What is the story about?
Indian travellers are increasingly swapping traditional holiday hotspots for more adventurous, lesser-explored getaways, and their travel insurance purchases
are reflecting this shift. According to new data from insurance broker Policybazaar, travel insurance for offbeat destinations like Seychelles, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Fiji has grown by nearly 45 per cent in the last two to three years. While these still account for only about 11 per cent of the volumes compared with mainstream routes such as the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand, the growth pace highlights how rapidly Indian travellers’ preferences are changing.
Seychelles And Vietnam Rank On Top
Among all offbeat destinations, Seychelles recorded the sharpest rise, with a 115 per cent increase in travel insurance purchases in 2025 compared with 2024. Vietnam followed with nearly 50 per cent growth, driven by affordable travel packages, simplified visa processes, and its appeal as a cultural and culinary hub.Other destinations including Sri Lanka, Fiji, the Philippines, and Kenya are also seeing a steady rise in demand, particularly from travellers drawn to eco-tourism and adventure-based experiences.
Young Professionals Fuel Offbeat Travel
The majority of these insurance buyers are young professionals aged 25–35, who account for 44 per cent of policies purchased for offbeat destinations. The overall age range of buyers spans from 23 to 60, showing that while millennials are leading the trend, interest in such destinations is broadening.Shorter Trips, Bigger Covers
Trips to these offbeat destinations average 18 days, compared with 51 days for mainstream holidays, suggesting they are often chosen for shorter, exploratory breaks rather than long stays.Interestingly, most travellers are opting for higher travel insurance covers, typically above $100,000 for medical protection. With the rise of adventure sports like diving in Seychelles, trekking in Vietnam, and safaris in Kenya, add-ons for activity coverage are becoming more popular.
Risks and Common Claims
Remote and less commercialised destinations often come with unique risks, making travel insurance essential. The most frequent claims as per the report include:- Medical emergencies such as diving accidents or altitude sickness
- Trip disruptions caused by flight delays and cancellations
- Baggage mishandling during multi-hop international journeys
Since many of these destinations are visa-free for Indians, policies are often bought close to departure, with flexibility around proof of insurance requirements. The peak season for offbeat travel remains October to March, aligning with India’s festive holidays and favourable weather abroad. Looking ahead, Japan is projected to be the next big growth market for travel insurance, thanks to its blend of culture, safety, and accessibility. Experts predict it may soon shift from an “offbeat” destination into a mainstream choice for Indian travellers.
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