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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