Travel Insurance for Portugal

​Portugal shares old historical links with India. The trade route to India from Europe was actually discovered by a Portuguese sailor called Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese, like the other Europeans who colonised India were attracted to the country by its fabled wealth and spice trade. Today, the scene is a bit different. Many Indian tourists are visiting Portugal to spend their holidays and for good reason. Portugal is blessed with excellent beaches, beautifully designed cities, a delectable cuisine and friendly people.

Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal used to be a great trading center. Ships from all over the world used to congregate here to unload their goods, which would then be carried by land to other places on the continent. As a result of this, the city has a rich architectural tradition. Do visit the Castle of St. Jorge. It dates back to the middle age and is one of the major tourists attractions in Lisbon. Close to Lisbon is the ancient monastery of Batalha. It is one of the best examples of medieval Gothic architecture in the world.

​If you want to go off the beaten track, don't forget to visit the Azores islands. The Azores islands are a group of nine islands, which lie around 930 miles of the coast of Lisbon. The islands have preserved an idyllic way of life. If you want to relax, you will love what thes​e islands have to offer. The city of Porto is a revelation. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and also a world heritage site. Did you know, Port wine is actually named after the city of Porto?

Portugal is also known for its cuisine. The Portuguese eat a simple but delicious diet consisting of smoked meats, cheese, fresh bread, olives, chargrilled fish, wine, and cataplana. Do try the pastel de nata or custard tart. Try and take some time out of your itinerary to visit vineyards in Douro valley. We recommend the Quinta da Pachera winery, which offers a guided tour. Other excellent vineyards in the region are Quinta das Carvalhas (which has the best views), Quinta das Crasto (another vineyard with excellent views), and the old vineyard of Quinta Nova.

FAQs

• What is the current GST rate on travel insurance premiums?

  Zero percent! That’s the big change. Until 21st September 2025, travel insurance premiums attracted 18% GST, just like other general insurance products. But from 22nd September onward, the government has removed GST on individual travel insurance policies making them significantly more affordable.

• How will the GST waiver impact the cost of my travel insurance policy?

  Let’s break it down with a real-world example Suppose your travel insurance premium was ₹2,000. Earlier, you paid ₹2,360 (₹2,000 + ₹360 GST). Now, you’ll pay just ₹2,000 a direct saving of 18%. This means every rupee you pay now goes toward actual coverage, not taxes. For frequent travelers or those buying comprehensive plans, this could mean savings of ₹500 to ₹2,000 or more per policy.

• How much GST do I now pay on travel insurance?

  None. GST has been fully waived on individual travel insurance premiums. You’ll see this reflected in your invoice no tax line, just the base premium.

• If I bought a travel insurance policy before September 22, 2025, will GST still be charged?

  Yes, but only for that purchase. The GST exemption is not retroactive, so if you bought your policy before 22nd September, the 18% GST you paid won’t be refunded. However, any future renewals or new purchases will be GST-free.

• What does the new GST regulation effective 22nd September mean for Travel Insurance premiums?

  This is part of the GST 2.0 overhaul, which aims to simplify the tax structure and make essential services more affordable. Travel insurance has now joined life and health insurance in the GST exempt category, meaning discounted premiums with the same coverage benefits.

• Does the GST waiver apply to all categories of travel plans — Individual, Family, Student, Senior Citizen, Annual Multi-Trip, and Schengen?

  "Yes, it does! The exemption applies to all individual travel insurance policies, regardless of category:

  Single-trip or multi-trip, Student or senior citizen, Schengen visa plans, Family floaters or solo travelers. As long as it’s an individual policy, it qualifies for the GST waiver."

• If I buy a new Travel Care plan today, will my premium automatically be GST-free?

  Absolutely. If you’re buying a Travel Care plan on or after 22nd September, your premium will be GST-free by default. You’ll only pay the base premium.

• How much will my Travel Insurance premium reduce now that GST is removed?

  "You’ll save exactly 18% on the premium amount. For example ₹5,000 policy was earlier ₹5,900 (with GST).

  Now with the revised GST its ₹5,000 flat. That’s a ₹900 saving and it scales up with higher coverage or longer durations."

• I bought my travel policy before 22nd September with GST. Does this change apply to me?

  Unfortunately, no. The GST exemption applies only to policies purchased on or after 22nd September. If you paid GST earlier, it’s not refundable, and your coverage remains unchanged.

• Does the GST change impact visa-linked requirements like Schengen’s €30,000 cover?

  The Schengen visa requirement of €30,000 coverage remains unchanged. However, now that GST is removed, you’ll pay less for the same coverage, making it easier to meet embassy requirements without overspending.

• Will coverage features such as emergency medical, baggage, or trip cancellation change due to GST removal?

  No changes to coverage. The GST exemption affects pricing, not the benefits. You’ll still get Emergency medical cover, Trip cancellation protection, Baggage loss reimbursement. But now, you get all this at a lower cost

• How does GST removal benefit frequent flyers taking the Annual Multi-Trip plan?

  This is where the savings really add up. Annual multi-trip plans are already cost-effective, and now you save 18% on the entire annual premium. No GST means better ROI for frequent travelers. You can reinvest the savings into higher coverage or add-ons. For example, if your annual plan was ₹12,000 + ₹2,160 GST, you now pay just ₹12,000 saving over ₹2,000 instantly.​

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