Best Travel Insurance for India: Review of Options in Australia [2025]

While not always considered a primary destination for Aussies heading abroad, recent statistics place Australia within the top five source countries for tourist arrivals in India.¹ Whether for a spiritual pilgrimage to one of India’s many ashrams, a chance to explore and soak up its rich history and culture, or to indulge in its delicious cuisine, India has much to offer.

If a holiday to India is on your must-do list, it’s important to ensure you’re properly prepared. From packing appropriate clothing to arranging travel funds and obtaining adequate travel insurance, being prepared for anything can help to ensure your trip is as enjoyable as possible.

In this guide, we break down why travel insurance is a must-have for India and highlight the top providers, policy options, and essential inclusions, so you can choose the right coverage that fits both your needs and your budget. We'll also introduce to you Wise Travel Card that can help you save on international transactions with currency conversions at mid-market exchange rates.

Table of contents
5 providers for travel insurance for India 1. Allianz 2. Insure&Go 3. Cover-More 4. Budget Direct 5. Bupa Travel Insurance

Do you need travel insurance for India?

While travel insurance for India is not mandatory, it is very strongly recommended. Aside from endemic mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika, Malaria, and Dengue being somewhat widespread, waterborne, foodborne, and parasitic infections are also quite common.²

Should you need to access medical care for an illness related to these or due to an unexpected accident or emergency, it's vital to ensure you can afford this help. The standard of medical facilities and care varies throughout India, with major cities offering better support than regional areas. Regardless, you may be asked to pay for any care upfront or require medical evacuation to secure the level of care you need. As such, it is advisable to never depart for a trip to India without at least medical travel insurance.

Comprehensive insurance for theft, cancellations, travel delays, and more is also worthwhile, as petty theft and unpredictable weather are also known concerns for travellers in India.²

What is the best travel insurance for India from Australia?

There’s no single ‘best’ travel insurance policy for India, as what works best depends on your unique travel plans and personal circumstances. Factors such as your age, trip duration, planned activities, and any existing medical conditions all play a role in finding the right cover.

To find the best fit for your needs, when comparing travel insurance options for India, we suggest looking at the following:

• Make sure the policy covers your age group and the full duration of your stay
• Check if the policy includes cover for family members or companions, or if they need to be added
• Understand how the insurer handles pre-existing conditions, as while some may cover them automatically, others might require medical assessments or charge extra
• India offers a mix of cultural experiences and adventures, so ensure your policy covers the types of activities you plan to engage in
• Know how much excess you'll pay if you make a claim and when this needs to be paid
• India’s healthcare system varies greatly, so make sure your policy offers sufficient cover for emergency treatment and medical repatriation
• Choose an insurer with 24/7 emergency assistance

How much does travel insurance for India cost?

Just like with any international trip, the cost of travel insurance for India will vary based on your specific travel plans and coverage needs. For instance, if you’re over 65 or have multiple pre-existing medical conditions, your premium is likely to be higher. The same goes for extended stays or trips involving different types of activities.

Ultimately, the right policy depends on the level of cover you're comfortable with and the type of experience you’re planning in India.

5 providers for travel insurance for India

To help you compare travel insurance for India and find a policy that suits your needs, we’ve outlined some options from some leading Australian insurers. Whether you’re looking for affordable travel insurance for India or prefer a policy that offers broader protection at a competitive price, there are plenty of choices available.

To give you a clearer picture of how coverage can vary, our comparison includes a review of both a basic policy and a comprehensive plan with each insurer.

1. Allianz

Allianz has been insuring Australians across various industries for over a century and is recognised globally as an Olympic partner and a preferred insurer of Westpac.³ When it comes to travel insurance for India and beyond, Allianz offers:

• Flexible policy tiers to suit different budgets and travel needs
• Wide activity cover included as standard—great for adventurous trips around India
• Customisable item limits, allowing you to tailor coverage for valuables like tech or jewellery

Coverage	Basic Plan⁴	Comprehensive Plan⁴
Overseas Emergency Medical Expenses and Hospital Costs (including incidentals and dental)	AUD 20 million	AUD 20 million
Overseas Emergency Assistance (including repatriation)	AUD 20 million	AUD 20 million
Luggage and Travel Documents	Nil	AUD 10 000 for luggage AUD 5000 for documents
Travel Delay	Nil	AUD 2000
Cancellation	Depends on level of cover chosen	Depends on level of cover chosen
Personal liability	AUD 2.5 million	AUD 5 million
Moto and adventure activity cover	Optional add-on	Optional add-on

Please note: Coverage limits are subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions as outlined in the PDS.

As seen 04 April 2025

2. Insure&Go

While not yet as widely known as some larger insurers, Insure&Go positions itself as a specialist in online travel insurance and it is fast gaining recognition. Backed by the Finder 2024 Award for ‘Trusted Brand - Travel Insurance’, Insure&Go offers⁵:

• 24/7 access to a global emergency assistance network, ideal for travel in India and beyond
• Three flexible levels of cover, making it easy to match your budget and travel plans
• Simple online claims process, with support via live chat or email if you need help

Coverage	Silver Plan⁶	Gold Plan⁶
Overseas Medical Expenses and Repatriation Costs	Unlimited coverage	Unlimited coverage
Overseas Emergency Dental	AUD 500	AUD 500
Hospital Incidentals	AUD 2500	AUD 5000
Luggage and personal effects	AUD 6000	AUD 15 000
Travel Delay	AUD 1000	AUD 3000
Cancellation	AUD 15 000	Unlimited
Personal liability	AUD 2.5 million	AUD 5 million
Moto and adventure activity cover	Covered but with some exclusions, check PDS	Covered but with some exclusions, check PDS

Please note: Coverage limits are subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions as outlined in the PDS.

As seen 04 April 2025

3. Cover-More

One of Australia’s most recognised travel insurers, Cover-More brings over 35 years of experience and insures around 15 million travellers globally each year. As specialists in travel insurance, they offer strong, reliable support which is ideal for trips to India. Their features include:

• 24/7 emergency and medical assistance, supported by specialised centres in Australia, the UK, Canada, and Argentina
• Customisable policies, allowing you to adjust coverage limits and add extras like adventure or tech protection
• Multiple levels of cover, making it easy to find a plan that suits your budget and travel style

Coverage	Basic Plan⁸	Comprehensive Plan⁸
Overseas Medical Expenses and Repatriation Costs	Unlimited coverage	Unlimited coverage
Overseas Emergency Dental	AUD 2000	AUD 2000
Hospital Incidentals	Nil	AUD 6000
Luggage and Travel Documents	Nil	AUD 5000
Travel Delay	Nil	AUD 2000
Cancellation	Depends on level of cover chosen	Depends on level of cover chosen
Personal liability	AUD 1.5 million	AUD 2.5 million
Moto and adventure activity cover	Optional add-on	Optional add-on

Please note: Coverage limits are subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions as outlined in the PDS.

As seen 04 April 2025

4. Budget Direct

Known for offering award-winning insurance at competitive prices, Budget Direct provides a range of policies, including travel insurance, designed to balance value with essential coverage.⁹ For Australians heading to India, their travel insurance includes:

• 24/7 emergency and medical assistance, with access to a global network of doctors, nurses, case managers, and travel agents
• Flexible upgrade options, so you can customise your policy to suit your itinerary and personal needs
• Online discounts and a straightforward online claims process, making it easy to manage your cover from anywhere

Coverage	Essentials Plan¹⁰	Comprehensive Plan¹⁰
Overseas Medical Expenses and Repatriation Costs	Unlimited coverage	Unlimited coverage
Overseas Emergency Dental	AUD 1000	AUD 2000
Hospital Incidentals	AUD 2000	AUD 5000
Luggage and personal effects	AUD 5000	AUD 10 000
Travel Delay	AUD 1000	AUD 2000
Cancellation	AUD 5000 (can be adjusted)	AUD 10 000 (can be adjusted)
Personal liability	AUD 2.5 million	AUD 5 million
Moto and adventure activity cover	Moto and some activities included, optional add-on for other activities	Moto and some activities included, optional add-on for other activities

Please note: Coverage limits are subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions as outlined in the PDS.

As seen 04 April 2025

5. Bupa Travel Insurance

Best known for private health insurance in Australia, Bupa also offers award-winning travel insurance with a strong focus on medical support, making it a worthwhile consideration for travel to India.¹¹ Their travel cover includes:

• 24/7 access to in-house medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and case managers for round-the-clock assistance
• A 21-day cooling-off period after purchase, giving you time to review and change your policy if needed
• Adjustable cancellation cover, so you can align your protection with the value of your trip

Coverage	Essentials Plan¹²	Comprehensive Plan¹²
Overseas Medical Expenses and Repatriation Costs	Unlimited coverage	Unlimited coverage
Overseas Emergency Dental	AUD 2000	AUD 2000
Hospital Incidentals	AUD 5000	AUD 5000
Luggage and personal effects	Nil	AUD 12 000
Travel Delay	Nil	AUD 2000
Cancellation	Depends on level of cover chosen	Depends on level of cover chosen
Personal liability	Nil	AUD 5 million
Moto and adventure activity cover	Optional add-on	Optional add-on

Please note: Coverage limits are subject to terms, conditions, and exclusions as outlined in the PDS.

As seen 04 April 2025

Things to keep in mind

Traveling in India can be an incredible experience, but it’s important to be mindful of health and safety due to the country's unpredictability. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Food & Water Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice, as water contamination is common. To prevent foodborne illnesses, eat freshly cooked meals from reputable restaurants and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
• Air Quality: Major cities like Delhi can experience significant air pollution, which can affect respiratory health. Travellers with sensitivities should consider wearing a mask, especially during high pollution days. If you have pre-existing respiratory issues like asthma, ensure you declare this condition when purchasing your policy.
• General Safety: While India is generally safe, be aware of pickpocketing, scams, and traffic hazards. Stay vigilant and ensure your insurance covers you against these risks.

Heading to India? Get more INR for your AUD with the Wise card

When planning your trip, it's crucial to consider how you'll spend in India. High foreign transaction fees or unfavorable exchange rates can quickly inflate your travel costs. The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 7x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.

Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up AUD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in AUD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.

Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.

🚀 Get your Wise card

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This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected Australian banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://boost-dividend.live/au/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E

Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1. Statista - India Foreign Arrivals
2. Smartraveller - India
3. Allianz - About
4. Allianz - Table Of Benefits pg. 8 - 14
5. Insure&Go - About
6. Insure&Go - Policy Comparison pg. 11-12, 43-46
7. Cover-More - About
8. Cover-More - Policy Comparison
9. Budget Direct - About
10. Budget Direct - Policy Comparison pg. 4
11. Bupa - About
12. Bupa - Benefits Table pg. 3-9

Sources checked on: 04 April 2025