Travel Insurance for India: Delhi, Goa and the Himalayas

India is one of the most rewarding destinations on earth — and one where UK travellers most often end up needing their insurance. Here's how to get it right.

Medical cover

Indian private hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Max) are world-class and far cheaper than Western equivalents — but you'll still pay upfront and claim back. £5m+ medical cover is plenty for almost any scenario, including air ambulance repatriation.

"Delhi belly" — the most common claim

Stomach upsets account for around half of all India travel insurance claims. They're covered as standard medical, but to claim:

• See a doctor and get a written diagnosis (a clinic will usually do)
• Keep all pharmacy receipts
• Note any missed pre-paid activities you couldn't attend (covered under curtailment)

Himalayan trekking

Standard policies typically cover trekking up to 4,000m. Popular treks need an upgrade:

• Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m): high-altitude trekking add-on
• Everest Base Camp (5,364m): specialist trekking cover
• Stok Kangri / Kang Yatse: specialist mountaineering cover

Always trek with a registered guide — solo trekking above 3,000m is excluded by most policies.

Indian Railways

Train delays in India are common and covered under travel delay benefits if a delay leads to a missed connection. Lost luggage on Indian Railways is covered under baggage cover, but you'll need a Railway Police report (FIR) to claim.

Visa and e-visa

UK travellers need an India e-Visa or paper visa. Travel insurance does not cover visa refusals or border denials — that's not an insured peril. Apply at least 3 weeks before travel.

FCDO advice

The FCDO advises against travel to parts of Jammu & Kashmir and the India-Pakistan border. Manali, Leh-Ladakh, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle, the Himalayan trekking regions — all unaffected.

Get an India travel insurance quote.