Redpoint Destinations

India

Traveling to India: What to Know Before You Go

Essential Information for Travelers to India

It can take a lifetime to get to know all the complexity, color, and contrast of India. But a trip is certainly a good place to start. Adventure comes in many forms here: from monsoons and mountain treks to chaotic rickshaws and culinary explorations. From Kerala's laid-back charm to New Delhi's sensory overload and the majestic Thar Desert. Many travelers want to dive deep into India's ancient spiritual roots, including yoga, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Whatever you're looking for, you're likely to find it in India — a vast country with endless ways to surprise you.

That being said, India is a chaotic place, and a lot can go wrong. From trip delays, theft of belongings, to severe weather and medical problems abroad, you don't want to head to India without being fully covered by travel insurance. Read on to find out more about travel insurance for India and other top tips for planning your trip.

Health & Safety in India

Medical Care and Hospitals

Medical facilities in India fall into two tiers: public and private. Public facilities tend to be under-resourced and less advanced, so foreign travelers typically opt for private hospitals and clinics in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. These offer high-quality, English-speaking care at relatively low costs. Keep in mind that your medical coverage from home will not be valid in India, and private facilities will charge you up front for treatment. That’s why it’s essential to purchase travel medical insurance to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs for medical treatment.

India’s villages and remote areas will have less advanced care facilities, so if you have a medical emergency while you’re doing an adventure travel activity in one of these areas, you may require emergency evacuation. This will help you access the urgent care you need in a more advanced private facility. However, these evacuations are not free and can be extremely expensive. This is why emergency evacuation coverage is also essential for your India trip.

Health Risks and Vaccinations

While no vaccinations are required to enter India from the U.S., the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are also vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and measles, which is on the rise worldwide. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if you’re arriving in India from a high-risk country in Africa or South America.

Mosquito borne diseases including malaria, dengue, zika, and chikungunya are present in certain parts of India, so in addition to taking reasonable precautions to prevent insect bites, the CDC suggests taking other preventative measures (vaccine or preventative anti-malarial medication) if you’re going to spend large amounts of time in affected regions. In addition, vaccination for Japanese encephalitis and cholera may be recommended for travelers spending a large amount of time (> 1 month) in affected areas. Speak to your healthcare provider before you leave to understand the risks.

Food and waterborne illnesses are also prevalent in India, and travelers can experience gastrointestinal illness from consuming contaminated food and water, commonly called “Delhi belly.” To avoid this, stick to bottled water, especially in rural areas, avoid ice, peel any raw fruit and vegetables you consume, and try to eat food that’s properly cooked from trusted vendors. It’s also wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over-the-counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions. This is especially true if you will be visiting or hiking in remote areas.

Insurance Benefits and Coverage for a Trip to India

What does travel insurance India cover?

When considering travel insurance coverage for India, you will want to make sure your travel insurance policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared, no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Unexpected trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to India is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or certain government advisories. India experiences its fair share of extreme weather and disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and extreme heat waves, so it’s wise for your trip to be covered in case you have to cancel or delay your travel due to unforeseen events.

Travel medical insurance:

Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. Most U.S. visitors who need medical attention while in India visit private clinics, rather than public ones. These clinics will all require payment up front, but if you buy medical coverage from your travel insurance, you’ll be able to make a claim for any medical expenses you incurred while accessing care. In addition, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, don’t forget to apply for a waiver when you purchase your policy.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. India has plenty of adventure travel opportunities, but medical facilities in remote regions outside of cities will be basic. If you need urgent care in one of these settings, you may need to be evacuated to a more advanced medical facility. These flights can be extremely costly, so it’s vital to have this coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Lost luggage and personal belongings insurance:

Baggage coverage is a benefit that covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip to India thanks to petty theft or airline error. Petty crime can be common in tourist areas throughout India, so it’s definitely worth having this coverage.

Trip delay insurance:

Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

Optional add-ons:

There are several additional policy benefits you can add to your travel insurance depending on the nature of your trip. These include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if you think you may need to cancel for a reason not covered by the typical cancellation policy; extra protection for specialist or expensive gear; adventure sports travel insurance if you plan to do any extreme or dangerous activities; and car rental protection.

Choosing the Right Plan

Ripcord has a variety of plans suited for different trips to India. For travelers seeking adventurous activities like motorbike tours or Himalayan treks, Ripcord is an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation, perfect for trips to remote or rural destinations. Cavalry is suited for urban or business travelers who are seeking luxury and cultural experiences while staying in India’s big cities or many spiritual retreat centers. Meanwhile, Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler who may be backpacking through the country on a shoestring. You can compare all of Redpoint’s comprehensive plans and figure out which one might be right for your trip here.

Entry Requirements & Practical Information

Entry and Visa Requirements

All U.S. visitors to India require either a visa or an e-Tourist visa for visits of less than 60 days. Visas are valid for ten years. The validity of e-Tourist visas varies, and they are only accepted at certain international airports and ports, so be sure to check if it will be valid at your planned point of entry. In addition, your passport will need six months’ validity from the date of your visa application. You will also need two blank passport pages available for stamps.

The U.S. State Department notes that entry requirements in India can change often and without much notice. They advise that you check the website of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. prior to your trip for the most up-to-date information.

What To Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency in India and require assistance, emergency services can be contacted by dialing 112. In addition, Redpoint offers 24/7 support on its helpline to travelers who have an emergency or need assistance. If you are having trouble locating help locally, Redpoint’s associates can help connect you to the help you need on the ground.

The U.S. Embassy is located in New Delhi, with consular offices in Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. You should seek assistance from the embassy or consular office that serves the Indian state where you are currently located. For more information about the areas each office serves, consult the State Department’s webpage for India under “Embassies and Consulates.”

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021

Phone: 011-91-11-2419-8000

Popular Activities and Adventure Travel in India

India isn’t just popular for its yoga retreats, temples, and spiritual traditions — it also has tremendous potential for adventure activities all over the subcontinent. From Himalayan treks and Ladakh motorbike routes to whitewater rafting in Rishikesh and scuba diving in the Andamans. There’s also surfing in Kerala, rock climbing in both Hampi and Badami, and paragliding in Bir Billing. And don’t forget a camel safari across the Thar desert. Since India is such a large country, it’s important to plan your adventure activities according to seasonal conditions and research if any permits are needed to safely participate. And of course, don’t forget to make sure your travel insurance policy includes adequate coverage for any high-risk adventure activities.

FAQs for India Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance mandatory for India?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter India but it is always a risk to embark on overseas travel without adequate coverage. Should anything go wrong during the course of your trip, such as a medical emergency or a disrupted itinerary, your out-of-pocket costs can easily exceed the price of a travel insurance policy.

Will travel insurance cover trekking in the Himalayas?

Yes — if you choose Ripcord or a plan with high altitude adventure and evacuation coverage, then you'll be covered if you have a medical emergency or require a search and rescue effort while trekking in the Himalayas.

What if I get sick from food or water in India?

Food and waterborne illnesses tend to be prevalent in India, and travelers regularly get a condition known as "Delhi belly." The good news is that travel insurance typically covers emergency treatment for these conditions, including IV rehydration, and even hospitalization in serious cases.

Can I buy travel insurance from India?

You can, but it's better to purchase overseas travel insurance prior to departure for your trip — ideally, as soon as possible after booking your trip. Some providers may issue policies once you're already in the country, but those policies may be costlier and have more exclusions, so read the policy wording carefully.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Travel insurance premiums are priced based on a range of factors including trip duration, cost, age, and activities. Most of Redpoint's insurance plans range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs. You can also opt to buy an annual multi-trip policy if you are planning multiple trips in the year.

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself on your trip to India requires comprehensive travel insurance, and Redpoint Travel Protection has a global reputation for providing high-quality policies to fit every traveler. It also offers 24/7 support — even if you’re trekking high in the Himalayas — to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trips. Explore Redpoint’s policies here, which can support backcountry adventurers and city hoppers alike