Last Updated on May 9, 2023 by Harshit Singh
Travelling is one of the greatest joys in life. It will give you a lifetime of memories and provide a much-needed break from a monotonous life. But what if you face an unexpected crisis during the trip? Like you lost your wallet or, worse, your passport. Emergencies often come unannounced. While you might not have control over avoiding them, you can get them insured under a travel insurance policy in India.
Let’s explore different travel insurance policies you can opt for in India –
Table of Contents
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that covers the financial losses or contingencies that you might face when you are travelling. For example, if you suffer an illness or an injury when travelling or lose your baggage, a travel insurance policy would cover the loss. Similarly, if you lose your passport or your trip is cancelled, the travel insurance policy could compensate you for the additional financial stress you may need to undertake.
Types of travel insurance plans
What is covered within travel insurance depends on the type of travel insurance one subscribes to. The different types of travel insurance policies available in India are –
International travel insurance plans
As the name suggests, these plans cover international trips. International travel insurance plans can also be region-specific, like Schengen, worldwide, Asia plans, etc.
Domestic travel insurance plans
You can opt for domestic travel insurance plans if you travel within India. These plans cover trips taken within India. In addition, it covers baggage lost, medical costs, etc.
Senior citizen travel insurance plans
These plans are specifically designed for senior citizens, i.e., individuals aged 60 yrs and above. Given the higher health risks, many travel insurance plans do not cover individuals above a certain age.
Senior citizen travel insurance plans are specifically structured to cater to the coverage requirements of the elderly who do not get covered under regular travel plans. The senior citizen plans can be availed for both international and domestic trips.
Single-trip and multi-trip travel insurance plans
A single-trip policy may be suitable if you travel occasionally, covering only one trip. On the other hand, annual multi-trip plans cover multiple trips taken within a year. Under these plans, there is no limit to the number of trips that you can take. The policy is issued for a year, and the trips taken within the year are covered. Multi-trip plans are suitable for frequent travellers as they are cheaper and more convenient than buying single-trip plans for each trip.
Group travel insurance plans
Group travel insurance plans cover a group of individuals. These plans suit a group of travellers travelling to the same destination. This plan is mainly adopted by corporates wherein employees travel for work. Such companies might buy a group insurance policy covering all the employees who travel for business.
Student travel insurance plans
These plans are designed for students who go abroad for higher education. Since healthcare costs are steep abroad, a student can get complete medical assistance within budget pricing by availing of this insurance plan.
List of best travel insurance companies in India (2023)
| S.No. | Name of the Insurance Company |
| 1. | Tata AIG Travel Insurance |
| 2. | Apollo Munich Travel Insurance |
| 3. | Religare Travel Insurance |
| 4. | Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance |
| 5. | HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance |
Coverage under travel insurance plans
The coverage of travel insurance plans depends on the type of policy you buy and from which insurance provider. However, some of the common coverage benefits that are available under most insurance plans include the following –
Medical emergencies
If you fall ill or suffer an injury during the trip that requires hospitalisation, the cost of such hospitalisation would be covered by the policy up to the sum insured.
Medical evacuation and repatriation
In the case of medical emergencies, if you need evacuation from one place to another, the cost of such an evacuation is covered. Likewise, in the case of an untimely death, the cost of repatriation of mortal remains would also be covered.
Loss or delay of checked-in baggage
If the airline delays or loses the checked-in baggage, you will be compensated for your loss appropriately.
Loss of passport
If you lose your passport during the trip, a claim will be paid to get a duplicate passport without incurring additional charges.
Trip cancellation, delay, or curtailment
If there is a delay in the booked trip, the costs incurred on rebooking will be covered by the policy. Similarly, if your trip is cut short, the additional financial expenses will be covered. If the booked trip is cancelled, the insurance policy will compensate for the trip.
Personal accident
This travel insurance plans cover accidental deaths and disabilities suffered when travelling in a commercial airline as a fare-paying passenger.
Legal liability
If you happen to cause a financial loss to a third party during a trip, you may become entangled in legal battles that may become a drag on your finances. A travel insurance policy undertakes this liability. If you are legally obligated to compensate the third party for any financial loss, the travel insurance policy takes care of the compensation on your behalf.
Exclusions under travel insurance
A travel insurance policy provides an exhaustive scope of coverage. However, in some cases, claims are not honoured. For example, if you travel against your doctor’s recommendation, any subsequent medical claims will not be covered. Similarly, if you participate in hazardous activities and sports or get embroiled in criminal acts and suffer a loss, such claims would not be entertained.
Claims resulting from wars or nuclear perils, or maternity-related complications are excluded. Moreover, medical coverage would not be available under the policy if you travel solely for medical treatment.
You should also check for deductibles under your travel insurance policy because claims up to the deductible are unpaid. Therefore, you need to pay such deductibles out of your own pockets.
Features of travel insurance plans
Some of the common features of travel insurance plans are as follows:
- The sum insured is usually expressed in US dollars. It ranges from $ 50,000 to up to $ 500,000
- The duration of the policy is equivalent to the duration of your trip.
- You can take coverage for all family members under the same plan.
- You can enhance the coverage with optional coverage benefits.
- There is a deductible under some coverage features. This deductible depicts your out-of-pocket expenses. The insurance company will pay the excess if claims exceed the given deductible.
- Travel insurance companies are tied-up with international service providers who help you with your claims when travelling to a foreign country.
The bottom line
Travelling, as much as fun, can be risky. Paying for a travel insurance policy can help you enjoy your travel stress-free. The policies offer a broad scope of coverage. Opt for a suitable plan and an optimal sum insured to travel without worrying about emergencies straining your budget.
FAQs
Can multiple people be covered under one policy?
Yes, in group travel insurance, you can insure multiple individuals.
Till when my travel insurance is valid?
It is only valid for the duration of your travel.
Is Covid-19 included in the coverage of travel insurance?
It depends on the specific travel insurance policy. Check the policy or contact the insurance provider for details.
