Most of us have faced situations like flights getting cancelled or baggage getting lost during the transit. Interestingly, when something like this happens to any of us, we do not think about the insurance that we missed to opt for or even if we have travel insurance we often forget it because it was just an “already ticked option” while buying the tickets. What we do not bother to learn is that travel insurance policies can save us from unexpected cancellation or loss.
Travel insurance is not a compulsory aspect of travelling, like auto insurance. That means it is up to you if you want to buy it or not. However, it will help you to travel with a peaceful mind, and you can focus on having food time on your trip.
What does a travel insurance policy cover?
There is a misconception that Travel Insurance only covers the cancelled trip and reimburse for unused, non-refundable and prepaid trip costs. There are a lot of elements that make travel insurance a much lucrative option for every traveler. Here are a few things that travel insurance will cover:
Cost of the ticket, hotel booking, etc. in case of cancellation because of natural or human-made calamity or death.
- Medical expenses in case you fall sick during the trip.
- Evacuation in a case terror attack or natural calamity.
- Loss of luggage.
- Loss of passport and travel documents.
- Emergency return to home country in case of death in the family.
How to get a travel insurance plan?
There are two options to choose from that are one-time travel insurance plan or multi travel insurance plan. In the onetime insurance plan, it covers only one trip, and you have to buy it every time you travel somewhere. On the other hand, multi-travel insurance plan is ideal for those who make multiple domestic or international trips.
You can buy the insurance plan directly from the insurance company or from the travel company from where you book your ticket, hotel and tours. Please make sure to compare the insurance plans to ensure maximum coverage. Also, it is better to have a printout of the travel insurance document with you.
How does travel insurance work?
The process of filing claim for travel insurance is mostly similar to that you do for a car or home insurance. In case a mishap occurs before or during the trip that is covered under your travel insurance plan, you have to file a claim to get reimbursement. For example, if your luggage gets delayed or it is lost during the transit, the insurance company will provide financial support for buying clothes and toiletries.
To file a claim, you will require:
- Proof of the mishap such as loss of baggage, receipts for medical expenses, cancellation letter from tour company etc.
- Identity proof.
- Proof of travel and stay (if applicable).
- Receipts
- Any other documents mentioned in the claim form of your insurance company.
Final words
Every time you buy a travel insurance plan, the first question that pops in your head is if it’s worth to spend extra money on the insurance plan. Even if you have not faced any challenge during your previous trips, it is a wise decision to buy an insurance plan as they are mostly affordable and will not put a dent on your pocket. Please keep in mind that even if you have a medical insurance plan, it may not work in foreign countries. Also, in case of loss of documents, cancellation etc. you may face the significant financial loss that can put you in a lot of financial trouble.