Traveling abroad or domestically brings excitement, but unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or flight delays can turn it stressful and costly. A single hospitalization in the US or Europe can exceed ₹50 lakhs, while baggage loss or delays add further expenses. Learning how to buy travel insurance online is quick, convenient, and ensures comprehensive protection before departure.
As of December 2025, the complete exemption of 18% GST on individual and family travel insurance premiums (effective from September 22, 2025) has made policies up to 18% cheaper. Whether for leisure, business, student visas, or Schengen requirements (€30,000+ medical cover), buying online offers instant quotes, customization, and paperless issuance.
(Suggested Featured Image: Family researching and purchasing travel insurance online on a laptop, with airplane and luggage elements.)
Why Buy Travel Insurance Before Your Trip in 2025
Post-pandemic travel has surged, but risks remain: sudden illnesses, accidents, or disruptions. Travel insurance covers:
- Medical emergencies (hospitalization, evacuation up to $1 million).
- Trip cancellation/interruption (reimbursement up to trip cost).
- Baggage loss/delay ($500-1,000+).
- Personal liability, passport loss, and 24/7 assistance.
Mandatory for many visas (Schengen, USA), it provides cashless treatment at global networks. With 0% GST, premiums are lower—e.g., a ₹1,000 policy saves ₹180 directly. Top insurers boast high claim settlement ratios (95%+), ensuring reliability.
(Image: Illustration of a medical emergency abroad being covered, emphasizing the importance of protection.)
Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance Online
Agent-based purchases are outdated. Buy travel insurance online via aggregators like Policybazaar or direct sites (Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard):
- Instant Comparison: Quotes from 20+ insurers in seconds.
- Customization: Add-ons for adventure sports, pre-existing diseases (PEDs), seniors.
- Savings: Exclusive discounts + 0% GST.
- No Paperwork: E-policy via email; no medical tests for most.
- Global Support: 24/7 helplines for claims/emergencies.
Annual multi-trip plans are ideal for frequent travelers.
(Image: Person comparing travel insurance quotes online on a laptop.)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Travel Insurance Online
Buy at least 15-30 days before departure for full coverage (some start from policy issuance).
- Assess Needs: Trip type (single/multi-trip), duration, destination, travelers (individual/family/senior/student), medical sum ($50,000-$1M+).
- Visit Trusted Platforms: Policybazaar, insurer websites (Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard).
- Enter Details: Travel dates, ages, destination, trip cost.
- Get Quotes: Personalized premiums instantly.
- Compare Plans: Check medical limits, add-ons, exclusions, CSR (>95%).
- Customize: Add COVID cover, adventure, PED waiver if needed.
- Fill Proposal: Honest disclosure (smoking, health).
- Pay Securely: UPI/card/net banking.
- Receive Policy: Instant e-policy; print for visa.
Process takes 10-20 minutes!
(Image: Travel insurance premium calculator and policy options on screen.)
Top Travel Insurance Plans to Consider in 2025
Highly rated for coverage and CSR:
- Tata AIG Travel Guard: Unlimited evacuation, multi-trip options.
- HDFC ERGO Travel Explore: PED cover, adventure add-ons.
- ICICI Lombard iTravel: High CSR (~98%), cashless global.
- Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite: Family floater, hijack benefit.
- Niva Bupa TravelSafe: Student/senior plans.
- ACKO Travel: Affordable (₹8/day+), app-based claims.
All visa-compliant; compare for latest premiums post-GST exemption.
(Image: Happy family traveling safely under a protection shield.)
Tips to Save on Travel Insurance Premiums
- Buy Early: Lower rates; full cancellation cover.
- Family/Multi-Trip Plans: Cheaper per person.
- Higher Deductible: Reduces premium.
- No Unnecessary Add-Ons: Essentials only.
- Compare Thoroughly: Platform exclusives.
- Healthy Profile: Non-smoker discounts.
- 0% GST Benefit: Direct 18% savings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying after departure (limited/no cover).
- Low medical sum (opt $100K+ for high-cost countries).
- Undisclosed PEDs/smoking (claim rejection).
- Ignoring exclusions (war, intoxication).
- Skipping CSR check.
Read policy wordings and Customer Information Sheet.
Conclusion: Protect Your Trip Hassle-Free
How to buy travel insurance online is simple and essential before any trip. With 0% GST making travel insurance more affordable in 2025, comprehensive plans from trusted insurers ensure worry-free adventures.
Start comparing on Policybazaar or insurer sites today—secure your journey and travel confidently!
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