Disha Shah Ghosh - Mumbai Meet Kapadia, Head, Travel Insurance, Policybazaar.com
“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets,” a celebrated quote by Oscar Wilde, the famed poet and playwright, aptly summarises the importance of travelling worry-free. In other words, do not forget to protect your travel plans against unexpected circumstances.
Over the years, both international and domestic travel have surged in India, driven by the growing middle class with increasing disposable income. Especially after the pandemic, travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that include exploring exotic destinations, culinary adventures, wellness retreats and thrilling activities. This adventure often extends to not just one but multiple countries and continents.
As travel for longer durations becomes more popular, insurance companies have rolled out plans tailored to extended stays. Nowadays, travel insurance plans are available that can be extended up to 365 days, doubling the previous limit of 180 days.
Parents of overseas workers or international students often visit their children for extended stays. Particularly if parents are senior citizens, they may be more vulnerable to health emergencies. However, healthcare abroad can be very costly without insurance. This feature of extended travel insurance can be especially beneficial for them.
These plans can also be useful for people undertaking extended business assignments or working remotely from another country. Frequent travelers who make extended trips or travel regularly for work or leisure can avail of these plans. Individuals with planned extended stays for personal reasons, like attending events or conferences could also benefit from this feature.
Comprehensive coverage for unexpected events
By providing coverage for emergencies and unforeseen events, travel insurance plays a vital role in protecting travelers from financial loss and ensuring a smoother travel experience.
A dependable travel insurance policy offers coverage if you lose important documents like your passport or flight tickets. With the right plan, assistance is always available, even in the event of lost baggage, allowing you to stay worry-free about your belongings.
Health emergencies can happen unexpectedly and dealing with them while traveling can be especially difficult. Ensure your travel insurance includes coverage for such situations. This can help with costs related to medical treatment, hospital stays, emergency transportation, and even medical evacuation if needed.
Falling ill while vacationing abroad with loved ones can feel like a nightmare. Worse yet, being stuck in a foreign country when all you want is to return home. With travel insurance, you have the option to shorten your trip and ensure you’re back home in time for proper treatment.
Each destination comes with its own risks, from natural disasters to socio-economic instability. That’s why having travel insurance that addresses these risks is crucial. For instance, if you’re visiting an area prone to hurricanes or earthquakes, ensure your policy covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to such events.
Personal liability coverage is a vital aspect of a travel insurance policy. It provides financial protection if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property while traveling. It also covers the cost of legal aid in case someone files a lawsuit against you.
Trip delays, interruptions, or cancellations can be both frustrating and expensive. However, travel insurance can help alleviate the burden by covering these situations. Depending on your policy, it may reimburse expenses for additional accommodation and transportation due to delays, as well as non-refundable costs if you need to cancel your trip for a covered reason. There are a few plans that even offer the benefit of refund of visa fee in case of rejection. However, if there’s an error or miss from the policyholder’s end, then the refund of visa will not acknowledged.
It’s pertinent to read the terms and conditions of the policy before making a purchase decision to avoid any surprises regarding coverage limitations, exclusions, or claims procedures. In a world of unpredictable events and ever-changing travel plans, a comprehensive travel insurance policy offers security and reassurance against unforeseen circumstances.
Whether you’re exploring new destinations, visiting family, or embarking on extended business trips, having the right coverage ensures that you can focus on enjoying your journey without worrying about unexpected financial burdens.
Take the time to select a policy that suits your needs, so you can travel confidently, knowing you are prepared for whatever comes your way.
