Travelling, whether for work, school, or pleasure can thrill you. But they can also shock you with lost bags, scrapped flights, sudden sickness, or calls for urgent aid. Choosing one among the best travel insurance offers cash safety and calm thoughts when you’re away from your house. With many options, how do you pick the best travel insurance policy? We’ll break it down for you in this blog.
Below are the steps to choose the travel insurance right for your trip:
1. Know What Travel Insurance Covers
Each travel insurance plan has unique features, but most plans deal with:
- Cancelled or delayed trips
- Health emergencies in another country
- Baggage loss or delay
- Liability coverage
- Emergency evacuations or returning home
Check if the plan covers these essentials before choosing, if you’re headed abroad.
2. Choose a Plan Based on Why You’re Travelling
Are you planning a short trip in your country, flying overseas for a work-related trip, or joining a student exchange program?
- Vacation travel: Pick a plan that offers full protection, like covering trip cancellations and missing luggage.
- Work trips: Go with one that handles claims and provides support at any time of day.
- Student trips: A policy that includes longer health coverage and accident protection works best.
Every reason to travel comes with its own set of risks. To pick the best travel insurance, you need to match it to your trip’s purpose and how long you’ll be gone.
3. Check Medical Coverage Limits
Medical coverage is vital when visiting places like the USA, Canada, or Europe where healthcare costs can be very high. Check:
- Consider the coverage amount, which must be from ₹25 lakhs to ₹1 crore for trips abroad.
- Check benefits like hospital stays, outpatient care, dental needs, and medical evacuation options.
- Check whether it includes pre-existing condition coverage, if required.
Pay attention to the details. Some plans charge higher premiums to extend medical coverage. This can be a smart choice for seniors or people with existing health issues who may need extra protection.
4. Learn How Claims Work and Check Partner Network
Travel insurance is pointless if claiming it feels like a struggle. Pay attention to these things:
- Hospitals abroad should offer cashless claim options.
- Look for a 24-hour helpline or an app to get quick emergency help.
- Claims should need clear and straightforward paperwork.
Some insurers team up with international assistance companies to make emergencies less stressful.
5. Explore Extra Coverage Options
A basic policy might not cover everything you need. Check if additional benefits are available, like:
- Coverage for adventure sports such as skiing or scuba diving.
- Protection for interrupted or shortened trips.
- Home burglary coverage while you’re traveling.
Spending a bit more on extra coverage can help you avoid big losses later.
6. Compare Plans and Read Feedback
Before choosing a policy:
- Use comparison sites to see coverage, exclusions, and premiums side-by-side.
- Look at what users say about the claims process.
- Confirm the insurer is IRDAI-approved and has a solid record in settling claims.
Taking time to research helps you pick a plan that isn’t just cheap but also trustworthy and useful.
7. Don’t Leave It to the Last Minute
Get your travel insurance once your trip gets confirmed. Some advantages, like trip cancellation coverage, apply if your policy starts before any unexpected event takes place.
In Summary
Choosing the best travel insurance isn’t just about the price tag. You should ensure it provides the right protection for your journey. Consider your itinerary, potential risks, and what the policy covers. Look for plans with good medical coverage, a simple claims process, and options that suit your requirements.
Trustworthy companies like Chola MS Travel Insurance offer travellers a range of choices with customised plans. They have global assistance and round-the-clock support to make your trips safer, smoother, and worry-free.
FAQs
Q1. Do I need travel insurance to go abroad?
Some countries such as those in the Schengen area, make it a rule to have travel insurance with a minimum medical cover. Even if not a requirement, having it for any international trip is recommended.
Q2. Can I get travel insurance after my trip begins?
No. Most companies need you to buy the policy before you travel.
Q3. What does a travel insurance policy cost?
The cost ranges from 4% to 10% of your total trip costs. It depends on your destination, trip length, and the type of cover you choose.
Q4. Does travel insurance cover COVID-19?
Many providers now offer cover for COVID-linked health costs. Still, you should check the terms and see what limits apply.
Leave a Reply