Do You Need Travel Insurance for India?

Wondering about India travel insurance requirements? Travel insurance for India is not mandatory in order to enter the country. However, due to remote areas and to increased risks throughout the country, it's a smart move to purchase travel health insurance for India.

With a wide range of plans on the market, it may be difficult to find the best travel insurance for India. To find the plan that's best for you, first assess the condition of your health then take a look at your travel plans. From there, you can compare plans side by side with our compare tool in order to find the best coverage for India. For travelers with pre-existing conditions, senior travelers and those looking for more complete coverage, a comprehensive plan is the best option. If you are looking for basic coverage at an affordable price, a limited plan may be the way to go.

If you have to travel, here are some Covid safety precautions to take. As of July 26, 2022, only vaccinated travelers are allowed to enter the country and they need to show the proof of vaccination before entry. For the most up-to-date information on Covid restrictions for traveling, please follow CDC guidelines.

If you're planning on visiting the country, consider Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance so that you may recoup some of your costs if you need to cancel, postpone or cut short your original travel plans for any reason, including COVID-19-related concerns.

Do you know the Covid situation for your destination? Keep up with country-specific advisories and notifications.

India is regarded as generally safe for tourists, but safety levels can be hard to predict by destination. It's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and cautious in big crowds. Never leave your personal belongings unattended and keep your money and credit cards secure with a money belt or neck wallet. Female travelers, especially if alone, should be alert at all times, as assault and harassment against women is one of the most common crimes in India.

Scams are also a common crime. Don't allow taxi drivers to take you to a different hotel or overcharge you, watch out for counterfeit tickets for trains or attractions, and avoid making big purchases like gemstones or electronics, as scams tied to expensive items occur regularly.

Though popular tourist destinations are generally considered safe for residents and visitors, some parts of India require increased caution due to unrest and terrorist activity. The India-Pakistani border should be avoided by travelers unless absolutely necessary. It is always advised to get travel insurance to assist in the event of civil unrest or terrorist activity.

Lastly, stomach-related illnesses are common for travelers to India. Transition slowly to eating rich or spicy foods and avoid drinking tap water or consuming anything that could be made with tap water such as ice or ice cream. Wash or sanitize your hands regularly, especially before eating, and pack some over the counter medicines to help with stomach issues in case you do become ill.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before your trip. Here are some common vaccination recommendations for India.

For the most up-to-date information on required vaccinations and other health requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

If you're a citizen or permanent resident of India, Bhutan or Nepal, you do not need a visa or passport to enter India. Additionally, non-residents of India who possess an Overseas Citizen of India registration or Persons of Indian Origin Card do not require a visa. Citizens of Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates can apply for a 60-day visa upon arrival at certain airports.

Citizens of 160 other countries, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, the European Union and the United States, must have a visa to enter India. If traveling to India for personal reasons for 30 days or less, most travelers can apply for an eTourist Visa easily online. Visa costs can range from $0 up to more than $100. Travelers must always have a valid passport to enter the country.