Loading article content...
Travelling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller - Ibn Battuta.
When travelling, worrying about the unforeseen is the last thing you would want to add to your backpack. Here, a well curated travel insurance policy comes in as a saviour!
However, the first question that arises at this point is- What’s the right time to buy a travel insurance policy? Or for some spontaneous travellers– Can they buy travel insurance after departure?
Unfortunately, the answer is no!
Experts suggest that the best time to purchase a travel insurance policy is right when you apply for your visa, or start booking your flight tickets. This way, you can ensure that the hiccups occurring in such instances are also financially covered.
In today’s article we will talk in detail about whether you can get travel insurance after leaving your home country. First, let us start by understanding what all does travel insurance cover.
What Does Travel Insurance from India Cover?
Trip insurance in India covers a lot more than just unforeseen medical expenses.
- The protection extends to checked-in baggage loss, passport loss, and even baggage and flight delays.
- It protects you from personal accidents, disabilities, trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions.
- In some countries, obtaining travel health insurance coverage is mandatory when applying for a Visa.
- Pre-existing diseases are covered, so if you suddenly encounter a setback develop a life-threatening illness due to a pre-existing condition, the insurer will cover the expenses incurred in getting treatment in life-threatening conditions.
- If hospitalised for more than five consecutive days, you can also ask your insurer to cover expenses for a compassionate visit from a family member to take care of you if medically advised.
- Your insurer shall bear the expenses if you miss a connecting flight due to airline schedule changes resulting from a sudden strike or natural calamities such as floods or earthquakes.
- Additional coverages you can opt for include emergency hotel accommodation, burglary, and alternate transport expenses.
Check out Care Health Insurance for more details on add-on covers so you can select the one that best suits your travel needs.
Can I Buy Travel Insurance After Departure?
As per the Insurance Regulatory Authority of India, there is no provision for purchasing international travel insurance once you depart from your home country and leave India. You can apply for travel insurance after you purchase the tickets, even after a Visa is issued, or even before checking in at the airport!
Most countries do not offer travel insurance for foreigners and even fi they do so, these plans come at a very high premium. Therefore, securing your travel plans before you leave the country is advised.
How to Claim When You Are Abroad?
The claim procedure can be done online in a smooth, seamless manner, even when you are abroad. You just have to follow the steps below:
- Contact the insurance company via phone or email to inform them about the event. You should also contact the third-party assistance provider in case you need cashless hospitalisation.
- Fill out the claim form online and submit it with the required documents as asked by the insurer.
- You can also fax or email the documents and the claim form to the insurer.
- The claims team then verifies the details and makes the payout.
With Care Health Travel insurance plans, you can travel with peace of mind.
Also Read: Things to Carry on an International Trip
Wrapping Up!
If you are a seasoned traveller, buying travel policies for every small trip may feel unnecessary and cumbersome. But trust us, it is as important as carrying your medicines and wallet, without which you cannot survive. Even for a short trip to a conference or wedding, apply for international coverage to avoid financial hassles in the event of a medical emergency.
Always remember that you need support in an unfamiliar country, especially if you suddenly need expensive medical treatmentBefore you pack your bags or make a list for shopping and other expenses, get yourself an international travel health insurance with comprehensive cover without delay.
Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
