Travel Insurance for Asia: Understanding the Risks

Risks Associated with Asia Travel

Asia's diversity offers a vast array of travel experiences. Be it Angkor Wat's ancient ruins or the stunning metropolis of Tokyo, each Asian country has its own charm. For this reason, it attracts tourists from all over the world, including India. However, a foreign place has its challenges, no matter how close to home it feels.

You may have every thing planned but suddenly your tour operator cancels your tickets. Or, you may be on your way to Indonesia, but your layover in Singapore was extended due to a strike. Such scenarios are beyond anybody's control but they can completely ruin your itinerary.

Falling sick because of a new food item you tried, or unfortunately getting stranded due to an earthquake, the risks associated with a trip to an Asian country are endless. You must choose a destination carefully, pick the best possible time to enjoy your activities, be aware of any potential risks and prepare accordingly. Insuring your journey with Asia travel insurance policy is one of the best ways to prepare for different kind of risks. It covers a range of situations including medical emergencies, natural disasters, social/political unrest, personal liability, trip interruption and a lot more.

Emergencies Commonly Faced in Asia

As per the United Nations, Asia has 48 countries. All of these countries have their charm, inviting tourists throughout the year. However, there are plenty of potential health and safety risks in several Asian countries:

• Medical Emergencies: From an insect bite to food poisoning, anything can land you in a hospital.
• Trip Related Emergencies: A delayed flight, a missed connection, or being forced to cut short your trip because of an emergency back home.
• Baggage Related Emergencies: Who hasn't heard of tourists getting mugged or becoming victims of fraud? You may even end up losing your passport and important documents.
• Natural Disasters: Act of God is beyond any mortal's control. APAC is infamous for its Tsunamis, tropical storms, flood, volcanoes and earthquakes. What will happen if you unfortunately get stuck during your trip?
• Personal Liability: Asian countries like Singapore, South Korea and Japan have strict laws. You may become liable to a third party in case you cause any accidental damage to them or their property. How will you manage to pay the required penalty or get appropriate legal help?

A good travel insurance covers these situations and more, given you buy a policy with comprehensive coverage. The next section will shed further light on travel insurance for Asia and how it can save your travel plans from unplanned situations.

What is Asia Travel Insurance & How Does it Protect You?

Asia trip insurance is a location-specific trip insurance policy designed to protect your journey across Asia. Most travel insurance companies in India provide destination-specific plans, which includes most Asian countries. It is a type of international travel insurance that can cover several medical, flight-related, trip-related and stay-related emergencies.

Travel insurance is also mandatory for some Asian countries, such as UAE, Thailand, etc., while some Asian countries that previously mandated travel insurance strongly recommend tourists to have a valid trip insurance policy. An Asia-Pacific travel insurance will cover you for several emergencies:

• Medical: Your insurer will offer coverage for any sudden illnesses or accidents leading to hospitalisation in an Asian country.
• Baggage Delay & Loss: In case your airline misplaces your checked-in baggage, you can get some compensation for your loss. In case your personal documents or baggage is stolen during your trip, you can file a claim for the theft later.
• Trip Cancellation: In case you are forced to cancel your trip abroad for certain reasons, your Asia travel insurance will help cover the loss of non-refundable expenses like flight tickets, hotel bookings and certain tour bookings. The exact coverage may vary.
• Passport Loss: Your passport is crucial while travelling, so if you lose it then your insurer will help you cover the cost of getting another one.
• Personal Liability: In case you accidentally damage someone's property or unintentionally become liable by causing them bodily damage, your insurer will help you cover the legal costs associated.
• Emergency Assistance: Asia is a vast country and you may find yourself stuck in situations due to language barriers or technological limitations. Many insurers provide a dedicated 24/7 helpline that offers support to travellers and helps them during difficult situations.
• Adventure Sports: Many Asian countries like Bali, Japan and Dubai are known for their adventure sports and thrilling activities. You can buy an adventure sports add-on to help protect against any medical emergencies associated with covered activities.
• Evacuation and Repatriation: Last but not least, travel insurance plans cover the cost of emergency medical evacuation if you are stranded and need immediate medical assistance. In case of a fatality, they will also bear the expenses of repatriating mortal remains back to India.

In a Nutshell

Asia is a cultural, spiritual and natural marvel offering endless experiences to all kinds of seekers. You must plan your Asian itinerary well and ensure that you have prepared for it by buying a travel insurance policy.