travel insurance plans for international trips from India with covid cover

travel insurance plans for international trips from India with covid cover

Key Aspects to Look for in a Plan with COVID-19 Coverage:

• Medical Expenses due to COVID-19: The policy should explicitly cover hospitalization and treatment costs if you contract COVID-19 during your international trip. Look for the coverage limit.
• Trip Cancellation/Interruption due to COVID-19: Some policies offer coverage if your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to you or a close family member contracting COVID-19 before or during the trip. This might include reimbursement for non-refundable bookings.
• Quarantine Expenses: Check if the policy covers accommodation and living expenses if you are required to quarantine due to testing positive for COVID-19 in a foreign country.
• Automatic Extension: Some policies might automatically extend your coverage if you areQuarantined due to COVID-19 and cannot return on your scheduled date.
• Repatriation: In unfortunate circumstances, the policy should cover the cost of repatriating your remains if death occurs due to COVID-19.

Leading Travel Insurance Providers in India Offering COVID-19 Coverage (as of May 2025):

Many major travel insurance providers in India now include some form of COVID-19 coverage in their international travel insurance plans. Here are some prominent ones you can explore online:

• HDFC Ergo: Their “Explorer” international travel insurance plan explicitly mentions coverage for COVID-19 hospitalization. They have a wide network of cashless hospitals globally.
• ICICI Lombard: Their international travel insurance policy also covers COVID-19 related hospitalization expenses, trip cancellation (if an immediate family member is hospitalized due to COVID-19), and daily hospital cash allowance for COVID-19 hospitalization abroad.
• Tata AIG: Their international travel insurance policies cover medical expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 during your trip and require hospitalization outside India. Some plans also cover trip cancellation and curtailment due to COVID-19 diagnosis of the insured or their immediate family.
• Bajaj Allianz: Their international travel insurance plans generally include coverage for medical emergencies, and it’s advisable to check the specific policy wording for COVID-19 related coverage details.
• Reliance General Insurance: Their international travel insurance plans offer medical coverage, and you should review the policy specifics to understand the extent of COVID-19 coverage.
• ACKO General Insurance: ACKO’s international travel insurance covers hospitalization expenses due to illness, which would likely include COVID-19. They emphasize a quick claim settlement process.
• Niva Bupa: Their “TravelAssure” plan includes coverage against hospitalization expenses resulting from COVID-19. They offer various coverage options and sum insured amounts.

How to Find and Compare Plans Online:

1. Visit Aggregator Websites: Use online travel insurance comparison portals like Policybazaar, InsuranceDekho, etc. Filter your search for international travel insurance and look for options that explicitly mention “COVID-19 coverage.”
2. Go to Insurer Websites: Directly visit the websites of the insurance companies listed above. Navigate to their international travel insurance sections.
3. Specify Your Travel Details: You’ll need to enter your destination country/countries, travel dates, and the number of travelers.
4. Compare Policy Inclusions: Carefully review the policy wording of each plan to understand the specifics of their COVID-19 coverage, including the limits and any conditions.
5. Compare Other Benefits: Don’t just focus on COVID-19 coverage. Also compare other essential benefits like medical expenses for other illnesses and accidents, baggage loss, trip cancellation/delay (for non-COVID reasons), personal liability, etc.
6. Check the Premium: Compare the premiums for the level of coverage you need.
7. Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to any exclusions, waiting periods, and claim procedures.
8. Consider the Insurer’s Reputation: Look at the claim settlement ratio and customer reviews of the insurance companies.

Important Considerations:

• Policy Wordings: The extent and specifics of COVID-19 coverage can vary significantly between different policies and insurers. Always read the policy wordings carefully.
• Destination-Specific Requirements: Some countries might have specific requirements for travel insurance, including minimum coverage for COVID-19 related medical expenses. Ensure the plan you choose meets these requirements.
• Your Health Condition: Declare any pre-existing medical conditions when purchasing the policy.
• Dynamic Situation: The COVID-19 situation and related travel regulations can change. Stay updated on the latest guidelines for your destination.

By following these steps, you can find and compare international travel insurance plans from India that offer adequate coverage for your trip, including protection against COVID-19 related risks. Remember to prioritize comprehensive coverage and choose a reputable insurer.