Travel Insurance Guide for Indian Interns
Travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen visas and strongly recommended for all destinations. A single medical emergency abroad can cost lakhs of rupees without it.
Why Insurance Matters More for Long Stays
Short holidays and internships are very different. A 3-month internship means 90+ days of exposure to:
- Medical emergencies (illness, accidents), a hospital day in Germany costs €1,500+
- Trip interruption if your visa is denied or the company cancels
- Lost baggage with your laptop and professional equipment
- Personal liability if you accidentally damage property
Most student travel insurance in India is designed for short trips. For internships, you need a policy that covers the full duration with adequate medical limits.
What to Look For in a Policy
Medical Coverage
Minimum USD 30,000 for most destinations. For Schengen, the mandatory minimum is €30,000, but we recommend USD 100,000+ for internships longer than 4 weeks.
Trip Duration
Many policies cap at 30 or 60 days. For a 3–6 month internship, you need a policy explicitly covering your full duration. Check the fine print carefully.
Pre-existing Conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, verify they are covered or excluded. Undisclosed conditions can void your entire policy.
Cashless Hospitalisation
Some insurers require you to pay first and claim later, which means fronting lakhs of rupees. Cashless policies (insurer pays the hospital directly) are worth the extra cost.
Recommended Insurance Options for Indian Students
Indian Insurers (INR Pricing)
- HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance: Comprehensive plans from Rs. 1,200/month. Good for Europe. Online purchase. Accepted for Schengen.
- Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance: Student-specific plans, good medical limits. Popular for UK and USA stays.
- TATA AIG Travel Guard: Strong cashless network globally. Plans from Rs. 1,500/month.
- New India Assurance Overseas Mediclaim: PSU insurer, widely accepted. Budget option.
International Options
- SafetyWing (safetywing.com): USD 1.5/day, excellent for nomads and long stays. Digital-first, globally accepted. Very popular with young professionals.
- World Nomads: Premium product, excellent for adventure activities. USD 3–5/day.
- Cigna Global: Best for high-income destinations (UK, USA, Australia). Expensive but comprehensive.
Insurance Costs by Duration
| Duration | Budget Option (INR) | Recommended (INR) | Premium (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | Rs. 1,200 | Rs. 2,500 | Rs. 4,500 |
| 3 months | Rs. 3,200 | Rs. 6,500 | Rs. 12,000 |
| 6 months | Rs. 5,800 | Rs. 11,500 | Rs. 22,000 |
What Your Insurance Card Should Show
When you arrive in a new country, keep a printed and digital copy of your insurance certificate showing:
- Your full name as on passport
- Policy number
- Coverage dates (must cover full internship period)
- Emergency contact number (24/7 helpline)
- Medical coverage amount in the destination currency
If You Need to Use It
- Call the 24/7 helpline on your policy card immediately, before going to the hospital if possible
- For cashless: the insurer contacts the hospital directly and approves treatment
- For reimbursement: keep ALL receipts, medical reports, and prescriptions, submit within 30 days of return
- Notify your insurer of the claim before leaving the hospital, same-day notification is usually required
We Help You Sort This
Our Full Service includes pre-departure guidance on the right insurance for your specific destination and duration. No guesswork.
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