Tips to find best travel insurance
Tips to find good and adequate international travel health insurance.
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According to the UNWTO 2018 Report, 51% of Global Travellers are on their way to Europe…Europe enjoys the distinction of being the continent of choice for the global traveller for many years now. Given the many breathtakingly beautiful destinations and the moderate climate throughout the year makes Europe an attractive destination for any traveller. However from an insurance perspective, Europe remains one of the costliest geographies for medical treatment. This is because of the strong Euro currency and continuously rising medical inflation.
While Travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for International travel (except to the Schengen countries in Europe), it is highly recommended that the traveller treats an insurance policy as a mandatory part of their travel documents just like the air ticket, visa or foreign exchange. It is most definitely necessary given the significantly high costs of medical treatment abroad apart from the other non medical risks like Personal Liability or Missed Flights or Baggage and Passport losses that could inadvertently happen and ruin an otherwise well planned holiday. The traveller must understand that the insurance policy is in place post completion of immigration at an Indian port/airport and hence any emergency even at an early stage of the trip is covered.
While it is true that across the world emergency medical care is provided to a patient irrespective of the status of their insurance coverage, the hospital/medical establishment does seek to recover the costs related to the emergency care from the patient post recovery. Hence the traveller could land up with a sizeable medical bill to pay irrespective of their insurance coverage and hence it is advisable to have an insurance policy in place to offer financial support at a critical time like this.
Compare the healthcare and hospitalization costs in foreign nations and other popular Indian tourist destinations across the globe. Healthcare costs are extremely high in most foreign countries and it is important to buy good overseas travel health while traveling outside India.
| Medical procedure | USA | Costa Rica | India | Jordan | S. Korea | Mexico | Israel | Thailand | Malaysia | Poland | Singapore | Turkey |
| Heart Bypass | $123,000 | $27,000 | $7,900 | $14,400 | $26,000 | $27,000 | $28,000 | $15,000 | $12,100 | $14,000 | $17,200 | $13,900 |
| Angioplasty | $28,200 | $13,800 | $5,700 | $5,000 | $17,700 | $10,400 | $7,500 | $4,200 | $8,000 | $5,300 | $13,400 | $4,800 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $170,000 | $30,000 | $9,500 | $14,400 | $39,900 | $28,200 | $28,500 | $17,200 | $13,500 | $19,000 | $16,900 | $17,200 |
| Hip Replacement | $40,364 | $13,600 | $7,200 | $8,000 | $21,000 | $13,500 | $36,000 | $17,000 | $8,000 | $5,500 | $13,900 | $13,900 |
| Hip Resurfacing | $28,000 | $13,200 | $9,700 | $9,000 | $19,500 | $12,500 | $20,100 | $13,500 | $12,500 | $9,200 | $16,350 | $10,100 |
| Knee Replacement | $35,000 | $12,500 | $6,600 | $9,500 | $17,500 | $12,900 | $25,000 | $14,000 | $7,700 | $8,200 | $16,000 | $10,400 |
| Spinal Fusion | $110,000 | $15,700 | $10,300 | $10,000 | $16,900 | $15,400 | $33,500 | $9,500 | $6,000 | $6,200 | $12,800 | $16,800 |
| Dental Treatment | $2,500 | $800 | $900 | $900 | $1,350 | $900 | $1,200 | $1,720 | $1,500 | $925 | $2,700 | $1,100 |
| Gastric Bypass | $25,000 | $12,900 | $7,000 | $7,500 | $10,900 | $11,500 | $24,000 | $16,800 | $9,900 | $9,750 | $13,700 | $13,800 |
| Hysterectomy | $15,400 | $6,900 | $3,200 | $6,600 | $10,400 | $4,500 | $14,500 | $3,650 | $4,200 | $2,200 | $10,400 | $7,000 |
| Figs in $ USD | Switzerland | Spain | UK | India |
| MRI Scan | 503 | 788 | 175 | |
| Day in Hospital as an Inpatient | 4,781 | 424 | 200 | |
| Appendix Surgery | 6,040 | 2,003 | 9,000 | 1,500 |
| Cataract Surgery | 2,114 | 1,719 | 3,145 | 300 |
| Bypass Surgery | 34,224 | 14,579 | 24,059 | 8,000 |
| Knee Replacement | 20,132 | 6,686 | 18,481 | 4,500 |
| Source - International Federation of Health Plans / Indicure |
| Insurance Plan Comparison** | Insured's Age | USA Inbound Insurer Premium in $ USD | USA Inbound Insurer Premium in ₹ INR | Indian Insurer Premium in ₹ INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Coverage - $500,000 + Duration is 90 days | Age 46 years | $367 - $396 | 25,690 - 27,720 | 10,865 - 13,004 |
| Age 61 years | $683 - $803 | 47,810 – 56,210 | 21,867 - 26,596 | |
| Please note - Deductible under USA Plan is $250 ; India Plan is $100 | ||||
** - The premiums captured above are actual premiums available on the USA Visitor Insurance website…please note that the coverages apart from the Accident & Sickness cover of $500,000 needs to be reviewed before opting for your policy.
Indian overseas travel insurance provides comprehensive protection for travelers against a wide range of risks and unforeseen expenses while traveling abroad. Key benefits include:
Medical Coverage:
Travel-Related Protections:
Personal Accident and Liability:
Additional Benefits:
COVID-19 Coverage:
Ease of Purchase and Claims:
| Benefit Type | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospitalization, emergency care, dental, evacuation, repatriation |
| Trip Cancellation/Delay | Refunds for non-refundable bookings, compensation for delays |
| Baggage Loss/Delay | Reimbursement for lost/delayed baggage and emergency purchases |
| Passport Loss | Financial help for replacement and related costs |
| Personal Accident | Compensation for accidental death/disability |
| Personal Liability | Legal expenses for injury/damage to others |
| Emergency Assistance | 24x7 support, cash advance, home burglary cover |
| COVID-19 Coverage | Included in most plans |
Indian overseas travel insurance is an essential safeguard, ensuring financial protection and peace of mind while traveling internationally.
Medical costs for regular ailments and emergency treatments vary significantly across countries, impacting travel insurance pricing and coverage requirements. Below is a summary of comparative data and trends from recent global reports and insurance claim analyses.
United States: Remains the most expensive country for healthcare, with median costs for procedures (e.g., coronary bypass at $89,094) far exceeding those in other developed countries.
Canada, Australia, Germany, Norway: Also report high costs, especially for non-residents or private care.
Asia (Thailand, China, Japan): While some treatments are less costly, private hospital costs for tourists can be significant, and Thailand ranks high in travel insurance claim costs.
Europe: Costs are generally lower than in North America, but private care for non-residents can still be substantial, especially in countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Germany.
Prescription Drugs: The US leads in high drug prices (e.g., insulin at $412 vs. $55 in Greece).
The USA, Canada, and Peru have the highest average medical claim costs for travelers, with Greece, Indonesia, and New Zealand also ranking high. Emergency claims can reach six figures, especially for incidents requiring surgery or medical evacuation. The most frequent claims are for Accidents, Acute Illnesses, and Hospitalizations, which can quickly escalate in cost depending on the country.
Factors Driving Cost Differences
Travelers should be aware that medical costs for routine and emergency care can be extremely high in certain countries, particularly the USA, Canada, and Australia. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential to mitigate these risks, especially when visiting countries known for expensive medical care.
Cost-Effective: Travel insurance plans bought in India are generally more affordable compared to buying them from foreign insurers. Indian insurance companies tailor plans to suit the needs and budget of Indian travelers.
Mandatory for Visa Applications : For many countries—especially in the Schengen zone, Russia, Turkey, and others—travel insurance is a visa requirement. Purchasing it from India ensures it meets the consular requirements (coverage limits, medical benefits, etc.).
Medical Emergency Coverage : Medical costs abroad, especially in countries like the USA or Europe, are extremely expensive. This is perhaps the most important reason for ensuring you are protected by Travel Insurance when leaving India.
Protection Against Trip Disruptions : Policies often include reimbursement for:
24/7 Global Assistance : Indian insurers provide 24/7 emergency assistance services globally, including help with hospital admissions, cashless treatment, or even emergency evacuation.
Avoid Foreign Exchange Costs : Paying in Indian Rupees (INR) avoids foreign transaction fees or fluctuating currency rates that you’d incur if buying from an overseas insurer.
Tips to find good and adequate international travel health insurance.
Know more »Comparison of overseas Healthcare cost and popular tourist destinations.
Know more »How to use visitor insurance in case of sudden sickness and accidents.
Know more »Visa free countries for Indians - Check, list of visa free countries where Indian passport holders can travel without visa.
Know more »Indian passport holders have the benefit of visa on arrival in different countries – find travel insurance suitable for visa on arrival.
Know more »You can buy insurance online by using a credit/debit card, UPI, direct funds transfer using NEFT or RTGS or by using a cheque.
Know more »Travelers who have already traveled from India and do not have insurance can buy travel medical insurance after approval.
Know more »Insurance customers can renew their existing policy online before the exipry date at any time.
Know more »In case of a claim or reimbursement of treatment expenses, notify by contacting them.
Know more »Tips on Air Travel – Safety, Comfort and Wellness. Air travel tips for first time.
Know more »Are travel insurance directly billed or is it reimbursement basis, is there a hospital network.
Know more »How to use Indian visitor insurance in case of sudden sickness and accidents
Know more »Comparison of healthcare cost in Indian and other popular Indian tourist destinations
Know more »Tips to find good and adequate international travel insurance from finest insurance companies in India
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