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Is Travel Insurance Worth Buying for Short Trips?

Team AckoNov 13, 2025

Taking a quick break from work or flying abroad for a weekend conference sounds fun and easy, doesn’t it? But even short trips can go wrong, and your flight might get delayed, luggage lost, or worse, you might fall sick in another country where medical costs are sky-high.

That’s where travel insurance comes in. While many people believe it’s only necessary for long holidays or expensive vacations, the truth is that even a short two-day trip can benefit from travel insurance. Let’s understand why.

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Contents

What Is Travel Insurance for Short Trips?
Why Do People Skip Travel Insurance for Short Trips?
Pros and Cons of Buying Travel Insurance for Short Trips
- Pros
- Cons
When Should You Buy Travel Insurance for a Short Trip?
How Much Does Short-Trip Travel Insurance Cost?
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
What Is Not Covered in Travel Insurance?
Final Words
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Travel Insurance for Short Trips?

Travel insurance for short trips shields you from unforeseen issues on your journey. It assists in covering medical crises, lost luggage, trip cancellations, and other related issues.

In case of any mishap, at that time your insurance provider pays for the bills (as per your plan), rescuing you from immediate financial worries.

Why Do People Skip Travel Insurance for Short Trips?

Most travellers believe short journeys are too small to be insured. A light trip to Sri Lanka, Dubai, or even Goa does not appear risky enough.

Here are a few popular excuses for missing the purchase of travel insurance:

• "It's just a 2-day trip; nothing will happen."

• "I already have health insurance in India."

• "It's too much trouble for a short trip."

• "The airline already provides basic protection."

But even a small issue overseas can burn a hole in your pocket. For example, a medical emergency in the US may cost you more than ₹2 lakh for one visit to a hospital.

Planning an overseas getaway? Secure your journey with International Travel Insurance for complete peace of mind.

Pros and Cons of Buying Travel Insurance for Short Trips

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of getting travel insurance for short trips:

Pros

•Financial Protection: Even for short trips, emergencies do occur. Insurance saves you from paying enormous amounts out of your pocket.

•Visa Requirement: Travel insurance is a requirement in many nations, even for short visits, like in the Schengen region.

•Budget-friendly: Short-trip plans begin at ₹200–₹700, depending on the destination and duration of visit.

•Cashless Assistance: Cashless hospitalisation overseas is provided by most insurers, saving you effort and time.

Cons

•Domestic Travel Limitation: If you're travelling within India and your health insurance already covers emergencies, you may not require additional travel insurance.

•Extremely Short Trip: Trips that are less than 24 hours long might not be worth insuring.

•Documents: Some travellers find policy choosing and documentation cumbersome, although the availability of online policies these days makes it much simpler.

When Should You Buy Travel Insurance for a Short Trip?

Here are a few reasons why you should count on travel insurance even if your trip is short:

1. Medical expenses abroad are very expensive.

2. The chances of needing medical help are higher.

3. Laptops, cameras, or equipment can be lost or stolen.

4. If you’ve prepaid for flights, hotels, or events, insurance can reimburse you if things go wrong.

5. If you plan to trek, ski, or dive, you’ll need special coverage.

How Much Does Short-Trip Travel Insurance Cost?

Short-trip travel insurance is affordable, and the costs are as follows:

• A 3–5 day international trip may cost around ₹200–₹700.

• For Europe, plans with up to USD 50,000 coverage are available for under ₹500.

• Domestic plans start as low as ₹20 per day.

Online platforms like ACKO make it easy to compare and buy travel insurance online in minutes, no lengthy paperwork needed.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Here is a rundown of the things travel insurance covers:

1. Medical Emergencies

If you fall ill or get hurt while travelling overseas, travel insurance covers your hospital and treatment bills.

2. Trip Cancellation or Interruption

If you have to cancel or shorten your trip due to illness, family crisis, or other listed reasons, you'll be reimbursed for costs you've already paid in advance, such as for hotel accommodations or flights.

3. Lost or Delayed Baggage

If your bags are lost or delayed, the insurer pays for basics such as clothes and toiletries.

4. Loss of Passport or Documents

Loss of a passport while abroad can put you in trouble. Travel insurance pays for the cost of replacement and assists in the process.

5. Personal Accident Insurance

In case you are involved in an accident resulting in injury or disability, your travel insurance pays out.

6. Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation

If you have to be transported to the closest hospital or flown back to India, medical evacuation coverage covers it.

7. Personal Liability

If you unintentionally damage another person's property or hurt another individual, your insurer assists in paying for the repair and legal expenses.

What Is Not Covered in Travel Insurance?

Here are some situations generally not included in short-trip travel insurance:

• If you have any pre-existing medical condition (like diabetes or heart disease), unless your insurer knows it.

• Injuries from dangerous sports like skydiving or mountain climbing (unless you add adventure cover).

• Losses from war, terrorism, or civil unrest in high-risk countries.

• Claims from alcohol or drug use.

• Travelling without valid documents or visas.

Final Words

Even if your journey is short, travel insurance is worth the small price for great protection. It wards off financial loss and worry in the event of a delayed flight, lost bags, or an unexpected trip to the hospital.

If you're going abroad, you really need travel insurance. It's not necessary for domestic short trips, but it's still a good idea to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need travel insurance for short international trips?

Yes, even brief international travel can include medical or travel emergencies. It's always best to have coverage.

Can I purchase travel insurance for a 2-day trip?

Yes, the majority of insurers provide coverage for trips lasting as little as a day.

How much is travel insurance for a short trip overseas?

It typically ranges from ₹200 to ₹700 based on destination and duration.

What happens if my passport is lost during a short trip?

Travel insurance covers passport replacement and related expenses.

Does travel insurance cover adventure sports?

Only if you add an adventure sports rider to your plan.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Buy it right after booking your tickets, so trip cancellations are also covered.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. Please check the policy document for cancellation reasons, and terms and conditions of the policy.