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Travel Insurance (US + India)

Protects a trip and health abroad — trip disruption, travel medical, and medical evacuation. Often required for visas (Schengen mandates ≥EUR 30,000 medical).

Do it on the official site

US: travel insurers + comparison sites (some credit cards include limited cover). India: IRDAI-licensed insurers — policyholder.gov.in

Fees

US typically ~5–10% of total trip cost. India indicative 2026: Europe 10 days ~₹800–₹2,500; US/Canada 10 days ~₹3,500–₹8,000 — get a quote [confirmed ranges, verify]

Processing time

Coverage usually effective immediately/next day; claims after document review

How long it lasts

Single trip or annual multi-trip

What to know first

  • Your home health plan usually won't cover you abroad — travel medical matters; evacuation can exceed $100k–$200k.
  • Buy soon after the first trip payment (some benefits like pre-existing waivers are time-sensitive).
  • Schengen visa requires ≥EUR 30,000 medical cover; 35+ countries require travel insurance.
  • India: buy from an IRDAI-regulated insurer so the Indian ombudsman can handle disputes; non-disclosure of pre-existing conditions is the top reason claims are rejected.

How to do it

  1. 1Buy: enter destination/dates/cost → compare single-trip vs annual + medical/evacuation limits → declare pre-existing conditions → pay → get the visa-compliant certificate.
  2. 2Claim: save receipts + medical/transport docs, notify promptly, get prior authorization from the 24/7 line for evacuations, submit within the deadline.

What you need to bring

  • Buy: passport/visa, traveler + trip details. Claim: policy copy, ID, medical/hospital bills, police report (theft/loss), evacuation pre-auth proof.

In person

Travel insurer / agent; insurer's 24/7 international emergency assistance line

Questions people ask

Does home health insurance work abroad?
Usually not — get travel medical.
Schengen visa?
Requires ≥EUR 30,000 medical cover.
Most common reason claims are rejected?
Not disclosing pre-existing conditions.

Documents that travel with it

Sources

  • travel.state.gov insurance; cdc.gov travel-insurance; policyholder.gov.in travel-insurance (accessed 2026-06-26)