How much travel insurance you need depends entirely on where you are going. A plan that is generous for Dubai is dangerously thin for New York. Here is a destination-by-destination guide to international travel insurance from India in 2026 — what each country requires, how much medical cover to buy, and the mistakes that leave travellers exposed.
Why destination decides the cover
Medical costs vary enormously across the world. The same emergency that bills $3,000 in Southeast Asia can bill $30,000 in the United States. So the single most important decision is matching your medical sum insured to the destination, then layering on visa-specific requirements.
USA: buy the highest cover
The US has the most expensive healthcare on the planet and no reciprocal cover for visitors. An ICU stay or surgery can run into tens of thousands of dollars within days. Aim for $250,000–$500,000 of medical cover — the higher end if you have any health risk. A US tourist (B1/B2) visa does not legally mandate insurance, but travelling without strong cover is reckless given the costs. Tata AIG (up to $1,000,000) and ICICI Lombard with "Cashless Everywhere" are popular for the US precisely because of the high ceilings and claim convenience.
UK: NHS surcharge plus a top-up policy
For longer UK visas (student, work), you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives access to the NHS — so core medical treatment is largely covered. But the NHS does not cover everything: dental, optical, repatriation, baggage, trip cancellation and treatment during the gap before cover activates. A travel/student policy fills these gaps. For a short tourist trip (no IHS), buy a normal travel plan with at least $100,000–$250,000 medical cover.
UAE: insurance is mandatory
The UAE has made health insurance compulsory for visa and residency applicants, and tourists are strongly advised to carry travel medical cover. Medical costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are high but below US levels — $100,000–$250,000 is usually ample for a tourist trip. Many Indian insurers issue UAE-compliant certificates instantly.
Europe (Schengen): €30,000 minimum, buy more
Every Schengen visa requires at least €30,000 medical cover, valid across all 29 member states for the full trip. That is a legal floor; $100,000–$250,000 is wiser given European hospital costs. Full detail in our Schengen visa insurance guide.
Destination cover cheat-sheet
| Destination | Insurance mandatory? | Recommended medical cover | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada | No (but essential) | $250,000–$500,000+ | Highest costs worldwide; no reciprocal care |
| Schengen Europe | Yes (visa) | €30,000 min → $100k–$250k | All-zone validity required |
| UK | IHS for long visas | $100,000–$250,000 + NHS | Policy fills NHS gaps (dental, repatriation, baggage) |
| UAE | Yes (visa/residency) | $100,000–$250,000 | Mandatory health cover; tourists advised to carry it |
| Southeast Asia / nearby | No | $50,000–$100,000 | Lower medical costs; still cover evacuation |
Benefits that matter everywhere
- Medical evacuation & repatriation — the single costliest line item; never skip it.
- Trip cancellation/interruption — protects non-refundable bookings.
- Baggage & passport loss — small but common claims.
- Personal liability — third-party damage abroad.
- 24×7 assistance helpline — coordinates cashless care when you are in trouble.
Mistakes that leave you exposed
- Buying a $50,000 plan for a US trip — far too low for American hospital bills.
- Assuming the UK IHS covers everything — it does not cover repatriation, dental or baggage.
- Skipping evacuation cover on a remote or adventure trip.
- Not declaring pre-existing conditions, then having the related claim denied.
- Letting cover lapse during a trip extension.
Frequently asked questions
How much travel insurance do I need for the USA?
Aim for $250,000–$500,000 of medical cover. US healthcare is the most expensive in the world and there is no reciprocal care for visitors, so a thin plan can leave you with a crippling bill.
Is travel insurance mandatory for a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not legally require it — but given US medical costs, travelling uninsured is a serious financial risk. Strong cover is effectively essential.
Do I need travel insurance for the UK if I pay the IHS?
The IHS gives NHS access for core treatment, but a travel/student policy is still recommended for repatriation, dental, optical, baggage and trip cancellation, which the NHS does not cover.
Is insurance compulsory for a UAE visa?
Yes — the UAE mandates health insurance for visa and residency applicants, and tourists are strongly advised to carry travel medical cover.
Which insurer is best for international travel from India?
Tata AIG and ICICI Lombard are popular for high-cost destinations (large medical sums, cashless convenience). Compare options in our best travel insurance guide and on the travel insurance hub.
Sources: US/UK/UAE/EU visa and health-system rules; insurer plan documents; accessed May 2026. Requirements and costs change — verify current rules with the embassy/insurer before travelling. Editorial research, not insurance advice.
Term vs Endowment Calculator
Compare premium and returns
- Compare term plan vs endowment premiums
- See how investing the difference grows
- Find the better option for your age & cover