International Travel Insurance

What Does International Travel Insurance Cover?

Before buying international travel insurance online, first understand what your plan covers. Coverage is listed under inclusions, and the following is the most common list of inclusions under overseas travel insurance:

• Medical & Health Inclusions

  Medical Expenses Cover

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

  Medical Evacuation

  Medical evacuation is unavoidable if you’re in a dire medical emergency, but the medical care may not be close by. This is common when travelling through remote areas or islands where you can't access healthcare readily. In such cases, you must be evacuated to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment.

  Repatriation Cover

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

  Dental Cover

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

• Baggage Related Inclusions

  Loss of Baggage

  It protects your luggage in case your airline delays, damages or misplaces it after checking in.

  Baggage Theft/Loss

  If your luggage is stolen or lost abroad, then you can be covered for the loss of contents up to the specified policy limit.

• Travel-related Inclusions

  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 primarily provided for student travel insurance.

  Trip Delay

  If your trip commencement is delayed due to an unavoidable emergency, it is covered by international insurance for travel. For example, a family member's hospitalisation or a natural calamity, etc.

  Trip Cancellation & Disruption Cover

  Your policy will cover several non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled before you even start or curtailed due to a covered emergency.

  Passport Loss Cover

  
  In case your passport is lost or stolen during your trip, your overseas holiday insurance will cover reimbursement of the cost incurred in obtaining a fresh passport.

  Personal Liability

  This coverage helps with any third-party liability if you accidentally cause damage to a third party or their property.

• Flight-Related Inclusions

  Flight Delays/Cancellations

  Your foreign travel insurance will compensate you for any flight delays that exceed a certain number of hours. It will also cover flight cancellations due to certain reasons.

  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.

  Missed Connection Flight Cover

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

• Does International Travel Insurance Cover COVID-19?

  Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, almost every international travel insurer covers a range of COVID-19 contingencies. Here are some benefits of COVID-19 coverage offered under overseas travel insurance:

  • Cover for Accident and Sickness-related Expenses: If diagnosed with COVID-19 outside India, the overseas travel medical insurance will cover relevant medical expenses up to a specified 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.

• Add-Ons for International Travel Insurance Plans in India

  Add-ons or optionals are special coverages not offered by standard policies due to the higher risk associated with those conditions. Many insurers realise the importance of covering these risks, so they offer additional coverage with the base plans for extra premium.
  These extended coverage options are available at an additional travel insurance premium to ensure you are protected from specific risks abroad. Common add-ons include coverage for:

  • PED (pre-existing diseases)
  • Adventure sports injuries and related hospitalisation
  • Refund of visa fees covers incase your visa is rejected
  • Home fire and home burglary insurance while your home is empty during your trip

  
  Buying addons with your overseas trip insurance policy is helpful as they secure you from risks that are not generally covered.
  Note: This is not the complete list of inclusions. For an exhaustive list, refer to the policy wordings.

What Does International Travel Insurance Not Cover?

Every insurance policy comes with some limitations. Before zeroing in on 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:

• Medical & Health Exclusions

  • If the pre-existing diseases were not disclosed/ declared before the international travel insurance policy was issued, you won't be covered.
  • Expenses or any loss due to mental issues, depression or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any suicidal attempt, are not covered
  • Venereal diseases and patients with HIV/AIDS are not covered under international trip insurance online.
  • If you're travelling abroad for medical treatment, it won't be covered

• Activities & Travel Exclusions

  • Adventure sports like scuba diving, bungee jumping, etc., are not covered unless you buy an add-on
  • Government-advisory-based high-risk destinations are not covered
  • Illegal activities or losses due to criminal activities are not covered

• Circumstances & Special Events

  • If your passport loss complaint is not registered with the police authorities, the policy will not cover any damages or losses incurred.
  • Acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest are not covered.
  • Casualties or damages due to nuclear threats in the concerned country are not covered.
  • Natural disasters or severe weather-related issues are not typically covered unless specifically included in the policy of certain insurers.
  • Trip cancellation/missed flights for invalid reasons (change in plans, leaves not permitted, etc.)

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

International Travel Insurance Online - FAQs

• Q: I’m planning to travel to multiple countries in a single trip. Will I need separate travel insurance policies for each country?

  Ans: No, you don’t need separate foreign travel insurance plans for your trip. You can buy a single-trip plan for multiple destinations under a worldwide coverage plan.

• Q: Does international travel insurance expire?

  Ans: Yes, your international travel insurance expires when your trip ends.

• Q: What is the maximum trip length with a single-trip policy?

  Ans: Most overseas travel insurance for single-trip cover up to 180 days.

• Q: What will be the start and end dates of my travel coverage?

  Ans: You can choose your trip's start and end dates at your convenience. During this time, the benefits will still be paid. However, certain benefits may be applicable before starting your trip, such as trip cancellation. Similarly, you will receive applicable policy coverage for a disability occurring as a direct result of a travel-related accident within a year of your trip.

• Q: Should I buy international travel insurance online before booking a flight abroad?

  Ans: There is no fixed time to buy international travel insurance online. However, we strongly recommend buying it early as it will cover unforeseen situations like trip cancellation, flight delays/cancellations, etc. that can happen before your departure from India.

• Q: What is International Travel Insurance for Senior Citizens?

  Ans: Older travellers have higher risk of getting injured or have PEDs which can limit their movement plans. They can go on foreign trips with senior citizen travel insurance. It will cover many medical emergencies and other non-medical risks associated with travelling.

• Q: Do Indians Need Insurance to Travel to Schengen Countries?

  Ans: Yes. Those applying for Schengen visa must have a valid international travel insurance policy online. You will not be issued a Schengen visa otherwise

• Q: What is the Maximum Trip Duration Covered Under an Overseas Travel Insurance Policy?

  Ans: An international travel insurance plan covers you for 180 days while travelling, which is extendable to another 180 days. However, the maximum duration varies from insurer to insurer.

• Q: Do I Need Separate Overseas Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries?

  Ans: You only need one Schengen travel insurance plan meeting all the entry requirements with a minimum of EUR 30,000 coverage for your Schengen trip.

• Q: Can You Buy Overseas Travel Insurance After Booking a Flight?

  Ans: Yes. You can buy international tourist insurance after booking your flight.

• Q: Does Overseas Travel Insurance Policy Cover Airfare?

  Ans: Yes, but only if you purchased a plan covering flight delays, trip cancellation or missed connection or flight cancellation or benefit.

• Q: Can I Buy an Overseas Travel Insurance Policy with an Immigration Visa?

  Ans: Yes. You can buy overseas trip insurance even with an immigration visa, but the coverage may be limited if you're going for employment or long-term residence.

• Q: How can I Cancel My International Travel Insurance online?

  Ans: You can cancel your overseas insurance policy by providing your policy information, a letter stating the reason for cancellation, and a photocopy of your passport. You will also have to pay the cancellation charges.

• Q: Will I Get a Refund if I Cancel My International Travel Insurance plan?

  Ans: You will be entitled to a refund if you cancel your policy for certain reasons. You will get a –

  • Full refund if you cancel the policy before the start date
  • Partial refund, deducting the cancellation charges if cancelled after the policy risk start date

• Q: How Will My Overseas Travel Insurance Policy Help Me if I Lose My Passport?

  Ans: You will be entitled to a refund if you cancel your policy for certain reasons. You will get a –

  • Full refund if you cancel the policy before the start date of the risk period
  • Partial refund, deducting the cancellation charges if cancelled after the policy risk start date

• Q: When will foreign travel insurance not provide coverage for passport?

  Ans: Abroad travel insurance will not cover the expenses if your passport has been –

  • Confiscated by the customs or police authorities
  • Left unattended in a public place
  • Stolen, but you haven't lodged a police complaint within the first 24 hours of the occurrence of the event

• Q: Can I just pick the cheapest international travel insurance for my foreign trip?

  Ans: Your budget is most important, so you can find a plan suited to it. It should have sufficient medical coverage, benefits like international flight insurance and important medical, flight-related coverage while you are abroad.

• Q: How much does international travel cost?

  Ans: The international travel insurance cost in India varies with age, trip duration, PEDs, and where you're going. For example, the starting premiums* for different travel insurance plans for the US are:

  • Individual (30 years): INR 1,127
  • Senior Citizens (72 years): INR 7,301
  • Students (1 year duration, 30 years): INR 22,038

  
  *Travel insurance premiums are subject to change with time & market. Please note that these rates are for a 15-day trip to the US for different kinds of travellers. The amount will change with country, trip length and other factors.

• Q: Is a PAN card needed for international insurance for travelling abroad?

  Ans: A KYC is required to buy travel insurance in India, however, any document listed can be used for the verification.

• Q: How to claim international travel insurance online?

  Ans: You can contact the insurer's customer care or get expert claim assistance through Policybazaar.com.

• Q: Is international travel insurance cashless?

  Ans: Cashless hospitalisation is available at several international network hospitals. However, you should check with your insurer first to avoid any confusion.

• Q: Can I buy overseas holiday insurance for all my family members?

  Ans: Yes, you can buy family travel insurance to travel abroad with family members. The policy covers you, your spouse, and two dependent children. Some plans also allow additional members at extra travel insurance premiums.

• Q: Is foreign travel insurance useful for international students?

  Ans: Definitely, Indians going abroad to study must buy overseas travel insurance for complete international travel protection. Even if they have university insurance, they must have student travel insurance from India, which will cover them for emergencies not covered by their university insurance. Especially if they plan to stay for a year or longer,the chances of falling sick or facing emergencies increase.

• Q: How to buy international travel insurance for multiple countries?

  Ans: You must know your travel itinerary, the exact dates of travel, and the countries you wish to visit. Policybazaar.com makes it easy to find affordable international travel insurance for a multi-country tour, depending on your budget and trip duration.

• Q: Can we get international travel insurance for 3 months?

  Ans: Yes, you can purchase international travel insurance for 3 months or longer, depending on the duration of your trip. Your travel insurance premium will vary with your travel duration and requirements.

• Q: Where to buy international travel insurance in India?

  Ans: You can buy travel insurance for international travel on Policybazaar.com or directly from an insurer of your choice.

• Q: Is travel insurance necessary for international travel?

  Ans: No, not all countries require you to buy trip insurance. However, there are about 40 countries where insurance is mandatory for international travel.

• Q: Does my health insurance cover international travel?

  Ans: No, it will only cover you in India. For global coverage, you must have international medical insurance for travel.