A comprehensive foreign travel insurance plan is vital for senior citizens and frequent travellers. Here are a few things you should know regarding coverage.
Travel insurance can protect you against financial loss, trip cancellation, and theft of baggage and essential documents. It can also assist during a medical crisis and emergency evacuation, among other things. The medical coverage can include hospital bills, dental care, transportation, and other daily health expenses. However, there are some coverages that you may be unaware of or rarely sought by people. Depending on your needs, you can ask your insurer to provide them.
Here are six foreign travel insurance coverage options that are also available besides the standard coverage mentioned above.
Escorting A Minor
This insurance feature covers the expenses of escorting a minor child if the adult cannot care for them. The cost includes airfare and other charges. It will cover travel and lodging expenses if a doctor recommends a family member to be present during medical transport or visits to the hospital if the insured becomes seriously ill or injured while travelling alone. It protects families when an adult becomes sick or injured and cannot care for the children.
Personal Liability
This cover protects against legal liabilities in case of accidental injury or damage to another person while travelling. It includes coverage of medical bills and legal fees for injuries and property damage. This coverage is typically available in a comprehensive travel insurance plan. The insured amount can vary depending on the policy and the insurance provider. Personal liability coverage is critical during travel.
Pre-Existing Disease Coverage
Pre-existing disease coverage protects the traveller if a health complication arises due to a previous medical condition. This coverage can vary from one insurer to another. It generally includes any condition diagnosed or treated within a particular time frame before the trip. Pre-existing conditions can include chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, recently diagnosed knee injuries, etc. Treatment can also be considered for pre-existing diseases if the person sought or took medication within a specific period before the trip. Although not many insurance plans cover pre-existing conditions, some do offer limited coverage. However, one must have relevant medical documents, such as written statements from a doctor, prescriptions, etc., necessary for pre-existing disease coverage. For senior travellers, it is a pre-requisite as they may have a serious condition like a heart problem, diabetes, epilepsy, dementia, etc.
Pet Insurance Cover
Pet travel insurance covers expenses such as trip cancellation, transportation delays, lost or stolen pets, and third-party liability. You will be reimbursed for non-refundable travel expenses if your pet becomes ill or injured. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, pet travel insurance can cover additional costs for your pet. Additionally, some policies offer liability coverage if the pet damages property or injures someone while travelling. This cover is useful for those with health conditions who may travel with a service pet animal for support.
Alternative Accommodation
If your lodging provider cannot honour confirmed bookings due to overbooking or other reasons beyond your control, you will be reimbursed the sum insured for alternate or upgraded accommodation for the same number of nights or travel destination. The coverage does not include bookings for which proof of booking or payment is not provided, bounced bookings, contractual breaches, waitlisted bookings, alternative arrangements provided within a reasonable period from the time of departure or commencement of stay covered by the earlier confirmed accommodation booking, or late flight volunteers. Any exclusion mentioned in the general exclusion section of your travel policy is not covered.
Compassionate Visit
Compassionate travel refers to urgent travel for a family member due to bereavement or serious illness. Some travel insurance policies offer a compassionate visit benefit, covering the cost of travel for a family member to visit a hospitalised policyholder. Eligibility depends on the policyholder being alone in the hospital. It includes family members like parents, spouses, or in-laws. Coverage details vary by policy but may include economy-class flights, accommodation, and a limited living allowance.