Medical Emergencies
Hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, medication - covered up to your policy limit. This is the most important coverage for international travel.
Typical coverage: $50,000 - $500,000
Travel Protection
Medical emergencies abroad can be stressful and expensive. We help you choose the right insurance coverage so you travel with peace of mind.
"We've seen what happens when travelers don't have insurance - a simple hospital visit abroad can cost lakhs. A small premium gives you enormous peace of mind."
- The Oyster Holidays TeamWhy Travel Insurance Matters
Nobody plans to get sick or have an accident on holiday. But when it happens, the costs can be devastating. A hospital stay in Singapore can easily cost Rs 5-10 lakhs. An emergency evacuation from a remote location? Even more. Your regular health insurance likely doesn't cover you outside India.
Travel insurance isn't just about medical emergencies. It also protects you if your trip gets cancelled, your luggage is lost, or your flight is delayed for hours. For the cost of a nice dinner, you get protection against potentially trip-ruining situations.
What Travel Insurance Typically Covers
Coverage varies by plan, but here are the main protections you should look for.
Emergency Evacuation
If you need to be transported to a better medical facility or back to India for treatment, evacuation costs are covered.
Can cost Rs 20-50 lakhs without insurance
Lost or Delayed Baggage
Compensation for lost luggage and essential purchases if your bags are delayed. Documentation of contents helps with claims.
Typical coverage: Rs 50,000 - Rs 2 lakhs
Trip Cancellation
If you have to cancel your trip due to illness, family emergency, or other covered reasons, you can recover non-refundable costs.
Covers flights, hotels, and tour costs
Flight Delays
Compensation for meals, accommodation, and expenses when your flight is significantly delayed (usually 6+ hours).
Typical coverage: Rs 5,000 - Rs 15,000
24/7 Assistance
Round-the-clock helpline for emergencies - finding hospitals, arranging cashless treatment, and coordinating with your family back home.
Critical when you're in an unfamiliar place
Insurance for Specific Needs
Schengen Visa Travel Insurance
For European travel, you need specific coverage that meets Schengen visa requirements.
- Minimum EUR 30,000 medical coverage required
- Must cover all Schengen countries
- Repatriation coverage mandatory
- Policy document needed for visa application
Senior Citizen Travel Insurance
Special plans for travelers aged 60-80+ with appropriate coverage limits.
- Higher premiums but essential coverage
- Pre-existing condition coverage (with limits)
- Age limits vary by insurer (usually up to 80)
- Medical screening may be required
Pre-Existing Conditions
If you have diabetes, heart conditions, or other ongoing health issues.
- Declare all conditions when applying
- Some conditions covered with higher premium
- Acute emergencies usually covered
- Not covering may invalidate entire policy
Adventure Sports Coverage
Planning scuba diving, skiing, parasailing, or other adventure activities?
- Standard policies often exclude adventure sports
- Add-on coverage available for specific activities
- Must be with licensed operators
- Tell us your planned activities in advance
What Does Travel Insurance Cost?
For the peace of mind it provides, travel insurance is remarkably affordable.
Short Trip (7 days, Southeast Asia)
Rs 500 - Rs 1,500 for basic coverage
Rs 1,500 - Rs 3,000 for comprehensive coverage
Rs 1,500 - Rs 3,000 for comprehensive coverage
Europe Trip (10-14 days, Schengen)
Rs 2,000 - Rs 4,000 for visa-compliant coverage
Rs 4,000 - Rs 7,000 for premium coverage
Rs 4,000 - Rs 7,000 for premium coverage
Senior Citizens (age 60+)
Premiums are typically 2-3x higher than standard rates
Still worth it given higher medical risks
Still worth it given higher medical risks
Family Plans
Family policies often cheaper than individual policies combined
Children usually covered at lower rates
Children usually covered at lower rates
Exact premiums depend on your age, destination, trip duration, and coverage level. We'll get you quotes from multiple insurers so you can compare.
How to Make a Claim
Insurance is only useful if you can actually use it when needed. Here's what to do.
1
Contact the Helpline Immediately
For medical emergencies, call the 24/7 helpline number on your policy card. They can arrange cashless treatment at network hospitals and guide you through the process.
2
Keep All Documentation
Medical reports, prescriptions, hospital bills, receipts for expenses - keep everything. For lost baggage, get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline immediately.
3
Report Within Timeframe
Most policies require you to report incidents within 24-48 hours. Even if you can't file a complete claim immediately, notify the insurer right away.
4
Submit Claim After Return
For reimbursement claims, submit all documents within the policy deadline (usually 30-60 days after return). We can help you with the paperwork.
Travel Insurance FAQs
Emergencies don't check your itinerary. A friend's 4-day Thailand trip turned into a 2-week hospital stay after a scooter accident. Without insurance, the bills would have been Rs 8 lakhs. For the small cost of a policy, we believe insurance is essential for any international trip, regardless of duration.
Credit card insurance is often limited - lower coverage amounts, shorter trip durations, and more exclusions. Read the fine print carefully. We've seen travelers discover their card coverage was inadequate only after an emergency. A standalone policy with proper coverage is usually better, though card insurance can serve as secondary coverage.
Common exclusions include: pre-existing conditions (unless declared and covered), injuries from alcohol/drug use, participating in illegal activities, wars or civil unrest, adventure sports (unless add-on purchased), routine check-ups or elective procedures, and pandemics (varies by policy). We explain all exclusions clearly before you buy.
Yes, you can buy travel insurance anytime before your trip starts. However, for trip cancellation coverage to be effective, some insurers require you to buy within a certain window of booking (e.g., 15 days). We recommend buying as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Domestic travel insurance is less critical since your regular health insurance usually covers you anywhere in India. However, for adventure activities (trekking in Himachal, water sports in Andaman) or expensive pre-booked trips, domestic travel insurance can still be valuable for trip cancellation and adventure sports coverage.
Travel with Peace of Mind
Tell us your destination, travel dates, and any special requirements. We'll recommend the right coverage and get you quotes from trusted insurers.