A trip abroad can turn expensive fast if you fall ill, lose your baggage or face a cancelled flight. Travel insurance protects you against these risks at a small cost.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
- Medical emergencies and hospitalisation abroad
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Loss of checked-in baggage or delay in delivery
- Loss of passport
- Flight delays and missed connections
- Personal accident
When Is Travel Insurance Compulsory?
For Schengen countries in Europe, travel insurance with medical cover of at least €30,000 is required for the visa. Some other countries also expect it. Even where it is not required, it is highly recommended.
Types of Travel Plans
- Single trip: For one journey
- Multi-trip (annual): For frequent travellers
- Student plans: Longer duration with study-related covers
- Family plans: Cover the family under one policy
- Senior citizen plans: For older travellers, with age-specific terms
How to Choose the Right Plan
- Check the destination and required medical cover.
- Compare the sum insured, deductible and exclusions.
- See whether cashless hospitalisation is available abroad.
- Look at the insurer’s 24×7 assistance service.
- Check cover for adventure sports if you plan any.
Common Exclusions
Pre-existing conditions (in many plans), injuries from risky activities not declared, and loss caused by negligence are commonly excluded.
Tip
Buy the policy soon after booking your trip so that trip cancellation cover applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does travel insurance cover COVID-19 or other infections?
Many plans cover medical treatment for such illnesses, but read the policy carefully.
Can I buy insurance after leaving India?
Usually no. Buy it before departure.
How do I claim abroad?
Contact the insurer’s assistance number and submit documents like bills and reports.
