International Travel Insurance

What is International Travel Insurance?

For business, adventure, or study, your purpose for travelling abroad should never be compromised due to emergencies. The last thing you want to deal with abroad is unexpected expenses. It can be due to losing your wallet or sudden medical assistance. This is when international travel insurance comes to your rescue.

You don't have to worry about any health emergency expenses abroad if your overseas medical insurance covers it. Other than medical issues, these benefits span from not-so-major inconveniences like trip cancellation or delay to major ones like hospitalisation, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. Foreign trip insurance also covers specific issues like pre-existing diseases, adventure sports, etc.

You can easily get international travel protection, that too without any health checkups. International holiday insurance can be bought at affordable premiums. Checkup until a certain age is usually not required, making overseas holiday insurance accessible to people of a broad age group. The benefits of online overseas travel insurance are offered through different plan variants. You can buy international trip insurance as per your budget and requirements.

Facts About International Travel Insurance?

Documents Required for International Travel Insurance

You must provide the necessary paperwork to buy foreign travel insurance in India. These documents may vary depending on your travel purpose and visa category. 

Documents Needed to Purchase International Travel Insurance

All Indians who wish to travel abroad must buy travel insurance for overseas trips. The following documents are required:

• Passport number of travellers
• ID proof like PAN/other government-issued documents for proposal form

KYC for international travel insurance from India is mandatory before you buy, so keep these documents handy before you start filling out the proposal form. You must also know the exact travel dates and destination for the form.

Documents Needed to Raise a Claim under International Travel Insurance 

Here is an exhaustive list of documents that you may be asked for, depending on your emergency:

• FIR or police report for criminal cases
• Copy of your Original Policy
• Identity Proof
• Original bills and receipts
• Copy of your passport with immigration stamps
• Completed claim forms

Depending on your claim, you may be asked to provide all these or more documents.

Who Should Buy International Travel Insurance? 

Anyone travelling overseas has a lot at stake- they may have a course to pursue or have spent a lot of money on their upcoming trip. You must buy international travel insurance policy depending on your plans, duration and reason for travelling abroad. You can buy any of these plans for foreign trips:

1. For Europe Tour

   If you want to visit one or more Schengen countries, travel insurance is mandatory. It protects you from several emergencies that can lead to financial losses. Travel insurance for Schengen countries includes medical cover, loss of passport, delay in check-in baggage arrival, loss of check-in baggage, personal liability, personal accident cover, accidental death and dismemberment, and more. 

2. For Family Trips

   For Indians going abroad with their families, family travel insurance covers the policyholder, spouse, and dependent children. The sum insured is available mainly on both individual and family floater basis. All insured family members are covered for medical expenses, loss of passport, personal liability, loss or delay of check-in baggage, etc. 

3. For Senior Travellers

   Age should never stop you from living life to the fullest. To offer necessary safety to senior travellers, most travel insurers provide tailor-made trip insurance plans for elderly people. Senior citizen travel insurance usually covers people above the age of 60 years, just like overseas travel health insurance. It protects them from unpredictable financial emergencies, including medical expenses, dental expenses, repatriation of mortal remains, loss or delay of check-in baggage, medical evacuation, etc. 

4. For International Studies

   If you wish to travel out of India for higher education, student travel insurance has been customised for International Indian students. It comes with an extended validity of up to 2 years. Apart from the basic coverage of an overseas travel insurance plan, it also provides the students with covers including sponsor protection, study interruption, medical evacuation, bail bond, two-way compassionate visits & more.

Advantages of International Travel Insurance

While planning, buying overseas international travel insurance online may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is the only thing offering you the ultimate international travel protection. Plus, you can get several benefits when you buy international travel insurance online for your trip. Particularly if you are travelling for a long time, foreign trip insurance is a must. 

Besides international travel protection and avoiding burning a massive hole in your pocket, overseas trip insurance has several benefits. Here are some of the advantages of buying insurance for travelling abroad:

1. Fulfills Mandatory Requirement

   It helps fulfil the compulsory requirement to travel to a few countries where an overseas travel insurance policy is a must, such as Schengen countries, Turkey, and many other tourist hotspots.

2. Covers COVID-19 Emergencies

   Most insurers offer foreign travel insurance online, which provides necessary international travel insurance with COVID coverage in case you or your loved ones test positive or need treatment in the middle of the trip.

3. Provides 24X7 Emergency Assistance

   All foreign trip insurance plans provide emergency helpline numbers, mobile applications, and a dedicated team to assist you in any emergency during your trip abroad. Monetary assistance is provided if you lose all or a substantial part of your travel funds due to theft, robbery, or pilferage. International travel health insurance will also assist in case of medical emergencies.

4. Coverage for People of All Ages

   You can buy international travel insurance online for anyone in the mentioned age group, no matter which country you travel to.

5. Hijack Cover

   Though unlikely, being a hijack victim is nothing short of traumatic. Many international travel insurance online offer a distress allowance to help you cope.

6. Travel Assistance

   Insurance for travelling abroad offers a dedicated helpline for any assistance you may need. This can include finding the nearest network hospital or applying for your new passport.

7. Cashless Hospitalization

   Most international travel insurance online ensures you receive a cashless hospitalisation facility abroad in case of hospitalisation due to sickness or accidental injury.

8. Coverage for Loss of Travel Documents

   Some of overseas travel insurance assist and pay for obtaining a duplicate copy of your essential travel documents like passport, tickets, etc., in case of loss or theft.

9. Helps with Personal Liability

   If an unfortunate accident involves another person or their property during your trip, your foreign travel insurance online will help you pay for it. These costs will include any repairs or relevant medical expenses.

10. Flight-Related Adversities Covered

    While most international travel medical insurance plans only cover medical expenses, many plans also cover you for any adversities resulting from your flight, including flight delays, missed connection flights, flight cancellations, flight hijacks, etc.

11. Stress-Free Travel

    Online overseas travel insurance lets you travel stress-free and enjoy every moment of your trip, as your insurer will take care of any adversities.

International Travel Insurance Inclusions

With so many benefits readily offered by most international travel insurance online, it is hard to remember all their advantages. Your insurer will cover the following unless specified otherwise:

1. Medical Expenses Cover

   In case of an unexpected illness, accidental injuries, or death, your overseas medical insurance policy will cover medical expenses faced abroad.

2. Loss of Baggage Cover

   Coverage will be provided if your plan has the benefits of international flight insurance and your airline damages or misplaces your baggage after checking in.

3. Trip Cancellation & Disruption Cover

   The primary benefit of overseas trip insurance is that all your financial losses will be covered if your trip is canceled or curtailed due to a covered emergency.

4. Flight Delays/Cancellation

    Your foreign travel insurance will cover your flight if it is delayed for more than a certain number of hours or is canceled.

5. Passport Loss Cover

   In case of loss of passport or essential travel documents during your vacation, your overseas holiday insurance also covers reimbursement of the cost incurred on obtaining a fresh or duplicate passport.

   Personal Liability

   If you buy foreign travel insurance online, you will get help if you involuntarily result in damage or injure a third party or their property.

6. Medical Evacuation

   Medical expenses incurred due to emergency evacuation to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment are covered under insurance for travelling abroad.

7. Repatriation Cover

   In case of a sudden demise, the expenses for cremation and transporting the mortal remains to the family members back in India are covered by overseas trip insurance.

8. Dental Cover

   Any emergency dental treatment taken due to an injury or acute pain during the trip is covered.

9. Hijack Risk Cover

   A Hijack distress allowance is granted if the flight you were travelling on abroad or vice versa is hijacked for more than a certain number of hours.

10. Compassionate Visit 

    In case of hospitalisation for an extended period, the cost of transportation and boarding of one of your family members will be covered. This facility is provided chiefly with student travel insurance.

11. Trip Delay

    Any delay in the commencement of the trip due to an unavoidable emergency, such as a family member's hospitalisation or a natural calamity, etc., is covered by international insurance for travel.

12. Missed Connection Flight Cover

    If your connecting flight is missed due to the delayed arrival of your inward flight, your insurer will cover it.

13. Delay in Baggage Arrival

    Reimbursement of expenses incurred on essentials due to the airline's delayed delivery of your check-in baggage.

14. Home Burglary Insurance

    Compensation for losing valuables is provided if your house is burgled during your international trip.

    Buying affordable international travel insurance means you can maintain coverage. An overseas trip insurance policy is only helpful if it secures you in your time of need. Therefore, buy overseas travel insurance by comparing them on Policybazaar.com.

International Travel Insurance Exclusions

Even international travel insurance comes with some limitations. Before zeroing in on right foreign travel insurance online, read carefully about the expenses that will not be reimbursed. Have a quick rundown of the things which will not be included in your overseas travel insurance:

• If your passport loss complaint is not registered with the police authorities, the damages or loss incurred will not be covered.
• You wouldn't be given medical cover if the pre-existing diseases were not disclosed/ declared before the international travel insurance policy commences, especially for those over 70.
• Expenses or any loss incurred from mental incapability, depression or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any suicidal attempt. Also, venereal diseases and patients with HIV/AIDS are not covered under international trip insurance online.
• If your purpose for travelling abroad is for medical treatment abroad.
• Also, if you are travelling against the recommendation of your healthcare provider.
• If you are diagnosed with any life-threatening diseases before your travel
• Casualties or damages due to war or nuclear threats in the concerned country

Note: This is not the complete list of exclusions. For an exhaustive list, refer to policy wordings.

Why Should You Buy International Travel Insurance Policy?

Take a look at some of the reasons why you must buy an overseas travel insurance policy for your foreign trip:

What Should Be Carried While Travelling Abroad?

While travelling abroad, you must remember to carry the following essential things for a smooth and hassle-free trip:

• Passport - You must always carry your passport during your trip. It should be valid for six months and have at least two blank pages, or you can get in trouble.
• Travel Adapters - Do carry travel adapters with you during your trip to quickly charge your phone, camera, laptop and other electronic devices.
• International Travel Insurance - Make sure to buy travel insurance for international travel. You can easily stay covered against any unforeseen adversities faced during the journey.
• Medical Kit - Make an emergency medical kit consisting of painkillers, personal medication, bandages, anti-allergy medicines and generic medicines like paracetamol, etc. and carry it with you on the trip for emergency medical aid.
• Forex Card - Remember to keep your Forex Card in your wallet so that you can use it to buy fabulous things during your trip. You should make sure to buy forex cards for international trip to avoid hidden charges.
• Weather-appropriate Clothes - Check the weather of the destination where you will be travelling and pack clothes accordingly for your comfort.
• Comfortable Shoes - Pack comfortable shoes to explore foreign countries easily. Europe is especially a very walkable place, so being comfortable is the key!
• Sunscreens and Moisturizers - Don't forget to pack sunscreens when travelling to a beach destination. Also, don't forget moisturisers if travelling to the mountains!

International Travel Insurance (COVID-19 Covered*)

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every international travel insurance company has offered protection in case of COVID-19 contingencies. You can rest easy knowing that your international travel medical insurance will care for you in case of any unfortunate medical emergency. Here are some benefits for COVID-19 offered to travellers when they're abroad:

• Cover for Accident and Sickness-related Expenses: If the insured is diagnosed with COVID-19 outside India, the overseas travel medical insurance will compensate for relevant medical expenses up to a limit.
• Trip Curtailment Cover: If you, your travel companion, or an immediate family member is diagnosed with COVID-19, your trip interruption expenses will be reimbursed thanks to insurance for foreign travel.
• Trip Cancellation: If the insured, their immediate family member or a co-traveller is diagnosed with coronavirus before beginning their overseas trip; any unused and non-refundable amount will be reimbursed. This includes unused portions of your accommodation and travel expenses
• Automatic Extension Benefit: Many international travel insurance policies offer automatic extensions if no alternative modes of transport are available in case of a curfew or lockdown in your destination country.
• Additional Benefits: Depending on the international travel insurance company, you may benefit from cashless treatment and reimbursement for extended hotel accommodation in case of COVID-19-covered overseas medical insurance for travel.

The benefits under COVID-19 coverage will vary depending on your overseas mediclaim policy. It is best to carefully read the terms and conditions before buying an international travel insurance policy.

Things to Consider While Planning an International Trip

Are you travelling abroad for the first time? Even if you aren't, remember these tips before planning your trip!

1. Plan Your Trip Itinerary 

   Online or offline, make sure you spend enough time on research. Find out about the weather, the best time to visit, top attractions, hidden gems, entree fees, transportation costs, safety regulations, cultural essentials, and more!

2. Prepare all Travel Documents

   Ensure you carry all the essential documents when planning a trip abroad. This includes your passport, visa, international driving licence, travel vouchers, medical prescriptions, hotel confirmation receipts, etc.

3. Get Foreign Travel Insurance Policy 

   Mandatory or not, you must always secure your journey with a global travel insurance policy. You should also pay attention if a country has made trip insurance mandatory for your visa or entry. For these places, you must select a plan carefully and proceed accordingly. 

4. Register with the Indian Embassy

   While overseas travel insurance protects you from undesirable expenses, in case of an emergency, it is best to contact the Indian embassy so that they can easily track you and keep you protected.

5. Prepare Your Funds

   As the world turns cashless, don't forget to buy a good traveller's credit card. You must also prepare sufficient cash. Make sure to exchange it when the value of your currency is higher. Make sure to call your bank and inform them about the future transactions you will be making abroad!

   Ultimately, make sure to purchase international travel insurance online for your safety. Several worldwide travel insurance plans are available, and you can stay protected anywhere you wish to visit.

Where Can Indians Get a Visa on Arrival?

Travelling to most countries from India requires a visa. You must obtain a visa for the country you want to travel to before commencing your overseas trip. The process may also involve paperwork like insurance for foreign travel. This can be a hassle for many, but it can be easily simplified by purchasing online overseas travel insurance.

Luckily, many countries offer visa-free and visas on arrival for Indians. They provide keys to Indian citizens on arrival at the destination airport or provide a visa exemption.

Take a look at the countries that provide a visa on arrival to Indians or visa-free entries below:

Essentials Checklist Before Leaving India

When going for an overseas trip, you must carry all the essentials as per the destination country. Ensure you follow the necessary precautions to avoid troubles abroad, no matter which country you are travelling to. Make sure to:

• Carry a copy of your passport when travelling
• Buy an international travel insurance policy as soon as you book your flight tickets
• Carry essential medications, including painkillers, paracetamol, anti-allergens, etc.
• Keep international adapters that can fit into any power socket and charge your phone
• Pack moisturisers if you are travelling in winter and sunscreen if travelling in the summers
• Pack a raincoat or umbrella if you are travelling during monsoon or to a place where the weather is unexpected
• Keep a comfortable jacket to take care of sudden changes in the weather
• Carry a good camera to capture your moments abroad
• Fly safe and enjoy your vacations with international tourist insurance or overseas medical insurance.

How to Extend International Travel Insurance?

Several reasons, from unfortunate hospitalisations to natural disasters, may force you to extend your trip. However, what if your trip insurance expires before your revised departure? Thankfully, almost every travel insurance company in India offers the option to extend the international travel insurance policy if the policyholder needs an emergency extension.

If you find yourself in a situation that forces you to delay your departure, make sure to extend your international travel insurance plan using the following steps:

• Step 1: Contact your insurer online or on the available customer service. Inform them about your requirement to extend the trip.
• Step 2: The representative will ask you to provide the details depending on the insurer. Regarding the trip extension and additional documents as per the requirements
• Step 3: Once your request for extension is reviewed and examined by the authorities, you will be informed about any additional requirements, if necessary
• Step 4: The insurance provider will inform you about the status of your extension request.

While some insurers offer automatic extensions, some may require additional premiums. You must pay an additional bonus if the extension exceeds the maximum period. Your policy will be extended once the payment has been made, and you will be notified accordingly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before requesting an extension:

• Ensure the extension process is initiated as soon as possible, especially before the policy expires.
• Some insurers also offer the facility of extension post-expiration. However, it is best to confirm this beforehand.
• The extension period varies between insurers. In most cases, the policy can be extended for 7 to 15 days, but some insurers offer extensions up to 180 days.
• Many travel insurance companies in India also provide emergency accommodation for the insured and their dependents in case of emergency trip extensions.

The exact procedures may vary from insurer to insurer, so confirm the same before extending your overseas travel insurance plan.

How to File a Claim for International Travel Insurance?

Claiming under most overseas travel insurance from India is easy. You should inform your insurer during an emergency or take medical assistance while travelling. Claims not intimated to providers within a time frame can be rejected. Insurance providers will also ask you to submit claim forms with your personal and journey details.

In case of a cashless claim:

• Intimate the EAP (emergency assistance provider) about the eventuality
• Request a pre-authorization letter from the insurer
• The insurer will send the pre-authorization after verifying the claim
• Receive treatment for your injury/ illness
• Get discharged from the hospital
• The hospital bills will be settled directly by the insurance company

In case of reimbursement claim:

• Inform the EAP regarding the contingency at the earliest
• Arrange all the supporting documents required
• Submit the supporting documents

The reimbursement will be credited to your bank account or issued a cheque if your claim is approved. Depending on your international trip insurance policy, you can also file for claims online via mobile apps, helpline numbers, and other means.

When, Where, and How to Choose International Travel Insurance?

A lot of countries abroad require you to have an international travel insurance policy. Even if they don't, you should never compromise your safety and buy medical insurance for international travel. Before you buy one, have a look at some of the most important factors to consider so that you're aware of all the technicalities:

• Travel Frequency
  If you don't travel often, buying a single-trip plan is better. You can easily buy overseas travel insurance online without any prior medical checkup unless specified.
• Trip Duration
  Before buying overseas trip insurance, your journey dates should be fixed. You can use a travel insurance premium calculator to know the exact premium according to the length of your stay
• Travel Destination
  Whether it is a European trip or a trip to Japan, these things will narrow down your requirements depending on the country of your travel. They will also cost you differently, with some being the cheapest international travel insurance to pretty expensive ones.
• Claim Procedure
  Remember to read about your insurer, their claim settlement ratio, and other essential points. Also, check for any claim limits they have set with various benefits. Each overseas mediclaim policy has a fixed limit up to which it will cover. If you exceed a specific limit, you must pay the difference.

Therefore, depending on your country of travel and the trip duration, consider different risks before you purchase an overseas travel insurance plan. This way, there will be no disappointments later. Don't forget to compare other international travel insurance plans to decide which offers the most benefits at the best price.

What Does Policybazaar Do For You?

By helping travellers solve travel-related glitches, Policybazaar's global reach and proven operational abilities provide complete peace of mind. We will help you compare and select international travel insurance with affordable premiums for proper protection while travelling abroad.

• Check Premium Rate Instantly - Through Policybazaar, you can instantly get premium rates from a wide range of international travel insurance companies in India. You don't have to visit the official websites of different travel insurance companies individually to check the premium rates offered by each one of them. This helps you to save a lot of time and effort.
• Compare International Travel Insurance Plans - Policybazaar allows you to compare various overseas travel insurance plans offered by different insurers, all in one place. You can quickly check the degree of coverage offered and compare international travel insurance plans. This helps you to find a suitable plan that offers maximum range at a minimum international travel insurance cost in India.
• Get Unbiased Comparison - We strive to provide all prospective travellers with a fair international travel insurance comparison. We give you a clear picture of international travel insurance coverage and premiums so you can decide when buying online overseas travel insurance.
• Get Information for Free - Another benefit of using Policybazaar is that you can access all the information related to different insurance for international travel free of cost from the comfort of your home.
• Buy Travel Insurance Policy Instantly - Policybazaar allows you to check and compare international travel insurance plans and buy the policy that suits your travel requirements. You don't have to visit the insurance providers' websites separately; instead, you can fill out the proposal form and pay your insurance premium.