Travel Insurance

What Does a Perfect Travel Insurance Plan Cover?

Just like packing essentials, booking nice flight tickets and hotels, understand the risks you must prepare for. You should know what travel insurance plans will protect you for this. Here are some of the best travel insurance coverage benefits to look for in an overseas trip insurance plan:

• Journey Coverage

  The best travel insurance plan will help you with many emergencies while travelling, such as:

  • Travel Assistance: New city or a new country, your travel insurance plan will provide you with every urgent assistance ranging from customer support to getting a list of international network hospitals close to you.
  • Policy Extension: If your trip is extended for some reason, then your international insurance will be extended for a fixed period.
  • Flight Delays: If your flight is delayed for specified reasons, your international insurance policy will cover additional costs per the policy terms.

• COVID-19 Coverage

  No one can forget the mayhem during COVID-19 and what it cost us. Most insurers will cover the following under travel insurance with COVID coverage:

  • Trip Cancellation: Trip insurance with COVID-19 coverage will offer the coverage if you or your immediate family member is diagnosed and hospitalised before the trip. In such a case, your non-refundable and unused amounts, like hotel booking and ticket costs, will be reimbursed per the policy terms.
  • Medical Expenses: If you or anyone travelling abroad with you is diagnosed with COVID-19, then your covid travel insurance for abroad will cover these medical expenses & treatment.

• Baggage Coverage

  With airlines misplacing baggage so often, it's only fitting that there is a safeguard you can turn to. Many travellers’ insurance policy also offers the benefits of flight travel insurance like the following:

  • Covers Lost Baggage: Flights may misplace your luggage or damage your baggage. An overseas insurance plan will help you with necessary personal expenses like clothing, medicines, and toiletries.
  • Covers Delayed Baggage: If your baggage is delayed, your tourist insurance will pay for the necessary items to be purchased until you get your bag back.

• Medical Coverage

  What is worse than falling sick while travelling? Especially during a holiday when you have a budget to stick to, getting injured or suddenly falling sick is seriously disappointing. On top of falling sick, there are extra (and often high) expenses that you did not account for. This is where your travel insurance coverage will have your back:

  • Medical Emergencies: If you need medical assistance due to an accident or sudden illness, your foreign travel insurance from India will cover you. Many travel insurance companies in India even offer cashless travel insurance. Your insurer can settle the treatment expenses directly at the network hospital through this.
  • Medical Evacuation or Repatriation: If you're injured or need medical assistance abroad and must be evacuated to a safer place, your travel insurance coverage will include or are, unfortunately, in a fatal accident. The travel insurance policy will cover the required costs of repatriation.

• Add-On Covers/Optional Covers

  If you’re not satisfied with regular coverage provided by travel insurance plans you can easily personalise your travel and health insurance for trips by using add-ons. These are also called ‘extra benefits’ purchased at some extra premium.
  If you need specific protection not commonly offered by different types of travel insurance online, then these optionals will go a long way to protect you:

  • Adventure Sports Cover: This add-on will let you freely enjoy winter sports, adventure activities, etc., while travelling abroad. Any medical expenses caused due to these activities will be handled per the travel insurance policy schedule.
  • Home Burglary/Fire Insurance: This will protect your house from any loss caused by a break-in, theft, or fire while you are outside the country.
  • Emergency Hotel Accommodation: If your trip is extended for any urgent reason, this optional coverage will offer a hotel stay insurance benefits, such as reimbursement for your emergency accommodation costs.

Travelling after months of planning and savings is one of the best feelings. However, one thing travellers easily dismiss is insuring their trip. Travel insurance not only serves as a backup during financial difficulties but also offers you 24X7 global support if you need it.

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

• I don't have any Health Issues, so Travel Insurance is Useless!

  Your overseas travel insurance is not just to cover your health emergencies; it also covers other emergencies that will cost you considerably abroad! This includes losing your passport, missing your flight for a valid reason, getting mugged, accidentally damaging someone’s property or losing your passport.

  What’s more, even if you’re fit and fine, getting into an accident or a severe injury while travelling isn’t something you can control. In such cases, you’re better off with a travel medical insurance policy.

• Travel Insurance is Only Useful for Frequent Travellers!

  Frequent travellers can get an annual trip insurance plan for themselves and get many benefits from it, but it works the same way for other travellers.

  While frequent travellers save a lot of time and money on their annual trip insurance plans, those going for a single-trip travel insurance can benefit greatly from their plans as they are not as expensive. These offer great benefits at a nominal cost.

• 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.

• Old People Can't Buy Travel Insurance Policies!

  This is a baseless claim! Just because there’s a general age bracket for eligibility, senior travellers can’t be denied travel insurance plans! While standard plans are available for people aged anywhere between 6 months to 60 years, you will find many plans specially made for senior travellers. You can easily find these international travel insurance online. In fact, there are enough senior citizen travel insurance plans in India for anyone beyond that age, and some insurers don’t even have an upper age limit!

• 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, do you really want to risk it? That is the unpredictability of life- horrible weather, emergency hospitalisation or, unfortunately losing your stuff are a few things that can happen to anyone at any time. In fact, on a shorter trip, you’d be too stressed to deal with any medical emergencies alone, so why not let travel medical insurance take care of it? If you’re still not convinced, you can easily find cheap travel insurance online that perfectly fits your budget!

• I Only Need Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries.

  While you can’t visit many European countries without proper Schengen travel insurance, other countries don’t make it mandatory. In fact, there are many non-European countries which have made it compulsory to have travel health insurance. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to be fine without insurance; risks are always present no matter the country. It’s strongly advised that you get travel medical insurance every time you go abroad!

• Travel Insurance is Useless as They Always Reject Claims!

  Usually, claims are not accepted because they’re either a part of the exclusions or because there’s been incorrect information provided. Most travel insurance companies in India have a general set of exclusions stating all the scenarios where your claim won’t be covered.

  For example, travel insurance companies reject claims related to pre-existing conditions unless you’ve bought a policy that covers them.

What’s Not Covered by Travel Insurance Plans

Ignoring exclusions or situations not covered under a travel insurance plan is one of the biggest reasons for claim rejection. Keeping these travel insurance exclusions in mind before buying any plan will save you from misunderstandings and financial regrets later.

It will also let you decide if you’re okay with the travel insurance quote for a plan you’re going for. Most travel insurance companies in India don’t cover claims due to the following reasons:

• Medical Exclusions

  • If you are travelling abroad against the doctor's medical advice, then any medical expenses incurred will not be covered by the insurer.
  • Medical expenses for injuries or sickness caused while you were intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol are not covered under a travel insurance policy.
  • Treatment costs incurred due to STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and mental/nervous disorders are often not covered by many travel insurance companies in India.
  • Claims related to pregnancy or related complications are not covered.
  • Most travel insurance plans in India do not reimburse expenses due to alternative treatments such as Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, or Ayurveda.
  • Any claims related to cosmetic or plastic surgery are usually not covered by the insurer.
  • Claims due to treatment for self-inflicted injuries, including attempts to suicide or suicide, are not covered.
  • Many insurers in India don’t offer coverage for pre-existing issues or diseases under regular travel medical insurance plans unless an add-on cover has been purchased.

• Baggage Exclusions

  • Your international travel insurance policy will not cover baggage loss if your luggage has been shipped separately or is not accompanied by you.
  • Some policies don't cover cases beyond the specified geographic region.
  • Delay or failure in reporting the lost luggage to the relevant authorities may result in the rejection of your travel insurance claim.

• Journey Exclusions

  • Any claims arising from dependency on intoxicants, such as alcohol or drugs, will not be covered by the insurer.
  • Many insurers don’t cover claims arising from the insured’s participation in adventure sports and other winter sports. For example, mountaineering, bike races, scuba diving, etc.
  • Loss due to involvement in illegal activities, theft, felony, etc., will not be covered.
  • Damage caused during dangerous or hazardous work will not be covered.

• Other Exclusions

  • The insurer will not cover any claims arising because of war-like circumstances, as well as a civil war in the country that you are visiting.
  • All insurers may not always cover claims from terrorist attacks in your destination city or country.
  • The insurer will not cover the expenses incurred while obtaining a duplicate or a new passport upon losing the original abroad if it was left unattended.

• Decoding Travel Insurance Terms

  Here are some simplified terms to understand travel insurance wordings better:

  • Sum Insured - In case of any unfortunate event (for which you are covered), your insurer will give you a certain amount of money. This is also the maximum amount that you will be paid. You are entitled to this amount which is the maximum coverage under your travel insurance plan.
  • Reimbursement - If you’re in an emergency and have no time to wait for your insurer, you can pay the expenses out of your pocket first and later get that money back (reimbursed) from your insurer. You will be compensated for all your costs as per the limits of your travel insurance policy.
  • Single-Trip Insurance Plans - If you’re not a frequent traveller, you’re likelier to have a single-trip insurance plan. This plan provides coverage for only one trip up to the determined date.
  • Multi-Trip Insurance Plans - These are made for people who travel frequently. Multi-trip insurance plans cover all the trips under the predetermined period (usually 1 year) and don’t need to be purchased every time.
  • Family Travel Insurance Plans - As the name says, family travel insurance are plan designed for families. This can usually be bought for the insured’s spouse, dependent children, and often older parents.
  • Sub-limits - These are additional limitations under any coverage offered by your travel insurance plan. Sub-limits apply to some insurable losses; exceeding them will require you to pay the difference. For example, hospital room rent, ambulance charges, etc., have a fixed limit, exceeding which you must pay an additional amount.
  • Deductible - In some cases, you must pay some of the initial expenses in case of an insured emergency. This will be paid out of your pocket and will not be reimbursed. This amount is known as the deductible for that cover. Your insurer will reimburse the remaining expenses.
  • Cashless Settlement - The insurer directly settles your medical/hospitalisation expenses when you visit their network hospital.
  • Common Carrier - Any organisation, such as a commercial airline, deals with people and cargo travel between different cities or countries.
  • Condition Precedent - A predetermined condition based on which the insurer agrees to offer coverage to the insured.
  • Equipment Failure - An unexpected breakdown or malfunction of the common carrier’s equipment resulting in an interruption or delay of the scheduled trip of the insured.
  • Grace Period - This feature is only available in multi-trip or group plans. An extended period, right after the due date of the insurance premium. The insured person can still pay this due premium in this window to continue enjoying the protection of the travel insurance plan without any interruption.
  • Hospitalisation - When the insured person needs to be admitted into a hospital, medical facility, or for the mentioned minimum duration to receive medical care. The time must exceed 24 hours.
  • Immediate Family Member - Refers to the legal relatives of the policyholder. Includes the insured’s legal relations, including their parents, spouse’s parents, spouse, legal children, siblings, siblings-in-law, legal guardian, etc., who are residing in India.
  • Insured Journey - Refers to the duration of the valid policy term for which it has been purchased. Most insurers calculate it as the time between the insured boards the common carrier for their scheduled journey and the moment they return their home or on the day their plan expires, depending on whichever is sooner.
  • Insured Person - The policyholder is the individual who has purchased the travel insurance plan. Must be a permanent resident or citizen of India.
  • Land/Sea Arrangements - Includes travel arrangements paid for in advance and made for the insured’s scheduled trip. These are planned by a travel agent or other tour operating organisation for which the travel insurance plan has been bought.
  • Medical Expenses - This means the expenses incurred by the insured person due to a sudden illness or injury. These must be required medical treatment based on the advice of a qualified doctor or medical practitioner.
  • Medically Necessary - All tests, treatments, or hospitalisation necessary for the insured’s medical condition. The process involves medical care and management of the insured’s injury/illness based on the advice of a medical practitioner.
  • Notification of Claim - A necessary step for the insured in case they need to raise a claim. The individual can inform their insurer about the claim to be raised.
  • Pre-Existing Condition - Refers to any injury, disease, or other related condition the insured has been diagnosed with or has experienced symptoms of. If the insured has received medical treatment for the condition, they should inform the insurance company.
  • Room Rent - In the case of hospitalisation, the daily cost an individual must pay to occupy their hospital bed. The hospital or medical facility charges fix this room rent.
  • Serious Injury/Sickness - A situation when an injury or sickness threatens the insured. It must be declared by a qualified physician stating that it is harmful to the insured’s life.
  • Subrogation - This happens when the insurer takes legal measures against a third party on behalf of the insured in cases where the third party has caused loss or injury to the insured person.
  • Travelling Companion - Usually, two other people and the policyholder for the journey have booked travel tickets.

Travel Insurance - FAQs

• Q. Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?

  Ans: While travelling brings joy to most, it also has its share of mishaps. International travel insurance plans protect you from many financial burdens due to medical or travel-related emergencies issue.

• Q. Can You Buy Travel Insurance Online After Starting Your Trip?

  Ans: No, you can’t. Especially if you’re travelling abroad, you must buy international travel insurance before departing from India.

• Q. Does a Travel Insurance Policy Cover Pre-Existing Diseases?

  Ans: Most Indian travel insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing diseases like diabetes and high BP. However, you can always buy an optional to cover these PEDs in case you end up in an emergency while travelling abroad.

• Q. I am an OCI Cardholder (Overseas Citizen of India). Can I buy a travel policy?

  Ans: Yes. OCI Card holders can buy a travel insurance policy, provided they have a valid Indian passport and intend to return to India.

• Q. Can I purchase travel insurance online for someone unrelated to me?

  Ans: No. You can’t buy travel insurance in India on behalf of someone unrelated to you. You can only purchase it for yourself and your parents, spouse, and children.

• Q. Can I file a travel insurance claim once I return to India?

  Ans: Technically, you can file a claim under your international insurance policy after returning to India., provided the claim is registered within 30 days of returning to India or policy expiry, whichever is earlier. However, you should notify your insurer and file your claim immediately.

• Q. What will happen if I forget to carry my travel policy along?

  Ans: Usually, you can get travel insurance online, so it is not easy to miss it while travelling. While it’s advisable to carry a soft copy while travelling, you can always get a document through your customer ID and policy number. Just make sure to keep a soft copy with you at all times!

• Q. Can the insurer withdraw a travel insurance India at any point? If so, what are the options available?

  Ans: Yes. Travel insurance companies can withdraw a travel insurance plan if approved by the IRDAI. The traveller will receive a notice about the withdrawal at least 3 months before the expiry of the policy. In case of withdrawal, the insured can continue with their ongoing policy until its expiry date.

• Q. Why should you buy international travel insurance online?

  Ans: Buying overseas travel medical insurance online saves time and gets you the best travel insurance policy. Since no agents are involved, you can take your time understanding and comparing the available travel insurance plans without paying extra commissions.

• Q. Will my policy offer trip cancellation insurance due to hospitalisation?

  Ans: Yes, you can file a claim for your cancelled trip if it was because of hospitalisation. However, according to most policies, it can only be accepted if you or an immediate family member were hospitalised for the minimum period.

• Q. I have both travel insurance and health insurance, so which one will be applicable during my trip?

  Ans: If you're travelling in India and face emergency medical expenses, your health insurance plan will be applicable depending on the in-patient or out-patient coverage. However, only your travel medical insurance policy will be valid if you are abroad.

• Q. How much will overseas travel insurance online cost me?

  Ans: This will depend on the kind of overseas medical insurance policy you use, as the cost will vary from country to country. Factors like age, trip duration and underlying health condition will determine the final premium. For a better idea, use a travel insurance premium calculator.

• Q. What would be the best travel insurance (international) for me?

  Ans: The best travel insurance policy depends on your budget and requirements. Depending on budget, duration and needs, there are custom plans for students, families, senior citizens, etc.

• Q. Can I buy travel insurance online after leaving the country?

  Ans: No, a travel insurance is bought before you leave India for your trip. Without knowing your trip duration, prior health conditions and the country you plan to visit, a travel insurance policy can't be issued. For this, you must buy travel insurance online as soon as you have booked your tickets or hotels.

• Q. Will my Travel Insurance Policy Cover any Pre-Existing Diseases?

  Ans: Yes, many travel medical insurance cover PED or pre-existing diseases.

• Q. Can I take travel insurance after booking?

  Ans: Definitely, in fact, its suggested to buy travel insurance in India once your bookings are complete. This will help you get coverage for flight cancellations or bounced bookings later.

• Q. Will I get a refund if I cancel my travel insurance policy?

  Ans: If your plan is cancelled or you haven't started your journey abroad, you can apply for a cancellation and get a refund. However, this is possible only for certain scenarios like visa denial, during free look period, or trip cancellation. Most travel insurance companies refund on a pro-rata basis.

• Q. Is a medical checkup needed before I buy travel insurance policy?

  Ans: No. Pre-policy medical check-ups are not needed for overseas travel insurance from India. However, it may be required if you have a PED or in the case of very old travellers.

• Q. Is there a timeframe to file a claim under my travel insurance?

  Ans: Yes, most travel health insurance policies only process claims that have been filed within 28-31 days of returning to India. The time frame will vary from policy to policy.

• Q. Is it necessary to get prior approval from the insurance provider before proceeding with medical treatment should the necessity arise?

  Ans: No, in case of emergencies, there is no need to get a prior approval unless you wish to opt for cashless hospitalisation. If you need clarification on the coverage, you can confirm and proceed accordingly.

• Q. Is travel insurance mandatory for everyone?

  Ans: No, overseas insurance for trips is not mandatory for everyone unless a country states so. For example, Schengen countries have made it mandatory for everyone from certain countries to have a travel and health insurance.

• Q. Where can I get the list of network hospitals for my travel insurance?

  Ans: You can head to your insurer's website to get a list of international hospital networks. All insurers provide contact details across various countries. You can also call Policybazaar if you need help locating nearby network hospitals.

• Q. How do I choose a travel insurance policy?

  Ans: You should compare travel insurance plans to find the best international travel insurance India. Consider the coverage, cost and exclusions to know what you're getting.

• Q. Do I need to be in India to get an international travel policy issued?

  Ans: Yes. You can't buy a policy if you have already left India.

• Q. Will my travel insurance policy cover for any missed flights?

  Ans: Yes, under specific reasons you will be covered for missed flights.

• Q. Will my travel policy cover me if I cancel my flight?

  Ans: Flight cancellation benefit is offered under many flight travel insurance plans. Given the conditions of your trip insurance plan, you can get reimbursement for flight cancellation.

• Q. What do I do if I fall sick when I am overseas?

  Ans: You should immediately get medical assistance. You can contact the TPA services directly or call the insurer's toll-free helpline. They will help you process your request and even provide an international hospital list of network hospitals.

• Q. What if I lose all original documents while travelling abroad?

  Ans: You should report to the local police immediately and inform the insurer as soon as possible. Insurance for travel abroad can also pay for reimbursement for some documents like international driving license, passport etc. in case of theft or loss.

• Q. Can I file a trip insurance claim once I return to India?

  Ans: Yes, you can. However, most international trip insurance have a time limit of 28-31 days to do so.

• Q. When is the best time to purchase a travel insurance policy?

  Ans: As soon as you're done with flight ticket and hotel bookings.

• Q. What is a covered reason for trip cancellation?

  Ans: There are several reasons under which trip cancellation coverage can be availed of. Hospitalisation or death of an immediate family member is one of these.

• Q. What credit cards offer free travel insurance?

  Ans: Many credit cards in India come with some travel insurance coverage. These credit card travel insurance cover issues like emergency hospitalisation, air accidents, etc. A few also cover the loss of travel documents.

• Q. If I take a travel policy for 2 months, can I extend it later, as per my requirement?

  Ans: Yes, as long as you clearly inform your travel insurance company within the necessary timeline. It can't be done at the last moment.

• Q. Should I buy travel insurance for short trips as well?

  Ans: Definitely! There are 1-day travel insurance plans for a reason. Long or short, a mishap only needs minutes at times.

• Q. I suffer from Hypertension / Diabetes. Can I buy a travel policy?

  Ans: Yes, you can buy travel insurance with pre-existing disease coverage. The premium may be higher, but it is available in India.

• Q. Is travel insurance from India useful for frequent travellers?

  Ans: Absolutely. Frequent Indian travellers must be aware of risks like infections, baggage delays missed connecting flights and many issues that can add to their already high travel costs. They can get an annual plan and save time, money and inconvenience at a one-time expense.

• Q. What are some tips for purchasing the cheapest travel insurance online?

  Ans: International travel insurance comparison is the most important tip. You can also look for affordable plans by opting for base plans instead of expensive variants.

• Q. Is EUR 30,000 coverage mandatory for travelling to Schengen countries?

  Ans: Yes, this is the minimum coverage amount required for Schengen travel insurance plans for Indians.

• Q. I want my parent(s) to visit me. Can I be their proposer and purchase their policy?

  Ans: Yes, you can buy a travel insurance policy for your parents.

• Q. I am going for a short-term course of 6 months. Can I buy a student travel policy?

  Ans: Yes, any Indian going abroad for studies can get a student travel insurance policy to remain safe from financial trouble during their time abroad.

• Q. If a student travel policy is issued for 2 years, is the sum insured applicable yearly or overall?

  Ans: Both options are available. Many insurers issue a 2-year-long policy or for the duration you have specified. Many student travel insurance plans are also available for a year, after which they must be renewed or re-purchased.

• Q. Can I buy insurance if I am going on a work permit abroad?

  Ans: You can and you should. Work easily means a year or more. This is a long enough time to fall sick due to climate change, seasonal health issues or accidents while getting used to a new place. Plenty of plans are available for Indians going abroad for work and business.

• Q. Will the trip insurance cover the expenses towards the new passport loss incurred in India?

  Ans: No. Travel insurance will only cover issues faced while on your trip. In case you lose it outside, it will only be covered if your trip insurance has this benefit.

• Q. Would I be reimbursed for the medical expenses incurred abroad if I go specifically to seek medical treatment?

  Ans: No, you can't get coverage for medical care or treatment unless it is an emergency or you are in a critical stage. If you have an undeclared PED, your insurer will not reimburse you.

• Q. When is FIR required for a travel insurance claim?

  Ans: FIR is required in case of baggage theft, mugging, and accidents.