Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Why ₹1 Crore Travel Insurance May Pay Much Less
Travel insurance can help pay for medical care or other unexpected problems while someone is abroad.
Some places require visitors to buy it before they can get a visa or enter.
The required amount can differ from one destination to another.
But a policy that advertises a large total cover may still limit how much it pays for each kind of medical expense.
These smaller caps are called sub-limits.
For example, there may be separate limits for a hospital room, intensive care or an ambulance.
The limits differ between cheaper and more expensive plans.
They may also change depending on the traveller’s age.
Some destinations require travellers to have insurance for visa approval or entry, including Schengen countries, Cuba, Romania, the UAE and Turkey.
Schengen visa applicants from India need at least €30,000 in cover valid throughout their stay.
The article says UAE tourist and visit visas typically require at least $50,000 in emergency medical cover, while some visa centres may ask for up to $100,000.
A policy’s headline coverage does not guarantee an equal payout because sub-limits cap payments for specific expenses.
Sub-limits can apply to hospital rooms, ICU care, surgery, consultations, diagnostics and ambulance costs, and may vary by plan and age.
- Who
- Indian travellers going abroad, particularly those applying for visas to destinations with insurance requirements.
- What
- An explanation of mandatory travel insurance, coverage requirements and sub-limits that can reduce payouts for specific medical expenses.
- When
- The article gives no publication date or specific timeframe.
- Where
- For travel from India to destinations including Schengen countries, Cuba, Romania, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
- Why
- Countries may require insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses, accidents or travel disruptions; insurers use sub-limits to cap certain benefits and offer plans at different price points.
- Schengen minimum cover
- At least €30,000, valid throughout the traveller’s stay.
- UAE standard stated requirement
- At least $50,000 in emergency medical cover for the visa duration.
- Higher UAE coverage cited
- Some visa processing centres may require up to $100,000 in coverage.
- Sub-limit examples
- Room rent, ICU charges, surgery, doctor consultations, diagnostics and ambulance costs.
- Entry-level room rent limit
- $1,500 per day, according to the article’s Policybazaar-sourced table.
- Premium room rent limit
- $2,500 per day, according to the article’s Policybazaar-sourced table.
- Age-related variation
- Sub-limits may vary by age, and the age thresholds can differ between insurers.