Travel Insurance

What is Travel Insurance?

A travel insurance policy offers financial compensation for many medical & trip-related emergencies you may face during your overseas trip. A travel insurance plan secures your journey from unexpected expenses because of medical, legal, and booking-related emergencies. Most travel insurance plans in India provide coverage for the following:

• Passport Loss
• Cover for Sickness
• Personal Liability
• Delayed or Lost Luggage
• Medical Emergencies
• Aircraft Hijacking
• Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
• Trip Cancellation Coverage
• Hospitalisation Expenses Abroad
• Baggage Cover
• Lost or Stolen Baggage
• Personal Accident
• Trip Delay

Travel Insurance At a Glance

You can easily buy online travel insurance, thanks to readily available travel insurance plans for different countries and travellers.

For better benefits, you can also buy other coverages (called add-ons) for specific protection. Some popular add-ons include pre-existing diseases or adventure sports.

You can also choose travel insurance plans depending on whether it's a business, family or educational trip.

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

Features of Travel Insurance Plans

Any trip outside India requires a lot of bookings and non-refundable expenses. Having travel insurance means you won't be spending extra on emergency expenses. Here are some great reasons to buy travel insurance online:

1. Cashless Treatment Facility

   You can opt for cashless hospitalisation if you need medical care abroad. Your travel insurer will help you avail of cashless services across the globe.

2. Fulfils Mandatory Requirement

   Many countries have made buying travel insurance mandatory before they issue a visa. To visit these countries, you must meet the stated coverage requirement.

3. Easy Comparison of Travel Insurance Plans

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

4. Minimal Paperwork

   When you buy travel insurance online, you avoid a lot of forms, formalities and extra paperwork. All you need to do is fill out an online form and pay for the travel insurance plan you prefer.

5. Instant Policy Purchase

   The policy is issued almost instantly after comparison and payment. You can select a travel insurance plan without leaving your home and buy it within a few minutes!

Why Do You Need Travel Insurance

There are no guarantees in life, and your travel plans are equally prone to unpredictability. From getting mugged to having a bad accident, a lot can go wrong while abroad. This is where your foreign travel insurance can soften the blow and protect you financially. Because when you're far from home, the unexpected can cost more than just money.

Your Trip May Get Cancelled — but Your Money Doesn't Have To

Travel Insurance Plans by Indian Insurance Companies

Many insurers provide excellent travel insurance plans in India. You can choose any plan offered by various travel insurance companies in India. They offer plans with varying benefits, coverage, duration and cost. If going abroad, here are some travel insurance plans available in India:

*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

Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India

Travelling being a universal activity, it is only fair for every kind of traveller to find the same safety and support when they leave 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 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 is a product designed for senior travellers. Travel insurance for seniors covers 60-year-old travellers and above. However, travel insurance quotes for seniors can be considerably higher than regular plans because of higher risks.

5. Student Travel Insurance

   Customised for Indians studying 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're abroad. Trip insurance coverage under such plans includes 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 or 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. It financially protects you across Indian states and has coverage for loss of air/rail ticket, hospitalisation expenses, baggage loss, and personal accidents.

10. Other Types of Travel Insurance Plans in India

    With rising awareness, the demand for extensive trip insurance coverage is also rising in India. A few insurers also provide additional insurance, which provides some extra coverage:

    Baggage Insurance

    Losing your bag can ruin your carefully planned trip. 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.

Eligibility Criteria for Travel Insurance Policy in India

Any Indian can buy travel insurance online, irrespective of the policy type. Those with a valid Indian passport or foreigners residing in India.

KYC for travel insurance is required before purchase, so keep these documents ready:

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

You must also have your exact travel dates and destination for the proposal form. 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.

Why Compare Travel Insurance Online?

With so many travel insurance plans in India, it is easy to get confused about which travel insurance to opt for. Travel insurance comparison helps you decide which policy offers the best benefits for your money.

Travel insurance varies with requirements. You may need more coverage or not need anything at all! Sometimes, opting for a specific travel insurance plan may be useless and even exceed your budget.

For example, if you're planning a trip to Europe with your mother and she has no underlying health issues, she can buy a plan without PED coverage.

After comparing different options, you can buy your mother a plan for senior citizens after comparison. What's more, some insurers offer exclusive benefits, so it's important to weigh all your options.

Comparing travel insurance online can be extremely useful for travellers. Here are some of its key advantages:

1. Compare Multiple Options at Once: Easily compare insurance policy online depending on the travel insurance quotes to suit your budget.
2. Get Discounts: Many travel insurance companies in India offer discounts at times; you can avail of them while comparing your options.
3. 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 various policies.
4. Time-Saving: Comparing online lets you buy a travel insurance policy quickly through a fair comparison of the ongoing prices.

Debunking Some Travel Insurance Myths

Travelling after months of planning and savings is one of the best feelings. However, 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 the proven facts!

I'm young and fit, so Travel Insurance is Useless!

Your travel insurance covers a lot more than your physical well-being. It also covers several trip- and stay-related complications that can cost you a lot of money abroad! You can lose your passport, miss a flight, or accidentally damage someone's property.

Even if you're fit and fine, nobody can control an accident or a mishap while travelling. In such cases, you're better off with a travel insurance policy.

Travel Insurance is Only Useful for Frequent Travellers!

Your frequency of travel is unrelated to the risks you may face abroad. Frequent travellers or not, you should absolutely safeguard your trip every time you travel.

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.

Travel Insurance will Cover all my Risky Sports Abroad

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

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!

Just because there's a general age bracket for eligibility, nobody can deny senior travellers travel insurance protection! Standard 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.

Many senior citizen travel insurance plans in India are available for older travellers. Some insurers don't even have an upper age limit, so you can easily find travel insurance online.

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.

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, air accident cover, and emergency medical benefits. However, many benefits like passport/baggage loss, personal liability, trip cancellation, etc. are not provided by most credit cards.

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.

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.

To avoid this, why not let travel insurance take care of it? If you have budget restraints, you can easily find cheap travel insurance online that perfectly fits your budget!

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.

How to Calculate Travel Insurance Premiums Online?

Every traveller should opt for a policy that offers maximum coverage for the least possible premium. For this, they need to get travel insurance quotes first to know the premium payable.

You can also use a travel insurance premium calculator. A premium calculator is an online tool that estimates the premium cost for a particular insurance plan. These are a few parameters that affect 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 premium amount will increase.

Make sure to use it before you buy your travel insurance online.

Tips to Lower Your Travel Insurance Premium

Foreign travel insurance can be convenient if you face an emergency during your trip. Use the tips below to lower your travel insurance cost in India:

• Buy Early - Buy a travel insurance policy well in advance to lower your premium. Buying the policy early can cost a lower premium. It also
• Customise Your Policy - Try to customise your requirements so that you only have to pay for the necessary coverage.
• Multi-Travel insurance for Frequent Flyers - Buying multi-trip insurance is more affordable if you travel frequently.
• Opt for Family/ Group Travel Insurance Plans - Suppose you are travelling with your family or in a group. In that case, you must opt for a family or group holiday insurance plan, respectively, as they are more cost-effective.

How to Buy Travel Insurance Online/Offline?

Buying travel insurance for the first time can be confusing for many. However, you can easily know everything about it through this section, from when to buy travel insurance to how we will guide you. Purchasing foreign travel insurance for an upcoming trip is easy. All you need to do is follow these four easy steps:

• Share: Your basic details like name, mobile number, travel destination, age, etc., to get plans accordingly.
• Choose: From the list of travel insurance options that fit your needs and budget best.
• Pay: For the travel insurance of your choice. Use the convenient gateway of your choice.
• Get: Your travel insurance policy for your upcoming journey abroad.

You can go through the detailed procedure of travel insurance purchase in the upcoming sections.

When & Where to Buy Travel Insurance?

Ideally, you should buy holiday insurance as soon as you have booked your flight and hotel. Most travel insurance consultants recommend buying it within 15 days of booking. This includes your flight tickets and other non-refundable costs.

About your online insurance purchase, only you can decide where to buy your insurance policy. Wherever you choose to buy travel insurance in India, don't forget to compare travel insurance plans on Policybazaar.com.

Finding the Best Travel Insurance in India

Planning your first international trip? Travel insurance can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but don't worry. 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 will be higher.

3. Where are You Headed?

   Insurance costs can change depending on your destination. A trip to the US usually needs higher coverage than, say, Malaysia. Also, some countries require travel insurance for visa approval.

4. How Long will You Travel?

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

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim

Buying travel insurance is only the beginning of your trip security. You should also know the claim procedure the moment you realise you're in trouble. Follow the steps to register a travel insurance claim if required:

1. Intimate Your Insurer

   We know it is difficult, but try to inform your insurer as soon as possible when a crisis hits. They will guide you through the process and provide immediate support. You must do this within the specified time, too.

2. Document Everything

   From proof of travel to proof of medical bills and pay receipts, you must document everything related to claim expenses. This will avoid to and fro later.

3. Read Your Policy

   Understanding what's covered and not covered is important before buying a policy, but even more so when you are about to file a claim. Review your travel insurance policy to know which coverage is applicable and any limits they have.

4. Gather Documentation

   Find out the list of necessary documents for your claim and compile them. From medical receipts to.

5. Submit Claim Form

   You can file for your travel insurance claim online instead of waiting to return. Make sure to submit your claim form along with the required documents, as they are different for different claims.

6. Follow up Regularly

   You can contact the TPA of the insurer via phone, email or other customer service about your claim. After document submission, the insurer will verify your claim, as per the travel insurance policy.

Countries Requiring Travel Insurance from India

For most trips abroad, travellers usually treat travel insurance as an additional expense. In reality, buying travel insurance early protects you from any last-minute cancellations and the financial loss they entail.

What's more, there are several 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, Israel, 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, or passport replacement, but also streamlines your visa approval.

How to Extend a Travel Insurance Policy?

Irrespective of your trip duration, a proper travel insurance plan is very important. Depending on the insurer, you can extend your travel policy by 1-2 weeks or more. However, some facts remain:

• Renewal is possible for annual travel insurance plans. For other short-term policies, an extension is available.
• Some overseas travel insurance also covers emergencies like hospitalisation, accidents, natural disasters, etc. Some even offer an automatic policy extension for such cases.
• 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.

However, if your insurer doesn't include this benefit, know the required documents and extension policy before buying a plan. You won't be covered if your travel policy expires.

Decoding Travel Insurance Terms

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

• Accident: An unplanned or unexpected event or mishap. In travel insurance, this often relates to benefits like Accidental Death & Dismemberment, which provides a cash payment if you accidentally lose your life or a limb (such as an arm or leg) during your trip.
• Baggage Loss: Refers to when your luggage is lost, stolen, or damaged. Travel insurance can reimburse you for these costs.
• Beneficiary: The person you nominate to receive money or benefits from your insurance policy, for example, in the case of accidental death during your trip.
• Cashless Settlement: When your insurer directly settles your medical or hospitalisation expenses at a network hospital. This benefit is available only after the insurer's prior approval.
• Claim: A formal request made to your insurance company asking them to pay for an expense or loss covered by your policy. For instance, if your baggage is lost, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
• Common Carrier: An organisation, like a commercial airline or cruise line, that transports people and cargo between cities or countries.
• Coverage Period: The duration for which your travel insurance policy remains active. This is the time during which you are covered.
• Deductible: A specific amount you must pay out of pocket before your policy begins to cover the remaining expenses. Deductibles are non-reimbursable.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Covers the cost of transporting you to the nearest suitable medical facility during a serious medical emergency on your trip.
• Equipment Failure: When a common carrier faces an unexpected breakdown or malfunction, it may potentially delay, interrupt, or cancel your scheduled trip.
• Exclusion: Specific conditions or situations that are not covered by your insurance policy. These are clearly mentioned in the policy document.
• Hospitalisation: When the insured is admitted to a hospital or medical facility for treatment. A minimum stay of more than 24 hours is usually required to be eligible for related benefits.
• Immediate Family Member: Refers to close legal relatives of the insured person, including parents, spouse, children, siblings, in-laws, and legal guardians residing in India.
• Insured Journey: The duration during which your insurance policy is valid—typically from the start of your trip until your return, or until your policy expires, whichever comes first.
• Insured Person: The individual who has purchased the travel insurance plan. They must be a permanent resident or citizen of India.
• Medical Expenses: Expenses incurred due to a sudden illness or injury, as advised by a qualified doctor or medical practitioner.
• Medically Necessary: Refers to tests, treatments, or hospitalisation required for the insured's condition, as prescribed by a certified medical practitioner.
• Notification of Claim: A mandatory step where the insured informs the insurer of a potential or actual claim. Timely notification is often essential for claim processing.
• Pre-Existing Condition: An illness or injury that existed—or was under investigation—before the policy began. Such conditions are often subject to exclusions or limited coverage.
• Reimbursement: The process through which your insurer repays you for eligible out-of-pocket expenses, such as emergency purchases due to flight delays or lost luggage.
• Sub-limits: Specific caps on certain types of claims within your insurance policy, such as hospital room rent or ambulance charges. If these are exceeded, you must pay the difference.
• Subrogation: A legal right your insurer has to act on your behalf against a third party that caused a loss or injury, after settling your claim.
• Sum Insured: The maximum amount your insurer will pay for covered events under your policy.
• Travelling Companion: Generally refers to up to two people travelling with the policyholder who have booked the trip together.
• Trip Cancellation: Covers prepaid and non-refundable expenses if you cancel your trip for a reason covered by your policy.
• Trip Interruption: Covers costs if your trip is unexpectedly cut short or delayed due to a covered reason. This benefit reimburses unused or additional travel expenses.