Buying a travel insurance policy is a wise choice before going on any trip. It protects you from unexpected complications like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage or travel delays. However, once you have bought the policy, what next? Many people forget that there are a few important things to do after the purchase to make sure they are truly covered.
Here’s a simple guide on what to do after buying a travel insurance policy.
List of things to do after purchasing a travel insurance policy
Here is everything you need to do after purchasing your travel insurance policy and before departing for your trip:
1. Review the documents
Once the travel insurance policy has been purchased, an email containing all the necessary information pertaining to your policy is sent to you. This email is called the confirmation document and has information such as the coverage date, policy number and most importantly, the emergency contact numbers.
The emergency contact numbers are extremely important, as these are the numbers that you will need to contact when you run into trouble on your trip. It is recommended that you keep a printout of these numbers with you, as cellular coverage is not always reliable.
2. Use the free look period
You would be given a period of 15 days, or as applicable, from the date you receive the policy to review the terms and conditions. If you disagree with any of the terms or conditions of the policy, you have the option to return the policy, stating the reasons for your objection.
If this situation applies, you can get a refund on the premium you paid. However, the insurer will subtract any costs they have already spent on medical check-ups for the insured person(s) and stamp duty fees.
If the cancellation request comes 30 days after the policy period start date, a pro-rata refund of the premium would be paid to you. This is applicable only for policies with a duration of 365 days or more.
3. Read the exclusions
The free look period also provides an opportunity to go over the ‘exclusions’ section of the policy. This section clearly states the situations in which coverage is not provided. It is imperative to go through this at least once so that you know exactly what you have signed up for and what is not covered. The certificate, policy and description of coverage documents, will all have this section in them.
4. Clear your doubts
Now that you have gone through your policy documents, you must have doubts. That’s where the insurer’s 24x7 toll-free helpline comes into the picture. Call them up and get your doubts clarified. Envision a claim situation that you think is likely to arise and enquire about the possible steps and outcome. This will give you more confidence to tackle the situation if it ever happens.
How to check & verify your travel insurance policy details?
After purchasing a travel insurance policy, it’s important to go through the document carefully and make sure all the information is correct. Here’s how you can verify your policy details step by step.
1. Check your personal information
Start by checking your personal information. Your full name, date of birth, passport number and contact details should all be correct. The name should exactly match the one on your passport. Even small errors in spelling or numbers can cause problems during claims.
2. Verify travel dates
Next, verify the travel dates mentioned in the policy. Make sure the coverage starts from the day you leave and ends on the day you return. If there’s any gap in dates, your trip might not be fully covered. Contact the insurance company immediately if you notice anything incorrect.
3. Ensure your destination is covered
You should also check whether your destination is covered under the policy. Some countries may be excluded, especially if they are listed under travel advisories or are considered high-risk. If your destination is not covered, your policy won’t be valid there.
4. Review coverage details
Go through the coverage details to understand what exactly is included. Most policies cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or delayed baggage, personal liability and accidental injury or death. Check if these benefits are part of your plan and what the maximum claim amount is for each. This amount is usually called the “sum insured.”
5. Understand the claims process
Understanding the claims process is another crucial step. Learn what documents you will need for a claim, like medical bills, police reports or receipts, and how you are expected to submit them. Some insurers allow online or app-based claims. Also, check if there’s a deadline for informing the company after an incident, which is usually within 24 to 48 hours.
6. Check for add-ons and extra coverage
Lastly, if you have paid for any additional benefits or add-ons, like COVID-19 coverage, gadget protection or adventure sports coverage, make sure they are clearly mentioned in the policy document. If anything looks missing or incorrect, reach out to the insurer right away to fix it.
Things to remember post purchasing a travel insurance policy
Here are some things to keep in mind after purchasing a travel insurance policy:
- Travel dates should match policy dates: The coverage should start from the day you leave and end when you return.
- No claims for pre-existing conditions unless declared: If you have any existing health issues, they should be disclosed at the time of buying the policy.
- Coverage for adventure sports or high-risk activities may be excluded: If you plan to do activities like scuba diving, skiing, or hiking, check if they are covered.
- File claims as soon as possible: Delays may lead to claim rejection. Always report any issue immediately.
- Keep receipts and proof: Whether it's for medical treatment or lost items, proof is needed to support your claim.
Conclusion
Travel insurance is there to give you peace of mind, but that only works if you understand what you are covered for and how to use it. This is particularly important when it comes to overseas travel insurance, as dealing with emergencies in a foreign country can be more complicated and expensive.
After buying travel insurance online, take some time to read the details, verify everything and keep the important information handy. This way, if something does go wrong, you will know exactly what to do and who to contact. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip.
FAQs
1. Can I make changes to my travel insurance after purchasing it?
Yes, most insurers allow you to make corrections to your policy within a few days of purchase. Contact customer support if you notice any inaccuracies.
2. What documents should I carry while travelling?
Carry a soft and hard copy of your policy, your passport and emergency contact numbers provided by the insurer.
3. What should I do if I lose my luggage?
Inform the airline immediately and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Then, contact your insurer with this report and your baggage tags.
4. How soon should I file a claim?
As soon as possible. Most insurers have a deadline, usually 24 to 48 hours after the incident, to report the issue.
5. Am I eligible for a refund if I cancel my travel plans?
If your policy covers trip cancellations and you meet the conditions (like illness, death in the family, etc.), you may be eligible for a claim. Read the terms carefully.
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.