International travel comes with its own set of challenges. Situations can arise that may be beyond your control and may result in unwanted expenses. This is where travel insurance comes in to save the day and your pocket. It insures the traveller against a wide range of eventualities and ensures that they remain financially secure. While some countries mandate travel insurance as a prerequisite for entry into the country, it’s always better to get travel insurance that offers a solid repertoire of benefits for your safety.
If you are wondering whether travel insurance is required for your upcoming trip, here are the benefits of travel insurance that can help you make the decision.
Loss of baggage: The loss or delay of baggage can significantly hamper your vacation by burning a huge hole in your pocket. Replacing luggage becomes an out-of-budget expense and one that is not of your making. Travel insurance helps you recover the monetary loss by handing out a lump sum payment in case of loss or partial loss (this includes damage to check-in baggage and loss of belongings in checked-in luggage) and delayed luggage.
Loss of passport: One of the worst things that can happen while travelling is the loss or theft of a passport. This also comes with a cost attached to it. The insurance will cover the cost of the passport application and the cost of the documentation required for the same.
Flight delays and cancellations: Travel plans may not always go according to plan. Accidents and hospitalisations can occur anytime, and the cost associated with rescheduling your flight or even cancelling it due to these reasons can be reimbursed. A delay in flights beyond a certain time limit can also fetch you a reimbursement. Missed a flight? Don’t worry; if you book a new one within a specified time frame, you can claim the cost with travel insurance.
Medical insurance: There are many variables at play when you visit an unknown country, like accidents and illnesses, which can send you on an expensive hospital visit. But having travel insurance gives you the ultimate protection against these health-related variables, as you can claim the cost of the treatment or hospitalisation if required. Costs covered could include hospitalisation allowance, physiotherapy expenses, outpatient department treatments, tests, and consultations. A family member’s cost of flight tickets can also be covered if they want to visit their loved ones during such situations. Your stay in the country may also have to be extended due to medical emergencies, and the cost of lodging will be covered under travel insurance.
Emergency evacuation: Emergency evacuations may happen aboard due to a natural calamity, medical issues, or other unforeseen circumstances. Expenses incurred due to land and air emergency evacuations will be covered by the insurance so that the insured may make a quick exit from dangerous situations without having to worry about finances.
Disability: Any accident that takes place while travelling internationally and causes disabilities in the insured within 365 days from the time the accident takes place makes the insured eligible for compensation from the insurer.
Death and repatriation: If an accident occurs during the trip period and leads to the death of the insured within a year of the accident taking place, coverage will be extended by the insurance company. If the death happens during the travel period, the cost of transporting the mortal remains of the insured to their country of residence will be borne by the insurer.
Adventure sports injuries: Adventure sports enthusiasts on vacation are bound to pick up an injury or two if things go awry. Treatments for such injuries are eligible for reimbursement under travel insurance. This does not apply to injuries picked up from extreme or hazardous sporting activities.
What are some of the factors that are excluded from travel insurance?
- Some insurers may not cover pre-existing diseases and the complications that may arise from the same during the trip.
- Those who are pregnant may not get coverage for any pregnancy-related treatments and complications.
- If the insured is found breaking the law of the land, the travel insurance automatically becomes void.
- Travelling for the sole purpose of medical tourism can invalidate your travel insurance.
- Travelling without a visa and overstaying beyond the visa duration can also void the insurance.
Conclusion
When the time comes for your next international trip, eliminate uncertainties by choosing a travel insurance that offers you the best benefits. Go through the policy and make sure that it covers all your needs before signing the dotted line, and opt for add-ons as required to enhance your coverage.
