From Lost Luggage to Medical Emergencies: Travel Insurance Benefits You Need to Know

Travelling may be one of the most fulfilling things someone can do. The prospect of visiting a new area and discovering its streets, whether for pleasure or work, is exciting! Yet, before embarking on a new journey, do you think about what can go wrong throughout your vacation plans? What if you reach your destination only to discover you misplaced your luggage? What if your flight is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances? The solution to these and other inquiries is the same - travel insurance.

A travel insurance plan provides coverage for various risks associated with travelling. It is designed to protect travellers from unexpected events that may occur during their trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, flight delays, lost baggage, and more. While an insurance policy for travelling is not mandatory, it is highly recommended as it can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case something goes wrong.

What are the Benefits of a Travel Policy?

Travel plan offers protection from several travel-related dangers, but it also, and perhaps more crucially, offers protection from medical expenses that could emerge from unanticipated problems while travelling. Here are some of the most important travelling policy benefits you should know:

Medical Coverage 

One of the most important perks of travel plans is medical coverage. If you become injured or sick while travelling, your travel policy can cover the cost of medical treatment, hospitalisation, and emergency medical evacuation. Depending on the policy, the coverage may include dental treatment and prescription drugs.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel policy coverage can also provide coverage for trip cancellation and interruption. Suppose you have to cancel your trip or cut it short due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, death in the family, natural disaster, or terrorism. In that case, you can be reimbursed for the non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotel bookings, and other prepaid expenses.

Baggage and Personal Belongings 

If your baggage or personal belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip, travel policy can cover replacing them. This can include clothing, electronics, jewellery, and other personal items.

Flight Delay and Missed Connection

Suppose your flight is delayed or you miss a connecting flight for reasons beyond your control. In that case, travel plan coverages can provide coverage for additional transportation, accommodation, and other expenses you may incur as a result.

Emergency Assistance

Many travel policies also provide emergency assistance services such as a 24/7 hotline, medical referral, legal assistance, and translation services. This can be especially helpful if you travel in a foreign country and need help navigating the local healthcare system, dealing with the police, or communicating with locals.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment 

In the unfortunate event of accidental death or dismemberment during your trip, insurance can cover the cost of compensating your beneficiaries.

Pre-Existing Conditions Coverage

Some health insurance plans may also provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. This means that if you have a medical condition requiring regular treatment or medication, your insurance policy can cover the cost of any emergency treatment you may require while travelling.

What is Universal Travel Pass?

Apart from opting for an insurance plan for travelling, one can even choose a universal travel pass. It is an online e-pass allowing fully vaccinated citizens to travel in suburban trains. In terms of securing your travel, a universal travel pass is similar to a travel policy. One of the major benefits of universal travel pass online is that it will allow travellers to travel without any hassles outside their state. 

An insurance for travelling is a crucial investment providing protection and peace of mind. Before purchasing a travel insurance, it is essential to read the policy carefully and understand the coverage, exclusions, and limitations. Comparing policies from different providers is also recommended to find the best coverage and value for your needs. Customers of Niva Bupa may easily purchase insurance for travel before making their next vacation arrangements. Different travel coverages from Niva Bupa can help one stay insured even when away from home.

FAQ’s

What are the main benefits of buying travel insurance?

Travel insurance offers financial protection and peace of mind while you're away from home. The main benefits include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or delayed baggage, and personal liability. It can also cover unexpected events, such as natural disasters, flight delays, or COVID-19-related expenses, depending on the policy. It ensures you're not left stranded emotionally or financially in the event of an unexpected crisis abroad.

Are lost or delayed baggage covered under travel insurance?

Yes, lost, stolen, or delayed baggage is typically covered under most travel insurance plans. If your checked-in baggage is delayed beyond a specified number of hours, insurers may compensate you for essential purchases, such as clothing or toiletries. In cases of permanent loss or theft, you'll be reimbursed based on the value of your belongings, subject to policy limits.

Does travel insurance cover trip cancellations or delays?

Absolutely. Travel insurance generally includes trip cancellation and delay coverage, meaning that if you need to cancel your trip due to covered reasons (such as illness, death in the family, or a natural disaster), you can receive a refund of prepaid and non-refundable expenses. For delays, many policies offer compensation for meals, accommodation, and rebooking costs, provided the delay exceeds a specific duration.

Does travel insurance offer coverage for theft or loss of passport?

Yes, most travel insurance policies cover the theft or loss of your passport while travelling. The policy can reimburse the cost of obtaining a new passport and may also assist with related travel and documentation expenses. Some insurers even help facilitate quick replacements through their emergency assistance services.

Does travel insurance provide 24/7 emergency assistance services?

Yes, one of the key features of travel insurance is round-the-clock emergency assistance. Whether you're dealing with a medical emergency, legal trouble, language barrier, or need help locating the nearest hospital, the 24/7 helpline ensures you're never alone. Some insurers even provide concierge services, helping you with bookings or important local information.