- ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance for USA
ICICI Lombard offers comprehensive travel insurance for the USA, providing coverage for up to 360 days. The initial policy spans 180 days but can be extended for an additional 180 days. This insurance encompasses medical assistance and covers the total loss of checked-in baggage, including handbags.
With a global cashless hospitalization facility in partnership with United Health International (UHI), one of the largest healthcare companies in the USA, ICICI Lombard ensures a seamless healthcare experience for travelers.
For those traveling to the USA, ICICI Lombard presents two plans catering to various trip losses and medical expenses. The medical coverage ranges from $50,000 to $500,000.
Coverage Highlights
– Medical Cover (including medical evacuation cost): $50,000 to $500,000
– Repatriation of Remains: $7,500
– Daily Allowance in Case of Hospitalization: Up to $50 per day (max 5 days)
– Dental Treatment: $300
– Loss of Checked-in Baggage: $500
– Delay of Checked-in Baggage: $100
– Loss of Passport: $300
– Personal Liability: $100,000
– Personal Accident: $15,000
– Hijack Distress Allowance: $125 per day (max 7 days)
– Emergency Cash Advance: $1,000
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption: $500
– Missed Flight Connection: $500
– Trip Delays: $500
– Political Risk and Catastrophe Evacuation: $7,500
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): $5,000
– Fire Cover for Building: Rs. 20 Lacs
– Fire Cover for Home Component: Rs. 10 Lacs
– Burglary Cover for Home Content: Rs. 1 Lac
– Bounced Booking – Hotel / Airline: $2,000
– Compassionate Visit: $7,500
– Emergency Hotel Extension: $5,000
– Loss of Baggage and Personal Effects: $2,000
– Return of Minor Child(ren): Actual travel cost not exceeding $7,500
Policy Exclusions
– Claims due to or arising from pre-existing medical conditions
– Sporting activities
– Travel for naturopathy treatment, ayurvedic/homoeopathic therapies
– Costs related to rest or recuperation at a spa or health resort
ICICI Lombard Travel Insurance Plans
– ICICI Lombard Single Trip Platinum and Gold Plan
– ICICI Lombard Multi-trip Plan
– ICICI Lombard Senior Citizen Plan
– ICICI Lombard Asia Plan
– ICICI Lombard Schengen Plan
Pros
– Coverage extension up to 360 days
– No medical test required up to 85 years of age
– Partial premium refund for no claims with over 30 days left to the expiry date
Cons
– Minimum one-week premium payment regardless of the actual travel duration
– Sub-limit of $100,000 per illness or accident (except for platinum plans)
- Religare Travel Insurance
Religare stands out by offering coverage for pre-existing ailments and allocating 10% of the sum insured for treatment. Moreover, the insurance provides double the sum cover (up to $1000K) in the case of accidental hospitalization.
A unique non-medical benefit is the up-gradation to business class when returning after 5 days of hospitalization.
Coverage Highlights
– Sum Insured: $50,000 to $500,000
– Inpatient Care: Up to Sum Insured
– Life-threatening Condition for PED: 10% of SI
– Additional Sum Insured for Accidental Hospitalization: Yes, up to 100% of the sum insured
– Outpatient Care: $50,000
– Daily Allowance in Case of Hospitalization: Up to $25 per day (max 5 days)
– Compassionate Visit: $5000
– Return of Minor Child(ren): $2000
– Upgradation to Business Class in Case of Return After Hospitalization: $1000
– Dental Treatment: $300
– Personal Accident: $15,000
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): $5000
– Medical Evacuation: $50,000
– Repatriation of Remains: $50,000
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption: $1000
– Trip Delays: $500
– Loss of Checked-in Baggage: $100
– Delay of Checked-in Baggage: $100
– Loss of Passport: $300
– Personal Liability: $100,000
Religare Travel Insurance Plans
– Religare Explore Gold Travel Insurance Plan for single and multi-trip
– Religare Explore Platinum Travel Insurance Plan for single and multi-trip
Pros
– Coverage for pre-existing ailments
– Maximum trip duration of 365 days
– Additional sum insured up to 100% for accidental hospitalization
– No upper age limit
Cons
– No Emergency Cash advance
– No Hijack distress allowance
– Various sub-limits for medical expenses
- Bharti AXA Travel Insurance
Bharti AXA is a globally recognized travel insurance provider operating in 130+ countries. With 24/7 claim assistance and robust customer support through Bharti Assist Global, they ensure comprehensive coverage for various insurance-related matters.
No medical check-up is required for individuals up to 70 years. Bharti AXA offers three Schengen travel insurance plans, catering to all 26 Schengen countries.
Schengen Product Plans
Silver
– Medical Expenses: €30,000
– Dental Treatment: €500
– Personal Accident: €10,000
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): €2,500
– Loss of Passport: €350
– Loss of Checked-in Baggage: €500
– Delay of Checked-in Baggage: €100
Gold
– Medical Expenses: €50,000
– Dental Treatment: €500
– Personal Accident: €15,000
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): €2,500
– Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalization: €25 per day
– Loss of Passport: €350
– Loss of Checked-in Baggage: €500
– Delay of Checked-in Baggage: €100
– Trip Delays: €50
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption: €500
– Missed Connection: €250
– Personal Liability: €100,000
– Hijack Distress Allowance: €75
– Platinum
– Medical Expenses: €100,000
– Dental Treatment: €500
– Personal Accident: €20,000
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): €2,500
– Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalization: €25 per day
– Loss of Passport: €350
– Loss of Checked-in Baggage: €1,000
– Delay of Checked-in Baggage: €100
– Trip Delays: €50
– Trip Cancellation and Interruption: €500
– Missed Connection: €250
– Personal Liability: €100,000
– Hijack Distress Allowance: €75
Medical expenses include repatriation and emergency medical evacuation. Daily allowance in case of hospitalization is for a maximum of 7 days. Compassionate visit coverage is provided for round trip and stay expenses of an immediate family member visiting the insured if hospitalized for more than 7 consecutive days.
Bharti AXA Travel Insurance Plans
– Bharti AXA Smart Traveller Worldwide Travel Insurance Policy
– Bharti AXA Smart Traveller Schengen Travel Insurance
– Bharti AXA Smart Traveller Annual Multi-trip Insurance
– Bharti AXA Smart Traveller Single Trip Insurance
Pros
– Global presence and 24/7 global assistance
Cons
– No Emergency Cash advance and Outpatient care cover
– No Political risk and catastrophe evacuation
- Reliance Travel Insurance
Reliance Travel Insurance ensures worldwide cashless hospitalization and instant issuance without the need for a medical checkup. However, it’s crucial to note that Reliance doesn’t cover claims arising from undisclosed or non-declared pre-existing medical conditions.
Benefits of Reliance Schengen Travel Insurance
Basic
– Medical expenses: €30,000
– Dental treatment: €500
– Loss of passport: NIL
– Total loss of checked-in baggage: NIL
– Delay of checked-in baggage: NIL
– Personal Accident: €10,000
– Accidental death (common carrier): NIL
– Personal Liability: NIL
– Compassionate Visit: NIL (Return Fare for one person from spouse, child, or family doctor)
Standard
– Medical expenses: €50,000
– Dental treatment: €500
– Loss of passport: €300
– Total loss of checked-in baggage: €500
– Delay of checked-in baggage: €100
– Personal Accident: €15,000
– Accidental death (common carrier): €2,500
– Personal Liability: €50,000
– Compassionate Visit: Return Fare for one person from spouse, child, or family doctor
Note
– Medical expenses include transportation, evacuation, and repatriation of mortal remains.
– For a total loss of checked-in baggage, the maximum amount payable per checked-in baggage is determined by the applicable sum insured:
– More than 1 bag: 50%
– One checked-in baggage: 100%
– Per item in baggage: Max 10%
Policy Exclusions
– Claims arising from non-disclosed and non-declared pre-existing medical conditions.
– Expenses incurred if traveling against the advice of a physician, receiving or on a waiting list for specified medical treatment.
– Partial loss or damage in the case of loss of checked-in baggage is not payable.
Best Reliance Travel Insurance Plans
– Reliance Standard Travel Insurance Policy
– Reliance Silver Travel Insurance Policy
– Reliance Gold Travel Insurance Policy
– Reliance Platinum Travel Insurance Policy
Pros
– Instant travel policy with no medical checkup.
– Cashless hospitalization worldwide.
– Minimum age for insurance: 3 months; Maximum age: 90 years
Cons
– Does not cover daily allowances in case of hospitalization.
– Travel baggage loss not covered.
- Future Generali Travel Insurance
Future Generali offers comprehensive global travel protection with tailor-made plans and 24/7 toll-free worldwide emergency assistance. They provide specially designed plans catering to travel in Asian countries (excluding Korea and Japan) and European countries under the Schengen Visa.
One standout feature of Future Generali is their provision of medical advice over the phone and dispatching essential medicine that may not be locally available. The plans also waive off medical tests if there is no adverse health declaration on the proposal form. Additionally, Future Generali allows for an automatic extension of travel insurance for 7 days.
Travel Insurance Coverage
Standard
– Medical expenses: €30,000
– Dental treatment: €200
– Hijack cover: No cover
– Trip delays: No cover
– Trip cancellation and interruption: No cover
– Trip Curtailment: No cover
– Missed connection: No cover
– Loss of passport: €200
– Delay of checked-in baggage: No cover
– Loss of checked-in baggage: €200
– Compassionate visit: No cover
– Financial Emergency Assistance: No cover
– Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: €3,500
– Personal Liability: No cover
– Automatic Extension for 7 days: No cover
Silver
– Medical expenses: €50,000
– Dental treatment: €200
– Hijack cover: €50 per day. Max 7 days
– Trip delays: €50
– Trip cancellation and interruption: No cover
– Trip Curtailment: No cover
– Missed connection: No cover
– Loss of passport: €200
– Delay of checked-in baggage: €50
– Loss of checked-in baggage: €350
– Compassionate visit: No cover
– Financial Emergency Assistance: No cover
– Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: €3,500
– Personal Liability: €50,000
– Automatic Extension for 7 days: No cover
Gold
– Medical expenses: €100,000
– Dental treatment: €200
– Hijack cover: €100 per day. Max 7 days
– Trip delays: €20 per 12 hrs. Max 120 hrs
– Trip cancellation and interruption: €300
– Trip Curtailment: €200
– Missed connection: €350
– Loss of passport: €250
– Delay of checked-in baggage: €100
– Loss of checked-in baggage: €500
– Compassionate visit: €500
– Financial Emergency Assistance: €300
– Accidental Death & Permanent Total Disability: €10,000
– Personal Liability: €100,000
– Automatic Extension for 7 days: Available
Note
– Medical expenses include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
– For the loss of checked-in baggage, the per-baggage cover is a maximum of 50%, and for each item, it is a maximum of 10%.
Policy Exclusions
– Pre-existing diseases and complications
– Pregnancy, resulting childbirth, miscarriage, abortion, or complications arising from any of these
– Loss or damage to your passport due to confiscation or detention by customs, police, or any other authority
Best Future Generali Travel Insurance Plans
– Future Generali Schengen and worldwide Travel Insurance
– Future Generali Overseas Travel Insurance Plan
– Future Generali Student Travel Insurance Plan
Pros
– Automatic extension of travel insurance for 7 days
– Medical advice over the phone
– Dispatch of essential medicine not available locally
Cons
– Lower amount (EUR 50) for a compassionate visit.
– Exclusions for accidental death (common carrier) and hospital allowance.
- SBI General Travel Insurance
SBI General Insurance provides extensive coverage with medical expenses covered up to $500,000. However, it specifically caters to medical expenses primarily related to emergencies. It’s essential to note that SBI General Insurance won’t cover instances where you travel against medical advice, have pre-existing medical conditions, or engage in adventure sports during your travels.
One notable feature from SBI is the complimentary automatic extension for 7 days in case of delays due to public transport services. Moreover, the extension of travel insurance is allowed for a maximum of 180 days, provided the overall trip duration does not exceed 270 days.
SBI General Insurance stands out as the only insurer offering unique coverage for a Bail bond and compensation for a Golfer’s hole-in-one.
Coverage Highlights
– Medical Expenses (including medical evacuation & repatriation): $50,000 to $500,000
– Personal Accident: 10% of medical expenses. Max $25,000
– Loss of Passport: $2000 on a floater basis
– Golfer’s Hole in One: $2000 on a floater basis
– Home Burglary: $2000 on a floater basis
– Loss of Checked Baggage: $2000 on a floater basis
– Trip Cancellation: $2000 on a floater basis
– Trip Curtailment: $2000 on a floater basis
– Missed Flight Connection: $2000 on a floater basis
– Delay of Checked Baggage: $2000 on a floater basis
– Hijack Distress Allowance: $200 per day. $2000 on a floater basis
– Trip Delays: $200 per 12 hrs. $2000 on a floater basis
– Hospitalization Daily Allowance: Up to $50 per day. $2000 on a floater basis
– Bail Bond: $2000 on a floater basis
– Emergency Cash Advance: $2000 on a floater basis
– Personal Liability: 50% of the medical expense amount or $200,000, whichever is lower
Policy Exclusions
– Travel against medical advice or for pre-existing medical conditions
– Claims arising from war, hostilities, and situations of military or usurped power
– Participation in winter sports, mountaineering, races, caving, hunting, diving, rafting, yachting, or other hazardous sports unless specifically covered
– Medical expenses from pre-existing diseases
Best SBI General Travel Insurance Plans
– SBI General’s Travel Insurance Policy for business and holiday
Pros
– Automatic extension for 7 days
– Coverage for a bail bond
– $200,000 personal liability cover
Cons
– No separate insurance for dental treatment and accidental death (common carrier)
– No coverage for compassionate visits and return of a minor child
- TATA AIG Travel Insurance
TATA AIG Travel Insurance stands out as the exclusive insurer that compensates for the unauthorized use of a lost payment card, provided it’s reported within 12 hours. However, it’s important to note that pre-existing conditions and complications arising from them are not covered. In unforeseen emergency conditions, TATA AIG offers reimbursement of up to $1500 per policy.
One distinctive feature is the coverage for bounced hotel and airline bookings. Nevertheless, TATA AIG imposes various sub-limits on medical expenses for individuals aged 56 and above, including limits on surgery, ambulance services, ICU charges, etc. These sub-limits can be waived off by paying an additional premium.
Coverage Highlights
– Medical Expense: $50,000 to $500,000
– Accidental Death: $10,000 to $25,000
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): $5,000
– Dental Relief: $300 to $1,000
– Baggage Delay: $50 to $500
– Checked Baggage Loss: $500 to $1,000
– Passport Loss: $250
– Personal Liability: $100,000 to $500,000
– Flight Delays: $10 per 12 hrs
– Hijack: $100 per day
– Emergency Cash Advance: $500 to $1,500
– Fraudulent Charge: $500 to $2,000
– Home Burglary: ₹1 Lakh to ₹2 Lakh
– Trip Cancellation, Curtailment, Missed Flight Connection, Bounced Booking: $500 to $1,000
Medical expenses include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. In the case of hijack, the maximum cover is $500. In the case of flight delays, the maximum cover is $100
Policy Exclusions
– Travel against physician advice or for obtaining treatment
– Pre-existing conditions
– Claims arising from war, hostilities, and situations of military or usurped power
Best TATA AIG General Travel Insurance Plans
– TATA AIG Travel Guard Silver, Silver Plus, Gold, Platinum Insurance Policies
Pros
– Up to $500K of personal liability cover
– $2000 covers for fraudulent charges on the payment card
– Cover for bounced airline and hotel booking
Cons
– No separate cover for a compassionate visit
– Various sub-limits for medical expenses for persons aged 56 years and above.
- IFFCO Tokio Travel Insurance
Choosing travel insurance from IFFCO Tokio brings the convenience of payment through various channels, including cards, net banking, and Paytm wallet.
One standout feature is IFFCO Tokio’s provision of a 20-day hospitalization allowance, offering extensive coverage in terms of the number of days. However, it’s crucial to note that IFFCO Tokio does not provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Coverage Highlights
– Medical Expense
– Gold 500: $500,000
– Gold 250: $250,000
– Gold 100: $100,000
– Silver: $250,000
– Bronze: $50,000
– Personal Accident
– All Plans: $25,000
– Dental Treatment
– All Plans: $250
– Repatriation of Remains
– All Plans: $7,000
– Hospital Daily Allowance
– Gold 500 & Gold 250: $30 per day for 20 days
– Gold 100 & Bronze: NIL
– Silver: $30 per day
– Checked Baggage Loss
– All Plans: $1,000
– Baggage Delay
– All Plans: $150
– Passport Loss
– All Plans: $200
– Hijack Allowance
– Gold 500: $700
– Others: Not Applicable (NA)
– Emergency Cash Advance
– Gold 500: $250
– Others: NIL
– Personal Liability
– All Plans: $100,000
Policy Exclusions
– Traveling against a physician’s advice or for medical treatments
– Pre-existing medical conditions
– Damages to checked-in baggage
– Losses related to participation in high-risk sports or training involving unprofessional trainers
Best IFFCO Tokio General Travel Insurance Plans
– IFFCO Tokio Gold 500 Travel Insurance Policy
– IFFCO Tokio Gold 250 Travel Insurance Policy
– IFFCO Tokio Gold 100 Travel Insurance Policy
– IFFCO Tokio Silver Travel Insurance Policy
– IFFCO Tokio Bronze Travel Insurance Policy
Pros
– 20 days of hospitalization allowances
– Payment flexibility through Paytm
Cons
– No cover for flight delays, trip cancellation, and missed flights
– Hijack allowance and financial emergency assistance only with Gold 500 plan
- HDFC Ergo Travel Insurance
HDFC Ergo stands out with its diverse range of travel insurance policies, offering coverage for medical expenses ranging from $30,000 to $500,000.
With a vast network of 8 Lac+ cashless hospitals globally and a strategic partnership with Allianz Worldwide for travel assistance, HDFC Ergo provides comprehensive travel coverage.
An exclusive feature of HDFC Ergo is the contingency travel benefits, offering coverage up to $3000.
Coverage Highlights
– Medical Expenses
– Titanium: $500,000
– Platinum: $200,000
– Silver: $100,000
– Gold: $50,000
– Bronze: $30,000
– Accidental Death & Permanent Disability
– Varies based on the plan
– Hospital Cash
– $15 per day across all plans
– Dental Treatment
– Ranges from $300 to $500
– Loss of Baggage & Personal Docs
– $250 across all plans
– Loss of Checked Baggage
– $1000 across all plans
– Delay of Checked Baggage
– Ranges from $100 to $200
– Personal Liability
– Ranges from $50,000 to $200,000
– Emergency Cash
– Ranges from $300 to $1500
– Hijack Allowances
– $75 per day across all plans
– Flight Delay
– $10 per hour across all plans
– Contingency Travel Benefits
– Up to $3000
Policy Exclusions
– Pre-existing illnesses or ailments
– Traveling against physician advice or for treatment
– Participation in dangerous sports
– Pregnancy-related complications
– Children below 5 not covered for specific diseases
Best HDFC Ergo General Travel Insurance Plans
– HDFC Ergo Titanium Travel Insurance Plans
– HDFC Ergo Platinum Travel Insurance Plans
– HDFC Ergo Gold Travel Insurance Plans
– HDFC Ergo Silver Travel Insurance Plans
– HDFC Ergo Bronze Travel Insurance Plans
Pros
– Contingency travel benefits up to $3000
– Up to $200K of personal liability coverage
Cons
– Sub-limits for medical expenses for persons aged 61 to 70
– No coverage for compassionate visits
- Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance
Bajaj Allianz sets itself apart by offering unique Travel Ezee automatic claim settlement services. This distinctive feature involves the insurer proactively tracking claim events, such as flight delays, and promptly informing the policyholder while crediting the claim amount.
Coverage Highlights
– Travel Prime Maximum
– Medical Expense: $1,000,000
– Personal Accident: $25,000
– Dental Relief: $500
– Loss of Checked Baggage: $1,000
– Accidental Death (Common Carrier): $5,000
– Loss of Passport: $300
– Personal Liability: $250,000
– Hijack: $60 per day, Max $360
– Trip Delay: $30 per 12 hrs, Max $180
– Hospitalization Allowance: $25 per day, Max $125
– Golfers Hole in One: $500
– Baggage Delay: $100
– Home Burglary: Rs. 3 Lakh
– Emergency Cash: $1,500
– Missed Flight Connection: $100
– Bounced Hotel: $500
Policy Exclusions
– Pre-existing illnesses or ailments
– Traveling against the advice of a physician or for treatment
– Participation in dangerous sports
Best Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance Plans
– Bajaj Allianz Travel Companion Insurance with three Plans – Travel Care, Travel Secure, and Travel Value.
– Bajaj Allianz Travel Elite Insurance with three Plans – Silver, Gold, and Platinum
– Bajaj Allianz Travel Prime Insurance with five Plans
Pros
– Travel Ezee automatic claim settlement services
– Highest medical expenses cover of $1,000,000 USD in Maximum Travel Prime plan
Cons
– No cover for compassionate travel
- Apollo Munich Travel Insurance
Apollo Munich stands out with its exceptional cashless benefits, offering access to the pan India Apollo hospital and Apollo pharmacy networks for medical assistance during international travel.
Coverage Highlights
– Personal Accident: Rs. 5 Lakh
– Medical Treatment Evacuation & Transport of Mortal Remains: Rs. 1 Lakh
– Trip Cancellation: Rs. 15,000
– Trip Curtailment: Rs. 15,000
– Flight Delays: Rs. 1,000
– Total Loss of Checked-in Baggage: Rs. 7,500
– Emergency Travel: Rs. 10,000
– Emergency Hotel: Rs. 10,000
Policy Exclusions
– Treatment of any illness, unless necessary to maintain life and relieve pain
– Dental treatment unless necessitated by an accident
– Partial loss of checked-in baggage
– Any pre-existing condition declared or not declared or any complication arising from it
Best Apollo Munich Travel Insurance Plans
– Apollo Munich Easy Domestic Travel Insurance
Pros
– Access to a network of Apollo hospitals and Apollo pharmacy
– Rs. 5 Lakh Personal Accident cover
Cons
– Pre-existing medical conditions not covered
10 Benefits of Travel Insurance
- Medical Expenses (Accident or Sickness)
– Travel insurance provides coverage for sudden illnesses or injuries abroad, offering financial support for medical assistance and hospitalization.
- Personal Accident Cover
– In the unfortunate event of an accident resulting in death or permanent disability, travel insurance compensates for medical expenses.
- Baggage Loss or Delay
– Compensation is provided for lost checked-in baggage, with coverage starting from handing over the baggage to the airline until its collection at the destination. Additionally, a fixed allowance is granted for delays exceeding 6 hours domestically and 12 hours internationally.
- Trip Delay or Cancellation
– Reimburses expenses incurred due to trip delays exceeding 8 hours and covers official cancellation charges, including additional transportation expenses for returning to India. Cancellation reasons may include natural disasters, the insured person’s hospitalization, or the demise of an immediate family member.
- Passport Loss
– Actual expenses for obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport are reimbursed by the insurance company.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
– Coverage is provided for ambulance or emergency transportation costs in case of illness or injury during a trip abroad.
- Missed Connecting Flights
– Covers instances where access to a connecting flight is missed due to delayed arrival of the earlier flight, beyond the control of the insured person.
- Emergency Cash Advances
– Financial emergencies resulting from the accidental loss of money during the trip are covered through fixed daily allowances.
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains
– In the unfortunate event of death, travel insurance covers the expenses of transporting the deceased back to the country of residence. It also includes costs equivalent to local burial or cremation.
- Compassionate Visit
– Covers expenses for the visit of an immediate family member in case the insured person is hospitalized for more than 5 days.
These benefits ensure comprehensive coverage and peace of mind for travelers, addressing various unforeseen circumstances that may arise during their journeys.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Travel Insurance
- Coverage for Pre-existing Medical Conditions
When acquiring travel insurance, it’s crucial to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. If you or a family member has a pre-existing medical condition and plans to travel abroad, choose an insurer that provides coverage for specific medical conditions.
- Limits on Trip Duration
Understanding your travel needs, whether for a single visit, frequent trips, solo travel, or family travel, significantly impacts your insurance requirements. Travel insurance comes in three types:
– Single Trip Insurance: Ideal for occasional travel with coverage for less than 6 months.
– Multi-trip Insurance: Suitable for frequent travelers, offering annual coverage with premiums paid annually. Each trip under this plan is usually capped at 30 to 90 days.
– Family Travel Insurance: A floater policy providing global coverage for the entire family.
- Level of Cover for Adventure Activities
For those engaging in adventure sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, river rafting, or scuba diving, it’s vital to check if the travel insurance covers these activities. Some insurers may exclude such activities or require an additional premium.
- Individual Claim Limits
Certain claims have predefined limits for items like lost baggage, wallets, missed flights, and canceled flights. Check the individual payout limits for each item separately, and consider separate insurance if needed.
- Cover for Loss of Personal Belongings
Insurers typically cover accidental losses and theft of belongings, expecting travelers to exercise proper care. Negligence may lead to claim refusal, so it’s essential to be aware of the policy’s terms.
- Travel Destinations
Different destinations pose varying levels of risk and hospitalization costs. Healthcare expenses in the USA, UK, and Australia are higher than in some Middle Eastern or Southeast Asian countries, leading to higher premiums. Additionally, destinations prone to natural disasters or socio-political volatility may also incur higher premiums. Ensure to check the excluded destinations, as not all locations are covered under travel insurance.
- Background of the Insurance Company
Before finalizing travel insurance, assess the solvency of the insurer. Choose an insurance company that provides additional benefits, such as free support in a foreign country and coverage for children.
Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision when purchasing travel insurance.
When to Purchase the Best Travel Insurance in India
For routine domestic travel within cities, travel insurance may not be a necessity.
However, when embarking on trips to hill stations or participating in adventurous activities like hiking, scuba diving, skydiving, bungee jumping, or trekking, it becomes essential to purchase travel insurance, whether your travels are within India or abroad.
There are a few instances where you might consider skipping travel insurance:
– If your premium credit card provides travel insurance or specific travel coverage.
– When the airline already covers aspects like loss of baggage, delayed arrival, or flight/trip cancellation.
– If you are covered by a global healthcare insurance plan that takes care of all medical expenses.
These considerations will help you determine whether purchasing travel insurance is necessary for your specific travel scenario.
Final thoughts
Each travel insurance plan comes with its distinctive features, but if I were to make a choice, I would opt for TATA AIG travel insurance plans.
The reason behind this preference is the inclusion of a $2000 coverage for fraudulent charges on the payment card. This feature proves to be invaluable in situations where your card is compromised while traveling abroad, offering an additional layer of financial security.
