As of 11 March 2022, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all travel to:

• the immediate vicinity of the border with Pakistan, other than at Wagah
• Jammu and Kashmir, except for (i) travel within the city of Jammu, (ii) travel by air to the city of Jammu, and (iii) travel within the Union Territory of Ladakh
• The tourist destinations of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Sonamarg, the city of Srinagar and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway are also within the areas where the FCDO advises against all travel.

India is a truly diverse travel destination, from its majestic mountains to colourful markets, flavourful food and spiritual retreats, this beautiful country offers a holiday like no other. To ensure you have total peace of mind during your trip, it is recommended to invest in quality travel insurance.

Do I need travel insurance for India?

While it is not mandatory to have travel insurance to visit India, it is strongly recommended.

As the quality of healthcare in India may not meet UK standards, having travel insurance will ensure you can access the best medical treatment available should you fall ill on holiday.

Having holiday insurance for your trip to India will also cover you for any other eventualities, such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, and cash theft.

How much is travel insurance to India?

The cost of travel insurance to India will vary depending on the level of cover you choose, the type of policy you need and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.

The type of insurance cover you need will depend on the nature of your holiday. If India will be your only holiday this year, then single-trip travel insurance may be the best option for you, however, if you are planning multiple trips, then annual multi-trip cover may work out cheaper. Asda Money also offers family travel cover, which puts your entire family on one policy to help keep costs down.

It is recommended to source a variety of travel insurance quotes for India to ensure you are getting the most comprehensive cover at the most affordable price for you.

How to choose travel insurance for India?

When it comes to travel insurance, destinations are grouped into different area bandings. If you’re looking for a single trip policy to India, we’ll be able to cover just that country. If you need annual multi-trip travel insurance, India is covered under

You will need to select the level of cover that is right for you. Asda travel insurance offers three levels of cover: Value, Premium and Superior.  

Each level of cover will give you different amounts you can claim for incidents, such as cancellations, delayed departures, medical bills and legal expenses. For example, Asda’s Value cover will pay up to £20 million for medical expenses, while Asda’s Superior cover offers unlimited protection for medical costs.

To work out the level of cover you need, calculate the value of your holiday and how much you would need to cover the costs of unforeseen events such as cancellations and medical bills.

What does India Travel Insurance cover?

A holiday to India is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Typically, you will need worldwide travel insurance which includes the following:

• Medical cover: public healthcare facilities vary across India, with rural areas offering lower standards or inadequate healthcare. Private hospitals in India are usually the highest quality but this comes with a hefty price tag which travel insurance can help you cover.
• Lost, stolen and damaged luggage/passports: wherever you travel, you need to be aware of pickpocketing and bag snatching. Stay alert and make sure your possessions have the right level of cover.
• Holiday cancellation cover: travelling to India is expensive, so make sure your travel insurance covers the cost of your holiday should you have to cancel for unforeseen circumstances. This is similar to flight delays and cancellations, although the airline won’t refund you, travel insurance can help cover the costs.

What isn't covered?

Some common exclusions include:

• Pre-existing medical conditions sometimes will require you to go with a specialist provider. It is important to declare any pre-existing conditions when applying for travel insurance quotes.
• Drugs and alcohol: you won’t be covered for claims where your judgement was impaired by drugs or alcohol. It’s important to remember that alcohol is prohibited in certain Indian states and the possession of even a small amount of drugs can land you in prison for 6 months.
• Injuries or accidents from high-risk activities: before taking part in any activities or sports you should check your policy to see what is covered. Some extreme activities and sports will require you to take out a specific policy.
• When travelling to India, it is crucial to be aware of the presence of active terrorist groups. Tourist hotspots are particularly vulnerable to attacks. To ensure your safety, it is advisable to regularly check the FCDO website for any potential threats in the area you plan to visit.
• It is important to take out travel insurance that covers you specifically for weather disruption as India has a monsoon season and other areas are prone to certain natural disasters.

Finally, if you decide to travel to India against FCDO advice your cover could be invalidated

Is it safe travel to India?

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is currently advising against travel to parts of India, so it is strongly recommended that you check the FCDO website regularly for the latest information.

It is recommended you visit your healthcare professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure you are up to date with the required vaccinations and determine if you need a booster for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid. According to the Travel Health Pro website, you may also need to discuss other vaccinations, such as Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis and Rabies.

Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent in India. Mosquitoes carry the risk of Malaria, a serious illness that are you unable to be vaccinated against. The Travel Health Pro website has some great advice on what to do to try and avoid being bitten and the treatment you need to seek if you are.

It is strongly advised to avoid drinking tap water in India, this also means avoiding fruits, salads and iced drinks. Stick to bottled water to stay hydrated and for brushing your teeth. It is also recommended you avoid eating raw food and ensure that any food you eat is piping hot.

As India is divided into states, it is recommended you familiarise yourself with the laws to ensure you adhere to all local regulations, especially local laws around drinking alcohol, drugs are prohibited everywhere. 

To stay safe, it's recommended that you avoid travelling alone in India as you may become a target of crime. Pickpocketing is a common type of crime in the country, so it's best to follow the FCDO's advice and refrain from solo travel in taxis, rickshaws, and public transport. This will prevent giving any opportunities for pickpockets and other thieves who may attempt to snatch your bags or valuables.

For added safety measures, it's advisable to make photocopies of all your important documents and IDs before travelling and back them online in case the physical copies get lost or stolen. Keep your valuables hidden under your clothing rather than in your pockets. Also, remember that you'll need a police report to file a travel insurance claim in the unfortunate event of loss or theft.

Do I need a visa for India?

Yes, you will need a visa to enter India.

If you're travelling to India for a holiday only and are a British citizen, you are eligible to apply for an e-Visa online.  

To avoid any last-minute hassles, it is crucial to apply for your visa well in advance of your trip. This will ensure that you have all the necessary documentation ready.

You will also need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date in India and that you have at least two blank pages on your passport for your visa on entry and exit.

Healthcare for Brits in India

Healthcare for Brits in India can be a bit of 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. Many Brits who travel to India for medical tourism or other reasons find that the healthcare system is generally quite good and affordable, especially compared to the UK.

However, it's always important to do your research and make sure you're getting the best possible care for your needs. If you're planning a trip to India and need medical treatment, be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what kind of coverage you have and whether you need to purchase additional travel insurance.

If you are looking for cheap travel insurance to India, head to Asda Money Travel Insurance for a free no-obligation quote and compare travel insurance options to India to be confident you are getting the most value for money.

Top Travel Insurance India FAQs:

Do I need travel insurance for travelling in India?

Whilst it’s not mandatory to have travel insurance in India, it is strongly advised.

As the quality of healthcare in India may not meet UK standards, having travel insurance can help you ensure you have access to the best medical treatment should you fall ill.

Having travel insurance can also help cover you for any over eventualities such as flight cancellations, lost luggage, and theft.

What travel documents do I need for the UK to India?

You need a visa to travel to India, there are a variety of visa categories in India, so it is crucial to make sure you pick the right one.