Wedding Travel Insurance Surge
Analysis of recent data reveals a substantial 27.4% year-on-year increase in travel insurance purchases specifically tied to destination weddings. This
upward trend continues into the current year, with another 27.4% rise observed year-to-date. A significant demographic shift is also evident, with individuals aged 60 and above now constituting a quarter of all policy buyers. This evolution in wedding travel is characterized by extended celebrations, increased international expenditure, and multi-generational family participation. Destinations like Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and various European locales are frequently selected for these elaborate overseas ceremonies. The consistent growth in wedding-related insurance over the past three years indicates that international weddings are becoming a mainstream aspiration for Indian families, moving beyond an exclusive luxury. This rise is attributed not only to an overall increase in outbound travel but also to a heightened awareness of potential risks such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, travel disruptions, and visa uncertainties associated with multi-day wedding events.
Top Wedding Destinations
Indian couples are increasingly choosing a diverse array of destinations for their weddings, blending aspirational locales with more budget-friendly options. Thailand remains the premier choice, benefiting from its geographical proximity, straightforward visa processes, and well-established infrastructure for hosting Indian weddings. The UAE attracts families seeking opulent venues and convenient international transit options. Emerging as popular, cost-effective, and picturesque alternatives are Vietnam and Sri Lanka. For more intimate, high-spending wedding groups, destinations like Italy, Spain, and Greece are favoured. Smaller, family-focused ceremonies are often held in Oman and the Maldives. This broad spectrum of choices demonstrates the adaptability of destination weddings, catering to both grand festivities and exclusive, private gatherings.
Seasonal Policy Purchases
Unlike typical travel insurance, which often aligns with general holiday periods, policies for destination weddings closely follow India's traditional wedding seasons. Policybazaar has identified distinct peaks in demand for these specialized policies. During the period of January 15th to March 31st, policy purchases saw an increase of 8% in 2023–24 and a more significant 16% in 2024–25. The months of July and August also experienced growth, with demand rising by 11% and 10% respectively across these years. The most pronounced surge in policy purchases occurs between November 1st and December 15th, historically the strongest trigger for wedding-related insurance. This period saw a substantial 30% increase in 2023–24, followed by an 8% rise in 2024–25, underscoring the winter wedding season's importance.
Multi-Generational Travel Impact
The familial nature of wedding travel is fundamentally altering insurance preferences, particularly with the growing participation of senior citizens. The age demographics of individuals purchasing wedding-linked travel insurance are: 40% are between 25–34 years old (typically the bride or groom), 35% are between 45–60 years old (often parents), and a substantial 25% are 60 years and older (senior travelers). This increasing proportion of older travelers is directly fueling a higher demand for comprehensive medical coverage, including protection for pre-existing conditions. As families embark on longer international trips together to celebrate weddings, the need for robust health and medical insurance becomes paramount, ensuring the well-being of all generations involved in the festivities.
Geographic Demand Patterns
While major metropolitan areas continue to dominate the demand for destination wedding travel insurance, there's a noticeable expansion of this trend into Tier-2 cities. Currently, Mumbai leads with 16% of policy purchases, followed closely by Bengaluru at 13% and Delhi at 8%. Hyderabad contributes 5%, and Chennai accounts for 4%. However, emerging hubs of demand are increasingly being observed in cities such as Pune, Gurugram, New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Jaipur, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. This broader geographic spread indicates that destination weddings are no longer exclusively the domain of India's largest urban centers, but are becoming accessible and popular across a wider segment of the country.
Group Bookings Rebound
Following a brief period of reduced group travel post-pandemic, bookings for larger wedding groups are experiencing a strong resurgence. Data indicates a slight 2% dip in group bookings from 2023 to 2024, but this has been dramatically reversed with a significant 28% surge in 2025 year-to-date. This revival of larger guest lists is directly translating into an increased demand for comprehensive travel insurance plans designed for families and groups. The return of more extensive wedding celebrations abroad necessitates robust insurance solutions that can cover the collective needs and potential risks associated with a larger number of travelers attending an overseas event.
Coverage Preferences
Across various popular destinations, individuals opting for travel insurance for destination weddings consistently choose a sum insured of $250,000, regardless of whether their wedding is in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, or Europe. While the premiums for European travel tend to be higher due to longer durations and more expensive medical facilities, the chosen sum insured remains remarkably uniform. The primary concerns for wedding travelers, as highlighted by Policybazaar's data, revolve around safeguarding valuables and ensuring health. Specifically, 28% prioritize coverage for baggage loss, often due to the high-value outfits and jewelry involved in weddings. Medical emergencies are a concern for 25% of travelers, while 22% opt for pre-existing disease cover. Trip cancellation accounts for 15% of concerns, and flight delays or missed connections are a factor for 10% of purchasers.
