What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurances are meant to protect people during trips. They typically cover medical expenses, trip cancellation costs, lost luggage, accidents and other losses incurred while traveling. They also provide coverage for legal liabilities and corresponding expenses. Usually, travel insurance can be purchased while booking a trip to cover the exact duration of that trip. Most travel insurance plans offer coverage for the following:
- Unexpected flight cancellation
- Loss of luggage
- A sudden need for prescribed medication
- Theft of wallet and passport
- Cancellation of the trip due to sickness
- Medical emergency in a foreign country
- Sudden evacuation due to natural calamities
- Personal Accident cover
- Trip cancellation due to terrorist activities at the destination
Travel insurances can be personalized to fit your specific purpose, but its main purpose is to give you the essential peace of mind required while you are out of your comfort zone and exploring the world. Let's look into why travel insurance is very often woth the cost.
Benefits of Travel Insurance
Medical Emergencies
During my trip to Singapore, I was overwhelmed by the spread of cuisines available there. Being a big foodie, I indulged in uncountable delicacies. I particularly overindulged in seafood. I woke up next morning in a terrible state - with severe diarrhea, high fever and feeling extremely nauseous. Self-medication didn't work, and my condition rapidly deteriorated. I had to be hospitalized and treated for food poisoning.
Apparently, the crab meat was the culprit. This little stint with crab meat cost me more than SG$1000, which converted to a whopping Rs.40,000 in Indian currency. My Indian health insurance didn't cover it. However, travel insurance could have spared me the horror of such a hefty expense. Sadly, I hadn't purchased one.
Most of us overlook this crucial factor. We often assume that we are covered for medical emergencies if we already have existing health insurance. However, most Indian health insurance policies provide coverage only within India. The moment you step out of the country, you are at risk. I learned this the hard way.
Most travel insurances provide Medical Expense Coverage that covers you for accidents and emergency medical care when you travel abroad. It even pays for emergency evacuation and repatriation in case of critical medical crisis, which is otherwise devastatingly expensive and unaffordable for many.
Lost Bags, Delayed Bags, Delayed Flights
My parents had visited Bali in 2015. Having landed at Bali Airport, they eagerly waited by the conveyor belt for their bags. However, their suitcases never arrived! Upon further inquiry, they were informed that their bags would arrive on the next day. Moreover, when they went back to the airport the next day to claim their delayed baggage, Mom got her suitcase, but Dad's couldn't be found.
They were at their dream destination in a vacation mood - the sea was inviting them for a refreshing swim, but the poor old guy did not have his swimming trunks! Moreover, their return flight was delayed by 9 hours. Doesn't it sound like a cursed trip?
Unlike my Singapore trip, this story ends on a brighter note. My earlier horrific experience at Singapore had thankfully taught my parents a lesson, and they were wise enough to purchase travel insurance this time. The travel insurance had Baggage Delay Coverage which covered for the purchase of essential items, such as a toiletry kit and a change of clothes until the delayed bags arrived almost 30 hours later. The insurance also provided Baggage Coverage, which reimbursed Dad for his lost belongings. The Travel Delay Coverage paid for the extra night in a hotel.
24x7 Assistance Worldwide
I was on an adventure-packed backpackers' trip to Europe last year. The trip was exhilarating until one day, in Holland, when I was mugged. My passport and wallet were gone, along with all the Euro I had. I was shaken up by the horrific experience that followed.
Since I don't speak Dutch, I could barely communicate. The Dutch folks barely spoke English, and I was at my wit's end trying to convey my problem to the local police. My trip almost got derailed! Thankfully, the 24x7 customer support helpline of the travel insurance company came to my rescue.
Every travel insurance company provides 24x7 support for such needs. They not only helped me overcome the language barrier with telephone interpretation assistance but also organized to transport me back to my hotel. They assisted me with my search for the lost belongings, provided stolen luggage replacement assistance and expedited the process of replacing my passport.
This service is extremely valuable in times of crisis. The 24x7 Travel Assistance Services can help with all kinds of emergencies during travel. This service comes especially handy during medical emergencies - they can locate nearby hospitals, organize medical transportation, and also arrange for treatment.
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