Travel Insurance Sri Lanka

Travelling to a new country means lots of new experiences. A trip to Sri Lanka can really take your breath away with its quaint markets such as the Mlesna Tea Centre, Pettah Floating Market, Galle Fort and others that sell a range of wares, or its lovely temples such as Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and many more! 

However, while travelling to another country, it is best to brace yourself against any unexpected obstacles such as sickness, loss of passport and belongings, etc. And so, here are some of the benefits you can enjoy when you have valid travel insurance with medical assistance for Sri Lanka. And before you get suitable travel insurance, don’t forget to compare travel insurance plans.

These benefits with online travel insurance Sri Lanka policy include:

• Coverage for delay or loss of baggage
• Protection in case of loss of passport
• Medical and travel coverage for COVID-19 and related issues
• Accident & Sickness Benefit of up to $5,00,000 with COVID-19 covered
• Accessible emergency travel services, cash advance and transfers
• Cover for delayed or cancelled flights
• Hijack cover
• Automatic extension of your travel insurance Sri Lanka policy for 7 days in case of a delayed or cancelled flight on the return journey. 
• Local assistance
• Cover for personal liability against third-party damages.
• Comprehensive medical support, which includes medical emergencies, medical evacuation, accidental death and repatriation, etc. 
• Reimbursement for the cancelled, unused and non-refundable accommodation or travel expenses 

Though you could be trying to buy cheap travel insurance for Sri Lanka, it is always best to choose a policy that offers adequate coverage and not just low premiums!

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, there is so much to see and explore that a few days may just not be enough. Though the nation may appear to be small in size, it is replete with plenty of architectural wonders, pristine beaches and welcoming markets that will make you want to buy things from every stall and vendor!

But with so much to absorb, you will have to ensure that every little detail of your holiday is well-planned and all the bookings are made in advance to avoid any kind of disappointment. Even if there may be an occasional hiccup during the trip, you should be prepared for it. But when it comes to major issues that can dampen your spirits and ruin the holiday mood, it is better to have an online travel insurance Sri Lanka plan that will help you overcome these glitches and let you enjoy a pleasant holiday!

Also, given how the COVID-19 pandemic has overstayed its welcome, it is important that you have travel insurance with medical assistance that will help cover any unexpected medical emergencies. In case you are diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection when you are abroad, you will have to be admitted to a good hospital where you can get the appropriate treatment and recover. But these hospital expenses can create a dent in your wallet, which is something medical travel insurance can save you from!

Moreover, a COVID-19 emergency can also cause delayed and cancelled flights at the last minute when you are travelling /. At such times, your medical travel insurance for Sri Lanka can help you out.

Therefore, it is absolutely essential that you compare travel insurance and purchase a suitable travel insurance Sri Lanka plan before making your trip!

A week-long trip to Sri Lanka can help you forget the stress and worries of your daily life! If you love visiting ancient temples for their beauty and architecture, then the Dambulla Cave Temple, which is among the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, is where you should be! To make the inland travel more convenient for tourists and locals, the temple is easily accessible from Colombo and Kandy. Or, if you fancy the greenery and freshness of the wildlife, then Yala National Park in Katagamuwa, known for its elephants, leopards, birds and several other species, awaits you.

As a first-time traveller to any country, you may face small glitches in your travel. You may miss out on carrying enough cash or forget some personal essentials, which is something that can even happen with experienced travellers at times. However, no matter how meticulously you plan your journey and your stay in Sri Lanka, there is always a small chance of an accident such as the loss of your passport, the loss of baggage, sudden sickness or an accident, due to which you may need to spend quite a bit of time and money. But do remember, irrespective of how much cash you have, these expenses can rake up a huge bill and then, you may probably have to cut short on your shopping or leave out exploring some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Hence, with a comprehensive travel insurance Sri Lanka policy, you can be sure that you can be protected against all these damages! The travel insurance Sri Lanka price covers these losses.

Tata AIG’s flexible travel insurance plans for Sri Lanka help you cover a number of emergencies and damages, such as delayed or cancelled flights, trip curtailment or cancellation and also allow for an automatic extension of the policy if needed. Moreover, to keep up with COVID-19 and the resultant emergencies, our Tata AIG travel insurance policy also comes with COVID-19 coverage and also covers accidental illness and the medical expenses arising out of it.

If you want to save a lot of time and effort in getting travel insurance, you can easily purchase a Tata AIG travel insurance online through a simple process that requires minimum documentation and enables hassle-free online payment. You can, thus, secure yourself against any unwanted incidents and emergencies on your trip to Sri Lanka.

• Some benefits offered by the Tata AIG travel insurance Sri Lanka Plan

Tata AIG offers travel insurance policies that have been curated to ensure that you have a safe journey to Sri Lanka without having to worry about the consequences of any unexpected events. These are some benefits offered by the Tata AIG travel insurance :

• Baggage Loss : In case your baggage is lost or delayed, your Tata AIG travel insurance will cover you against these damages. When your baggage is delayed, the travel policy will cover the cost for the necessary items needed until you receive your bags. And if the baggage is lost, then you will be reimbursed for the items in the bag, as per your Tata AIG policy coverage.
•  Flight Delay : If there is a long delay of over about 12 hours or more, your travel insurance plan can cover you for the loss caused by this delay. During this time, if you need to arrange for accommodation until the next flight, these expenses will be compensated, and you won’t have to worry about spending anything.
•  Passport Loss : During your travels, your passport is the most important document you should have, and a lost passport can lead to a lot of hassles and unwanted expenses. But with your Tata AIG travel insurance policy, you can cover the cost of a new passport and not worry about the rest of your trip being spoilt due to the missing passport.
•  Trip Curtailment : It may be really disappointing to cancel your trip or curtail it halfway in case of your emergency. But when it has to be done, and you need to cancel or curtail your travel, we will ensure that you receive a reimbursement for any non-refundable bookings for accommodation or any other unused bookings.
•  Missed Departure : Connecting flights are common when you are travelling to another country, depending on where you board the flight from. However, the slightest delay can lead to missing the next flight. In case of such an emergency, your Tata AIG online travel insurance Sri Lanka policy will cover you for a missed connection or departure.
•  Bounced Booking : Sometimes, despite advanced bookings, you may not be able to finalise the flight or accommodation booking due to overbooking. For such a situation, we will ensure that you will be compensated for any such losses so that you can make other plans.

Make it a point to always compare travel insurance and calculate the travel insurance premiums before you choose a plan for your trip to Sri Lanka.

 Other Benefits : 

• Affordable travel Insurance Sri Lanka price, starting at an affordable premium of ₹40.82 per day*.
• Convenient and instant online purchase of your best travel insurance for Sri Lanka with no compulsory medical check-up.
• You can pay your premiums in Indian National Rupees and receive insurance coverage in United States Dollars.

Tata AIG offers travel insurance policies that have been curated to ensure that you have a safe journey to Sri Lanka without having to worry about the consequences of any unexpected events. These are some benefits offered by the Tata AIG travel insurance :

• Baggage Loss : In case your baggage is lost or delayed, your Tata AIG travel insurance will cover you against these damages. When your baggage is delayed, the travel policy will cover the cost for the necessary items needed until you receive your bags. And if the baggage is lost, then you will be reimbursed for the items in the bag, as per your Tata AIG policy coverage.
• Flight Delay: If there is a long delay of over about 12 hours or more, your travel insurance plan can cover you for the loss caused by this delay. During this time, if you need to arrange for accommodation until the next flight, these expenses will be compensated, and you won’t have to worry about spending anything.
•  Passport Loss : During your travels, your passport is the most important document you should have, and a lost passport can lead to a lot of hassles and unwanted expenses. But with your Tata AIG travel insurance policy, you can cover the cost of a new passport and not worry about the rest of your trip being spoilt due to the missing passport.
•  Trip Curtailment : It may be really disappointing to cancel your trip or curtail it halfway in case of your emergency. But when it has to be done, and you need to cancel or curtail your travel, we will ensure that you receive a reimbursement for any non-refundable bookings for accommodation or any other unused bookings.
•  Missed Departure : Connecting flights are common when you are travelling to another country, depending on where you board the flight from. However, the slightest delay can lead to missing the next flight. In case of such an emergency, your Tata AIG online travel insurance Sri Lanka policy will cover you for a missed connection or departure.
• Bounced Booking : Sometimes, despite advanced bookings, you may not be able to finalise the flight or accommodation booking due to overbooking. For such a situation, we will ensure that you will be compensated for any such losses so that you can make other plans.

Make it a point to always compare travel insurance and calculate the travel insurance premiums before you choose a plan for your trip to Sri Lanka.

• Other Benefits : 

• Affordable travel Insurance Sri Lanka price, starting at an affordable premium of ₹40.82 per day*.
• Convenient and instant online purchase of your best travel insurance for Sri Lanka with no compulsory medical check-up.
• You can pay your premiums in Indian National Rupees and receive insurance coverage in United States Dollars.

 Visa Information for Sri Lanka</h3>

Indian nationals planning to visit Sri Lanka can apply for the following visas, depending on the purpose of their visit: 

•  Visit Visa 
• A visit visa acts as an entry permit for the tourist or visitor and is the Sri Lankan Government’s consent to enter the country as a foreign national. The information on the visa contains details of the duration and the terms and conditions of the stay.
• Under visit visas, these are the two sub-categories:
•  Tourist Visit Visa 
• A tourist visa can be issued to tourists who want to visit Sri Lanka for a holiday, excursions, sightseeing, relaxation, yoga training or for visiting relatives for a short duration of time.
•  Business Purpose Visa
• A business visa is meant for foreign travellers who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes. The duration of the travel is limited and can be issued for single or double trips.

2.  Residence Visa 

A residence visa enables a non-Sri Lankan traveller to access residence facilities for specific purposes. There are eight sub-categories that are counted under residence visas –

•  Employment category 
•  Religious Category
•  Student Category
•  Investor Category
•  Ex-Sri Lankans and their dependents
•  Diplomatic/Official Visa
•  Resident Guest Visa Program – Transit Visa or Gratis Visa
• Family members of a Sri Lankan citizen
•  My Dream Home Visa Program
•  Registered Indians covered by the 1954 Indo-Lanka Agreement.

Entry Information for Indian citizens travelling to Sri Lanka

Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka must have the following documents with them on arrival:

• A passport with at least 6 months validity
• Valid Sri Lanka visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), if applicable
• Proof of adequate funds to last for the duration of stay in Sri Lanka
• Confirmed onward/return tickets, if applicable
• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, if applicable e.g., visas.
• Duly filled disembarkation card
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

While this is a list of documents all travellers or visitors must carry, there are some documents required for each type of visa that one needs to be aware of. Apart from children below 12 years of age and transit passengers, it is necessary for every visiting entering Sri Lanka for a period of 48 hours to pay an ETA processing fee online.

Sri Lanka is now safe for travel, provided the following COVID-19 guidelines are adhered to:

• Only travellers with a valid international COVID-19 full-vaccination certificate with an approved vaccine are cleared for entry. The second dose should have been taken at least 14 days before departure.
• Proof of a negative PCR test taken in the last 72 hours should be provided before boarding the flight.
• Travellers who have recently recovered from the infection and have taken at least one dose of a certified vaccine must present a negative antigen test taken 48 hours before travel instead of a PCR test before boarding. The recovery should have taken place at least 3 months before the trip, and the vaccine should have been administered at least 14 days before the trip.
• The documents either can be presented in English, or else certified copies of an English translation are also accepted.
• In case of quarantine “Level 1 Safe and Secure” hotel for 15 days, a second PCR test will be taken on the 14^th day and if negative, the traveller may leave quarantine along with a “discharge document” by the hotel doctor.

Travellers will also have to present a duly filled health declaration form upon arrival.

When travelling from India to Sri Lanka, be sure to carry the following travel and identification documents with you:

1. A passport with 6 months of validity from the estimated date of departure from Sri Lanka.
2. Two recent and colour passport-sized photographs.
3. The Sri Lanka visa, as per the purpose of your visit.
4. A vaccination certificate for yellow fever if you are coming from an infected location.
5. Proof of adequate funds is required for the duration of the stay in Sri Lankan or any other currency.
6. Confirmed return ticket and proof of hotel bookings (if any).
7. An unlocked smartphone with a functioning sim card from India.
8. Any other documents that are specific to your purpose of visit.

Along with all of these important documents, it is also equally important that you have a comprehensive travel insurance plan with you, which will not only protect you against any COVID-19 emergencies in Sri Lanka but will also cover the loss of baggage, passport, or any other unexpected events that may occur on your trip. Even though you may be in possession of sufficient financial resources, an online travel insurance Sri Lanka plan is a hassle-free and more affordable way to help you out in emergencies.

Covid-19 related travel documents for Sri Lanka:

Proof of a negative PCR test taken in the last 72 hours should be provided before boarding the flight. Alternatively, you may also produce a COVID-19 full vaccination certificate of a WHO-approved vaccine.

Your trip to Sri Lanka can be an eventful and fun experience if you plan the trip well in advance. However, while you are there, it is important that you keep yourself safe at all times by following some travel rules and guidelines.

• Understand the culture of Sri Lanka before you travel to the country.
• Always carry a copy of all the important travel documents and original passport with you.
• Learn a few day-to-day words and phrases to earn the goodwill of the locals.
• Follow their rules in public and any other specific regulations as needed.
• Respect the people and do not pass rude comments on the people or the service.
• If your visa is about to expire, do not cross the specified duration of your stay.
• Keep your personal belongings close in public places.
• Do not engage in unlawful activities or violate any rules. 
• Keep all emergency contact numbers at hand and be sure your family is aware of your location.
• Select a comprehensive travel insurance plan that will help you cover any unexpected emergencies in Sri Lanka. 
• Covid-19 specific safety guidelines 

1. Always wear a non-surgical mask, certified for regular use, in public places. 
2. Maintain social distancing and try to avoid crowded places. 
3. Always carry alcohol-based sanitisers and wash your hands before and after eating and touching common surfaces.
4. Keep yourself safe and watch out for any COVID-19 symptoms. In case you see any signs, isolate yourself and get yourself tested as soon as possible.
5. Follow all the COVID-19 rules and regulations as prescribed by the local government.

In case you are infected and develop any COVID-19 symptoms and need to receive medical care, your travel insurance with medical assistance will cover the necessary expenses.

The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka is located in Colombo.

Address : HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA, 36-38 GALLE ROAD, COLOMBO-3

 Present Ambassador : Mr Gopal Baglay

 Contact details of the Embassy : 

•  Website : High Commission of India
•  Email : icc.colombo@mea.gov.in, dir.icc.colombo@gmail.com, iccrcolombo@gmail.com
•  Emergency Contacts : 2327587, 2421605, 2422788, 2422789
•  For queries related to Indian visas : 232 6921 or 242 1605, 242 2788 or 232 7587
•  For queries related to Passport and Consular services : 011-2422860 ,242 2788
•  Working hours : Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

 List of Holidays : List of Holidays in 2021

Given below is the list of international airports in Sri Lanka. 

• Batticaloa International Airport, Batticaloa
• Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
• Ratmalana International Airport, Colombo
• Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota
• Jaffna International Airport, Jaffna

The Sri Lankan rupee (Rs, ரூ, රු) is the official currency of Sri Lanka and is issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. Each rupee is made up of 100 cents since British silver coins were the legal tender of Ceylon in 1825. Later, even though the Indian rupee became the unlimited legal tender in 1869, the rupee was decimalised in 1871, and so, 100 cents a rupee came to be Ceylon's money of account and sole legal tender from 1 January 1872.

The exchange rate between the Sri Lankan rupee (Rs, ரூ, රු) and the Indian National Rupee (₹) varies on a daily basis. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the exchange rates when you are planning your trip to Sri Lanka so that you can closer estimates while purchasing your travel insurance and planning the finances. 

Once you are all set with the necessary documents, it is important that you prepare a list of places you want to visit in Sri Lanka. There are a lot of popular and beautiful tourist spots in the country, and seeing all of them on a single trip may not be possible. Therefore, it is important that you plan your visit to a handful of places that are easily accessible from your accommodation or hotel. And when you are out and about, be sure that you have your passport and travel insurance plan with you. To help you choose a few tourist spots, here are some of the best and the most frequented places in Sri Lanka:

• Mihintale : In the Buddhist community, the mountain Mihintale located near Anuradhapura has been revered as a spiritual haven by hundreds of pilgrims. Legend says that a Buddhist monk named Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa on this mountain top. The kind then gave up war and spread the word of peace across the country, which led to the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

• Unawantuna : Among the cleanest and most pristine beaches in Sri Lanka, the white sand Unawatuna beach is located in a town with the same name. Whether you want to go here for some peace and quiet or intend to indulge in some exciting underwater activities such as snorkelling to explore the coral reefs and the diverse marine life, this beach has it all for you. If you simply want to relax, you can enjoy a meal at any of the wonderful restaurants along the shore.

•  Udawalawe National Park : This national park is extremely popular because of the diverse wildlife that you can see here. Right from elephants to crocodiles, deer, jackals and many other species, you will be in awe of the biodiversity at this park. It is advisable to visit this national park early in the morning when the animals are up and about so that you can see them go about their day. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and rivers, making the location more welcoming.

 Dambulla Cave Temple : This sacred Buddhist temple is especially busy on full-moon days, and devotees from all over the world make their way here. Out of the 80 caves that have been discovered around this temple, five of them have been decorated with awe-inspiring statues and artwork. Since it is believed that most of the caves were inhabited by Sri Lankans back in 1000 BC, one can easily find temples inside most of these caves. It is important that visitors cover their shoulders and legs and remove their shoes when inside the temple.

For Indian travellers, for the most part of the year, the weather in Sri Lanka is fairly pleasant. However, since it can get quite warm during the summers, tourists often prefer to frequent the hills and mountains in Sri Lanka, where the clime is cooler and drier than in the rains, especially October and November.

If you visit Sri Lanka in March, then aim to visit locations like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in the Central Hills, the south-central part of the country. The temperature here is quite cool and as low as 15°C.

Sri Lanka is also quite pleasant between April to September, especially if you want to visit the Eastern and Northern areas, which comprise Eravur, Passikudah and Trincomalee (east) and Habarana and Vavuniya in the north and Trincomalee (northeast).

But no matter when you plan to visit Sri Lanka, always remember to carry your travel insurance plan so that you can raise a travel insurance claim in case of medical emergencies arising from sudden sickness. Also, keep yourself safe from the COVID-19 infection so that you can enjoy your trip to this beautiful country!