Popular Location
Indian travellers are exploring the world in record numbers. In 2025 alone, about 3.27 crore Indians travelled abroad. The given numbers are driven largely by leisure trips, which accounted for roughly 43.5% of international travel.
Short-haul holidays of 4–7 days are especially popular among Indian travellers because of convenient flight connections and relaxed visa policies. Southeast Asia and the Gulf remain popular tourist destinations, with Thailand emerging as the most booked international destination in 2025, followed closely by the UAE.
Newer destinations such as Vietnam, Georgia, and the Philippines are also seeing rising interest among Indians due to easier visa policies and competitive travel costs.
However, travel patterns are strongly seasonal. During the summer holidays, from May to June, Indians head to international beaches like Bali or Thailand, while year-end and New Year breaks drive large outbound traffic to Southeast Asia and Gulf countries. Meanwhile, domestic tourism still dominates, with most Indians choosing local trips each year.
With millions travelling abroad every year and costs rising overseas, travel insurance has become an essential financial safeguard.
Popular Travel Destinations for Tourism
Popular Destinations for Work and Higher Education
Canada
The country has hosted about 39% of all study permit holders in recent years. The Canadian education system allows students to work during studies and apply for post-graduation work permits, creating a pathway to permanent residency. In fact, around 120,000 Indian citizens are admitted as permanent residents each year, often through skilled worker and graduate pathways. Canadian universities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Waterloo are especially popular among Indian students pursuing technology, business, and healthcare programmes.
UK
By the end of the calendar year 2025, Indian nationals received 95,231 UK-sponsored study visas, accounting for about 23% of all study visas issued. Many Indians enrol in postgraduate programmes, particularly master’s degrees, and later use the Graduate Route to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. Students and workers mostly prefer London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, as these cities not only have recognised universities and multinational companies, but also large Indian communities, making it easier for newcomers to settle.
Australia
In 2025, around 1.39 lakh Indian students were enrolled across Australian universities. The country has a strong reputation in fields such as engineering, IT, business, healthcare, and data science. Australia also offers post-study work rights for two to four years, depending on the qualification. Other than education, Australia has a rapidly growing Indian diaspora, with over 9 lakh Indian-born residents. For Indian students, cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are the key hubs for pursuing higher education and professional opportunities.
Why Should I Insure My Trips?
Visa Requirements
Several countries require proof of travel insurance when applying for a visa. For example, Schengen visas require at least €30,000 in medical coverage, including emergency treatment and repatriation.
Medical Costs
Medical treatment abroad can be extremely expensive. A short hospital stay in countries like the USA or Europe may easily cost several lakh rupees without travel insurance.
Covers all Traveller Types
Whether you are a student studying abroad, a senior citizen, a frequent flyer, or travelling with your family, you can get customised coverage based on trip duration and destination.
Trip Cancellation
If unforeseen events like illness, airline strikes, or natural disasters force cancellation, insurance reimburses prepaid bookings such as flights, hotels, and tour packages.
Flight Delays
Long flight delays or missed connecting flights may entitle you to reimbursement for meals, hotel stays, and alternate travel arrangements during unexpected travel disruptions.
Passport Loss
If you have lost your passport or baggage overseas, insurers often provide emergency cash assistance and support for obtaining replacement travel documents quickly.
Legal Support
Travel insurance may cover legal expenses or compensation claims if travellers accidentally cause injury or property damage to someone abroad.
IndusInd General Insurance (previously Reliance General Insurance) designs its products with your needs in mind. With medical coverage of up to $500,000 and smartphone-based claims and policy management, our travel insurance plan is built for convenience. As an IRDAI-authorised insurer, we maintain complete transparency in pricing, claims, and coverage. Here is what you get with us: