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Is Airline-Offered Travel Insurance Enough or Should You Buy It Separately?

Team AckoOct 31, 2025

Booking a flight nowadays is really easy. You select where you want to fly, select your seat, and just as you are about to pay, a little pop-up asks, "Would you like to add travel insurance?"

It seems convenient, doesn't it? You would think, "Why not? It's cheap and fast." But don't check that box before asking yourself this question: Is the travel insurance offered by the airline sufficient, or do you need to purchase your own stand-alone travel insurance policy?

This article will help you understand the difference between airline travel insurance vs standalone travel insurance so that you can make the best decision for your next trip..

Is Airline-Offered Travel Insurance Enough or Should You Buy It Separately

Contents

What is Airline-Offered Travel Insurance?
When is Airline Insurance Enough?
- Pros of Airline-Provided Travel Insurance
- Drawbacks of Airline-Offered Travel Insurance
Why Buying Separate Travel Insurance Is a Better Idea?
Comparison: Airline Offered vs Standalone Travel Insurance
How to Choose What's Best for You?
Final Words
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Airline-Offered Travel Insurance?

When you purchase flight tickets online, most airlines in India (and outside India) present you with an option to include travel insurance immediately.

What it means is that you don't have to search for a different insurance provider. You can purchase it from the airline itself when you're paying for your ticket.

This insurance pays for:

Cancellation or postponement of a trip
Lost or damaged luggage
Medical issues during travel
Personal accident or injury
Stay at a hotel if your flight gets delayed

It's easy to purchase, requires no additional steps, and typically only costs several hundred rupees. That's why it's easy and convenient for many.".

When is Airline Insurance Enough?

Airline-provided travel insurance can work for short, low-risk trips where you just want quick and basic protection. It’s best suited for travellers who prefer convenience over full coverage.

Pros of Airline-Provided Travel Insurance

There are a few plus points of airline-provided travel insurance:

1. Instant Purchase: You can purchase it when you book your ticket; there are no forms or phone calls.

2. Low Price: It's inexpensive, particularly for short or local trips.

3. Basic Protection: It protects you from minor but frequent issues such as flight delays, cancellations, or lost baggage.

4. Good for Short Trips: If you're travelling within India or abroad for a limited period, this insurance provides you with some peace of mind and security.

But don't forget, it's not perfect. There are some huge limits as well.

Drawbacks of Airline-Offered Travel Insurance

Although it is convenient to purchase, airline travel insurance does not always provide complete protection.

1. Limited Protection: It only covers simple things such as delayed flights or lost luggage. If you become seriously ill or injured while overseas, the medical cover may be insufficient to make a difference.

2. Short Coverage Period: Most airline covers you for only around 30 days. Therefore, if you're travelling overseas for business, study, or an extended vacation, you will require an additional plan.

3. No Customisation: You can't modify or include additional coverages. No insurance coverage for adventure sports, existing medical conditions, lost passports or burglary at home

4. Limited Choice: The airline only deals with a single insurance provider, meaning you can't compare alternate plans or claim amounts.

5. Only Compatible with One Airline: In case your trip involves more than one airline, you may not receive coverage on all the flights. For instance, if your trip involves connecting flights on various airlines, you may lose the coverage on some segments.

6. Lower Claim Amounts: The coverage limits are quite low. You may get only ₹20,000 for lost baggage or around ₹2–3 lakh for medical treatment, which is not enough for overseas emergencies.

Why Buying Separate Travel Insurance Is a Better Idea?

A standalone policy that you buy travel insurance online from an insurer gives you stronger, more flexible protection.

Here’s why you should consider choosing it:

1. Higher Coverage Amounts:

Some plans offer medical cover up to ₹50 lakh or even more, which is important if you travel abroad.

2. Different Plans for Different Needs:

You can choose from single-trip, family, student, or senior citizen travel plans, whichever best suits your trip.

3. More Situations Covered:

Standalone policies usually protect you from:

Serious medical emergencies and hospitalisation
Loss of passport or travel documents
Trip cancellation for various reasons
COVID-19-related expenses
Optional adventure sports cover

4. Accepted for Visa Applications:

Countries (like the UK, Schengen, and Canada) ask for proper travel insurance during visa processing. Airline insurance usually doesn’t qualify.

5. Easy Online Claims:

With ACKO international travel insurance, you can upload documents online and receive claim payments directly into your bank account. No long forms or phone calls needed.

Comparison: Airline Offered vs Standalone Travel Insurance

When booking your flight, airlines often suggest travel insurance at checkout. While this is quick and convenient, it might not always give you the full protection you need. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the difference between airline travel insurance vs standalone travel insurance.

Factor	Airline-Offered Travel Insurance	Standalone Travel Insurance
Cost	Usually affordable for short trips, but can become expensive for longer journeys or international destinations.	Offers a wide range of plans (from budget to premium), often providing more coverage for the same or even lower price.
Coverage	Mostly focuses on flight-related issues such as delays, cancellations, or lost baggage. Medical and emergency cover may be limited.	Provides broader protection, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, evacuation, personal liability, and more.
Flexibility	Comes as a fixed plan tied to your flight booking, with little room for customisation.	Fully customisable. You can choose add-ons for adventure sports, gadgets, or family cover.
Claim Process	Claims are often handled through the airline’s partner insurer and may take longer to process.	Direct and faster. It can be managed through the insurer’s website or app.
Add-Ons	Limited or no add-ons available.	Many add-ons are available, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, home protection, or adventure sports.
Refunds or Cancellations	Usually non-refundable once purchased.	More flexible. Some insurers allow cancellation before the trip starts.
Visa Requirement	Often not accepted for visa applications (like Schengen or UK).	Accepted by most embassies for visa processing.
Best For	Travellers taking short, domestic, or low-cost trips who want basic, no-fuss cover.	Travellers going abroad, on long trips, or with family who want peace of mind and full protection.

How to Choose What's Best for You?

Here is a quick guide that will help you pick the one for yourself.

Domestic short trips: Airline-provided insurance is typically okay.
International vacations: Purchase a standalone policy for complete protection.
Adventure tours: Purchase a plan covering sports or risky pursuits.
Frequent travellers: Annual multi-trip insurance is more economical in the long term.
Family vacations: A family plan covers everyone under one policy.

If you’re unsure, compare both options online. Platforms like ACKO let you see and buy the best travel insurance in just a few minutes. Smart travellers purchase airline insurance for minor problems such as flight delays, and take additional travel insurance for major issues such as medical crises or trip cancellation. This way, you are fully covered and at peace wherever you are.

Final Words

Airline travel insurance seems convenient and affordable, yet it only provides basic protection. When going overseas, being away for an extended period, or considering adventure activities, it's wiser to purchase your own full travel insurance policy. With travel insurance in India now available online from trusted providers like ACKO, you can travel worry-free knowing that you’re protected against every possible risk, from medical emergencies to lost luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is airline travel insurance?

It's simple insurance that you can purchase when reserving your flight. It will cover delays, cancellations, and lost luggage.

Do I have to purchase airline-provided travel insurance?

No, it's not mandatory. You can opt out and purchase another policy independently.

Does airline insurance pay for medical treatment overseas?

Not fully. It offers limited assistance and may not cover hospital expenses abroad.

10. Can I ride my electric scooter during monsoons?

Yes. You can ride the electric scooter in monsoons. But you need to take some precautions. Do not ride the EV in flooded roads, always park the electric scooter in a dry place and after the ride, keep the scooter and its components dry.

Can I use airline insurance for a visa?

No. Embassies typically require a full travel insurance policy from a reputable insurer.

What if I'm flying with more than one airline?

You may not be insured for all flights if the insurance is only for one airline.

Does insurance for airlines include adventure sports?

No, activities such as skiing or diving are typically not covered.

How to claim airline-offered insurance?

You'll need to call the insurance company that is in partnership with the airline and go through their procedure.

What is best for overseas travel?

Always purchase your own full travel insurance. It is safer and provides more comprehensive cover.

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.