Buy travel insurance to India

 

India is a land of diversity. You’ll find bustling cities and stunning landscapes, ancient history and modern tourist resorts, as well as vibrant colour and yogic tranquillity. Plus, some of the best and most varied cuisine in the world. The country offers so much for travellers, but to make the most of your trip, make sure you have travel insurance for India in place before you leave.

 

Do I need travel insurance for India?

 

Whilst it’s not mandatory for British tourists to have travel insurance to visit India, it can be very helpful if things go wrong.

 

Travel insurance is a cost-effective way to protect yourself against the cost of accidents, losses, and other unexpected mishaps while you’re on holiday. Good travel insurance will help you get a refund if your flights are delayed or cancelled, if your luggage is lost, or if you have belongings stolen.

 

Most importantly, India travel insurance can assist you in getting access to the best medical care in India. And it can help cover the costs of it, should you fall ill or get injured whilst you’re away.

 

Travel insurance can help you travel to India with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protected.

 

How much is travel insurance for India?

 

The cost of travel insurance to India will vary depending on several factors, including:

• Your age – the cost of travel insurance tends to go up as you get older
• Any pre-existing medical conditions you may have
• The length of your stay in India
• The activities you plan on doing while away
• The specific level of cover you may need, as well as any add-ons

 

Asda Money offers a range of options for cheap travel insurance to India. If this will be your only holiday this year, our single-trip travel insurance may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you are planning multiple trips, taking out annual multi-trip cover may be cheaper.

If you are travelling as a family, Asda’s family cover will insure up to 3 kids for free. *

No matter which type of insurance policy you take out, Asda Money offers three levels of cover: Value, Premium and Superior. Each level provides different amounts you can claim for unforeseen events, such as lost luggage, cancellations, medical bills, legal expenses, personal money, and delayed departures.

For example, Asda’s Value cover will pay up to £20 million for medical expenses, £1,000 for lost luggage and up to £1,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

With Asda’s Premium cover, you will be covered up to £25 million for medical expenses, £1,300 for lost or stolen personal belongings, and up to £2,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

Alternatively, Asda’s Superior cover offers unlimited protection for medical costs, £2000 for lost luggage and up to £5000 for cancelling or cutting short your holiday. **

You may also need to take out additional cover for any extreme sports or adventure activities that are not included in your standard policy.

If you are going to India on business or taking expensive personal belongings with you, it may be beneficial for you to consider taking out additional gadget cover or business travel insurance to make sure you have protection in place for expensive items.

To check which policy could be best for you, compare travel insurance options for India to make sure you get the level of cover that’s right for you.

* Up to three kids go free per insured adult, subject to medical screening when you buy direct with us.

** Exclusions and restrictions apply so check your policy documents for full details.

 

How much travel insurance do I need for India?

 

The travel insurance you need for India depends on the cost of your holiday, how long you’ll be away for, the value of the belongings you’ll be taking with you, and what activities you plan to do in India.

 

We offer three levels of cover for India travel insurance, each providing different amounts you can claim for events like lost luggage, cancellations, medical bills, and legal expenses. We also offer optional extras, like gadget cover, so you can travel with the protection you need.

 

Do I need a visa for India?

 

Yes. As a British citizen travelling to India for a holiday, you’ll need to apply for a paper visa online on an e-Visa.

 

These visas will last for 30 days and will allow you to travel within India. Although visa requests are processed quickly – and it can take as little as a few days to get your India visa – you should apply for one as early as possible, to be on the safe side.

What are the entry requirements for India for British citizens?

 

As a UK tourist going to India, you’ll need:

 

• A visa
• A passport that’s valid for at least six months after the date you enter India
• At least two blank pages in your passport – one for visa and one for your exit visa
• To avoid bringing any Indian currency into the country (only Indian citizens can bring Indian currency into India)

 

Entry requirements can change at short notice, so you should check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest information and advice about India before travelling.

 

What will India travel insurance cover?

 

Most standard travel insurance and international insurance for India will cover:

 

• Having to cancel your trip for any valid reason that is specified in your insurance policy, such as having to head home earlier for an emergency
• Medical expenses or the costs of any other emergency treatment
• Repatriation – the cost of bringing you back to the UK
• Lost, stolen, damaged or delayed personal belongings and luggage
• Personal accident cover
• Delayed or cancelled flights
• Cancelled accommodation
• The cost of your trip being prolonged if you need to find accommodation and pay for additional living expenses
• Lost passport – this can come in quite handy as ordering a replacement for a lost or stolen passport when abroad can be quite complicated and costly
• Personal liability cover – this protects you in case you cause injury or damage to another person or their possessions
• Legal expenses

 

All insurance policies will be different, so you read your policy documents thoroughly before purchasing.

 

What isn’t covered by India travel insurance?

 

As with other worldwide travel insurance policies, your travel insurance from the UK to India will come with some exclusions, such as:

 

• Some pre-existing medical conditions are unlikely to be covered by your standard travel insurance policy, so you may have to take out additional cover
• Any pre-existing medical conditions that you did not disclose to your insurer when you took out your policy
• Travelling without the required vaccinations for India
• Cover for unexpected incidents that may occur whilst you are abroad that impact your holiday such as civil unrest, war, earthquakes and/or any other natural disasters unless you’ve taken out additional cover for this
• Cover for injuries or accidents that take place whilst you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Cover for accidents or injuries that take place when taking part in any dangerous activities or extreme sports that are not covered in your policy
• Cover for travel to any specific areas within India that the FCDO has advised against visiting

 

Healthcare in India

 

Healthcare for Brits in India can very much be a mixed bag. While there are many excellent hospitals and medical facilities throughout the country, the quality of care can vary widely depending on where you are and what kind of treatment you need.

 

Public healthcare in India is typically below the standard of public healthcare in the UK, especially outside of major cities where healthcare can be very limited^[1]. Private healthcare can be high quality but is typically expensive. This is why travel insurance can be helpful to cover the costs of healthcare while you’re on holiday.

 

If you do require healthcare in India, insist that you be taken to a private clinic or hospital, if possible. Contact your insurance provider at the earliest possibility, as they may be able to help you get the right care.

 

Is it safe to travel to India?

 

India is a popular travel destination and one that is largely safe for British tourists. But there are areas of India that are less safe than others, and circumstances can change quickly.

 

Travel insurance is one way to help make sure you travel safely, but you should also be aware of the travel risks of a trip to India. Plus, you should check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s (FCDO) travel advice for India before you leave, including safety and security, and regional risks. Be aware that many travel insurance policies won’t cover you if you travel to any areas the FCDO advises against.

 

Tips for travelling to India

 

Follow these India travel tips to make the most of your holiday:

 

Vaccinations

 

It’s a good idea to make sure you’re up-to-date with your immunisations and boosters, including those for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio, before you travel to India. It’s also recommended that you have vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid^[2]. Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about vaccinations at least eight weeks before you leave.

 

Malaria

Malaria is a serious illness caused by a parasite that’s spread by mosquitoes. For most of India, there’s a low risk of malaria. But you should take precautions not to be bitten by mosquitoes, such as covering your skin and using insect repellent.

 

Some areas of India are a higher risk for malaria^[3]. Taking a preventative malaria medication – like atovaquone/proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine – is recommended. Speak to your doctor if you’re travelling to one of these regions.

 

Currency

 

India’s currency is the Indian Rupee. Non-Indian citizens can’t bring Rupees into India^[4], so you can’t exchange currency beforehand, only when you’re already in India. ATMs are becoming more frequent – and many businesses will accept VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards – but you may incur charges for using your cards abroad (check with your bank before you leave).

 

Alcohol

 

Alcohol laws vary by Indian state, and it is banned in some areas of India^[5]. The sale of alcohol can also be temporarily prohibited during national holidays, elections and religious festivals. Check the alcohol laws before you leave for the state(s) you’ll be travelling to.

 

Tipping

 

Tipping isn’t expected in India, but it will be appreciated. If you want to tip, 10% is standard^[6] but you can tip more for exceptional service.

 

Drinking water

 

Don’t drink tap water in India unless it’s been boiled. You should also ask for drinks without ice cubes and avoid salads and fruit that have been washed in tap water. Stick to sealed bottled water.

 

Women travellers in India

 

Attitudes and behaviours towards women vary throughout India, but British tourists have been verbally sexually harassed and physically assaulted (although the latter is rare)^[7]. Stay as safe as possible and avoid putting yourself at risk.

 

LGBTQ+ travellers in India

 

India decriminalised homosexuality in 2018, yet attitudes towards LQBTQ+ people tend to be less tolerant than at home, especially outside of large urban areas^[8].

 

Travel risks in India

 

India is generally a safe country for tourists. There are risks in India though, and you should be aware of them and take necessary precautions. Watch out for:

 

Crime

 

Opportunistic crime does happen in India, especially in busy urban areas^[9]. Don’t leave belongings unattended, beware of pickpockets, and be mindful of scams.

 

Sexual harassment and assault

 

The sexual harassment of foreign women can happen, most often in the form of verbal harassment. Sexual assaults are rarer, but have happened. Take steps to minimise the chances of this, like avoiding being alone, especially at night and/or in isolated areas.

 

Spiking food and drink

 

There have been reports of British tourists having meals and drinks spiked and then being robbed or assaulted^[10]. Just as with at home, keep an eye on your food and drinks, and don’t accept either from strangers.

 

Smoking and e-cigarettes

 

Smoking is prohibited in India in most public spaces. You should only smoke in specially designated smoking areas. E-cigarettes and related vaping products are banned and can’t be brought into India^[11].

 

Illegal drugs

 

The penalties for use, possession, and supply of illegal drugs are harsher in India than at home. Don’t try to bring illegal drugs into the country and don’t buy or use any. Pack your bags yourselves and don’t carry anything for anyone else.

 

Strong sun and high temperatures

 

India can experience very strong sun and temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Avoid strong sun, don’t exert yourself when the temperature is high, keep well hydrated, and apply plenty of sunscreen.

 

Extreme weather and natural disasters

 

India can experience extreme weather events, like monsoon rains and flooding or cyclones and storm surges. Certain areas of India have active fault zones that can cause earthquakes. Understand the weather and natural risks that can happen at the time you’re travelling and in the area you’re going to.

 

To keep up to date on the latest travel advice for India, check the FCDO travel advice for India before you leave.

 

Getting around India

 

India is a vast country, and travelling within India can help make sure you see the sites you most want to visit. Your options for travel in India include:

 

Driving

 

You can hire a car in India with a UK driving licence that’s been held for a minimum of a year, although some car hire companies will require an International Driver's Permit (IDP). But driving in India can be more dangerous at home, as roads are often in worse condition and drivers regularly flout road safety laws and conventions. It’s advised to only drive in India if you’re an experienced and confident driver, and to stay alert on the roads. Read more helpful advice about driving abroad.

 

Buses

 

Buses are widespread in India. They are generally reliable and cheap too, but they’re rarely air-conditioned, can get very busy, and accidents are more common than in the UK. Buses are recommended more for short journeys rather than long-distance travel.

 

Taxis and rickshaws

 

Rickshaws and taxis are common in many cities and can be a cheap and convenient way to get around. There have been incidents of scams and overcharging though^[12], so try to find taxis and rickshaws at official ranks rather than hailing them in the street. You can order from your hotel too. Ride-hailing companies – like Uber and Ola – are also available in many Indian cities.

 

Trains

 

India is famous for its trains, and the country is blessed by a widespread and comprehensive rail network. Taking train trips can be a great, and memorable, way of travelling larger distances in India. It’s recommended to book first or second class tickets to make sure you travel in comfort^[13].

 

Flights

 

India has a great internal flight network. Flying will often be the quickest way to make larger trips within the country.

 

[1] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/health

[2] https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/india#Vaccine_Recommendations

[3] https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/india#Malaria

[4] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/entry-requirements

[5] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

[6] https://www.tripsavvy.com/tipping-in-india-1458315

[7] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

[8] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

[9] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

[10] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

[11] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/possession-of-e-cigarettes-violation-of-law-health-ministry/articleshow/104108529.cms?from=mdr

[12] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

[13] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security

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