INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Authors: Jordan
Destinations for travel
geeks in India are no more limited to just domestic points of interest as international destinations have surged these lists in the past
The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) predicts that India will account for 50 million outbound tourists by 2020.As exciting as these
times may be, tourists need to be more careful than ever while planning their trips abroad and make sure a comprehensive travel insurance
policy is part of their checklist to avoid difficulties in a foreign land
Many of us think travel insurance to be an added cost
However, it can be a lifesaver if you lose your baggage, require hospitalisation or get caught in a terrible situation like a plane
Let's find out why it's essential for your trip abroad.Medical EmergencyMedicals costs, including serious hospitalization and treatment, is
something you least expect during a vacation
But if it comes to that, your travel insurance will be bear these costs up to the amount insured
While some visas like Schengen require you to mandatorily hold a medical insurance, many don't need it
Nevertheless you should get coverage, as medical costs in a foreign land can run into lakhs of rupees.Make sure, however, to check
For instance, if you already have an illness when leaving the country, you will not be reimbursed for its treatment abroad.Transport
WoesThis is probably the most preferred reason for travellers to opt for insurance
With low-cost flights and jam-packed air traffic schedules, cancellations and delays have become a common phenomenon
In order to get compensated for such woes, make sure you get a travel insurance that covers such costs
While most plans only pay for flights, some cover train and ferry delays and cancellations as well.Loss of BelongingsShould you lose your
passport, you will have to get a duplicate passport issued abroad and pay for it in the currency of the country you are in
These expenses, if covered by your insurance, will be taken care of by the insurance company
Moreover, if your baggage is lost or delayed and you are stuck with no clothes, you will be given an allowance in some plans and in case it
is permanently lost, you will be compensated up to a specified amount.Evacuation Costs In EmergencyEmergency evacuation can prove to be
rather expensive in cases of serious medical help from remote locations or evacuation during natural calamities
In some cases, plans cover for evacuation during political instability as well but if you meet with an accident as a result of war or
terrorism, it will not be covered.Things To Keep In MindBefore selecting the insurer, make sure you check some basic riders and keep in mind
some of the following points:If you are travelling with family, you will have to get insurance for each family member
You can cover everyone under a group policy.Adventure sports, winter sports and 'dangerous activities' are usually the first exclusions in a
standard travel insurance policy, although some may cover it at an added fee.Travel insurance will also not cover expenses of any kind for
any country that has been advised by the government as a No Visit Zone or Danger Zone
The insurance companies will likely reject the application for insurance for such countries.Medical and evacuation costs may not be cashless
and will be reimbursed when you return to the country after you produce the relevant bills.Always check which airlines and trains are
excluded from the insurer's coverage.Online travel operators may bundle insurance with your ticket and hotel bookings
However, these are one-size-fits-all policies
They may or may not meet your actual insurance requirement
Always compare your options online before finalising the best one for your trip.(Adhil Shetty is CEO at Bankbazaar.com)Disclaimer: This is
an advertorial and is not responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the same.
