As far as I know, iPads do not ship with a VPN installed, you will have to download one and they are not usually free. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted 'tunnel' between your iPad and a server owned by the VPN provider. The server hides all your information and addresses, forwarding and returning your data securely on your behalf. The VPN server can be anywhere in the world, which servers you use are configurable (your device appears to be in the same country as the server). VPNs are effective (although illegal to use in some countries).
Do you actually need a VPN? I turn mine on if away, using hotel or public WiFi but I don't bother at home.
I use (pay for) a password manager and it comes with a VPN. I use the password manager with my iPad and all my other devices - so the VPN is available to my laptop, desktop and mobile phone too.
I have found some disadvantages to using a VPN. Location based services don't work with VPNs and some websites don't like them because cookies are encrypted. I also receive warnings telling me that an unknown device is accessing my account from an unknown location. However, there is no way that I would log on to online banking while away in a hotel (using the WiFi provided by the hotel) without turning on a VPN.
