Travel Insurance: Your Key to Stress-Free International Adventures

Planning an international trip in 2025? Travel insurance is a non-negotiable for a worry-free journey.

Whether you’re exploring Europe’s Schengen zone, trekking in Asia, or relaxing in the Americas, unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage can derail your plans.

A robust travel insurance policy ensures you’re covered, offering peace of mind to focus on creating unforgettable memories.

Why International Travel Insurance Matters?

Traveling internationally can present unique challenges. The cost of medical care abroad can be exorbitant, particularly in Europe or the Americas. A hospital visit in the US could cost $10,000. 

Plane cancellations and lost luggage can cause major disruptions, while visas in areas like the Schengen Area require insurance. Schengen countries, for example, require that you have at least EUR30,000 of medical coverage. 

Travel insurance can mitigate these risks by covering medical emergencies, interruptions of trips, and much more. In India, it is often available for as little as Rs 30/day.

What to look for in a Coverage?

Prioritize these features when choosing a policy for travel insurance:

• Medical Insurance: Includes hospitalization, doctor’s visits, and emergency evacuation up to $1,000,000 for comprehensive plans.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Reimburses non-refundable expenses (up to 100% of trip cost) for cancellations due to illness, family emergencies, or natural disasters.
• Baggage & Personal Effects : Compensation for lost, stolen or delayed luggage.
• Flight delays: Covers costs like meals or accommodation if a flight is delayed (often 6-12 hours).
• Personal liability: Protects you against damage or injury caused by others.
• Adventure Sports : Add-ons to activities such as trekking or skiing that are essential for destinations like Thailand and New Zealand.
• 24/7 assistance: Provides emergency support in unfamiliar areas.

Destination-Specific Considerations

Asia

Flexible insurance is needed to accommodate the diversity of Asia, from bustling cities such as Singapore to remote trails like Nepal. Japan’s medical costs can be very high.

Southeast Asia’s visa on arrival policies (e.g. Thailand) may not require insurance, but they do benefit from it. Plan coverage should include:

• Medical emergencies (e.g. dengue fever in tropical regions).
• Monsoons and political unrest can cause trip cancellations.
• Baggage losses are common in transit hubs such as Bangkok.

Europe

Schengen countries (26 nations including France, Germany and Italy) require travel insurance with EUR30,000 of medical coverage valid in all member states. Insurance is also recommended by non-Schengen countries, such as the UK. The following are the most important needs:

• Medical coverage is high for expensive healthcare systems.
• Strikes or weather disruptions can cause trip interruptions.
• Lost passports are a common problem in tourist areas.

Americas

Comprehensive coverage is essential for the US and Canada, which have some of world’s most expensive medical costs. Latin American countries such as Brazil or Ecuador might require insurance to process visas. Prioritize:

• Emergency Medical Evacuation (up to $1 Million).
• Coverage of adventure activities (e.g. hiking in Peru).
• Hurricanes and political instability can cause cancellation of travel.

Top International Travel Insurance Providers for 2025

You can find a list of leading providers that offer comprehensive coverage in Asia, Europe and the Americas.

1. Policybazaar

Policybazaar, a leading Indian comparison platform for travel insurance policies, offers policies as low as Rs30/day. It aggregates top insurers such as ICICI and Reliance General to offer:

• Medical coverage: up to Rs50 lakh in emergencies including cashless hospitalization.
• Trip Insurance: 100% refund for delays or cancellations.
• Loss of luggage and passports : up to $1,000 in compensation for lost luggage.
• Destinations: Customized plans for Asia, Schengen countries and the Americas with visa-compliant coverage.
• Why Choose ? : Easy comparison online, customizable add-ons, 24/7 assistance, and customizable options (e.g. adventure sports). Ideal for Indian travellers looking for affordable and comprehensive options.

2. InsureMyTrip

InsureMyTrip is a US aggregator that allows travelers to compare quotes with providers such as Nationwide and Seven Corners. This is perfect for travelers who need flexible plans.

• Medical coverage: up to $1,000,000, including evacuation and return.
• Cancellation of Trip: 100% refund on trip costs with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR).
• Features: Policy for seniors up to age 80 and pre-existing condition (with waivers).
• Destinations: Plans for Asia, Europe and the Americas with Schengen-compliant options.
• Why Choose ? : Wide provider network, user reviews and flexible policies.

3. Tata AIG

Tata AIG provides comprehensive international travel insurance, including plans such as International Plus for Asia or Schengen-compliant policy for Europe.

• Medical coverage: up to $5000, including cashless hospitalizations and dental emergencies.
• Trip protection: Covers delays, cancellations and missed connections up to $1500.
• Lost Baggage or Passport: up to $750 in compensation for items or documents.
• Destinations: Specific plans for Asia (e.g., Japan, Thailand), Europe (Schengen-compliant), and the Americas (US, Canada).
• Why choose?: Premium Calculator for tailored quotes, Student Plans for Study Abroad, and 24/7 Claim Support (+91-22-68227600 if you are not in the US, +1-833 440-1575 if you are from the US).

4. HDFC ERGO

HDFC ERGO offers affordable travel insurance plans (starting at Rs 31/day), with comprehensive coverage for international travel.

• Medical Insurance: Coverage up to Rs 1 crore including evacuation in case of emergency and repatriation.
• Trip Insurance: Covers non-refundable costs for cancellations and interruptions.
• Baggage & Passport : Maximum $1,000 in losses with additional costs for passport reconstruction.
• Destinations : Schengen policies, Asia-specific plans, and comprehensive Americas coverage.
• Why choose? Over 1 lakh cashless hospital, no medical testing, and family floater plan for up to twenty members.

Note : Required for 34 countries including the US, UAE and Schengen nations.

5. Bajaj Allianz

Bajaj Allianz has flexible plans such as Travel Asia Flair, Travel Family and Travel Family starting at Rs 13/day.

• Medical coverage: up to Rs50 lakh with cashless treatments and senior-specific plans (61-67 years).
• Trip protection: Covers delays, cancellations and missed flights up to $1,000.
• Baggage & Passport : Losses up to $500, plus personal liability insurance.
• Destinations: Tailored for Asia, Europe (Schengen-compliant), and the Americas, with student-specific plans.
• Why choose?: Affordable family plans with adventure sports add-ons to destinations such as New Zealand.

Practical Tips for Choosing and Using Travel Insurance

1. Compare Plans : Compare coverage, rates, and exclusions using platforms such as Policybazaar and InsureMyTrip. If you have an itinerary, check for Schengen-compliant policies or adventure sports add-ons.
2. Buy Insurance Early : To maximize your coverage, purchase insurance as soon as you book (e.g. for cancellations).
3. Exclusions Pre-existing conditions or high-risk activities may not be covered. Specific destinations, such as war zones, are also excluded.
4. Carry policy details: Keep digital copies and hard copies of your insurance policy to access quickly in an emergency.
5. Leverage credit cards Some cards, such as HDFC and ICICI, offer travel insurance built in, but the coverage is only active if you use that card to book.
6. Check Visa requirements: Countries such as Cuba, Qatar and Schengen countries require insurance for visa processing.
7. Use Aggregators InsureMyTrip, SquareMouth and other providers offer quotes to help you find the best rates.

How to Purchase and File Claims
Purchasing:

Purchasing

• You can also use aggregators such as InsureMyTrip or provider websites like Policybazaar and Tata AIG.
• Enter trip details (destination, dates, travelers’ ages).
• Choose a plan, then add on extras (e.g. adventure sports).
• Online payment and policy documents sent via email

Claims:

• Call the 24/7 helpline of your insurer (e.g. Tata AIG, +91-22-68227600 if you are not in the US).
• Documents such as medical bills, receipts for flight cancellations or police reports about lost items are acceptable.
• Cashless payment options are available for medical emergencies. Claims can be processed in a matter of days.

Travel insurance isn’t just for protection. It’s also about giving you the confidence to explore. The right insurance policy will ensure that your trip is successful, whether you are in Japan to chase cherry blossoms, admiring the Eiffel tower, or hiking Machu Picchu.