Have you planned a trip to your dream destination in India or abroad? If so, you will have booked your flight/train tickets, packed your bags, and decided on accommodation, transportation, etc.
Many of you ignore unexpected things like flight cancellations, sudden health issues during the trip, or lost luggage. These things can ruin your vacation. Here, travel insurance comes to your rescue.
In this blog post, learn about:
- What Is Travel Insurance?
- Types Of Travel Insurance
- Reasons Why Travel Insurance Matters
What Is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a type of insurance that protects you while travelling. It covers lost luggage, medical expenses, flight cancellations, and other losses that may occur during your trip.
People like you should take it as you finalise your trip and proceed with booking flights, hotels, etc. A travel insurance plan starts from the day of travel and continues till you return to your native/originating place. It helps you or your family members get compensation or an insurance payout if something bad happens to you.
Types Of Travel Insurance
There are several types of travel insurance. Here are four common types:
- Single Trip Travel Insurance – It is meant for a single journey, vacation, or trip. This insurance covers the entire duration of the vacation and protects against risks such as medical emergencies, flight/train cancellations, and baggage loss. Such a plan is customisable based on the destination and duration.
- Multi-Trip Travel Insurance – It is ideal for people who travel frequently within a year. This insurance policy covers all trips a person takes in a year. It is suitable for frequent flyers and business professionals.
- Student Travel Insurance – It is ideal for students studying abroad. Customised to the study programme, it covers a student’s specific needs, including the sponsor’s death, study interruptions, trip cancellations, and medical expenses.
- Group Travel Insurance – It is ideal for multiple travellers or business trips. The number of travellers could be seven or more. It offers similar benefits to single-trip insurance. However, its premium rate is lower per traveller.
Reasons Why Travel Insurance Matters
Before you buy a travel insurance policy for your upcoming trip/vacation, ensure that it is beneficial and that you understand how it works. Here are the reasons why you need a travel insurance policy:
1.Illness Expenses
During a trip or holiday, people are exposed to different weather, settings, and foods. These can make some of you fall ill unexpectedly. You may need to see a doctor, whether for food poisoning, viral fever, or a serious health issue.
A travel insurance policy covers doctor consultations, diagnostic testing, and hospital stays due to unexpected illness. Such a policy ensures that unexpected health issues will not end your trip prematurely. It helps get instant medical support and resume your trip without additional financial strain.
2.Hospitalisation
Travel accidents may occur due to strange surroundings, unexpected circumstances, and poor roads. Having an ideal travel insurance policy can enhance your financial security by covering medical costs associated with emergency hospitalisations or unintentional accidents.
The policy ensures you receive the required care without significant delays or out-of-pocket costs. The insurance company pays the total costs of the hospitalisation. It enables you to stay focused on your trip without having any stress of medical care.
3.Emergency Extension
A travel insurance policy covers the accommodation cost if an insured traveller needs to stay longer in a hotel due to a medical emergency during the holiday. The policy might have an upper limit for situations like this.
The benefit is that the insured traveller does not have to worry about unexpected lodging. One point a traveller needs to keep in mind is that the reimbursement amount must not go beyond the coverage limit. The limit is mentioned in the policy.
4.Flight Cancellation/Delay/Rescheduling
Flight delays, rescheduling, or cancellations affect a traveller. A travel insurance policy, depending on the insurer, may cover extra expenses incurred by you caused by flight delay, cancellation, or rescheduling. Be clear about delays/rescheduling in hours.
5.Missed Flight
Long lines, unforeseen delays, or transportation problems might make you miss your flight. It can be distressing and expensive for you. If you miss a flight, book another flight as soon as possible and submit the required documents. Claim reimbursement in accordance with your policy terms.
Your travel insurance policy provider may pay the cost of a new flight booking. Such coverage offers peace of mind and reduces travel disruptions.
6.Loss of Passport
A passport is crucial for a foreign trip or holiday. Losing it is a serious issue. Apart from making you distressed, it disrupts your travel plan and causes unforeseen delays. A comprehensive international travel insurance policy safeguards you.
Such a policy provides financial coverage for all costs associated with obtaining a duplicate passport. It includes everything from application fees to the receipt of a duplicate passport. It eases your burden and helps you resume your journey with reduced stress.
7.Bounced Booking
As a traveller, you may experience service denials from your flight operator or accommodation provider due to operational or overbooking issues. Your travel plan may go in vain, and you may encounter unexpected costs due to these bounced arrangements.
A proper travel insurance policy covers rebooking costs and allows your trip to proceed without any additional financial burden. It is essential for last-minute bookings during the busiest travel seasons.
8.Total/Partial Baggage Loss
During a tour or holiday, baggage damage or loss is typical. If it happens, it can be upsetting or frustrating for you. Losing your baggage or having it damaged can cause significant inconvenience. A right insurance policy covers both total and partial loss of checked-in luggage and offers fixed compensation.
9.Adventure Sports Injuries
Adventure sports like scuba diving, hiking, skiing, and paragliding are risky. Injuries sustained in adventure sports require expert care or hospitalisation. A proper insurance policy is crucial if you plan to include adventure sports in your holiday or trip. It will keep you from incurring additional financial burden if you sustain any injuries during adventure sports.
Conclusion
Travel insurance offers essential protection against unforeseen disruptions. Based on the insurer and the respective policy, it covers baggage loss, medical emergencies, and accommodation extension. A carefully selected policy makes your trip more convenient and safer, and helps you get reimbursed if anything goes wrong.
FAQs
1.What is travel insurance?
It is a type of insurance that covers unexpected loss during a trip or holiday. Usually, it offers financial support if a medical emergency occurs, an accommodation extension is needed, or a flight is delayed or cancelled.
2.What are the types of travel insurance?
Common types of travel insurance include single-trip, multi-trip, student, and group.
3.What risks does a travel insurance policy usually cover?
Based on the policy provider, it covers insured’s death, permanent disability, medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, flight delay/cancellations, baggage loss, hijack, and trip cancellation.
4.Should I buy travel insurance every time I travel?
Yes, you should buy travel insurance.
5.Why does travel insurance matter?
It helps you cover travel risks and reduces your financial burden if an unexpected situation arises.
