Disaster strikes without any warning and can ruin your entire holiday. Nonetheless, preparation and precaution are the key ways to prevent financial losses for you and your family. Two travellers recount how they dealt with their misadventures abroad.
Horrific Honeymoon
Shortly after our wedding, my wife and I embarked upon a twelve-day long trip to South Africa. Our itinerary included Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria, where we were to visit the wildlife reserves and other places of interest.
Thrilled during our cable-car ride to the top, we had no idea that our trip would end so prematurely. While exploring the mountain, my wife slipped on some moss and landed awkwardly on her ankle. Swelling and unbearable pain forced us to rush to the nearest doctor, who informed us that she had fractured her foot.
My wife could not walk and required the constant assistance of a wheelchair. Naturally, the remainder of our trip had to be cancelled, and we caught the next flight back to India. On the bright side, our insurance policy reimbursed my wife's medical bills, and the trip cancellation clause compensated the money we lost on tickets and reservations. I agree that our honeymoon was a total disaster, but travel insurance saved our money, which we used to plan another holiday in the future.
- Vishal, 28, Chartered Accountant from Mumbai
Tribulations of Travel
A recent business trip to Japan was a complete comedy of errors, as a result of bad luck and negligence by the airline. My journey to Osaka had a stopover in Hong Kong, where I had to catch a connecting flight. According to my travel itinerary, I was to touch down at Osaka on the morning of my two-day business conference.
My misfortune began in India itself, when my flight from Delhi was delayed for 4 hours. This delay made me miss my connecting flight, ruining my chances of reaching Osaka on time.
Waiting till the early hours of the next morning, I boarded the next flight extremely disgruntled and annoyed. As fate would have it, the airline misplaced my luggage! Short of any kind of patience, I tried expressing my grief to the Japanese officials. After hearing a few lines of broken English from the officials, I realized that I would have to wait for 3-4 days for them to locate my luggage.
I could not attend the conference without appropriate clothing, which I had lost along with my luggage. Disappointed and upset, I spent the remaining 2 days exploring the city, only after spending a considerable sum of money on clothes and other essentials. Fortunately, my comprehensive insurance policy reimbursed the financial losses incurred due to trip delays and misplaced luggage to a certain extent. Not having to bear these unexpected expenses made the whole ordeal relatively bearable.
- Rajiv, 35, Businessman from Delhi
When can you skip buying travel insurance?
Although travel insurance is always a good idea, there are a few situations where skipping it may be relatively low-risk:
- Domestic travel with good health coverage: If you are travelling within your home country and already have comprehensive health insurance and low non-refundable costs, you might consider skipping travel insurance.
- Short, spontaneous road trips: For minimal-cost, last-minute getaways where flights or bookings aren’t involved, insurance may not be essential.
- Fully refundable bookings: If all your bookings (flights, hotels, tours) are refundable and you are not engaging in high-risk activities, you may be able to opt out.
That said, these are exceptions, not the rule.
When shouldn't you ignore buying travel insurance
In most travel scenarios, especially international ones, having travel insurance is not just smart, it is necessary.
- Travelling abroad: When you leave your country, your domestic health insurance usually does not cover medical emergencies. This is where International travel insurance becomes important.
- Adventure travel or remote destinations: If you are hiking, diving, skiing or exploring remote locations, the risk of injury or emergency evacuation is higher.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: You will want to ensure coverage for any possible flare-ups or medication requirements.
- Expensive or non-refundable bookings: If your itinerary includes cruises, luxury stays or expensive guided tours, a cancellation without insurance could mean losing a lot of money.
- Travel during uncertain times: Whether it is a pandemic, weather disruption or political unrest, insurance can help reimburse costs and assist with emergencies.
Simply put, the more complex or expensive your trip, the more essential travel insurance becomes.
Conclusion
Before embarking on a journey, think about all possible risks you may face in the country you are travelling to. Ascertain possible solutions to these problems, so that you are not completely helpless when faced with a crisis. However, preparation does not always mitigate unexpected emergencies; ensure your travels to avoid unanticipated financial strain for your peace of mind.
Whether you are embarking on an international honeymoon, an adrenaline-filled mountain trek or a solo cultural escape, protecting yourself with travel insurance ensures peace of mind.
FAQ
1. Is travel insurance mandatory for all international trips?
No, but many countries now require proof of international travel insurance for visa approval. Regardless, it is highly recommended for all foreign trips.
2. What does travel insurance typically cover?
It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, passport loss and personal liability.
3. Can I buy travel insurance online at the last minute?
Yes. Many providers offer easy online purchase options right up to your departure time. However, buying early ensures full trip cancellation benefits.
4. Does international travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Most modern international travel insurance plans now include COVID-19 coverage, but always check the specifics before purchasing.
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.