In recent years, the demand for travel insurance has surged by 45%, driven by a shift in Indian tourists’ travel preferences. Instead of opting for the usual popular spots, more and more Indian travelers are seeking unique and less crowded destinations. This growing trend has notably impacted insurance purchases for these offbeat locations, with countries like Seychelles and Vietnam leading the charge.

Top Destinations for Travel Insurance Growth

Seychelles and Vietnam have emerged as top growth areas for travel insurance in 2025. Seychelles travel insurance, in particular, has experienced an impressive 115% year-on-year growth in purchases, making it the leader among emerging travel spots. Vietnam is not far behind, showing a 50% rise in the same period.

Other destinations like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Fiji are also gaining traction. These countries are appealing to tourists due to their ease of access, eco-tourism potential, and opportunities for adventure. While these offbeat locations are growing in popularity, they still account for only 11% of total travel insurance sales, suggesting ample room for further growth.

Who’s Driving the Trend?

The primary group driving this shift in travel habits are younger travelers, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 35. This age group is responsible for 44% of the travel insurance purchases made for trips to offbeat locations. However, the market for these destinations spans a wider range of ages, with tourists between 23 and 60 also contributing significantly.

Policies for these destinations often include more comprehensive coverage, especially for adventurous activities like diving, trekking, and safaris. Many travelers opt for policies that cover Rs 1 lakh or more, as well as adventure sports coverage to ensure they are fully protected during their trips.

Shorter, Spontaneous Trips to Offbeat Destinations

Travelers heading to offbeat destinations typically take shorter vacations compared to those visiting popular tourist spots. While the average length of a stay at a conventional destination is around 51 days, trips to offbeat places average only 18 days. This shorter duration is often a reflection of the more spontaneous nature of these vacations. Many travelers book their trips closer to the departure date, making travel insurance a crucial part of their travel planning to avoid potential risks.

Top concerns for these travelers include medical emergencies, trip delays, and baggage issues. These are some of the reasons why travel insurance policies tailored for offbeat travel are becoming more important. With such trips being booked at the last minute, it’s essential to have coverage in place to handle unexpected complications that may arise.

Peak Season for Offbeat Travel

The busiest time for travelers to offbeat destinations tends to be between October and March, a period that coincides with major festivals and favorable weather conditions. This window sees a sharp rise in travel insurance purchases, as travelers gear up for their holidays to these unique locations. Since the pandemic, the uptake of travel insurance for such destinations has grown by more than 50%, showing just how significant the shift toward offbeat travel has become.

Rising Popularity of Adventure Sports Coverage

With many of these offbeat destinations offering adventurous activities, there’s an increasing demand for policies that include adventure sports coverage. Activities like diving, trekking, and safaris have become key attractions, making it essential for travelers to have protection in case of accidents or injuries. As a result, more travel insurance providers are offering policies specifically designed to cover these kinds of activities.

Travelers heading to emerging destinations are more likely to choose policies that include this extra coverage, reflecting their desire to explore and participate in high-risk but exciting activities. This trend highlights how the insurance market is evolving to meet the needs of more adventurous tourists.

Opportunity for Further Growth in Travel Insurance Sales

While travel insurance for offbeat destinations currently makes up just a small portion of the overall market, it’s clear that this sector has a lot of growth potential. According to experts, destinations such as Japan could soon transition from niche locations to mainstream options, further boosting the demand for travel insurance in these areas.

The overall growth in travel insurance demand also signals that insurance providers are starting to pay closer attention to the needs of offbeat travelers. As more tourists explore these unique destinations, the market will likely continue to expand, offering more tailored products designed to address specific risks associated with these types of vacations.

Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for Offbeat Travel

As Indian travelers continue to seek out less conventional travel experiences, travel insurance becomes more crucial. Policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and adventure activities ensure that travelers can enjoy their holidays without worrying about the financial implications of unexpected issues. This is particularly important for those venturing into offbeat destinations where medical services may not be as accessible, or where the risks associated with adventure sports are higher.

For both first-time and seasoned travelers, ensuring they have the right insurance coverage before heading out on a trip can make all the difference. With more and more Indians choosing destinations like Seychelles, Vietnam, and other emerging travel hotspots, having comprehensive insurance coverage is a smart and necessary investment.

Conclusion: Growing Travel Insurance Demand Reflects Changing Travel Habits

The 45% rise in demand for travel insurance highlights a major shift in Indian travel preferences. As more travelers choose Seychelles and Vietnam travel insurance, the need for specialized coverage has increased. With a growing focus on eco-tourism and adventure, policies that offer additional coverage for activities like trekking and diving are in high demand. The shift to offbeat travel is likely to continue, creating even more opportunities for growth in the travel insurance market. Whether for a short trip or an adventure-filled vacation, travelers now recognize the importance of being fully protected, no matter where they go.