For people who travel from India, it is important to have valid insurance. In fact, travelling to certain countries in Europe and America requires every visa applicant to take insurance before they travel from India. Travel insurance is important because you may face various unexpected situations in unfamiliar surroundings where you may not know how to respond to them.
To travel in peace, buy insurance before you leave India. All medical emergencies and travel assistance are covered by insurance. Insurance also prevents financial losses and comprises medical insurance coverage, loss or delay of luggage, accident coverage, and loss of a passport. Therefore, a specific insurance policy makes sense.
Types of travel insurance policies available in India
Travel insurance in India is available in multiple formats, such as single-trip travel insurance and international travel insurance, tailored to suit different types of travellers. Here are some common types:
1. Single trip insurance
Ideal for one-time travellers, this policy covers a specific journey and ends once you return to India. It’s a great fit for family vacations or short business trips.
2. Multi-trip insurance
Designed for frequent travellers, this plan provides coverage for multiple trips taken within a year. It’s more cost-effective than buying insurance for each journey separately.
3. Student travel insurance
Tailored for Indian students studying abroad, these policies typically cover tuition fees, study interruptions, medical expenses and even sponsor protection.
4. Senior citizen travel insurance
Specially designed for older travellers, these plans often provide higher medical coverage, including pre-existing diseases.
5. Family travel insurance
This covers all family members under one policy, which is more convenient and often more economical than individual policies.
6. International travel insurance
These plans cover overseas travel and offer protection against a range of international travel risks like flight delays, medical emergencies or lost passports.
Things often overlooked in travel insurance
Many travellers buy insurance as a formality without understanding what’s included or excluded. Here are some aspects commonly missed:
- Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions: Not all policies cover them; always read the fine print.
- Exclusions: High-risk activities, mental health issues and pregnancy-related expenses are often excluded.
- Claim process: A complex or paper-heavy process can cause delays; opt for insurers offering a simple, digital claims experience.
- Adventure sports coverage: If you’re planning activities like skiing or scuba diving, check if the policy includes coverage.
- Baggage delay and loss limits: Some policies cap compensation amounts, so be sure to check the limits.
Tips to choose the right travel insurance
There are a few points to consider while choosing insurance before you travel outside India.
Buy from a reliable insurance company
Make sure you research thoroughly as to which companies offer travel insurance online. You could also ask people who have travelled abroad to share their experiences. Before selecting one, check if that insurance company has customer support in the country you are travelling to, that is easily accessible and responsive.
Annual Multi-Trip Option
If you are a frequent traveller, then you can look at an annual multi-trip option. For all those who travel from India frequently, this option allows coverage for travel throughout the year. You can make short trips of 30-45 days per trip and be covered under this annual option. It is important to note that buying a policy every time you travel will prove to be more costly than getting an annual one.
Zero Deductible Options
Certain insurance companies provide options that have deductibles. A fixed amount of money is deducted from the claims made. If the claim is less than the deductible amount, you will not be able to claim that amount at all. While selecting an insurance company, compare the details of deductibles.
Network of hospitals and cashless hospitalisation
You may face the need for hospitalisation or immediate treatment while overseas. In that scenario, it will be helpful if the location has a hospital associated with your insurance provider. There may also be a provision for cashless hospitalisation, thus preventing your trip’s budget from being affected by the treatment. In such an emergency, you need to contact the insurance company. Since insurance companies have different toll-free numbers in different countries, it is important to make a note of the toll-free number in the country you are visiting.
For people who travel from India, it is important to have valid insurance. In fact, travelling to certain countries in Europe and America requires every visa applicant to take insurance before they travel from India. Travel insurance is important because you may face various unexpected situations in unfamiliar surroundings where you may not know how to respond to them.
To travel in peace, buy insurance before you leave India. All medical emergencies and travel assistance are covered by insurance. Insurance also prevents financial losses and comprises medical insurance coverage, loss or delay of luggage, accident coverage, and loss of a passport. Therefore, a specific insurance policy makes sense.
Conclusion
While on a foreign land, you may realise that your trip requires extension, but your insurance is about to expire. You need not worry, as most policies can be extended online by visiting the insurance company’s website. Before you travel from India, you must have insurance in hand to enjoy your travel abroad without any worries.
With the option to purchasetravel insurance online, comparing plans and reading reviews has never been easier. For a short holiday or long-terminternational travel insurance, ensure your policy matches your travel profile, destination, and risk level. A few thoughtful decisions now can save you from major inconveniences later, so you can focus on making memories, not managing emergencies.
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