The concept of insurance is not new to India. However, most Indians are risk-averse by nature and believe in securing their hard-earned money with all kinds of insurance products. That is why you can see people investing in several types of insurance, such as health, medical, life, etc.
One such segment of insurance is overseas travel insurance. With more and more people travelling abroad, it has become necessary to invest in travel insurance to safeguard your trip against nasty events, such as medical expenses, loss of baggage, trip cancellations, etc.
As with many other insurance policies, overseas travel insurance has its own benefits. But if you are wondering why you need to buy one and what it covers, you must read this article.
1. Medical Expenses
Suppose you face any kind of medical emergency, such as injury or illness, in the middle of your trip. In that case, your travel insurance will cover your medical expenses that include in-patient or outpatient treatment, transportation cost, lab tests prescribed by doctors, repatriation of policyholder’s mortal remains in case of death.
2. Dental Treatment
Dental treatment abroad can cost you a fortune. But if you have overseas travel insurance, you may be covered for this expense. Nevertheless, if you are travelling solely for dental treatment, you would need to check with your insurance provider, for they may not reimburse you for that cost. Remember, your insurer will only pay for emergency and unplanned expenses that arise on your travels abroad.
3. Loss of Passport
One of the worst things that can happen to you on your trip abroad is losing your passport. But if you are protected by comprehensive travel insurance, you do not need to worry about anything as your insurance provider will pay for the cost of obtaining a new passport.
4. Loss of Baggage
You may think it will not happen to you until it does. Losing your baggage on your trip is a real possibility as travellers misplace their luggage all the time. However, a general insurance company will almost always cover you against that risk and compensate for the loss of checked-in baggage on your foreign travel. You can also check with your insurance provider about compensation for the delayed arrival of your luggage.
5. Personal Injury or Accident
Accidents are something you cannot predict or anticipate while travelling. Luckily, travel insurance companies acknowledge this risk and provide you security against all kinds of accidental injuries as part of your overseas travel insurance.
However, do note that if you voluntarily indulge in risky activities, such as bungee jumping or any other extreme sport, an injury caused as a result may not fall under the coverage scope.
6. Financial Emergency
If you are robbed of your money and belongings on your international trip, your overseas travel insurance will cover the cost of the same.
7. Trip Cancellation
If you need to cancel your trip due to unavoidable circumstances, such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc., your overseas medical insurance provider will compensate you for the money you have lost in non-refundable bookings.
8. Burglary When You Are on A Trip
Some insurance providers will also provide you extended coverage to protect your home and belongings in your absence. For example, your overseas travel insurance will give you the sum assured as compensation if your house is robbed while you are away on a foreign trip.
Almost all insurance companies will provide these features as part of their overseas travel insurance. However, some features and benefits will vary from one insurer to another. You should, therefore, read the fine print of your policy document to know the inclusions and exclusions outlined in your insurance plan. Doing so will reduce the risk of claim rejection when you file for one.
Travel insurance is a necessary document these days that goes a long way in covering potential risks on your travel. However, it is important not to buy any insurance plan that shows up on your search engine. Instead, do thorough research and compare policies online before making the investment.