Stay Protected on the Go: A Guide to Family Travel Insurance

Travelling has been a constant in our lives. whether for a vacation or for work. One surely does enjoy a break for some peace of mind and relaxation. Even though it might seem like you are in the most comfortable, safe place, it is difficult to anticipate the situations that life puts forth suddenly. Hence travel policy is as instrumental as health insurance in everyone's life. 
 

This blog will serve as a guide to family travel policy so that you can stay protected on the go.

What is Travel Insurance?

A travel insurance plan covers the expenses for any mishap that occurs while you are travelling. In recent times, after the catastrophic pandemic, people realised the need for travel plans more than ever. People who have to make more frequent international trips are more likely to purchase such plans. However, a travel policy for domestic travel is equally necessary.

What are its Types?

Travel companies offer their customers many different types of plans to choose from at their convenience. This helps travellers to make the wise choice of choosing the best plan for themselves.

• Domestic plan - This plan is for those people who are travelling within the country. It provides coverage for any mishap or emergency that occurs while you are travelling within your country.
• International plan - An international travel plan safeguards the individual against any calamity that occurs while travelling outside one’s own country. It not only provides coverage like a domestic travel policy but also ensures financial security against flight accidents, repartition back to one's own country and more.
• Medical plan -  The name itself suggests the purpose of this plan. Medical plan is a policy designed to cover the expenses of any medical emergencies, serious injuries or sickness that one might face while travelling.
• Group plan -  Most appropriate for a group of employees working together. Whenever a group of colleagues or employees go on a business trip together, it's always a better option to opt for a group travel plan. It is affordable and doesn’t compromise on safety either.
• Senior citizen plan - This type of travel policy provides all the basic advantages along with coverage of other expenses of treatments that senior citizens would require. It even offers cashless hospitalisation.
• Single trip plan - It is an insurance that a person can avail when they travel for just one trip and don’t frequently travel.
• Multi-trip plan - A multi-trip travel policy is beneficial for those individuals who travel frequently. This offers insurance for about a year so that the person does not have to go through the process of applying for insurance every time they travel.

What are its Benefits?

A travel policy is provided by travel companies when you purchase tickets or travel packages. It provides many benefits, including coverage for medical emergencies, replacing lost passports, cash wire assistance, rebooking cancelled flights, assistance for lost baggage, evacuation expenses in case of any natural disaster or terrorist attack, flight accident coverage, etc. The benefits of a travel insurance plan are explained below:

• There are times when you might have to cancel a booking due to some emergency. In such a case, if you have travel insurance, you can apply for reimbursement, or at least wouldn’t face a complete loss of money.
• When you are travelling internationally, the medical expenses might be way higher. This can cause an unnecessary financial burden in case of any medical emergency, hence having this insurance safeguards in the event of any crisis like this.
• The expenses that travellers have to often incur due to delays in flights and interruptions are also covered by a travel plan.
• When you have travel insurance, you will be provided with assistance in the terrible situation of losing your luggage, passport, credit card, debit card etc.

Summing Up

A travel plan indeed helps you stay protected on the go. It is high time we realise the importance of the same. Pushing the importance of a travel plan under the rug is only going to lead to chaos in the future in case any crisis occurs while you are travelling. Get your travel insurance today!

Niva Bupa offers the best travel policies. The key features of a travel plan from Niva Bupa include:

• Coverage for trip cancellation
• Emergency service for in-patient treatment
• Travel policies according to the destination
• No requirement for a pre-medical check-up
• Seamless claims process
• Coverage for pre-existing diseases for students travelling abroad

FAQ's

Who can be included under a family travel insurance policy?

A family travel insurance policy typically covers the primary policyholder, their spouse, and dependent children. In some plans, dependent parents or parents-in-law may also be included. The age criteria for children generally range between 3 months to 25 years, depending on the insurer's terms. All members must be travelling together or under the same itinerary to be eligible.

What benefits does family travel insurance offer?

Family travel insurance provides comprehensive coverage for all members under a single policy, including:

• Medical expenses due to illness or accidents abroad
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Loss or delay of baggage and personal belongings
• Passport loss assistance
• Emergency evacuation and repatriation
• Personal liability coverage
• COVID-19-related expenses (in some plans)
  This one-policy approach is not only convenient but also often more cost-effective than buying individual plans.

Is family travel insurance valid for multiple trips in a year?

Yes, but only if you choose a multi-trip family travel insurance plan. These plans are ideal for families who travel frequently during the year. It provides continuous coverage for multiple trips within 12 months, with a cap on the duration of each trip (typically 30 to 90 days). If you travel only once or twice, a single-trip plan might be more economical.

How can I choose the best family travel insurance plan?

To pick the right plan, consider the following:

• Coverage: Ensure it includes all essential benefits, such as medical emergencies, trip delays, and baggage loss.
• Destination-specific needs: Coverage requirements vary for Schengen countries, the USA, or Asia.
• Duration and frequency of travel: Choose between single-trip and multi-trip based on your travel habits.
• Sum insured per member vs. floater: Some policies offer individual cover per person, while others offer a shared limit.
• Claim process and support: Look for plans with easy digital claims and 24/7 assistance.
• Reputation of the insurer: Check reviews and claim settlement ratios.