Why Travel Insurance Is Essential For International Trips: What Indian Travellers Must Know

With the onset of summer vacations, there is a surge in international travel among Indian tourists, especially to Schengen visa countries and the US. For frequent travellers, it is important they have a comprehensive travel insurance, as it can be beneficial in many situations, such as sudden conflicts in the travelling destinations like the recent Pahalgam terror attack, natural disasters, or any medical emergency that may occur abruptly, besides the usual disruptions arising out of lost documents and baggage, or even trip cancellations or missed flights.

For those travelling internationally, a travel insurance provides them additional security in all these unforeseen events.

Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance of Policybazaar.com says that travel insurance is more than just a visa requirement. It's a crucial financial shield against medical emergencies, terrorist incidents, and sudden disruptions.

Sharing some insight on recent developments in the travelling industry, Kapadia says that, “with the onset of summer vacations, there is a noticeable surge in travellers heading to Schengen countries and the US with demand often spiking almost double during this period,” and travel insurance is a must-have for such visitors.

How Can Travel Insurance be Beneficial For Elderly Travellers?

If you are travelling internationally, it is vital to have insurance. It can help you in a lot of situations, such as document loss, baggage loss, trip cancellations, missed flights, and even medical emergencies or natural calamities.

Says Kapadia: “A travel insurance is a smart, practical safeguard that provides financial protection and peace of mind arising out of unexpected disruptions, such as sudden illnesses and injuries, last-minute trip cancellations, missed connecting flights, and even natural calamities, such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, forest fires etc. It can also cover the cost of emergency medical treatment or evacuation, which can be excessively expensive abroad.”

Terror Attack or Trip Cancellation

Travel insurance also provides safeguard in case of terror attacks. Says Kapadia, “Most insurers offer coverage if your trip is affected by a terrorist attack and disrupts your travel plans.”

Also, many flights get cancelled or are rescheduled due to overbooking during the holiday season. Another reason is bad weather. In both these instances, a travel insurance will prove helpful as the insurer may help make alternative arrangements.

Kapadia adds: “Situations like trip delays or cancellations caused by sudden runway repairs or other unexpected on-ground incidents are covered under travel insurance plans, allowing travellers to file a claim up to the sum insured mentioned in their policy.”

Do Not Neglect The Fine Print

It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy. Often mistakes or miscommunications could arise due to lack of awareness on the policyholder’s part which could result in claim rejection.

According to Kapadia, not all events are covered, and therefore, policyholders must carefully read the policy document carefully. “Travellers should take the time to read the fine print, as many standard policies exclude high-risk scenarios like political unrest or war-like situations,” he adds.