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Many insurers now offer policies lasting up to 365 days, ideal for students, remote workers or families of overseas employees.
There could be many reasons behind travel disruptions – lost passport, misplaced baggage, or some unseen interruption. (Representative image)
By Meet Kapadia
As this year comes to an end, the time for travel begins. Travellers are charting up carefully crafted itineraries, booking flights, securing visas and packing up for long-awaited getaways. Yet, one crucial aspect often slips through the cracks – travel insurance. In the absence of this one crucial safety net, your jolly season may very well turn awry.
While no one wants flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies draining their travel joy – much less their pockets – it’s not something you can control. Whether you are chasing exotic adventures, indulging in culinary delights, seeking wellness retreats, or embracing thrill-packed excursions, having a protection plan ensures peace of mind. After all, a trip you have eagerly anticipated for months deserves to be enjoyed without unforeseen setbacks dampening the experience. It lets you immerse yourself in your holiday experience without worrying about what-ifs.
So, what’s in it for you when you add travel insurance to your checklist?
Medical emergencies and travel assistance
Accidents and illnesses – the last thing on your mind during your vacation? Yet, they occur far more often than we would like to imagine. Hospitalisation bills, especially in a foreign land, are not an expense one would like to factor into their travel budget. And so, it’s travel insurance that comes to your rescue against such unexpected health issues while vacationing abroad.
It covers expenses related to medical treatment, hospital stays, emergency transportation, and even medical evacuation if needed. Many policies offer cashless hospitalisation, ensuring prompt medical care without upfront payments. In severe cases, such as an unfortunate death, travel insurance covers the repatriation of mortal remains back to India. If you fall ill during your trip, the policy may also allow you to cut short your vacation and return home for continued treatment.
Protection against travel disruptions
There could be many reasons behind travel disruptions – lost passport, misplaced baggage, or some unseen interruption. Losing essential documents like passports, flight tickets or baggage can disrupt your holiday plans. This is where travel insurance steps in with financial support for stolen, lost or damaged belongings. Some policies cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to events like natural disasters, flight delays, or airline strikes. Those with a penchant for adventurous activities should consider adding a rider for adventure sports coverage.
Additional riders such as home burglary protection or emergency hotel accommodations offer personalised safety nets.
Choosing the right travel insurance plan
The industry is abuzz with options suited to your needs. Single or multi-trip, individual or family floater, senior citizens or students – every traveller has a product cut out for them when it comes to travel insurance. One needs to assess factors such as trip length, destination, number of travellers and specific coverage needs.
Many insurers now offer policies lasting up to 365 days, ideal for students, remote workers or families of overseas employees. Be sure to read policy terms, conditions and exclusions carefully. It is ideally recommended to purchase travel insurance within 15 days of booking your trip to ensure a stress-free and well-protected vacation experience.
-The author is Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar. Views expressed are personal.
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