- The best travel insurance plans for Pakistan
- Is it currently safe to travel to Pakistan?
- Is Travel Insurance Legally Required to Enter Pakistan?
- Why take out travel insurance for Pakistan?
- What should travel insurance for Pakistan cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Pakistan
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Pakistan
- Relying on your current insurance in Pakistan
- FAQ
- On the same topic
Travel insurance for Pakistan: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Pakistan covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises reconsidering travel to Pakistan due to high security risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is crucial due to security risks and limited medical facilities.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Pakistan can cost between AUD $50 and $100.
5. Good to know: Check your policy, as travel to 'Do Not Travel' areas may void your insurance coverage.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Pakistan.
The best travel insurance plans for Pakistan
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.6M AUD | Recommended for travel to Pakistan. - very high medical reimbursement - repatriation included - extensive international service |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.6M AUD | A strong, flexible option for Pakistan. - 24/7 helpline - high medical ceiling - includes cancellation cover |
| Tourist Card | 800k AUD | Well-suited to tourist travel in Pakistan. - solid medical cover - emergency assistance - cost-effective |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.3M AUD | Balanced policy for varied trips. - hospital costs included - repatriation supported - good value |
| Globe Partner | 480k AUD | Basic but effective coverage for Pakistan. - covers essential needs - civil liability - straightforward claims |
| Globe Traveller | 800k AUD | Affordable for short stays. - essential medical cover - quick reimbursement - suitable for most travellers |
- very high medical reimbursement
- repatriation included
- extensive international service
- 24/7 helpline
- high medical ceiling
- includes cancellation cover
- solid medical cover
- emergency assistance
- cost-effective
- hospital costs included
- repatriation supported
- good value
- covers essential needs
- civil liability
- straightforward claims
- essential medical cover
- quick reimbursement
- suitable for most travellers
Is it currently safe to travel to Pakistan?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises to reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan due to volatile security conditions, terrorism risks, and civil unrest. Violence, kidnappings, and sudden disruptions can occur, especially in certain regions bordering Afghanistan, India, or areas like Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: terrorist attacks and violent crime remain significant threats. For example, the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is known for armed groups and frequent incidents.
- Health risks: polio is endemic, and mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are present in many areas. Medical facilities are limited outside major cities, and evacuation is sometimes necessary for serious conditions.
- Legal constraints: entry to Pakistan requires a pre-arranged visa, and carrying valid documentation is compulsory at all times. Presenting a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if arriving from a risk country.
- Cultural norms: public gatherings such as demonstrations can quickly become violent. During Ramadan, eating or drinking in public during daylight hours may be considered disrespectful.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Pakistan.
Is Travel Insurance Legally Required to Enter Pakistan?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australians travelling to Pakistan.
However, having comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended owing to limited access to medical facilities, high costs for serious incidents, and significant safety risks. Insurance can help with medical emergencies, evacuations, and losses due to theft, natural events, or political unrest.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Pakistan. This high rate is due to the elevated health risks, unpredictable security situation, and the potential for high hospital or evacuation costs.
Why take out travel insurance for Pakistan?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Pakistan.
In Pakistan, public hospitals in cities like Islamabad and Karachi can have limited resources and long wait times, while many foreign travellers are referred to private clinics such as Aga Khan University Hospital. Costs in these private facilities are high, and upfront payment is always expected. For serious issues, medical evacuation may be needed, which is costly and difficult to arrange without coverage.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in case of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Pakistan.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Aga Khan University Hospital | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 240,000 PKR (about 1,350 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 130,000 PKR (about 730 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I need to be repatriated | 4,500,000 PKR (about 25,400 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 380,000 PKR (about 2,150 AUD) | Up to 1.6M AUD |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Pakistan cover?
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Pakistan.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescription medications and emergency dental care needed in Pakistan. Recommended limit: at least AUD 100,000. |
| Medical evacuation and repatriation | Pays the cost of air or ground evacuation to Australia or the nearest suitable facility if you are seriously ill or injured. Recommended limit: AUD 250,000. |
| Baggage and valuables | Compensation for lost, stolen or damaged personal belongings, money, and travel documents. Recommended limit: AUD 5,000 or more. |
| Trip cancellation and curtailment | Reimbursement for prepaid and non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to covered events. Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 or more. |
| Personal liability | Protects against legal costs if you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage. Recommended limit: AUD 1 million. |
| Infectious disease and pandemic cover | Medical care and quarantine costs if you contract illness like polio, malaria or COVID-19 during your trip. Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum. |
| Search and rescue | Covers costs of search and rescue efforts in remote or mountainous areas. Recommended limit: AUD 30,000 minimum. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 100,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 250,000.
Recommended limit: AUD 5,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 10,000 or more.
Recommended limit: AUD 1 million.
Recommended limit: AUD 50,000 minimum.
Recommended limit: AUD 30,000 minimum.
Travel insurance from local providers or credit cards often has low coverage limits and many exclusions. For genuine protection, use a reputable insurer with full cover. Compare leading options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Pakistan
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 35 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 70 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 110 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 210 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
Heads up, mate. Your travel insurance premium for Pakistan depends on your age, trip duration, the level of cover you need, and specific destinations within the country. Given the 'Reconsider your need to travel' advice, it's crucial to weigh these factors to get comprehensive cover and avoid being caught out if things go pear-shaped.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Pakistan
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Pakistan while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Premiums are higher for older travellers for most insurers. | Compare several insurers by age—Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 🗓️ Trip duration | Longer stays push up insurance costs. | Select the policy period for your itinerary only—a longer policy than needed will increase your premium. |
| 🚑 Medical coverage | Pakistan’s medical care is expensive and evacuation is likely. | Choose the right limit for health coverage (at least AUD 100,000), but avoid unnecessary extras to control costs. |
| 👨👩👧👦 Number of travellers | Family or group policies often cost less per person. | If travelling as a group or family, purchase a single group policy for cheaper cover per person. |
| 🏄♂️ Activity coverage | Only certain sports and activities are risky in Pakistan. | Only include adventure or activity options if you actually plan on engaging in them during your trip. |
| 🛡️ Level of coverage | Sufficient cover is essential for peace of mind in Pakistan. | Focus on medical, evacuation, and liability cover—avoid unnecessary add-ons that drive up your premium. |
| 💬 Excess/deductible | Higher excess reduces premium but you pay more for claims. | Consider a higher excess to lower your premium, but be sure you could cover the out-of-pocket cost if needed. |
Relying on your current insurance in Pakistan
It is completely reasonable to wonder whether your existing insurances, such as public health coverage or your credit card, will protect you during your trip to Pakistan. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient. These solutions rarely offer comprehensive guarantees for significant health expenses, repatriation, or high-risk scenarios.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Pakistan? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | Never | No overseas care. No cover for hospitalisation, accidents, evacuation, or private health fees outside AU. | Travel insurance covers medical, evacuation and repatriation costs up to AUD 1M–2M. No cover with Medicare. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Limited overseas care. Some emergencies, with possible upper limit (AUD 50K–200K). Rarely includes evacuation or ongoing treatment. | Travel insurance typically covers medical costs up to AUD 2M and emergency repatriation, plus trip interruption and baggage loss. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Limited coverage | May cover health emergencies, cancellation and baggage (AUD 10K–20K), if flights paid with card. Often excludes high-risk destinations and pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance reimburses up to AUD 2M for health and accidents, and includes long stays and high-risk situations, often not covered by cards. |
| Premium credit card (Visa Platinum, Mastercard Gold, Amex Platinum) | Limited coverage | Broader health, delay, or cancellation guarantees, up to AUD 50K–500K. Often strict limitations on duration, destination, and risks. | Travel insurance covers medical expenses up to AUD 2M with 24/7 assistance for repatriation, pandemics, and dangerous events in Pakistan. |
Example
While trekking near Gilgit, Ben suffered a severe bout of typhoid fever, requiring medical evacuation to Islamabad. The total cost reached AU$25,000. His CommBank credit card's complimentary insurance had a low limit of AU$1,500 for medical expenses, leaving him to personally fund the remaining AU$23,500 for his treatment.
Expert advice
Trip interruption for a relative's illness is often excluded from bank card or health insurance policies. Always check the fine print to avoid nasty surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?
Yes, Australians need a visa to enter Pakistan. You must apply for an e-visa online before departure, which generally allows for a stay of up to 90 days with multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, and supporting documents such as proof of accommodation or invitation may be required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Pakistan?
1/ Compare plans using a tool like the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check the coverage details and exclusions, ensuring they address Pakistan-specific risks such as medical evacuation and security incidents.
3/ Purchase your chosen policy online.
4/ You will then receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should carry with you.
Are medical services in Pakistan reliable for travellers from Australia?
Medical facilities in Pakistan, especially outside major cities, are often limited in both equipment and expertise compared to Australian standards. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to another country may be required. It is crucial that your insurance covers hospital care and emergency repatriation due to the lack of strong local medical support.
What risks should I consider when travelling to Pakistan?
Security risks in Pakistan are significant and include threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and political unrest. Certain regions, such as Balochistan and many border areas, are subject to a "do not travel" advisory. Always stay updated on travel advisories, avoid public gatherings, and have an emergency exit strategy.
Does travel insurance for Pakistan cover pre-existing conditions?
Most standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a known health issue, you must declare it when you purchase your policy. Some insurers offer coverage for specific conditions at a higher premium, while others may exclude them, so review the terms carefully before buying.
Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Pakistan?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before you leave Australia, as coverage typically starts from the moment your trip begins. Buying insurance once already in Pakistan is generally not possible or will come with severe restrictions and limited benefits. Always arrange comprehensive cover well in advance of your departure.
Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?
Yes, Australians need a visa to enter Pakistan. You must apply for an e-visa online before departure, which generally allows for a stay of up to 90 days with multiple entries. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, and supporting documents such as proof of accommodation or invitation may be required.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Pakistan?
1/ Compare plans using a tool like the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison platform.
2/ Check the coverage details and exclusions, ensuring they address Pakistan-specific risks such as medical evacuation and security incidents.
3/ Purchase your chosen policy online.
4/ You will then receive your insurance certificate by email, which you should carry with you.
Are medical services in Pakistan reliable for travellers from Australia?
Medical facilities in Pakistan, especially outside major cities, are often limited in both equipment and expertise compared to Australian standards. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to another country may be required. It is crucial that your insurance covers hospital care and emergency repatriation due to the lack of strong local medical support.
What risks should I consider when travelling to Pakistan?
Security risks in Pakistan are significant and include threats of terrorism, kidnapping, and political unrest. Certain regions, such as Balochistan and many border areas, are subject to a "do not travel" advisory. Always stay updated on travel advisories, avoid public gatherings, and have an emergency exit strategy.
Does travel insurance for Pakistan cover pre-existing conditions?
Most standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover pre-existing medical conditions. If you have a known health issue, you must declare it when you purchase your policy. Some insurers offer coverage for specific conditions at a higher premium, while others may exclude them, so review the terms carefully before buying.
Can I purchase travel insurance after arriving in Pakistan?
Most insurers require you to purchase travel insurance before you leave Australia, as coverage typically starts from the moment your trip begins. Buying insurance once already in Pakistan is generally not possible or will come with severe restrictions and limited benefits. Always arrange comprehensive cover well in advance of your departure.
On the same topic
