Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We’re working really hard to keep you in the loop as much as possible in the fast-changing circumstances.
We want to help you wherever we can during these challenging times. If you’re struggling financially as a result of Coronavirus and are worried about the payments for your policy, or if you have a policy that you don’t think you’ll need now, such as an annual travel policy, please get in touch. We’ll discuss your options with you and work out how we can provide support.
Our call centres are very busy at the moment and we are trying to answer your questions as quickly as we can. If your query is non-urgent and you are not due to travel in the next two weeks, please don’t contact us yet, so we can prioritise people in need of urgent help or who are due to travel sooner.
In the meantime, we are regularly monitoring the situation and updating our Coronavirus single trip/backpacker and annual multi-trip FAQ pages. To find out more about the impact the outbreak is having on our travel insurance policies, please check the relevant FAQ before calling or emailing us.
We’d also like to highlight that travel insurance only protects against unforeseen circumstances getting in the way of your travel plans, so any policy you buy now will have very limited insurance coverage. While the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised against all but essential travel indefinitely, you will not be covered under our travel insurance policies if you decide to go ahead with your trip.
Travel Insurance for India
India is an intriguing land that’s full of diverse cultures and colourful traditions. As well as being home to the Taj Mahal – which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – India also contains the gloriously unspoilt beaches of Goa and the mighty foothills of the Himalayas, so every inch of this beautiful country has an intriguing story to tell. India is the world’s seventh largest country, and between the 38 UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites, you’ll never be short of something to see and do. So, pack your rupees and get ready to explore.
India consists of 29 states and has 22 main languages. It’s a brilliantly bustling place that’s packed with character. Due to its diversity, it’s no wonder many people see India as the ideal location for a backpacking holiday. This type of trip is a great way of seeing adrenaline-fuelled cities like Jaipur, the beautiful monuments in the ‘Golden Triangle,’ the deserts of Rajasthan and the palm-fringed western coast.
Plus, visiting India is now simpler and more affordable than ever before, particularly because large cities are linked by faster highways and speedy trains. You can also travel around many cities by metro but, if you’re looking for an authentic way to see the city, you can also catch a rickshaw.
But whatever you choose to do, it's important that you get travel insurance for India to help protect yourself against unforeseen eventualities.
Below is some more information about our products, for which Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit the policy information hub for full details.
Why may I need travel insurance for India?
Although India is largely considered a safe place to visit, you’ll still need travel insurance for India to help protect you when you’re away.
Whilst on holiday in India, you need to be careful around food and drink, for example. Although it’s normally safe to drink sealed bottled water in India, you shouldn’t drink tap water or use it to brush your teeth. Drinks containing ice should also be avoided, as should raw foods, including salads. Should you need medical care after falling ill due to a water-borne disease, then your travel insurance for India can cover you.
But if you don’t have insurance, the cost of medical care in India can be expensive, because many major cities have private healthcare. What’s more, local hospitals and clinics may only be able to offer basic care, so you might need to travel a long way for treatment.
Travel insurance can also help protect you from other risks associated with visiting the country. This includes treatment for mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, or diseases like cholera.
Finally, theft and petty crime are popular in tourist spots. If you’re the victim of a crime while on holiday, travel insurance can help to cover these losses.
What does our travel insurance for India cover?
At Allianz, we offer a level of insurance that’s appropriate for most travellers. You can choose either a Single Trip policy, an Annual policy or a Backpacker policy, depending on how you travel. Plus, you have the choice of a Bronze, Silver or Gold level of cover. Depending on which policy you choose, you’ll be protected against
- *Not available with Bronze cover
- Terms and Conditions apply.
We also offer a number of optional add-ons that can help keep you protected as you travel. If you’re heading on a ski holiday to the Gulmarg Ski Resort, our Winter Sports and Ski insurance can help protect you against things like avalanche closures and unsed ski-pack costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any regions in India that I won't be covered for
India is included in both our worldwide areas of cover (including or excluding the USA and Canada), so you can select the one that suits your needs.
But please remember that your insurance will be invalid if you travel to a region of India that the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised against all travel, or against all but essential travel. For the latest travel advice, please visit their website.
What vaccinations do I need for India?
According to the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), travellers should be up to date with routine vaccinations, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine, when visiting India.
The following vaccinations are also recommended:
Some travellers may also need vaccinations for cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis (JE), rabies and tuberculosis (TB).
If you’re travelling from a country that has a risk of yellow fever, then you will also require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
You should consult your doctor to find out which vaccinations you need. It’s usually recommended that these start 4-6 weeks before you travel, but you may need to have vaccinations earlier, depending on your personal circumstances and the length of your stay abroad.
Do I need a visa for India?
As an Irish citizen, you need a visa to enter India. This must be obtained before you travel. In addition, on arrival in India from Ireland, your passport must be valid for 6 months.
There are 14 different types of visa available for Irish citizens. You can check the visa requirements and the visa costs on the Embassy of India website. Please note that if you arrive in India without a visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country.
What else do I need to consider when visiting India?
When you’re travelling around India, you need to be aware of regional variations. Over 20 languages are spoken in India, and many of the 29 states and seven union territories have their own laws. Before you visit each state, you should research the local laws and ensure you’re aware of the customs of the region. If you’re visiting religious or sacred sites, then you should also make sure you’re dressed respectfully.
If you’re visiting different states, then India has a great train network where you can take in amazing views as you travel. The train system is reliable and affordable, but you should aim to travel in first or second class. Much like you would if you were travelling in Ireland, you should remain vigilant while on board, and you should take particular care of your valuables. If you’re covering long distances, then India also has a good network of internal flights.
For travel within cities, local buses are incredibly popular. Although you can hire a car, many traffic rules are not always observed by locals, which can make driving difficult for anyone not used to it. As a result, most tourists use public transport instead. Rickshaws and taxis are both popular, but they are prone to scams, so you should not get into them alone. When travelling by rickshaw, you should be particularly vigilant of people trying to steal your valuables.
Popular products from Allianz
India’s one of the world’s most popular backpacking destinations, drawing culture-seeking crowds each year. If you’re embarking on the holiday of a lifetime, our Backpacker insurance can cover help your trip.
From 5th May 2021 while we can still cover you under the standard sections of our travel insurance policy while on a Golf holiday, we will not be able to offer the additional cover previously provided by the Golf optional extra section. This is only a temporary measure while we make improvements to the booking engine of our website. Please keep an eye on the Allianz Assistance website in the future so you are aware when we are able to offer this additional cover again.
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With so much to see and do, many travellers return to India again and again. If you’re taking more than one trip this year – whether to India or multiple destinations – then our Annual travel insurance is probably right for you.
Whether you’ll be experiencing the hustle and bustle of Delhi or exploring the majesty of the Taj Mahal, our Single Trip travel insurance provides you with cover for holidays lasting up to 180 days.
Worldwide Travel Insurance
Discover new destinations with our Worldwide travel insurance. Whether you’re exploring the beaches of India or the cities of America, you can enjoy your globe-trotting adventure knowing you have protection.
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