Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a newbie, surely you wish to travel carefree and safely, right? If that resonates with you, then choosing the right travel insurance is as crucial as booking your flight or accommodation.
Latest market studies indicate a surge in the number of Indian travellers jet-setting to popular international destinations throughout the year. So, for all you enthusiastic backpackers, here’s what you need to know about the significance of investing in the best international travel insurance in India.
5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Travel Insurance Provider in India
These smart tips will help you choose a travel insurance company that offers the right balance of coverage, reliability, and value, so you can travel with confidence.
1. Check for International Network and Cashless Support
Choose a provider that has a strong global hospital network and is likely to provide cashless claim settlements, especially for medical emergencies. Being able to access medical care while overseas without having to pay upfront is a lifesaver in more ways than one, financially and mentally.
2. Compare Coverage
Not all travel insurance policies are the same. While most cover baggage loss and medical emergencies, look for companies that go further. Trip cancellations, missed connections, passport loss, and adventure sports coverage all add tremendous value.
3. Claim Settlement Ratio
The last thing you want is a policy that sounds great on paper but disappoints when you need it most. Hence, you should check both the claim settlement ratio and how long the insurer takes to settle claims. If the ratio is high, it usually means that the company is dependable and puts its customers first.
4. Customisable Plans
Your needs can vary greatly from trip to trip, particularly if it is a solo backpacking trip or a family holiday. Pick companies that allow you to customise your coverage, add riders for pre-existing conditions, or extend coverage if your plans change.
5. Read the Insurance Details (and Reviews)
Don’t skip the policy terms and exclusions. Knowing what’s not covered is just as important as what is. Also, check genuine customer reviews for real-world feedback on how well the company supports travellers during emergencies.
Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?
Ever wondered why booking air tickets, reserving hotels, carrying a visa approval, or planning an impeccable itinerary isn’t good enough to fly to your dream destination? Let’s understand why you need to get your holiday insured.
1. Prevents Monetary Losses
Losing your wallet or phone would be the last thing you’d want on your trip. Travel insurance can be a valuable asset in such emergencies. Your provider can offer coverage to deal with such losses from theft, robbery, etc., during your travel.
2. Facilitates a Claim Against Lost Luggage
You’d shopped to be Insta-ready on your dream vacation, and you learn that your luggage hasn’t arrived or has been lost due to the negligence of the airport authority. Of course, you’re unprepared for it, but your insurance could help you counter this stressful situation.
Although your belongings are irreplaceable, your insurer can cover essentials until your baggage is traced. Some relief, right?
3. Offers Coverage in Case of Any Medical Emergency
Whether it’s a natural calamity or an accident, travel insurance can cover any medical emergency. Moreover, incidents leading to the traveller’s disability or death are also covered.
4. Helps Deal with Flight Cancellations/Delays
Do you have sour memories of a missed flight or losses incurred from a delayed or cancelled flight? There is no need to worry; your travel insurance can help alleviate the financial burden caused by sudden disruptions to your journey.
Situations such as a natural disaster, a sudden injury, or even a national emergency don’t come knocking. Travel insurance can provide relief in such situations by compensating for losses resulting from cancellations.
Summing Up
After spending money on your holiday booking, contributing even a nominal amount for insurance might feel unnecessary to some travellers. But paying that extra amount can be a better deal than not having compensation to cover unforeseen situations. These five smart tips to pick travel insurance companies in India can hopefully help you find the best companies that suit your needs, ensuring hassle-free travel.