Travelling with children is a joyful yet demanding experience. Whether you’re going on a family vacation, visiting relatives abroad, or sending your child on a school trip, one thing every parent must prioritize is travel insurance for kids. From flight cancellations to unexpected illnesses, travel brings its share of uncertainties. This is why having your child covered under a comprehensive travel insurance plan is not just smart—it’s essential.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything parents need to know about travel insurance for children, including its benefits, types, how to choose the best policy, what’s covered and excluded, and frequently asked questions.
What Is Travel Insurance for Children?
Travel insurance for children is a policy that provides coverage for unexpected events during travel. This can include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. These policies can either be:
- Standalone plans specifically designed for children
- Family plans that include dependents (usually under age 18)
Most insurers offer both options, and it’s essential to understand what’s included to ensure your child’s safety and well-being while traveling.
Why Do Children Need Travel Insurance?
Many parents assume that their health insurance or family policy covers everything. However, that’s not always the case, especially when travelling internationally.
Key Reasons Why Travel Insurance for Kids Is Important:
- Medical Emergencies: Children are more susceptible to illness, infections, and accidents.
- School or Educational Trips: Institutions often require proof of coverage.
- Lost Items: Kids can easily lose bags, gadgets, or travel documents.
- Flight Issues: Missed connections, delays, or cancellations may disrupt plans.
- Emergency Evacuation: In case of political unrest or natural disasters.
What Does Travel Insurance for Children Cover?
Coverage can vary depending on the policy, but most child travel insurance plans include:
1. Medical Coverage
- Hospital expenses (inpatient and outpatient)
- Doctor consultations and prescriptions
- Emergency surgeries
- COVID-19 treatment (depending on policy)
2. Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- Reimbursement for non-refundable bookings if the trip is cancelled due to illness or family emergencies
3. Baggage and Personal Belongings
- Compensation for lost or delayed baggage
- Coverage for damaged or stolen personal items
H2: 4. Travel Delays or Missed Connections
- Meals and accommodation during extended delays
- Reimbursement for additional travel arrangements
5. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Covers air ambulance, transportation costs, and repatriation in extreme scenarios
6. Accidental Death and Disability (Optional)
- A lump sum is paid in case of severe injury, disability, or death
What Is Not Covered? (Common Exclusions)
It’s crucial to understand what your child’s travel insurance will not cover:
- Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared and accepted)
- Injuries due to extreme sports (unless covered under a special plan)
- Loss due to negligence (e.g., leaving a bag unattended)
- Unapproved travel destinations (war zones or high-risk areas)
- Mental health issues unless specifically included
- Travel against medical advice
Types of Travel Insurance Plans for Kids
1. Family Travel Insurance
- Covers parents and children in one policy
- Economical and convenient
- Ideal for vacations and family trips
2. Student Travel Insurance
- Suitable for school trips or solo educational tours
- Covers tuition interruption, sponsor protection, and study delays
3. Group Travel Insurance
- For school-organized tours or youth camps
- Often arranged by the institution
4. Individual Travel Insurance
- Dedicated coverage for one child (with or without a parent)
- Useful for unaccompanied minors
How to Choose the Best Travel Insurance for Your Child
When selecting a travel insurance plan for your child, consider the following:
1. Destination Coverage
- Ensure the policy is valid in your destination country
- Some regions may require higher medical coverage (e.g., USA, Canada)
2. Duration of Travel
- Choose a policy that matches the trip length, including layovers
3. Medical Benefits
- Check for hospitalization, doctor visits, and emergency care
- Confirm COVID-19 coverage is included
4. Adventure Activity Coverage
- If the child will participate in skiing, hiking, or water sports, opt for extended coverage
5. Ease of Claim Process
- Look for insurers with:
- 24/7 customer support
- Digital claim submission
- High claim settlement ratios
6. Additional Perks
- Loss of passport assistance
- Escort services for minors
- Compensation for tuition fee loss (for student plans)
Best Travel Insurance Providers for Children (India – 2025)
Here are some top-rated providers offering competitive and reliable travel insurance for kids:
1. Tata AIG Travel Guard
- Family and student plans
- Medical evacuation and repatriation
- Quick online claims
2. HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance
- Global cashless hospitalization
- COVID-19 coverage included
- Affordable premiums
3. ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance
- Plans tailored for minors and students
- 24×7 emergency assistance
- Lost passport and baggage assistance
4. Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance
- Covers pre-existing conditions with special add-ons
- Suitable for long trips and education abroad
5. Reliance General Travel Insurance
- Group coverage for school trips
- Good customer support
- Value-for-money premiums
How Much Does It Cost?
Travel insurance for children is usually affordable. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
| Trip Duration | Domestic (INR) | International (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | 200–400 | 500–1200 |
| 15 days | 400–700 | 1000–2000 |
| 30+ days | 800–1200 | 2000–5000 |
Premiums may vary depending on:
- Destination
- Age of the child
- Coverage amount
- Add-ons (like adventure sports)
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Child’s Travel Insurance
- Start Early: Buy insurance as soon as you book the trip
- Declare All Medical History: To avoid rejection of claims
- Keep Digital Copies: Store soft copies of the policy and ID documents
- Know the Network Hospitals: Especially in international destinations
- Educate the Child (if age-appropriate): About emergency contacts and insurance coverage basics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is travel insurance mandatory for children?
A: While not always legally mandatory, many schools and foreign countries require it, and it is strongly recommended for safety and peace of mind.
Q2: Can I buy travel insurance for my child online?
A: Yes, most insurers offer easy online purchase options with instant policy issuance.
Q3: What is the age limit for child travel insurance?
A: Typically, it covers children aged 90 days to 18 years. Some student plans extend up to 25 years.
Q4: Is a separate policy better than a family plan?
A: For solo travel or school trips, a separate policy may be better. For family vacations, a bundled family plan is cost-effective.
Q5: What documents are required to make a claim?
A: Usually:
- Insurance policy copy
- Passport and visa
- Medical reports or hospital bills (if applicable)
- Proof of cancellation or delay (tickets, emails, etc.)
Conclusion
Travelling with children brings unforgettable memories—but also added responsibility. With an appropriate travel insurance plan for kids, you ensure their safety, comfort, and access to emergency help wherever they go. From school trips to family holidays, these policies act as a shield against unpredictable events.
Don’t leave things to chance—get your child covered today and travel with confidence, knowing that help is just a call away if anything goes wrong.
Because when it comes to your child’s safety, no detail is too small.