Travels policy coverage should align with potential medical bills abroad

 Travels policy coverage should align with potential medical bills abroad

Disclose all pre-existing ailments to ensure smooth processing of claims.

Many are eager to jet off with their families to exotic foreign destinations this summer. However, amid selecting the right vacation spot, flights and hotels, one should not overlook the importance of purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy.

Such insurance can provide coverage for a range of potential emergencies and mishaps, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, and loss of baggage.

Match policy to travel goals

When choosing a travel insurance policy, give primary consideration to the purpose of your trip. For example, if you are traveling for business, a basic policy that covers trip or flight cancellation, loss of baggage (also passport and mobile devices), medical expenses and personal accident may suffice.

“If you are travelling for personal recreation purposes, then in addition you can also opt for an add-on like adventure sports cover, which provides coverage for accidents, death, or permanent total disability arising out of partaking in such activities. 

Students travelling abroad for studies should opt for plans specifically designed for them.” They should buy policies designed to cover the entire study period, and which provide protection against specific risks like sponsor protection and study interruption.”

Buy adequate sum insured for treatment

Depending on the country you are travelling to, purchase adequate coverage for medical treatment. This cost tends to be very high in country like the United States. “This most basic and important feature of a base travel insurance policy is to provide you with medical cover. It should cover hospitalization costs, accidents, ambulance charges, medicines and day care procedures. The cost of emergency should also be covered.

Supplement basic cover with add-ons

Personal accident cover, flight cancellation or delay cover, and baggage and personal belongings cover, are some of the features that should be included in the basic policy.

Additional features can be added to your travels insurance policy by paying a slightly higher premium.

Adventure sports: Most base travel insurance policies do not cover adventure sports. “if you plan to indulge in such activates, find a plan that covers these activities and the medical costs that can arise from them as part of the base policy or rider.

Visa rejection :  Susheel Tejuja, ,principal officer, founder and managing director informs that certain insurers now offer an optional add-on  benefits of refunding the visa fee in case your application gets rejected.

Fraudulent charges: Sometimes, a traveler’s card can get stolen. The thief may run up a massive bill on it.”In such an event, this add-on-reimburses the unauthorized charges

Emergency assistance cover (which covers the cost of legal assistance, bail bond, emergency, and evacuation), emergency trip extension cover (for situations such as medical issues, riots, political upheavals, etc) and burglary cover (for your home while you are away) are other add-ons you may consider buying.

Understand the caveats

All these covers may be included in some policies but not in others.”A cover that is part of the base cover in one policy may be available as an add-on in another. Therefore, read the policy document will also make you familiar with the conditions that apply to making claim payouts.

Make sure you select an insurer with a reputation for an easy and straightforward claims process. “Look for an insurer that has a dedicated claims team and also has international tie-ups that can assist you in case of an emergency.

According to Sharma, it’s crucial to disclose any pre-existing health conditions prior to purchasing a policy to ensure a seamless claims process. Review the policy details and understand all the exclusions or limitations. Mishra cautions that some policies may not offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, or certain destinations.

Finally, when purchasing a travel insurance policy , take the time to compare different policies and select  one that meets your specific needs. This due diligence will ensure peace of mind during your travels.

 

For More Details: Pooja Manoj Gupta, visit www.giia26.com
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