Travel Insurance for Religious Pilgrimages: Umrah, Hajj & Kailash

Pilgrimage travel insurance in India is an international travel insurance policy that you buy online before religious trips like Hajj, Umrah, or the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. It can help with a lot of things which may go wrong abroad, such as a sudden illness, a delayed bag, or a lost passport. It also gives family back home one less thing to worry about.

Read on to know more.

Why Do Pilgrims Need Travel Insurance?

Every pilgrimage is different, and so are the risks. That is why religious travel insurance in India is worth considering.

Hajj

Hajj is performed in and around Makkah, from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims stay in tents at Mina and spend a night in the open at Muzdalifah. Lately, Hajj has fallen in the hotter months.

Umrah

Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage which can be performed at any time of the year. Most pilgrims also visit Madinah on the same trip. The crowds are very heavy during Ramadan.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar are in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The 52 km parikrama usually takes three days and crosses the Dolma La pass at over 5,600 metres. Altitude sickness and sudden changes in weather are real concerns here.

Is the Insurance with Your Saudi Visa Enough?

Wondering whether you need pilgrimage travel insurance from India when your visa includes insurance? Let us take a closer look.

As per Saudi Arabia's Council of Health Insurance, a health insurance policy for pilgrims and Umrah performers is part of the entry visa. It covers emergencies within the Kingdom.

However, some problems have nothing to do with a hospital. For instance, your bag may not arrive with you in Jeddah. This is where travel insurance for Hajj or Umrah from India comes in, as its baggage delay cover can help, subject to policy terms.

What Does Pilgrimage Travel Insurance Cover?

Here are the key covers under Bajaj General Insurance's international travel insurance in India:

Medical Expenses and Evacuation

This covers medical expenses for any illness, disease or injury which happens while you are abroad. It also covers evacuation to India.

Cashless Hospitalisation

You can avail treatment at network hospitals without paying upfront. The cashless facility is applicable for overseas hospitalisation expenses above USD 500.

Trip Cancellation and Curtailment

If your trip is cancelled or cut short, this pays for the loss towards accommodation and travel, but only in the pre-defined circumstances listed in your policy.

Loss of Passport and Baggage

This pays for getting a duplicate passport if yours is lost during travel. Additionally, you get compensation if the airline delays or misplaces your checked-in baggage.

Pre-Existing Illness Cover

Pre-existing illnesses and injuries can be covered if you opt for it. This is yet another important cover for older pilgrims.

Note: Pilgrimage travel insurance in India differs from plan to plan. It is recommended that you read the policy wording carefully before you buy.

What to Check in Kailash Mansarovar Travel Insurance?

Check these things before buying Kailash Mansarovar travel insurance:

1. Ask whether the parikrama counts as an adventure activity, which may be covered only with an add-on.
2. Read how the policy defines evacuation. Hospitals are very far apart on this route.
3. Add a few extra days to your policy for acclimatisation and weather delays.

What is Usually Excluded?

Religious travel insurance in India usually excludes:

1. Pre-existing conditions, unless you have opted for this cover
2. Accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs
3. Routine check-ups and vaccinations
4. Self-inflicted injuries, unlawful acts, and war and related perils

So, do keep aside money for any vaccines your pilgrimage requires.

How to Buy Travel Insurance Online for Your Pilgrimage?

You can buy pilgrimage travel insurance online in India in a few minutes. Here are some tips:

1. Buy the policy soon after you book your flights and package.
2. Declare your medical history honestly, and read up on pre-existing illness cover.
3. If you are going with a group on the same itinerary, group travel insurance covers everyone under a single policy.
4. Save the 24x7 emergency assistance numbers on your phone. The missed call number for travel emergencies is +91 124 617 4720.

Also Read: Why Book Travel Insurance Right After Flights

Conclusion

As you can tell by now, each pilgrimage has its own set of risks. You can explore travel insurance options from Bajaj General Insurance online and pick a plan for your pilgrimage from India.

FAQs

Can senior citizens buy travel insurance for Hajj or Umrah?

Senior citizens can buy travel insurance for Hajj or Umrah. Senior citizen travel insurance is tailored for travellers aged 60 and above. Furthermore, no medical check-up is required to buy the policy.

Does domestic travel insurance cover the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra?

Domestic travel insurance does not cover this yatra. Kailash and Mansarovar are in Tibet, China, so you will need international travel insurance from India.

Does travel insurance cover heat-related illness during Hajj?

The medical expenses benefit may cover treatment for an illness abroad, including heat-related illness. However, this is subject to the sum insured, exclusions and other policy terms and conditions.

*Standard T&C apply.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For complete details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.