiday.
What's not covered
Claims below the value of the excess – The amount depends on the JustCover policy level you choose
Trips outside the region of cover – You won’t be covered if you travel somewhere that is not included in your policy documents.
Known events or circumstances – You cannot normally claim for a problem you already knew about before booking your holiday or buying your policy.
Medical conditions you don’t declare – You need to declare all of your pre-existing medical conditions.
Choosing not to travel – We know that sometimes plans change, but you’re only covered for cancellation where the reason falls within the policy terms and conditions.
Travelling against medical or government advice –We can’t cover you if a doctor or your medical team has advised you not to travel, or if you are travelling for medical treatment. We also can’t offer cover if Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs advises against all or all but essential travel to your destination
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best travel insurance for India
The right policy depends on how long you’re going for and whether India is your only trip this year. Compare your options with your travel plans, planned activities and medical needs in mind.
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Taking more than one holiday in the next 12 months? An annual policy can cover multiple trips, including India, under one policy. Check that India is included in your chosen destination area and that each trip falls within the policy’s length limit.
Single trip travel insurance
Planning one trip to India? Single trip cover lets you insure that journey for the dates you choose. Check that the policy covers your full trip, including any other countries you’ll visit and the activities you have planned.
Why choose JustCover for your India holiday insurance?
Whether you’re visiting one city or travelling across India, JustCover lets you choose cover that fits your trip. You can compare Silver, Gold and Black policies and check the benefits and limits that matter to you.
- Up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses and repatriation
- Up to €10,000 cancellation cover²
- Access to 24/7 emergency medical assistance
- Cover available for more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions
- No upper age limits
- Optional cover available if your India itinerary includes activities that need extra protection
How much does travel insurance for India cost?
There isn’t one set price for travel insurance for India. Your quote will depend on you, how long you’re going for and the kind of trip you have planned.
A two-week sightseeing holiday may have different cover needs from a month-long trip travelling between several regions or one that includes trekking in the Himalayas.
Some of the main things that can affect the price are:
- Your age and medical history: Your age and any pre-existing medical conditions you declare can affect the cost of your cover.
- How long you’re travelling for: Travelling around India for several weeks will usually mean you need cover for longer than you would for a shorter holiday.
- Who you’re travelling with: You might be travelling alone, as a couple or taking the whole family. This can affect the type of policy you need.
- Your level of cover: Silver, Gold and Black have different limits and excesses, so you can choose the option that works for your trip.
- What you’re planning to do: Sightseeing in Delhi or relaxing in Goa is very different from taking on a high-altitude trek. If your itinerary includes more adventurous pursuits, check whether you need activities travel insurance and make sure the activities you plan to do are covered.
- Any optional extras: You can tailor your policy with additional cover where needed, including gadgets and certain activities.
India is included within JustCover’s worldwide travel insurance. Get a quote using your travel dates and plans to see the price and cover available to you.
How can you reduce the price of your policy?
The lowest price won’t always give you the cover you need. Compare policies against your full itinerary, including your travel dates, activities and any non-refundable bookings.
- Compare Single Trip and Annual Multi-trip cover: If India is your only holiday this year, a single trip policy may suit you. If you have more trips planned, compare the total cost with annual multi-trip cover.
- Choose the cover level you need: Look at the medical and cancellation limits, baggage cover and excess for Silver, Gold and Black before deciding.
- Check activities before adding extras: Some activities are included as standard, while others need additional cover. Check your plans so you only pay for extras you need.
- Cover your full trip: Make sure your dates include every destination and the day you return to Ireland.
Tell us about any pre-existing medical conditions when you get a quote so you can see the cover and price available to you.
Do Irish citizens need a visa to visit India?
Yes. Irish passport holders generally need a visa to visit India, although holidaymakers with a valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card can enter using that instead. Ireland is eligible for India’s e-Visa scheme, which includes an e-Tourist Visa. The visa you need depends on the purpose and length of your visit.
The type of visa you need will depend on why you’re travelling, how long you plan to stay and your individual circumstances.
Before you travel:
- Check your passport. For an e-Visa, it must be valid for at least six months from your arrival in India and have two blank pages.
- Apply through the official Indian visa portal. Check that you’re applying for the right visa and that your approval has been granted before you depart.
- Complete the e-Arrival Card within 72 hours before arrival. This is separate from your visa.
- Check your route. Some areas require an additional permit, and e-Visas are valid only at designated entry points.
Visa and entry requirements can change, so always check the Embassy of India in Dublin and Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs before travelling.
When to buy India travel insurance
It’s best to arrange your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to India.
Flights, accommodation, tours and travel within the country can add up, so arranging cover early gives you more time with eligible cancellation protection in place.
If you’re travelling soon, you can still buy a JustCover policy on the day you leave, provided you do so before leaving Ireland.
You can’t buy a new policy for that trip once you’re in India.
Specialist travel insurance for India
Seniors travel insurance
Planning a trip to India later in life? JustCover has no upper age limit, so you can apply for cover that takes your travel plans and health needs into account.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Tell us about your medical conditon when you get a quote. We can conside 1,300+ pre-existing conditions and help you see what cover is available for your India trip.
Family travel insurance
Travelling to India with children? Family travel insurance can bring everyone’s cover together under one policy. Make sure your activities are included.
Cruise travel insurance
Visiting India as part of a cruise itinerary?
Add cruise cover for extra protection against cruise-specific problems, such as cabin confinement and missed excursions.
India travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
Having a pre-existing medical condition doesn’t have to stop you travelling to India. JustCover can consider more than 1,300 conditions, including those listed below. Tell us about all relevant conditions when you get a quote and answer the medical questions accurately, so you can see what cover is available for your trip.
Conditions we can consider include:
- Heart Conditions
- Mental Health Conditions
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Disabilities
- COPD
- High cholesterol
- Epilepsy
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure
- Asthma
It’s also a good idea to get travel-health advice before visiting India. Risks can vary depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to do.
Understanding healthcare in India
Healthcare in India can vary a lot depending on where you are. Large cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru have major hospitals and specialist services, while access can be more limited in rural or remote areas. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs specifically notes that the availability of healthcare facilities in India is inconsistent, particularly outside larger centres.
Irish holidaymakers should also remember that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not cover India. This means you cannot rely on the same state healthcare arrangements available when travelling within the EU. For this reason, the Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends comprehensive travel insurance that includes overseas medical costs and medical repatriation.
With JustCover, the right policy can include protection for eligible emergency medical treatment and emergency repatriation back to Ireland when medically necessary. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, make sure you declare it when getting your quote so your policy reflects your health.
It is also worth planning ahead before you travel. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends carrying enough prescribed medication for your whole trip, allowing extra for possible delays, and keeping important medical and insurance documents with you.
Before travelling to India:
- Check the latest travel and health advice for the areas you plan to visit.
- Find out where suitable hospitals or clinics are located, especially if travelling outside major cities.
- Keep your JustCover policy number and emergency assistance details with you.
- Take enough prescribed medication for your full trip, plus extra for delays.
- Declare any pre-existing medical conditions accurately when arranging your cover.
If you need medical help while you are away, contact JustCover’s emergency assistance team as soon as possible so they can help with the next steps.
A simple 3-step process to book your India travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
Tell us who’s travelling, how long you’ll be in India and a little about your holiday plans.
Select and tailor your cover
Choose Silver, Gold or Black and check that your policy suits your itinerary. You can add extra cover if you have particular activities planned.
Purchase your cover and relax
Complete your purchase, check your policy documents and keep them somewhere easy to access while you’re travelling.
Expert travel insurance advice from our team
“India can offer very different experiences in one trip, from busy cities and coastal stays to mountain regions and longer tours. That’s why it’s important to look at your full itinerary when choosing travel insurance for India. Check the activities you have planned, declare any medical conditions and make sure your cover suits the whole trip.”
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Great experience getting cover for our Trip to India. Easy site to use with options to add on extras. Will use again.”
see full reviewIndia holiday insurance tips and recommendations
From Goa’s beaches and Kerala’s backwaters to the Taj Mahal and the Himalayan landscapes of Ladakh, India offers plenty to explore. Colourful festivals and regional traditions add to the experience. A little planning before you go can help you prepare for the trip ahead.
- Plan your transport: Trains, domestic flights, taxis and private drivers are all common ways to get around. Book through reputable providers and keep your belongings secure while travelling.
- Respect local culture: Customs can vary across India. Dress and behave respectfully, particularly when visiting temples, mosques and other religious sites.
- Choose your travel season carefully: India’s climate varies significantly by region, so the best time to visit depends on where you’re going.
- Prepare for the weather: Some regions experience intense heat, heavy monsoon rainfall or colder mountain conditions. Check the climate for your specific itinerary.
- Check regional information: India is a large country and conditions can differ considerably between regions. Always check the latest Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice for the places you plan to visit.
- Prepare for your health needs: Check recommended vaccinations and travel-health guidance before your trip.
Risks when travelling to India
Most trips to India are trouble-free, but it’s still important to be aware of the main risks and plan ahead. Before you travel, check the health and safety advice for each area on your itinerary.
- Food and water: The Department of Foreign Affairs warns that food and water hygiene standards in India are not comparable to those in Ireland. It recommends avoiding tap water and ice, and drinking boiled water or bottled water with an intact seal. Choose food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot, and avoid raw salads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends peeling fruit yourself and using bottled or disinfected water to brush your teeth.
- Mosquito-borne illness: Malaria and dengue are present in India. The CDC recommends that travellers visiting certain areas of India take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Check the latest health advice for the areas on your route and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
- Crime and scams: Keep valuables secure, especially in busy places, and book transport through reputable providers.
- Road travel: Roads and driving conditions may be different from what you’re used to in Ireland. Plan journeys carefully and use trusted transport providers.
- Altitude: If you’re travelling to high-altitude areas such as the Himalayas, seek advice on acclimatisation and altitude sickness before you go. The DFA recommends that, if you’re trekking at high altitude, you make sure your travel insurance covers altitudes over 2,400 metres.
- Regional travel advice: Conditions can change, so check the latest DFA guidance for India before you leave and while you’re away.
Your travel insurance may also depend on official travel advice, so it’s important to keep up to date before your trip.
Travel insurance for India FAQs
When should your India travel insurance start?
It’s a good idea to buy your India travel insurance as soon as you book your trip.
For a Single Trip policy, cancellation protection can begin before you leave, subject to your policy terms. The rest of your travel cover applies during the dates shown on your policy. If you choose annual multi-trip insurance, make sure your policy dates cover the India trip you’ve booked.
Will my travel insurance cover severe weather or natural disasters in India?
It depends on the cover you choose and what has happened.
India can experience extreme weather including monsoon rainfall, flooding, cyclones and landslides in some regions. If you want protection for natural disasters, check whether the relevant optional cover is available and make sure you add it before an event becomes known.
Always read the Policy Wording for full details.
Is healthcare free in India for Irish citizens?
No. Irish citizens shouldn’t assume they’ll receive free medical treatment in India.
Your EHIC doesn’t apply in India either, so it’s important to have suitable travel insurance for eligible emergency medical expenses and repatriation. Healthcare can also vary depending on where you’re travelling, so make sure your cover is suitable for your itinerary.
Will my travel insurance cover trekking in India?
It can, but it depends on where and how high you’re trekking.
Many Himalayan routes reach significant altitude, so check the maximum altitude and type of trekking you have planned before buying your policy. Some lower-risk walking and hiking may be included as standard, while higher-altitude or more challenging trekking may need additional activity cover.
Do Irish citizens need travel insurance to get an Indian tourist visa?
A visa and travel insurance serve different purposes. If you’re travelling on an Irish passport, check that you have the correct visa or other permission to enter India, and review the latest official entry requirements before you leave.
Travel insurance can help with eligible emergency medical costs, cancellation, and lost or stolen belongings during your trip.
Does travel insurance for India cover flight delays or cancellations?
If your flight to India is delayed or cancelled, contact your airline or travel provider first to find out what they’ll refund or rearrange. Your travel insurance may help with eligible costs you can’t recover from them, depending on what caused the disruption and the cover you’ve chosen.
When comparing flight insurance for India, check what the policy covers across your whole trip, including delays, missed departures and cancellations.
Can I get India travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes. JustCover can consider more than 1,300 pre-existing medical conditions. Tell us about all relevant conditions when you get your quote so we can offer cover based on your circumstances.
Does my EHIC work in India?
No, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) doesn’t cover India.
You should arrange appropriate travel insurance instead, particularly for emergency medical treatment and repatriation.
Does travel insurance cover lost or stolen belongings in India?
JustCover travel insurance includes cover for personal belongings, with limits that vary across Silver, Gold and Black policies. Take reasonable care of your belongings while you travel. If something is lost or stolen, report it to the local police within 24 hours of discovering it and get a copy of the police report for your claim.
Taking an expensive phone, tablet or camera to India? Check your policy’s gadget and single-item limits before you go, and consider whether you need the optional Gadget cover.
Can seniors get travel insurance for a trip to India?
Yes. JustCover has no upper age limit on our policies, so older holidaymakers can apply for travel insurance for India.
Your quote will depend on your circumstances, including your age, trip length and any medical conditions you declare.
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2. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording. Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.