Care Insurance
  • Published on 29 Sep, 2025

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As of September 22, 2025, travel insurance has become more affordable for Indian citizens visiting abroad. With GST removed, you can now save 18% on your premium, just in time for the festive season.

The winter months, i.e. October, November, and December, are the most preferred time for international travel among Indian travellers.

Simply put, if you purchase a travel insurance policy on or after September 22, 2025, no GST will be applied to the base premium, which was previously taxed at 18%.

GST on Travel Insurance in India: What Changed in 2025?

In 2025, the Indian government made a significant move by declaring 0% GST on insurance, effective from September 22, 2025. This means travellers no longer pay extra tax on their insurance premiums. If you are an individual who enjoys exploring different countries or planning family vacations, then a GST rate on insurance premiums can significantly reduce your travel budget.

For example:

Solo Traveller- A Work Trip to Singapore

Ravi, a 34-year-old marketing executive from Delhi, is heading to Singapore for a week-long business trip. He buys a travel insurance policy to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage loss. Earlier, he would have paid ₹1,180 for a ₹1,000 premium due to 18% GST. But now, with 0% GST, he pays only ₹1,000, saving ₹180.

For frequent solo travellers like Ravi, these savings add up quickly, making international travel more cost-efficient without compromising safety.

Family Traveller- A Family Trip to Europe

The Mehra family, a couple with two kids, plans a two-week vacation across Europe. They purchase a comprehensive family travel insurance policy with a premium of ₹5,000. Previously, they would have paid ₹5,900 after 18% GST. Thanks to the GST exemption, they now save ₹900.

For families, this means lower travel costs and complete protection during their international holiday.

Student Traveller- Study Abroad in Canada

Ananya, a 20-year-old student from Bengaluru, is moving to Canada for a two-year college program. She opts for a student travel insurance policy covering health, travel delays, and personal liability. Her policy premium is ₹12,000, which was earlier ₹14,160 with GST. With 0% GST, she now saves ₹2,160, an amount that can go toward textbooks or initial living expenses. For students on tight budgets, this tax relief offers meaningful financial support while ensuring global coverage.

GST on Travel Insurance India 2025: Before & After GST Glimpse

Still unsure how 0% GST Travel insurance in India really changes the game? Here’s a quick snapshot of how travel insurance feels before vs after this significant update.

Spoiler: your wallet’s going to love it.

Aspect Before GST Removal (Up to Sept 21, 2025) After GST Removal (From Sept 22, 2025)
GST Rate on Travel Insurance 18% 0%
Base Premium Example ₹5,000 ₹5,000
GST Amount on ₹1000 Premium ₹900 0
Total Premium ₹5,900 ₹5,900

Impact of 0% GST Travel Insurance India

The GST on travel insurance in India 2025 update is expected to have a significant impact on both the travel insurance sector and the tourism sector. With an affordable safety net, the number of people purchasing travel insurance is expected to increase significantly. Take a look at some possible impacts:

  • 18% direct savings: The 18% GST that was previously added to the premium will now translate directly into savings for travellers.
  • More cost-effective for family and group travellers: If you are travelling with family or in a group, you will enjoy significant savings on the total premium amount.
  • Benefits for students and budget travellers: Students can now afford better coverage, easing their financial stress while travelling.
  • Increased insurance adoption: Removing GST on travel insurance makes it more affordable, encouraging more travellers to purchase it without hesitation.

How to Buy Travel Insurance Without Paying GST

So, what about enjoying these extra savings while still staying protected against all those unexpected travel hiccups, like trip delays, lost baggage, or medical emergencies? With 0% GST on travel insurance premiums, it’s the perfect time to secure your trip with Care Health Insurance. Wondering how to get started? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to buying your policy hassle-free:

Step 1: Visit the Care Health Insurance website and click on the Travel Insurance section.

Step 2: Select your destination and trip duration.

Step 3: Enter your trip details. Fill in the basic information, such as travel dates, age of the travellers, and any other relevant information.

Step 4: Once you fill in the details, you will see the premium with 0% GST travel insurance.

Step 5: Customise your coverage (optional) and add any extra benefits you may want, such as coverage for adventure sports, refund of visa fee, etc.

Step 6: Complete your payment online. You will only pay the base premium with no extra GST, which means real savings!

Your policy document will be emailed to you immediately. You are now covered and travel-ready!

Conclusion: A Welcome Move for Indian Travellers

The festive season is around the corner, and it’s that time of year when many Indians start planning their annual international trips. So, what better time than now to delight travellers with 0% GST on travel insurance premiums?

With this change making travel insurance more affordable, more people are likely to opt for coverage, saving themselves from future regrets such as substantial medical bills, loss of documents, sudden flare-ups of pre-existing conditions during travel, or even personal accidents. Safety should never be overlooked, especially when you’re in a foreign country. So, take advantage of the new GST reforms and use those extra bucks to create new memories and experiences.

Wishing you happy and safe travels!

Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.

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  • Your Queries Related

  • Q. Is travel insurance GST-free now?

    Yes, effective from September 22, 2025, individual and family travel insurance will be GST-free in India.

    Q. What is Travel Insurance and why is it important?

    Travel insurance is a safety net that protects you from unexpected risks during a trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage. It’s important because it ensures peace of mind and financial security while you're travelling, especially abroad.

    Q. Who benefits the most from GST-free Travel Insurance?

    Those who travel abroad frequently for work or tourism will benefit from GST-free travel insurance premiums in India.

    Q. How much do you save with 0% GST on Travel Insurance?

    Before, the 18% GST was charged on the base premium during the calculation of the total paid premium. With no GST policy, you will save 18% from 22nd September onwards.

    Q. Does the removal of GST also remove the benefits of Travel Insurance?

    No, it will not reduce the benefits of the policy. Only the overall cost of travel insurance will be reduced.

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