Travel Insurance Plans on PolicyBazaar#1
- Individuals
- Sr. Citizens
- Students
Why Do You Need Long-stay Travel Insurance from India
Most travel insurance plans offered by Indian insurers are single-trip policies with limited coverage and sub-limits. These plans are not enough for a longer stay, such as living in the USA for six months or going on a workation in Vietnam. This is why you need to buy travel insurance for long international trips:
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Higher Probability of Risk
The longer you stay, the higher the chance of you needing medical attention or facing a flight disruption due to weather changes
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Medical Inflation
A single visit to the ER in the UK or US can cost you more than your round trip air fare. A basic plan may not be sufficient to cover this amount, or if it exceeds your overall sum insured.
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Cashless Hospitalisation
Having a policy for 6 months means you’re covered for emergency cashless hospitalisation, which saves you a lot of formalities and currency exchange hassle.
When Do You Need Long-stay Travel Insurance?
From elderly parents visiting their daughter in Germany to a digital nomad planning to stay in Japan, every Indian going abroad needs to have a travel insurance plan. Especially if its for over 60 days, they must have a long-stay travel insurance policy.
You must opt for a long-term plan if you are:
If you’re a parent or relative visiting children/relations in the US, Canada, or Australia for a full visa (generally 180 days) duration.
If you’re planning a grand tour or backpacking across multiple countries where you are away from India for more than 60-90 days.
If you have the freedom to work from anywhere and you plan to do so in another country.
If you’re a student going abroad for a short course lasting a few weeks or ending within 180 days.
Long-stay Visa Insurance Requirements
Several countries require you to have travel and health insurance. Some visas are only granted once you meet specific insurance requirements, ranging from minimum coverage to geographical extent.
For example, visiting any of the 29 countries of Schengen Zone requires a travel health insurance of EUR 30,000. It should also cover medical evacuation, repatriation and emergency hospitalisation.
Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance for Long Stays Abroad
Other than the regular benefits of travel insurance plans, a long term plan will come with the following additional benefits:
Policy Extension
If your 60-day trip extends to 90 or more, you can apply for a policy extension while you’re still abroad. You must do so within the mentioned timeline and before the policy expires.
Emergency Medical & Dental Coverage
Covers emergency hospitalisation due to sudden illness, accident or an acute dental pain that requires immediate surgical treatment.
Loss of Passport & Documents
Reimbursement for costs of getting a duplicate/emergency travel documents in case of a stolen or lost passport. Some plans also cover loss of international driving license.
Compassionate Visit
If you’re hospitalised for over 7 days, some policies will pay for a round-trip flight expenses (economy) for a family member to visit you.
Personal Liability
Covers legal costs if you accidentally cause unintentional injury or property damage to a third party while abroad.
Cashless Hospitalisation
Offers access to a worldwide network of hospitals where your travel insurer will settle your bills directly.
Life-threatening PED Coverage
Several plans offer limited coverage in case of PED-related complications that may become life-threatening during your stay.
FAQs
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Q: Can I buy travel insurance after I have already left India?
Ans: No, as per IRDAI guidelines, the policy must be bought before departure from India. -
Q: Is a 6-month policy cheaper than two 3-month policies?
Ans: Yes, a single 180-days policy is usually 15-20% cheaper than buying a 90-day policy. However, if you have a short policy and you need to extend it, you will need to pay a processing fee for the extension. -
Q: What is the maximum age for a 180-day policy?
Ans: Most standard long-term travel insurance plans cover up to 70, but some insurers also offer specialised plans for 90+ travellers.
Travel insurance companies
Aditya Birla
Bajaj General
Care
Cholamandalam MS
Digit
Future Generali
HDFC ERGO
ICICI Lombard
IFFCO Tokio
IndusInd General
National Insurance
New India Assurance
Niva Bupa
Oriental
Royal Sundaram
SBI General
Shriram General
Star
Tata AIG
United India
Universal Sompo
Zurich Kotak
