International travel can become expensive very quickly when something goes wrong.
A delayed flight is inconvenient. A medical emergency abroad can become a serious financial problem. Travel insurance exists to reduce that risk, but policies differ widely.
What Travel Insurance Can Cover
Depending on the policy, international travel insurance may include:
Never assume every policy includes every benefit.
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospitalisation
- Emergency evacuation
- Repatriation
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Baggage loss or delay
- Passport loss assistance
- Personal liability
- Flight delay benefits
- Accidental death or disability
Medical Cover Is Usually the Most Important Part
Healthcare costs in many destinations can be dramatically higher than in India.
Check the medical sum insured, deductible, network arrangements and emergency assistance process.
If travelling to a destination with expensive healthcare, choosing a very low medical limit simply to save premium can defeat the purpose of the policy.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Many policies restrict or exclude pre-existing illnesses except under defined emergency conditions.
Read this carefully if the traveller has diabetes, heart disease, hypertension or another ongoing condition.
Do not hide medical information where disclosure is required.
Schengen Travel Insurance
Travellers applying for certain European visas may need insurance that meets specific requirements.
Do not rely on a generic travel policy without confirming that it satisfies the visa rules applicable to your trip.
Baggage and Delay Benefits
Baggage cover often includes limits and conditions.
There may be separate limits for valuables, electronics or delayed bags. Claims usually require airline documentation.
Similarly, flight-delay benefits may apply only after a specified number of hours.
Adventure Activities
Standard policies may exclude high-risk sports and adventure activities.
If you plan to ski, scuba dive, trek at high altitude or participate in another adventure sport, confirm whether it is included or requires an add-on.
How to Make a Claim
Keep documents.
For medical claims, retain hospital bills, prescriptions, reports and payment receipts. Contact the assistance provider as early as possible.
For baggage loss or delay, obtain written confirmation from the airline.
For theft, a police report may be required.
How to Choose a Policy
Compare:
- Medical cover
- Deductible
- Destination
- Trip duration
- Age limits
- Pre-existing-condition rules
- Baggage limits
- Cancellation benefits
- Adventure-sport exclusions
- Assistance network
- Claim process
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance should protect the risks that could genuinely damage your finances.
Do not choose a policy only because it is the cheapest option shown during ticket booking.
Read the coverage, exclusions and claim requirements before departure. The best time to understand your policy is before you need to use it.