Travel Insurance

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of insurance that financially protects against different risks associated with travel. It covers losses incurred due to medical emergencies, baggage loss or delay, trip cancellations, flight delays, etc. International travel insurance covers you from your day of travel till you reach back India.

Most travel insurance plans in India provide coverage for the following:

• Passport Loss
• Hospitalisation for Accident & Illness
• Personal Liability
• Medical Emergencies
• Trip Delay
• Missed connecting flight
• Delayed or Lost Luggage
• Aircraft Hijacking
• Emergency Evacuation
• Repatriation of remains in unfortunate case of death
• Trip Cancellation Coverage
• Personal Accident
• Permanent Total Disability

Please note that Indian travel insurance companies offer different policies with varied coverage. For more details, always read your travel insurance policy document thoroughly.

GST on Travel Insurance Premium

Travel insurance premium is the total amount you pay for your policy, securing your trips. However, this premium cost is determined by many factors, including taxes. Until September 2025, Goods and Services Tax (GST) amounted to 18% of the amount. As per the latest GST 2.0, travel insurance premiums are now GST exempt, reducing the overall cost of travel insurance plans in India.

7 Reasons Why You Must Get Travel Insurance

When you're far from home, the unexpected can cost more than just money, hence ensuring financial security for trips abroad becomes essential. Here are 6 reasons highlighting the importance of travel insurance:

1. Your Trip May Get Cancelled — But Your Money Doesn't Have To

   Flight cancelled? Visa denied? Had to cancel your trip for medical reasons? Travel insurance reimburses you for non-refundable bookings: flights, hotels, tours, and more, when your trip is cancelled for covered reasons.

2. Provides for Mandatory Requirement—And Your Peace of Mind

   Dream of visiting Barcelona, Paris or Venice? Travel insurance for a Schengen visa (countries in the Schengen area) is a compulsory requirement for all these places. Your visa won’t be processed if you do not fulfill this criteria.

3. Delays Can Leave You Stranded — We Won't

   Missed connections or long layovers can burn a hole in your wallet. International travel insurance will help you get reimbursed for meals, hotels, and transport during covered delays — whether you're stuck in Dubai or waiting out a storm in Frankfurt.

4. Focus on Getting Better, Not Paying Bills

   Medical emergencies overseas can cost you lakhs of rupees. Travel health insurance covers hospitalisation, treatment, and even emergency evacuation so you only need to worry about getting better.

5. Don't Know What to Do? We Do!

   Lost your passport? Missed your connection? Need hospital help in a new country? Travel insurance plans come with 24×7 global assistance, guiding you in real time, wherever you are.

6. Lost Your Baggage? You’re Not Alone

   You may feel stuck if your baggage gets stolen or is lost by the airlines. Most overseas travel insurance plans in India reimburse you for the cost of essentials, helping you carve your way out when you have no things left with you, literally.

7. Don't Know What to Do? Don’t Panic!

   Lost your passport? Missed your connection? Need hospital help in a new country? Most travel insurance comes with 24×7 global assistance, guiding you in real time, wherever you are.

Travel Insurance at a Glance

Travel insurance plans in India can differ depending on your trip purpose (business, family or educational trip), duration, and the country you are visiting.

*Final Quote, Duration & Coverage will vary with insurer & plan purchased

For specific protection or wider benefits, you can also buy add-on coverages (also called optional covers) with your travel insurance plan. Some popular add-ons include pre-existing diseases, adventure sports, home burglary, etc.

Travel Insurance Cost Vs. Real Travel Emergency Expenses

Travelling abroad is fun and exciting, but even a small mishap can cost you a huge amount. A travel insurance policy comes at a fraction of your trip's price. The travel insurance premium ranges between INR 600*- INR 3,000* for a 15 day-long trip, depending on your age, country and other requirements.

Here are some real-life scenarios where travel insurance covers some sudden financial emergencies in the most common ways:

Disclaimer: *Approximate expenses may vary with country, hospital, treatment opted and currency rate fluctuations.

Customer Stories: How Travel Insurance Saved the Day

The chances of bad things happening to you may seem low, but when something does go wrong, it may be too late. Luckily for these people, travel insurance not only protected their savings but also a lot more:

1. The Surgery that Could have Cost Pranav his Degree

   When Pranav went to pursue a Master's in Environmental Science at the University of Auckland, he did not imagine that the short trip to the hospital for severe stomach pain would cost him NZD 9,500 (~ INR 5 lakh). The situation turned serious, with surgery plus hospital stay totalling NZD 30,600.

   Luckily, his student travel insurance covered a major portion of it, saving him this huge out-of-pocket expense. Instead of worrying about money, Pranav could focus entirely on his recovery and continuing his studies without disruption.

2. How a Schengen Policy Saved Chitra's Day in Italy

   While on a solo trip to Florence, Italy, Chitra's bag, containing her passport, hotel key card and some cash, was stolen in a busy street market. Without her Schengen travel insurance, this meant additional expenses for an emergency travel certificate, multiple visits to the Indian Embassy, a new passport reissue in India and three extra nights of accommodation before she could leave Italy.

   Her travel insurance not only covered these costs but also automatically extended her policy so that she remained protected during this delay. Overall, she saved nearly INR 22,000 just under the passport loss coverage.

Key Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance Online in India

Here are some great reasons to buy travel insurance online:

1. Fulfils Mandatory Requirement

   Many countries have made buying travel insurance mandatory before they issue a visa. To visit these countries(For eg., Schengen region and Turkey), you must meet the stated coverage requirement.

2. Easily Compare Travel Insurance Plans

   Buying travel insurance online allows you to easily compare different travel insurance plans for the trip.

3. Instant Policy Purchase

   The policy is issued almost instantly after premium payment with policy copy being sent to your mail. You can buy a travel insurance plan without leaving your home within a few minutes.

4. 24/7 Assistance

   Many insurers offer round-the-clock customer assistance, ensuring you get help when you need it the most irrespective of your location or time zone. For instance, with Policybazaar travel insurance, you get customer support which is available 24/7.

5. Discounts and Offers

   Some insurers may offer exclusive discounts when you buy online travel insurance, thereby making foreign travel insurance cost-effective.

What is Covered in a Travel Insurance Plan?

Just like packing right and booking comfortable hotels is important for your journey, so is knowing what your travel insurance plan will cover. These are listed as 'inclusions' in all insurance policy wordings. Here are some common features of travel insurance:

1. Medical Coverage

   The cost of medical care abroad is a lot higher than what we pay in India. On top of falling sick, there are extra (and often high) hospitalisation-related expenses that you may have not considered. This is where your travel medical insurance coverage will have your back:

   Medical Emergencies

   If you need treatment abroad, you don't have to worry about high costs. Travel insurance for Indians covers hospitalisation costs in case of an accident or sudden illness.

   Cashless Treatment Facility

   Indian insurers also offer cashless travel insurance, settling the treatment expenses directly at the network hospital. This saves you from paying hefty bills upfront.
   
   

   Medical Evacuation or Repatriation
   Evacuation is a necessary expense when you need treatment not available abroad. In such cases, you will be evacuated to the nearest available medical facility. In an unfortunate case of death abroad, the mortal remains are repatriated to India.

2. Journey Coverage

   Your travel insurance plan from India covers many flight-related benefits, such as:

   Travel Assistance

   In a new city or country, your travel insurance plan helps with urgent assistance. This can range from customer support to getting a list of network hospitals in that country.

   Policy Extension

   Your travel policy has a fixed period and ends when you return from the trip. If your trip is extended for valid/covered reasons, your insurance for foreign travel can be extended. This is only allowed for a fixed period and under valid scenarios.

   Flight Delays & Cancellations

   The travel policy will cover extra costs if your flight is delayed, cancelled or you missed a connecting flight. This is valid in case of covered emergencies like accident, death, strikes or faulty equipment.

3. COVID-19 Coverage

   Getting infected with coronavirus can affect all your plans and budget. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage offers some respite in case your travel plans are hindered by COVID-19.

   • Emergency hospitalisation expenses because of COVID-19. This includes various healthcare expenses relevant to the treatment.
   • Trip extension caused by unexpected lockdowns in the foreign country.
   • Many travel insurers cover trip cancellation because of COVID-19 hospitalisation.

4. Baggage Coverage

   With airlines misplacing baggage so often, it's only fitting that there is a safeguard you can turn to. Many travel insurance policies also offer the benefits of flight travel insurance, such as the following:

   Covers Lost Baggage

   Flights may misplace or damage luggage. In such situations, a travel insurance plan will help you with necessary personal expenses like clothing, medicines, and toiletries.

   Covers Delayed Baggage

   Your tourist insurance will cover the purchase of necessary items in case of check-in baggage delay.

5. Add-On Covers/Optional Covers

   You can personalise your travel insurance for improved coverage. These extra benefits, also called 'add-ons,' come at an extra premium. If you need specific protection, these optionals will go a long way to protect you. The most common add-ons in travel insurance include (but are not limited to):

   Adventure Sports Cover

   When you buy an insurance policy for travelling abroad with this add-on, it helps you freely enjoy winter sports, adventure activities, etc. With this cover, your policy will reimburse stated hospitalisation expenses because of these activities.

   Home Burglary/Fire Insurance

   This cover protects you from any loss caused by a break-in, theft, or fire at your home in India while you are on a trip abroad.

   Emergency Hotel Accommodation

   This optional cover offers hotel stay benefits if your trip extends for any urgent or unavoidable (covered) reason. However, this is a limited coverage that is only provided by a handful of travel insurers.

Note: The exact benefits vary between insurers, so ensure a travel insurance price comparison before you pick a plan.

What is Not Covered in a Travel Insurance Plan?

Ignoring situations not covered by a policyis one of the biggest reasons for travel insurance claim rejection. Knowing your policy exclusions also helps you decide if the travel insurance quote for your choice is worth your budget.

For example, events before or after the trip and fraudulent claims are not covered by any insurer. Let us now look at specific exclusions under most international travel insurance policies in India:

Medical Exclusions

• Any expense incurred abroad if travelling against the doctor's advice
• Expenses for injuries or sickness caused by intoxication or under alcohol influence
• Treatment costs incurred because of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and mental disorders
• Claims related to childbirth, pregnancy or related complications (unless purchasing an add-on)
• Claims related to planned cosmetic or plastic surgery
• Treatment for self-inflicted injuries, including attempts at suicide or claims for suicide
• Pre-existing diseases (coverage is available with PED add-on).

Baggage Exclusions

• Baggage loss in case the luggage is shipped separately or unaccompanied
• Some policies don't cover cases beyond the specified geographic region
• Delay or failure in reporting the lost luggage to the relevant authorities

Adventure Sports Exclusions

• Claims arising from participation in adventure sports and other winter sports.
• Coverage for mountaineering, bike races, scuba diving, etc., is available only with specific add-ons

Alcohol Consumption Exclusions

• Any claims arising from dependency on intoxicants, such as alcohol or drugs

Exclusion of Dangerous Activities

• Loss caused by involvement in illegal activities, theft, felony, etc.
• Damage caused by dangerous or hazardous work

Other Exclusions

• 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.
• Cost of duplicate/new passport if the original was lost and left unattended.
• Policies may not cover your claim if you are travelling to a place that the government or authorities have advised against.

Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India

Adults, students, families and senior citizens, anyone can buy travel insurance online or offline. Let us take you through the different types of insurance plans in India:

1. International Travel Insurance

   Also called foreign travel insurance, it provides a wide range of coverage while you travel outside India. Benefits include medical treatment expenses, dental expenses, flight delays, trip cancellation, loss of passport, personal liability, loss or delay of check-in baggage, and more.

2. Schengen Travel Insurance

   A special policy made for the 29 European countries of the Schengen zone. It is also called Europe travel insurance, and buying this plan is mandatory to get a Schengen Europe visa. It should be valid throughout the Schengen region and must cover at least EUR 30,000.

3. Family Travel Insurance

   This plan type covers the policyholder, their spouse, and dependent children. All insured members of a family get coverage for emergency hospitalisation expenses, loss of passport, personal liability, loss or delay of check-in baggage, and more.

4. Senior Citizen Travel Insurance

   Since most travel insurance companies in India only cover travellers up to the age of 60-65 years, this policy is specifically designed for senior travellers. Travel insurance for seniors covers people of 60 years and above. Generally, travel insurance quotes for seniors are higher than regular plans because of higher risks.

5. Student Travel Insurance

   Customised for Indians seeking to study abroad, student travel insurance plans have some unique benefits like sponsor protection, study interruption, bail bonds, compassionate visits, etc.

6. Travel Medical Insurance

   This plan offers financial help in case of a medical emergency while you are abroad. Travel health insurance plans include hospitalisation expenses, day-care expenses, dental expenses, evacuation and repatriation expenses, etc.

7. Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

   Designed for business and frequent travellers, annual multi-trip (AMT) covers multiple trips in a year. The plan saves significant time purchasing plans multiple times and offers the same benefits on every trip.

8. Single Trip Travel Insurance

   Single trip holiday insurance protects you for one journey. Its validity begins with the start of your journey and ends when you return home. Single-trip travel insurance covers vacation or business trips from emergencies like delay or loss of check-in baggage, emergency treatment expenses, personal liability, etc.

9. Domestic Travel Insurance

   Domestic online travel insurance policy covers your journey throughout India. Usually covers loss of air/rail ticket, hospitalisation expenses, baggage loss, and personal accidents.

10. Other Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India

    A few insurers also provide additional insurance, which provides some extra coverage:

    Baggage Insurance

    Baggage insurance has you covered when you lose your baggage during your journey due to theft or any other mishap. Baggage insurance can cover you for delays, damage, loss and even theft outside the airport.

    Flight Insurance

    Flight-related emergencies like flight delays, cancellations or interruptions are common during international travel. This includes adversity caused during the flight or due to the airline's or its staff's fault. Benefits include flight accident cover for death & dismemberment, delay or loss of check-in baggage, flight cancellation, flight hijack, and missed connection. However, the coverage for this insurance is usually limited to the carrier's flight or journey duration.

Travel Insurance Plans by Indian Insurance Companies

With many Indians insurers offering plans with varying benefits, coverage, duration and cost, it is important to choose a plan that is best for you.

The age eligibility criteria ranges from 01 days to 99 years. Here are some travel insurance plans available in India for travelling abroad:

*Disclaimer: The list of insurers mentioned is arranged according to the alphabetical order of the names of insurers. For more details on the features, benefits, offered terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. The list of plans listed here comprises insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For a complete list of insurers in India, refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in

What is the General Eligibility Criteria for Travel Insurance Purchase?

Any Indian can buy travel insurance online. You must have a valid Indian passport to be eligible to apply for a travel insurance policy in India. For foreigners residing in India, they must furnish a valid Indian work permit or passport. Certain eligibility may depend on the type of travel insurance (family, senior citizen, student. etc.) you choose.

Here are some additional eligibility requirements for different types of online travel insurance plans:

*Please note that the age bracket varies with insurers. You should check the eligibility with the travel insurer before reviewing or buying any travel insurance online.

Travel Insurance KYC

KYC for travel insurance is required before you make the purchase. You must keep the following documents ready:

• Passport number, ID proof, like PAN or other government-issued documents, for the proposal form
• Exact travel dates and destination

Travel Insurance Cost in India

Travel insurance premium is the price you pay to buy your policy. It can cost as low as INR 30/day on Policybazaar.com. These are a few factors affecting travel insurance premiums:

• Destination- If you travel to a high-risk country, your chances of facing adversities are higher.
• Trip Duration- The longer your trip duration, the higher your travel insurance premium will be.
• Number of Travellers- The policy premium for one person will be lower than that of a policy covering the entire family.
• Add-on Covers- If you opt for add-on covers under your policy, your travel insurance premium amount will increase.

How to Calculate Travel Insurance Premium Online?

Getting travel insurance quotes from different insurers let you choose a policy that offers maximum coverage for the least possible premium.

You can also use a travel insurance premium calculator that estimates the estimated premium cost for a particular insurance plan.

Use the online travel insurance calculator before you buy travel insurance to ensure you are familiar with the premium rates.

How to Lower Your Travel Insurance Premium?

Use the tips below to lower your travel insurance cost in India:

• Assess Your Activities: Consider the type/purpose of your trip and activities you have planned to ensure you have adequate policy coverage. It should sufficiently cover all your requirements but need not exceed them.
• Customise Your Policy: Try to customise your policy per your requirements so that you only have to pay for the travel insurance benefits that you actually need.
• Multi-Travel Insurance for Frequent Flyers: Buying multi-trip insurance is more affordable if you travel abroad frequently.
• Opt for Family/ Group Travel Insurance Plans: If you are travelling with your family or in a group, opting for a family or group holiday insurance plan, is more cost-effective.

Why You Should Compare Travel Insurance Plans Online?

Comparing travel insurance helps you decide on the best financial safety net for your journey. It helps you decide which policy offers the best benefits for your money.

For example, if you're planning a trip to Norway with your mother and she has no underlying health issues, she can buy a senior citizen travel insurance plan without PED coverage. After comparing different travel insurance options, you can buy your mother a Schengen plan for senior citizens.

Here are some key advantages of why you should compare travel insurance online:

• Compare Multiple Options at Once: Easily compare policies online depending on the travel insurance quotes to suit your budget.
• Get Discounts: Many travel insurance companies in India offer discounts sometimes; you can avail of them while comparing your options.
• Helps in Making an Informed Choice: It is cost-effective and wise when you buy travel insurance online after comparison. You can easily understand what is covered or not covered by reading various policies simultaneously.
• Time-saving: Comparing online lets you buy a travel insurance policy quickly through a fair comparison of the ongoing prices.

How to Buy Travel Insurance Online in India?

From when to buy travel insurance to what documents you need for travel insurance, here is how you can buy travel insurance online from Policybazaar.com:

• Provide Travel Details: Share your basic details -name, mobile number, travel destination, age, and travel dates, etc. to get plans accordingly.
• Explore Plans: From the list of travel insurance options that fit your needs and budget best.
• Pay Premium: Pay online for the travel insurance of your choice. Use the convenient payment gateway of your choice.
• Get Policy Copy: The travel insurance policy for your upcoming journey abroad will be sent to your email.

When & Where to Buy Travel Insurance in India?

Most travel insurance experts recommend buying travel insurance policy within 15 days of booking. Ideally, you should buy travel insurance as soon as you have booked your flight and hotel.

About where to buy your online travel insurance, only you can decide where to buy it from. Wherever you choose to buy travel insurance in India, don't forget to compare travel insurance plans on Policybazaar.com for easy understanding.

How to Find the Best Travel Insurance in India?

This quick questionnaire will help you pick the best travel insurance in India:

1. How Often Do You Travel?

   If you're someone who takes multiple trips in a year, a multi-trip plan can save you time and money. But if it's just a one-time vacation, a single-trip policy is perfect for you.

2. What is Your Age?

   The older you are, the higher the risk of falling sick or getting injured. Insurers realise this risk and charge accordingly. If you are above 60 years, your travel insurance premium can be higher.

3. Where are You Headed?

   Insurance costs can change depending on your destination. For instance, travel insurance for the USA usually will be higher as it needs higher coverage than, say, Malaysia. Also, some countries mandatorily require travel insurance for visa approval.

4. How Long will You Travel?

   The longer the trip, the more will your insurance premium cost. It's smart to buy a plan that covers a little more than your actual dates, just in case your travel plans change at the last minute.

5. Who's Going with You?

   Travelling alone? Go for an individual plan. If it's a family vacation, a family travel insurance policy is simpler and more affordable.

6. Is the Claim Process Smooth?

   Before you buy, take a quick look at the insurer's claim process, limits, and track record. It's good to know how things work, just in case you need help while you're away.

Travel Insurance Claim Procedure

Buying travel insurance is only the beginning of securing your trip. You should be aware of the travel insurance claim process the moment you realise you're in trouble:

1. Inform Your Insurer

   We know it is difficult, but try to inform your insurer as soon as possible when a crisis hits. Informing the travel insurer about your situation within the specified time is also vital to ensure your claim is not rejected or delayed.

2. Document Everything

   From proof of travel to proof of medical bills and pay receipts, you must document everything related to claim expenses.

3. Gather Documentation

   Find out the list of necessary documents for your claim and keep them ready.

4. Submit Claim Form

   You can file for your travel insurance claim online instead of waiting to return.

5. Follow up Regularly

   You can contact the TPA of the insurer via phone, email or other customer service about your claim.

In case you need help with a claim, you can contact our claims support team through any of the following means:

• Call us on 1800-258-5881
• Mail us at travelclaims@policybazaar.com
• You can also reach out to the insurer directly

Documents Required for Travel Insurance Claim

You need to provide different documents for different types of claim filing:

Medical Claims

• Claim forms
• Original admission/discharge card, if applicable
• Original Bills, Receipts, Prescription and Reports
• Copy of passport/visa with entry & exit stamp
• Personal ID Proof

Baggage Loss Claims

• Claim forms
• Property Irregularity Report (To be Obtained from Airline)
• Copies of correspondence with the airlines confirming the loss
• Approximate cost of lost items
• Copy of passport/visa with entry & exit stamp
• Personal ID Proof

Trip Related Claims

In Case of Trip Cancellation

• Claim forms
• Medical reports of insured, companion or immediate family member
• Details of the amount refunded by the common carrier and the hotel
• Copy of flight ticket
• Copy of passport
• Personal ID proof

In Case of Trip Delay

• Claim forms
• Original bills of expenses incurred during the period of delay
• Copy of ticket & boarding Pass
• Copies of Correspondence with the airline authorities certifying the delay
• Copy of passport/visa with entry & exit stamp
• Personal ID proof

Other Claims

• Claim forms
• Original bills, receipts, and complaint copies
• Copy of passport/visa with entry & exit stamp
• Personal ID proof
• Policy copy

How to Avoid Rejection on Travel Insurance Claim

When you buy a policy to secure your journey, you expect that your travel insurance will come to your rescue in your time of need. However, it can be devastating when your claim is rejected, and you don’t get any coverage despite your best efforts. The key here is the small print of your policy wording. Reading the fine print is crucial to understanding the common causes of claim denials. Here are some important pitfalls that can help you avoid travel insurance claim rejection:

1. Claiming Under Uncovered Reasons

   Your policy does not cover you for every situation. For example, if your trip was cancelled because of a sudden change in plans due to a family wedding, it won’t be covered. On the other hand, your trip cancellation claim is valid for urgent situations like a family member’s hospitalisation, death in the family, etc.

2. Not Disclosing PED

   Full disclosure is essential, especially in the case of medical emergency claims. This is a crucial step while purchasing a policy, and insurers don’t cover any pre-existing diseases unless you have disclosed them and purchased add-ons accordingly.

3. Incomplete Documentation

   Even if you have a genuine claim, your claim can be delayed and ultimately rejected if you fail to provide the necessary documents. These include hospital records, FIRs, fee receipts, evidence of flight cancellation, etc. You must keep all the invoices, confirmations and communications handy in case something goes wrong during your trip.

4. Claiming for Excluded Events

   Every insurer lists situations they won’t cover in any scenario. These are listed under ‘general exclusions’, and if you claim under these, your claim will be rejected. You must study these exclusions before buying your policy so that you know exactly what you’re covered for.

5. Not Reporting Incidents Timely

   Incidents like baggage loss, passport theft or medical emergencies need to be reported to the local authorities and insurer immediately. Some incidents need to be reported to the insurer within the stipulated time (24-48 hours) so that they can guide you through the situation and claim formalities promptly.

List of Countries Requiring Travel Insurance from India

Not just Europe, there are many countries requiring travel insurance policy before you visit them. These countries don't issue a valid visa unless you provide proof of travel insurance from India.

Schengen countries, Turkey, Russia (via e‑visa), the UAE (multiple-entry), Cuba, Moldova (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage), Georgia, Azerbaijan, Nepal (for trekking), Algeria, and Antarctica (by tour operators) all enforce it.

Even when not required, being insured not only helps with emergencies like medical issues, baggage loss, any last-minute cancellations,passport replacement, but also streamlines your visa approval.

Can You Extend Your Travel Insurance Policy?

Depending on the insurer, you can extend your travel policy by 1-2 weeks or more. However, some facts remain common for all:

• Renewal is possible for annual travel insurance plans. For other short-term policies, an extension is available.
• Some overseas travel insurance also offer an automatic policy extension for emergencies like hospitalisation, accidents, natural disasters, etc.
• Travel insurance extension requires an additional premium in most cases.
• For a planned extension, inform the insurer as soon as possible. Similarly, pay for the additional travel insurance premium according to the changes to your travel insurance plan.

How to Extend Your Travel Insurance Policy?

If you wish to extend your travel insurance policy, you must contact your insurer before the policy expires. The steps for travel insurance policy extension are simple:

• Check your existing policy date and terms.
• Contact your insurer.
• Submit necessary documents (current policy, ID, travel documents, etc.).
• Pay the premium and confirm your policy extension.

13 Travel Insurance Myths Debunked

One thing travellers easily dismiss is insuring their trip.Sadly, many misconceptions about travel insurance discourage people from buying it. We have covered a few of these travel insurance-related myths, along with their facts!

1. Travel Insurance is Only For Expensive International Trips

   Emergencies and accidents can occur on any trip, including less expensive countries. In such cases, travel insurance can help you manage your expenses by protecting your finances.

2. I'm Young and Fit, So Travel Insurance is Useless!

   You can lose your passport, miss a flight, or accidentally damage someone's property. Other than medical emergencies, your travel insurance also covers trip- and stay-related complications that can cost you a lot of money abroad!

3. Travel Insurance is Only Useful for Frequent Travellers

   Your frequency of travel is unrelated to the risks you may face abroad.

   Those going for single-trip travel insurance can get good benefits without compromising their budget. Benefits like trip cancellation, emergency hospitalisation and many others will surely make your trip stress-free.

4. Travel Insurance will Cover all my Risky Sports Abroad

   While several plans cover adventure sports, it comes with limitations. For example, some policies may cover you for skiing and scuba diving, while a few may not. Similarly, if you're participating professionally in competitive adventure sports, you won't be covered.

5. I Can Report Any Accident & File a Claim Once I'm Back in India.

   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 30 days from your returned to India.

6. Airlines Will Compensate for Flight Delays or Cancellations

   While the airlines may partly (or fully) compensate for flight delays and cancellations, it will not cover for any risks or emergencies you may face abroad, such as medical emergencies, loss of documents, stay extension, etc.

7. Old People Can't Buy Travel Insurance Policies

   Standard travel plans are available for people aged between 6 months to 60 years. But you will find plans specially made for senior travellers above 71 years.

   Some insurers don't even have an upper age limit, so you can easily buy senior citizen travel insurance online.

8. I'm Set for a Year with an AMT Plan

   While AMT or annual multi-trip plans cover frequent trips throughout a year, they don't cover you every day of the year. Most annual travel insurance plans only cover 30 days per trip, beyond which you won't be covered.

9. My Credit Card Already Covers Me

   That's great, but does it cover your entire duration of the trip? Most credit card travel insurance only offers limited coverage. Often, it is limited to your flight duration or provides benefits like airport lounge access, loss or theft of credit card, and air accident cover. Many important benefits like passport/baggage loss, personal liability, trip cancellation, etc. are not provided by most credit cards.

10. Travel Insurance is Expensive

    If you compare the cost of medical bills incurred abroad and the premium cost for travel insurance, you will understand travel insurance is not at all expensive, instead it is a fraction of what the uncertain expenses may look like.

11. Travel Insurance Automatically Covers My Family

    This is only true if you buy a family travel insurance and add your spouse and dependent children to the policy.

    If you are travelling with your elderly parents or parents-in-law, you must confirm with the insurer if they are covered or not. If you have dependent children, your travel insurance will only cover them until a certain age.

12. 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, bad weather, medical emergencies, and baggage loss can happen to anyone. Facing such issues on a shorter trip can sour the entire experience.

    If you have budget restraints, you can easily find cheap travel insurance online that perfectly fits your budget!

13. Travel Insurance Always Rejects Claims

    Insurers reject claims because of incorrect/misleading information or if a claim is beyond the plan coverage. All the insurers specify scenarios where you won't get insurance coverage. Your claim can also be rejected if they are related to an undeclared pre-existing condition.

Decoding Travel Insurance Terms

Trouble understanding something? Here are some travel insurance terms simplified for you:

Claim & Payout Terms

These are some technicalities to know well before you start comparing travel insurance plans online:

Core Coverage Terms

Understanding these terms are important to understand your policy and coverage before you buy it:

Medical & Emergency Assistance

These terms relate specifically to your health and safety abroad.

Trip & Baggage Related Terms

These terms cover disruptions to your travel itinerary.