Travelling with a newborn or baby can be exciting but also stressful. Babies can get sick suddenly or need medical attention, and healthcare away from home can be expensive. As a parent, the last thing you want is to worry about finding help or paying bills while caring for your little one.
Infant travel insurance helps protect your baby’s health and gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy the trip without constant worry.
What Is Infant Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance for infants is a policy that covers medical expenses and travel-related costs for babies while traveling, either domestically or internationally. It typically covers hospitalisation, doctor visits, emergency evacuation, and, depending on the insurer or policy, trip cancellations or interruptions due to the infant’s health.
Age Criteria for Infants in a Travel Insurance Policy
Infants are usually defined as children under one year of age, though some policies extend coverage up to two years, depending on the insurer or policy.
Most insurers allow newborns to be included after a 15- to 30-day waiting period from birth. Make sure to check the policy’s age limits and eligibility requirements, as they can vary between providers.
Why Is Travel Insurance for New Borns Important?
Travel insurance for infants under 1 year is important because infants are more likely to need medical care while traveling. Policies can cover situations such as:
- Sudden illnesses, including fevers, infections, or digestive problems
- Accidents during travel
- Emergency hospitalisation
- Trip cancellations or interruptions due to the infant’s health, depending on the insurer or policy
Medical treatment for infants, especially abroad, can be expensive. Having travel insurance for infant only ensures that these medical and travel-related costs are covered, allowing parents to focus on caring for their baby rather than worrying about expenses.
Key Inclusions Offered in Infant Travel Insurance
Typical benefits of travel insurance for baby, which may vary depending on the insurer or policy, include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospitalisation, doctor visits, and treatment for illness or injury.
- Emergency Evacuation: Transport to the nearest medical facility in the event of severe illness or an accident.
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Refunds for prepaid travel costs if the infant falls ill, depending on the insurer or policy.
- Flight or Travel Delay Coverage: Compensation for delays that affect travel plans.
- Parental Support: Some policies cover the cost of a parent staying with the infant in the hospital abroad.
- Optional Add-Ons: May include coverage for pre-existing conditions or emergency return trips.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Travel Insurance Newborn
Parents should review the following points when selecting travel insurance for newborn:
- Coverage Limits: Ensure the policy provides sufficient coverage for potential medical and travel-related expenses.
- Waiting Periods: Check how long after birth the newborn can be included in the policy.
- Travel Destination: Confirm whether the policy covers domestic and international travel.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: Some conditions may require additional coverage or could be excluded.
- Optional Add-Ons: Consider add-ons such as emergency evacuation, trip interruption, or parental stay coverage in case of hospitalisation.
Conclusion
Infant travel insurance covers medical expenses, emergency hospitalisation, and travel disruptions while travelling. Along with health and travel coverage for your baby, securing a single trip travel insurance policy for yourself can be important to protect the whole family. Choosing the right policy enables parents to handle unexpected situations efficiently and focus on their baby’s care, making travel safer and more manageable.
FAQs
1. Can travel insurance cover complications arising from long flights for infants?
Yes, some policies provide coverage for health issues arising from long-haul travel, such as breathing difficulties or motion-related conditions. Always check if the policy mentions flight-related medical risks.
2. Are accidental illnesses at hotels or resorts covered under infant travel insurance?
Certain plans extend coverage to medical emergencies that occur outside of transport, including hotels or other temporary accommodations during the trip.
3. Does travel insurance cover infants if they need medical treatment for sudden allergies or reactions abroad?
Yes, most policies cover acute medical events, including unexpected allergic reactions, but it is advisable to carry any known allergy information and medication.
4. Can infant travel insurance help with costs of emergency childcare if parents are hospitalised?
Some comprehensive plans include coverage for emergency childcare or a caregiver if both parents are incapacitated during travel.
5. Are infants covered during adventure or activity-based travel, like swimming or sightseeing excursions?
Coverage can vary; many policies exclude high-risk activities for infants, but some family-oriented plans offer limited protection for supervised recreational activities.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.