Rainfall index insurance provides a payout based on measured local rainfall during key phases of the agricultural season, and in principle can help rural households diversify a key source of idiosyncratic risk. We describe basic features of rainfall insurance contracts offered in India since 2003, and document stylized facts about market demand and the distribution of payouts. We summarize results of our previous research on this market, which provides evidence that price, liquidity constraints and trust all present significant barriers to increased take-up. We also discuss potential future prospects for rainfall insurance and other index insurance products.