Travel Insurance

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that financially protects against different risks associated with travel. It covers losses incurred due to medical emergencies, baggage loss or delay, trip cancellations, flight delays, etc. International travel insurance usually covers you from your day of travel till you reach back India. It offers financial compensation for many medical & trip-related emergencies you may face during your overseas trip. Most travel insurance plans in India provide coverage for the following:

• Passport Loss
• Hospitalisation for Accident & Illness
• Personal Liability
• Medical Emergencies
• Trip Delay
• Missed connecting flight
• Delayed or Lost Luggage
• Aircraft Hijacking
• Emergency Evacuation
• Repatriation of remains in unfortunate case of death
• Trip Cancellation Coverage
• Personal Accident
• Permanent Total Disability

It is to be noted Indian travel insurance companies offer different policies with varied coverage. You are advised to always read your travel insurance policy document thoroughly to know what is covered and what’s not.

Travel Insurance at a Glance

Travel insurance plans in India can differ depending on your trip purpose (business, family or educational trip), duration, and the country you are visiting. You can easily buy travel insurance online, thanks to readily available travel insurance plans for different countries and travellers on the web. You just need to search and compare travel insurance and choose the best that fits your budget and coverage needs.

For specific protection or wider benefits, you can also buy add-on coverages (also called optional covers) with your travel insurance plan. Some popular add-ons include pre-existing diseases, adventure sports, home burglary, etc.

*Final Quote, Duration & Coverage will vary with insurer & plan purchased

Travel Insurance Cost Vs. Real Travel Emergency Expenses

Travelling abroad is fun and exciting, but even a small mishap can cost you a huge amount. A travel insurance policy comes at a fraction of your trip's price. The travel insurance premium ranges between INR 600*- INR 3,000* for a 15 day-long trip, depending on your age, country and other requirements. The premium may vary depending on the country and your requirements, but it is still an extremely affordable way to avoid some back-breaking expenses.

To help you get a better idea, here are some real-life scenarios where travel insurance covers some sudden financial emergencies in the most common ways:

Disclaimer: *Approximate expenses may vary with country, hospital, treatment opted and currency rate fluctuations.

How Travel Insurance Saved the Day (and a lot of Money)

The chances of bad things happening to you may seem low, but when something does go wrong, it may be too late. Luckily for these people, travel insurance not only protected their savings but also a lot more. From facing sudden medical emergencies to accidentally becoming liable to a stranger, learn how your little investment can go a long way.

The Surgery that Could have Cost Pranav his Degree

When Pranav went to pursue a Master's in Environmental Science at the University of Auckland, he did not imagine that the short trip to the hospital for severe stomach pain would cost him NZD 9,500 (~ INR 5 lakh). The situation turned serious, with surgery plus hospital stay totalling NZD 30,600.

Without insurance, this would have cost him several months of his tuition fees. Luckily, his student travel insurance covered a major portion of it, saving him this huge out-of-pocket expense. Instead of worrying about money, Pranav could focus entirely on his recovery and continuing his studies without disruption.

How a Schengen Policy Saved Chitra's Day in Italy

While on a solo trip to Florence, Italy, Chitra's bag, containing her passport, hotel key card and some cash, was stolen in a busy street market. Without her Schengen travel insurance, this meant additional expenses for an emergency travel certificate, multiple visits to the Indian Embassy, a new passport reissue in India and three extra nights of accommodation before she could leave Italy.

Her travel insurance not only covered these costs but also automatically extended her policy so that she remained protected during this delay. Overall, she saved nearly INR 22,000 just under the passport loss coverage.

When a Cycling Accident Almost Cost an Entire Travel Budget

When Anamika was cycling through the beautiful, quiet lanes in a Swiss town, she accidentally scraped the side of a parked car. The faded Mercedes-Benz got a scratch, and the minor-looking damage turned out to be something she was not ready for. The owner made a ruckus for her to pay up for the damage, demanding immediate compensation.

Thankfully, her travel insurance's personal liability cover stepped in. Her insurer helped her through the process, covered all legal paperwork and settled the claim swiftly. Swiss repair bills are notoriously high, with the repaint and scratch removal amounting to a whopping INR 1.4 lakhs. This would have entirely wiped her travel budget, plus the prolonged legal tussle in a foreign country could have been a harrowing experience.

What are the Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance Plans Online?

Any trip outside India requires a lot of bookings and non-refundable expenses. Having international travel insurance means you won't be spending extra on emergency expenses and can travel worry-free. If you buy travel insurance from Policybazaar, you can complete the process hassle-free within minutes. Here are some great reasons to buy travel insurance online:

1. Fulfils Mandatory Requirement

   Many countries have made buying travel insurance mandatory before they issue a visa. To visit these countries, you must meet the stated coverage requirement. For instance, travel insurance for a Schengen visa (countries in the Schengen area) is a compulsory requirement; your visa won’t be processed if you do not fulfill this criteria.

2. Easy Comparison of Travel Insurance Plans

   Buying travel insurance online allows you to easily compare different travel insurance plans for the trip.

3. Minimal Paperwork

   When you buy travel insurance online, you avoid a lot of forms, formalities and extra paperwork. All you need to do is fill out an online form and pay the travel insurance premium for the plan you have selected.

4. Instant Policy Purchase

   The policy is issued almost instantly after premium payment with policy copy being sent to your mail. You can buy a travel insurance plan without leaving your home within a few minutes.

5. 24/7 Assistance

   Many insurers offer round-the-clock customer assistance, ensuring you get help when you need it the most irrespective of your location or time zone. For instance, with Policybazaar travel insurance, you get customer support which is available 24/7.

6. Discounts and Offers

   Some insurers may offer exclusive discounts when you buy online travel insurance, thereby making foreign travel insurance cost-effective.

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance Policy?

There are no guarantees in life, and your travel plans are equally prone to unpredictability. From getting mugged to having a bad accident, a lot can go wrong while abroad. This is where your overseas travel insurance can soften the blow and protect you financially. Because when you're far from home, the unexpected can cost more than just money, hence ensuring financial security for trips abroad becomes essential. Here are 6 reasons highlighting the importance of travel insurance:

Your Trip May Get Cancelled — But Your Money Doesn't Have To

Flight cancelled? Visa denied? Had to back out for medical reasons? Travel insurance reimburses you for non-refundable bookings: flights, hotels, tours, and more, when your trip is cancelled for covered reasons.

Delays Can Leave You Stranded — We Won't

Missed connections or long layovers can burn a hole in your wallet. International travel insurance will help you get reimbursed for meals, hotels, and transport during covered delays — whether you're stuck in Dubai or waiting out a storm in Frankfurt.

Focus on Getting Better, Not Paying Bills

Falling sick abroad can be more than just scary — it can be expensive. Medical emergencies overseas can cost lakhs. Travel health insurance covers hospitalisation, treatment, and even emergency evacuation so you only need to worry about getting better.

Don’t Lose Your Way Even if You Have Lost Your Baggage

You may feel stuck if your baggage gets stolen or is lost by the airlines. Most overseas travel insurance plans in India reimburse you for the cost of essentials, helping you carve your way out when you have no things left with you, literally.

Don't Know What to Do? We Do!

Lost your passport? Missed your connection? Need hospital help in a new country? Most travel insurance comes with 24×7 global assistance, guiding you in real time, wherever you are.

Smart Cover for Peace of mind

Travel insurance isn't just a document — it's your trip's safety net. Whether you're heading to Europe, the US, the UAE, or Southeast Asia, it protects your plans, health, and wallet.

What is Not Covered in a Travel Insurance Plan?

Ignoring situations not covered under a travel insurance plan is one of the biggest reasons for claim rejection. Understanding exclusions before buying overseas travel health insurance will save you from financial regrets later.

Knowing your policy exclusions also helps you decide if the travel insurance quote for your choice is worth your budget. Most travel insurance companies in India don't cover

• Events before or after the trip
• Fraudulent claims or declarations

Travel Insurance Plans by Indian Insurance Companies

With many insurers offering travel insurance plans in India with varying benefits, coverage, duration and cost, it is important that you choose a plan that best fits your travel needs and coverage. You can choose any plan offered by various travel insurance companies in India. Here are some travel insurance plans available in India for travelling abroad:

*Disclaimer: The list of insurers mentioned is arranged according to the alphabetical order of the names of insurers. For more details on the features, benefits, offered terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. The list of plans listed here comprises insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India, refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in

Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India - Coverage for Every Trip

Since travelling is unique to everyone, it is only fair for every kind of traveller to find the relevant safety when they leave India. Adults, students, families and senior citizens, anyone can buy travel insurance online or offline. Let us take you through the different types of insurance plans in India:

1. International Travel Insurance

   Also called foreign travel insurance, it provides a wide range of coverage while you travel outside India. Benefits include medical treatment expenses, dental expenses, flight delays, trip cancellation, loss of passport, personal liability, loss or delay of check-in baggage, and more.

2. Schengen Travel Insurance

   A special policy made for the 29 European countries of the Schengen zone. It is also called Europe travel insurance, and buying this plan is mandatory to get a Schengen Europe visa. It should be valid throughout the Schengen region and must cover at least EUR 30,000.

3. Family Travel Insurance

   This plan type covers the policyholder, their spouse, and dependent children. All insured members of a family get coverage for emergency hospitalisation expenses, loss of passport, personal liability, loss or delay of check-in baggage, and more.

4. Senior Citizen Travel Insurance

   Since most travel insurance companies in India only cover travellers up to the age of 60-65 years, this policy is specifically designed for senior travellers. Travel insurance for seniors covers people of 60 years and above. However, one must remember that travel insurance quotes for seniors can be considerably higher than regular plans because of higher risks.

5. Student Travel Insurance

   Customised for Indians seeking to study abroad, student travel insurance plans have some unique benefits like sponsor protection, study interruption, bail bonds, compassionate visits, etc.

6. Travel Medical Insurance

   This plan offers financial help in case of a medical emergency while you are abroad. Travel health insurance plans include hospitalisation expenses, day-care expenses, dental expenses, evacuation and repatriation expenses, etc.

7. Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

   Designed for business and frequent travellers, annual multi-trip (AMT) covers multiple trips in a year. The plan saves significant time purchasing plans multiple times and offers the same benefits on every trip.

8. Single Trip Travel Insurance

   Single trip holiday insurance protects you for one journey. Its validity begins with the start of your journey and ends when you return home. Single-trip travel insurance covers vacation or business trips from emergencies like delay or loss of check-in baggage, emergency treatment expenses, personal liability, etc.

9. Domestic Travel Insurance

   Domestic online travel insurance policy covers your journey throughout India. It financially protects you across Indian states and has coverage for loss of air/rail ticket, hospitalisation expenses, baggage loss, and personal accidents.

10. Other Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India

    With rising awareness, the demand for extensive trip insurance coverage is also rising in India. A few insurers also provide additional insurance, which provides some extra coverage:

    Baggage Insurance

    Losing your bag can ruin your carefully planned trip. Baggage insurance has you covered when you lose your baggage during your journey due to theft or any other mishap. Baggage insurance can cover you for delays, damage, loss and even theft outside the airport.

    Flight Insurance

    Flight-related emergencies like flight delays, cancellations or interruptions are common during international travel. This includes adversity caused during the flight or due to the airline's or its staff's fault. Benefits include flight accident cover for death & dismemberment, delay or loss of check-in baggage, flight cancellation, flight hijack, and missed connection. However, the coverage for this insurance is usually limited to the carrier's flight or journey duration.

What are the Eligibility Criteria to Buy a Travel Insurance in India?

Any Indian can buy travel insurance online. You must have a valid Indian passport to be eligible to apply for a travel insurance policy in India. For foreigners residing in India, they must furnish a valid Indian work permit or passport. Certain eligibility may depend on the type of travel insurance (family, senior citizen, student. etc.) you choose.

KYC for travel insurance is required before you make the purchase. You must keep the following documents ready:

• Passport numberID proof, like PAN or other government-issued documents, for the proposal form
• Exact travel dates and destination

Here are some additional eligibility requirements for different types of online travel insurance plans:

*Please note that the age bracket varies with insurers. You should check the eligibility with the travel insurer before reviewing or buying any travel insurance online.

Why Compare Travel Insurance Plans Online?

With so many travel medical insurance plans in India, it is easy to get confused about which travel insurance should you opt for. Comparing travel insurance helps you decide which policy offers the best benefits for your money. Travel insurance varies with requirements.

For example, if you're planning a trip to Norway with your mother and she has no underlying health issues, she can buy a Schengen travel insurance plan without PED coverage. After comparing different travel insurance options, you can buy your mother a plan for senior citizens. What's more, some insurers offer exclusive benefits, so it's important to weigh all your options.

Here are some key advantages of why you should compare travel insurance online:

1. Compare Multiple Options at Once: Easily compare policies online depending on the travel insurance quotes to suit your budget.
2. Get Discounts: Many travel insurance companies in India offer discounts sometimes; you can avail of them while comparing your options.
3. Helps in Making an Informed Choice: It is cost-effective and wise when you buy travel insurance online after comparison. You can easily understand what is covered or not covered by reading various policies simultaneously.
4. Time-saving: Comparing online lets you buy a travel insurance policy quickly through a fair comparison of the ongoing prices.

Debunking Some Travel Insurance Myths

Travelling after months of planning and savings is one of the best feelings. However, one thing travellers easily dismiss is insuring their trip.

Sadly, many misconceptions about travel insurance discourage people from buying it. We have covered a few of these travel insurance-related myths, along with their facts!

Travel Insurance is Only For Expensive International Trips

Travel insurance is a safety net that is required not just for expensive international trips, but also for less-costly ones. This is because emergencies and accidents can occur on any trip. Even if you are travelling to a less expensive country, uncertainties can increase your budget and add to your financial burden. In such cases, travel insurance can help you manage your expenses by protecting your finances.

I'm Young and Fit, So Travel Insurance is Useless!

Your travel insurance covers a lot more than your physical well-being. It also covers several trip- and stay-related complications that can cost you a lot of money abroad! You can lose your passport, miss a flight, or accidentally damage someone's property.

Even if you're fit and fine, nobody can control an accident or a mishap while travelling. In such cases, you're better off with a travel insurance policy.

Travel Insurance is Only Useful for Frequent Travellers

Your frequency of travel is unrelated to the risks you may face abroad. Frequent travellers or not, you should absolutely safeguard your trip every time you travel.

Those going for single-trip travel insurance can get good benefits without compromising their budget. Benefits like trip cancellation, emergency hospitalisation and many others will surely make your trip stress-free.

Travel Insurance will Cover all my Risky Sports Abroad

While several plans cover adventure sports, this coverage comes with certain limitations. For example, some policies may cover you for skiing and scuba diving, while a few may not. Similarly, if you're participating in competitive adventure sports, you won't be covered.

I Can Report Any Accident & File a Claim Once I'm Back in India.

Even if you are on a short trip abroad, you shouldn't wait to return home to file a claim or report to your insurer. This includes getting into an accident, losing your wallet, missing bags, stolen passports, etc.

Most insurers need you to inform them about an incident within 24-48 hours. You also need to report these incidents to the police or other local authorities so that you can file a claim back home.

What's more, many insurers won't entertain any claims after a certain period. Generally, this is not more than 31 days after you have returned to India.

Airlines Will Compensate for Flight Delays or Cancellations

While the airlines may partly (or fully) compensate for flight delays and cancellations, it will not cover for any risks or emergencies you may face abroad, such as medical emergencies, loss of documents, stay extension, etc. Hence, you must opt for overseas travel insurance and not just rely on airline compensation to secure your trip.

Old People Can't Buy Travel Insurance Policies

Just because there's a general age bracket for eligibility, nobody can deny senior travellers travel insurance protection! Standard plans are available for people aged between 6 months to 60 years. But you will find plans specially made for senior travellers above 71 years.

Many senior citizen travel insurance plans in India are available for older travellers. Some insurers don't even have an upper age limit, so you can easily find travel insurance online.

I'm Set for a Year with an AMT Plan

While AMT or annual multi-trip plans cover frequent trips throughout a year, they don't cover you every day of the year. Most annual travel insurance plans only cover 30 days per trip, beyond which you won't be covered.

My Credit Card Already Covers Me

That's great, but does it cover your entire duration of the trip? Most credit card travel insurance only offers limited coverage. Often, it is limited to your flight duration or provides benefits like airport lounge access, loss or theft of credit card, air accident cover, and emergency medical benefits. However, many benefits like passport/baggage loss, personal liability, trip cancellation, etc. are not provided by most credit cards.

Travel Insurance is Expensive

If you compare the cost of medical bills incurred abroad and the premium cost for travel insurance, you will understand travel insurance is not at all expensive, instead it is a fraction of what the uncertain expenses may look like.

Travel Insurance Automatically Covers My Family

This is only true if you buy a family travel insurance and add your spouse and dependent children to the policy.

If you are travelling with your elderly parents or parents-in-law, you must confirm with the insurer if they are covered or not. If you have dependent children, your travel insurance will only cover them until a certain age.

It's Just a 3-day Trip, I Don't Need to Waste Money on Travel Insurance

No matter how short or long your trip is, bad weather, medical emergencies, and baggage loss can happen to anyone. Facing such issues on a shorter trip can sour the entire experience.

To avoid this, why not let travel insurance take care of it? If you have budget restraints, you can easily find cheap travel insurance online that perfectly fits your budget!

Travel Insurance Always Rejects Claims

Insurers reject claims because of incorrect/misleading information or if a claim is beyond the plan coverage. All the insurers specify scenarios where you won't get insurance coverage. Your claim can also be rejected if they are related to an undeclared pre-existing condition.

How to Calculate Travel Insurance Premiums Online?

Getting travel insurance quotes from different insurers let you choose a policy that offers maximum coverage for the least possible premium.

You can also use a travel insurance premium calculator that estimates the estimated premium cost for a particular insurance plan. These are a few factors affecting travel insurance premiums:

• Destination- If you travel to a high-risk country, your chances of facing adversities are higher.
• Trip Duration- The longer your trip duration, the higher your travel insurance premium will be.
• Number of Travellers- The policy premium for one person will be lower than that of a policy covering the entire family.
• Add-on Covers- If you opt for add-on covers under your policy, your travel insurance premium amount will increase.

Use the online travel insurance calculator before you buy travel insurance to ensure you are familiar with the premium rates.

Which Factors Affect Travel Insurance Premium in India?

Overseas travel insurance is useful when you face an emergency during your trip abroad. Use the tips below to lower your travel insurance cost in India:

• Check for Activities & Coverage- Consider the type/purpose of your trip and activities you have planned to ensure you have adequate policy coverage. It should sufficiently cover all your requirements but need not exceed them.
• Buy Early- Buy a travel insurance policy well in advance to lower your premium. The farther you purchase from your travel date, the more possibilities of getting a lower travel insurance premium. It also helps you make the most out of your cancellation cover.
• Customise Your Policy- Try to customise your policy per your requirements so that you only have to pay for the facilities and services that you actually need.
• Compare Travel Insurance Policies- Comparing travel insurance lets you understand the coverage benefits offered by various insurers and the related premium costs, enabling you to choose the best travel insurance policy.
• Multi-Travel Insurance for Frequent Flyers- Buying multi-trip insurance is more affordable if you travel abroad frequently.
• Opt for Family/ Group Travel Insurance Plans- Suppose you are travelling with your family or in a group. In that case, you must opt for a family or group holiday insurance plan, respectively, as they are more cost-effective.

How to Buy Travel Insurance Online and Offline?

Buying travel insurance for the first time can be confusing for many. However, you can easily know everything about it through this section, from when to buy travel insurance to what documents you need for travel insurance. Purchasing foreign travel insurance for an upcoming trip is easy. All you need to do is follow these four easy steps:

• Fill out Details: Share your basic details like name, mobile number, travel destination, age, etc., to get plans accordingly.
• Choose: From the list of travel insurance options that fit your needs and budget best.
• Pay Premium: Pay online for the travel insurance of your choice. Use the convenient payment gateway of your choice.
• Get Policy Copy: The travel insurance policy for your upcoming journey abroad will be sent to your email.

When & Where to Buy Travel Insurance in India?

Ideally, you should buy travel insurance as soon as you have booked your flight and hotel. It is mostly recommended to buy a travel insurance policy within 15 days of booking.

About your online travel insurance, only you can decide where to buy it from. Wherever you choose to buy travel insurance in India, don't forget to compare travel insurance plans on Policybazaar.com for easy understanding.

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance in India?

Planning your first international trip? Travel insurance can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but don't worry. This quick questionnaire will help you pick the best travel insurance in India:

1. How Often Do You Travel?

   If you're someone who takes multiple trips in a year, a multi-trip plan can save you time and money. But if it's just a one-time vacation, a single-trip policy is perfect for you.

2. What is Your Age?

   The older you are, the higher the risk of falling sick or getting injured. Insurers realise this risk and charge accordingly. If you are above 60 years, your travel insurance premium can be higher.

3. Where are You Headed?

   Insurance costs can change depending on your destination. For instance, travel insurance for the USA usually will be higher as it needs higher coverage than, say, Malaysia. Also, some countries mandatorily require travel insurance for visa approval.

4. How Long will You Travel?

   The longer the trip, the more will your insurance premium cost. It's smart to buy a plan that covers a little more than your actual dates, just in case your travel plans change at the last minute.

5. Who's Going with You?

   Travelling alone? Go for an individual plan. If it's a family vacation, a family travel insurance policy is simpler and more affordable.

6. Is the Claim Process Smooth?

   Before you buy, take a quick look at the insurer's claim process, limits, and track record. It's good to know how things work, just in case you need help while you're away.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim?

Buying travel insurance is only the beginning toward securing your trip. You should be aware of the claim process the moment you realise you're in trouble. Follow the steps to file a travel insurance claim when required:

1. Intimate Your Insurer

   We know it is difficult, but try to inform your insurer as soon as possible when a crisis hits. They will guide you through the process and provide immediate support. Informing the travel insurer about your situation within the specified time is also vital to ensure your claim is not rejected or delayed.

2. Document Everything

   From proof of travel to proof of medical bills and pay receipts, you must document everything related to claim expenses. This will avoid to and fro later.

3. Gather Documentation

   Find out the list of necessary documents for your claim and keep them ready.

4. Submit Claim Form

   You can file for your travel insurance claim online instead of waiting to return. Make sure to submit your claim form along with the required documents, as they are different for different claims.

5. Follow up Regularly

   You can contact the TPA of the insurer via phone, email or other customer service about your claim. After document submission, the insurer will verify your claim, as per the travel insurance policy.

Pro Tip: Read your policy thoroughly understanding what's covered and not covered is important before buying a policy, but even more so when you are about to file a claim. Review your travel insurance policy to know which coverage is applicable and any limits they have.

Which Countries Requiring Travel Insurance from India?

For most trips abroad, travellers usually treat travel insurance as an additional expense. In reality, buying travel insurance early protects you from any last-minute cancellations and the financial loss they entail.

What's more, there are several countries requiring travel insurance policy before you visit them. These countries don't issue a valid visa unless you provide proof of travel insurance from India.

Schengen countries, Turkey, Russia (via e‑visa), the UAE (multiple-entry), Cuba, Moldova (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage), Georgia, Israel, Azerbaijan, Nepal (for trekking), Algeria, and Antarctica (by tour operators) all enforce it.

Even when not required, being insured not only helps with emergencies like medical issues, baggage loss, or passport replacement, but also streamlines your visa approval.

How to Extend a Travel Insurance Policy?

If you wish to extend your travel insurance policy, you must contact your insurer before the policy expires. The steps for travel insurance policy extension are simple:

1. Check your existing policy date and terms.
2. Contact your insurer.
3. Submit necessary documents (current policy, ID, travel documents, etc.).
4. Pay the premium and confirm your policy extension.

Depending on the insurer, you can extend your travel policy by 1-2 weeks or more. However, some facts remain common for all:

• Renewal is possible for annual travel insurance plans. For other short-term policies, an extension is available.
• Some overseas travel insurance also offer an automatic policy extension for emergencies like hospitalisation, accidents, natural disasters, etc.
• Travel insurance extension requires an additional premium in most cases.
• For a planned extension, inform the insurer as soon as possible. Similarly, pay for the additional travel insurance premium according to the changes to your travel insurance plan.

However, if your insurer doesn't include this benefit, you won't be covered if your travel policy expires. Know the terms for policy extension before buying a plan.

Why You Can't Skip Travellers Insurance

You may be a student leaving India or a couple planning a romantic getaway abroad, but a few things always need to be sorted. You may have booked the best flights, packed to perfection and even made a stunning dream itinerary, but here's what you did not plan for:

• Missing your connecting flight in Frankfurt
• Losing your passport in Rome
• A sudden hospitalisation in Las Vegas, which costs more than your round-trip tickets
• Or worse of them all, cancelling your trip because of a hospitalisation, even before it began

As rare as these may sound, these are real issues faced by thousands of people. And when it does happen, these are mostly expensive, stressful and very easily avoidable with the right traveller's insurance.

Having a traveller's insurance is a must for any international trip. Be it a small long weekend vacation in Malaysia or a long sabbatical in Europe, all travellers must have a reliable safety net in case one or more of these situations disrupt their trip. Travellers insurance comes with built-in coverage for many medical and journey-related issues that help ease the financial burden during unexpected situations. Most policies also offer crucial customer support, emergency assistance, language interpretation and even help you contact concerned authorities to manage your condition.

Decoding Travel Insurance Terms

Trouble understanding something? Here are some travel insurance terms simplified for you:

• Accident: An unplanned or unexpected event or mishap. In travel insurance, this often relates to benefits like Accidental Death & Dismemberment, which provides a cash payment if you accidentally lose your life or a limb (such as an arm or leg) during your trip.
• Baggage Loss: Refers to when your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged. Travel insurance can reimburse you for these costs.
• Beneficiary: The person you nominate to receive money or benefits from your insurance policy, for example, in the case of accidental death during your trip.
• Cashless Settlement: When your insurer directly settles your medical or hospitalisation expenses at a network hospital. This benefit is available only after the insurer's prior approval.
• Claim: A formal request made to your insurance company asking them to pay for an expense or loss covered by your policy. For instance, if your baggage is lost, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
• Common Carrier: An organisation, like a commercial airline or cruise line, that transports people and cargo between cities or countries.
• Coverage Period: The duration for which your travel insurance policy remains active. This is the time during which you are covered.
• Deductible: A specific amount you must pay out of pocket before your policy begins to cover the remaining expenses. Deductibles are non-reimbursable.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest suitable medical facility during a serious medical emergency on your trip.
• Equipment Failure: When a common carrier faces an unexpected breakdown or malfunction, it may potentially delay, interrupt, or cancel your scheduled trip.
• Exclusion: Specific conditions or situations that are not covered by your insurance policy. These are clearly mentioned in the policy document.
• Hospitalisation: When the insured is admitted to a hospital or medical facility for treatment. A minimum stay of more than 24 hours is usually required to be eligible for related benefits.
• Immediate Family Member: Refers to close legal relatives of the insured person, including parents, spouse, children, siblings, in-laws, and legal guardians residing in India.
• Insured Journey: The duration during which your insurance policy is valid—typically from the start of your trip until your return, or until your policy expires, whichever comes first.
• Insured Person: The individual who has purchased the travel insurance plan. They must be a permanent resident or citizen of India.
• Medical Expenses: Expenses incurred due to a sudden illness or injury, as advised by a qualified doctor or medical practitioner.
• Medically Necessary: Refers to tests, treatments, or hospitalisation required for the insured's condition, as prescribed by a certified medical practitioner.
• Notification of Claim: A mandatory step where the insured informs the insurer of a potential or actual claim. Timely notification is often essential for claim processing.
• Pre-Existing Condition: An illness or injury that existed—or was under investigation—before the policy began. Such conditions are often subject to exclusions or limited coverage.
• Reimbursement: The process through which your insurer repays you for eligible out-of-pocket expenses, such as emergency purchases due to flight delays or lost luggage.
• Sub-limits: Specific caps on certain types of claims within your insurance policy, such as hospital room rent or ambulance charges. If these are exceeded, you must pay the difference.
• Subrogation: A legal right your insurer has to act on your behalf against a third party that caused a loss or injury, after settling your claim.
• Sum Insured: The maximum amount your insurer will pay for covered events under your policy.
• Travelling Companion: Generally refers to up to two people travelling with the policyholder who have booked the trip together.
• Trip Cancellation: Covers prepaid and non-refundable expenses if you cancel your trip for a reason covered by your policy.
• Trip Interruption: Covers costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short or delayed due to a covered reason. This benefit reimburses unused or additional travel expenses.