For the countless pleasant experiences that traveling offers, there are equal numbers of risks involved. An international travel insurance plan covers various travel risks when you embark on a much-awaited trip outside India. It makes your journey much more comfortable, giving you financial protection if at all you need an emergency hospitalization or face trip delays or loss of belongings.
It is baffling when we see unforeseen events happen, and things go wrong even on a well-planned trip. There is nothing much a person can do to avert trip delays due to severe weather conditions. Sometimes, we might fall ill unexpectedly. In such scenarios, an overseas travel insurance plan will keep you free from the stress of travelling by covering various medical and non-medical expenses you incur.
Buying a travel insurance policy is a process that should involve thoughtful planning. You can now compare travel insurance policies online, basis certain factors, which will help you pick the right option for your specific travel needs.
10 Tips to Compare Travel Insurance Online
Just picking any travel insurance policy will not serve the purpose of securing your trip. If the policy does not match your trip requirements, you might end up being underinsured. You might be paying for your medical treatment or other expenses from your pocket, thus ruining your entire trip experience. It is better to review and compare various travel insurance options before you make a selection.
Considering some factors, as we discuss them here, will ease the process of travel insurance comparison in India and keep you financially secured during your journey abroad.
1. Maximum Coverage
Look at the policy benefits as the first step when you compare travel insurance plans. Check the medical expenses that your travel insurance plan will cover and ensure the coverage amount is sufficient to meet your travel needs. You would agree that in many developed countries, like the USA, healthcare is quite unaffordable, especially for foreign tourists. Thus, going for a higher sum insured is a wise decision if you plan to visit any of these countries. Comparing will help you select a policy that is affordable for you.
2. Type of Travel Insurance Plans
Opt for a travel insurance plan that secures you in the best way possible when you are on a trip with your children and parents accompanying you. Getting the right travel cover will protect you against travel-related inconveniences. You can get customized travel insurance plans online. For example, a student planning to pursue an education in a foreign university can opt for a student travel insurance plan. One can compare various features and go for the policy that offers the best coverage for medical and non-medical expenses. Similarly, if you are a frequent traveller, opt for a multi-trip travel policy to skip the task of getting a new policy for every trip.
3. Destination
Every destination exposes you to different travel risks. Thus, you need a customized international travel insurance plan that will give adequate coverage and financial protection if you face any medical or non-medical emergency in that country during your journey. Keep this point in mind when you go through various travel insurance policies. For instance, if you visit any of the 26 Schengen countries, go for a Schengen Travel Insurance Plan.
4. Medical Benefits
The benefits in a travel policy might differ from those available in another policy. Thus, a close review and comparison will give you an idea about the best travel insurance policy. Broadly, international travel insurance should cover you for any emergency hospitalization or medical treatment, including in-patient and out-patient care, daily allowance, and assistance for medical evacuation in an emergency. A travel policy covering pre-existing diseases in life-threatening conditions is the right option if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition.
5. Non-Medical Benefits
No traveller would ever want to face the inconveniences of a trip delay or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances, like bad weather conditions. Choose a travel insurance plan that will reimburse your additional expenses incurred on accommodation and travel. Similarly, losing your checked-in baggage or passport suddenly can be stressful for any traveller. An overseas travel cover will give you coverage for the losses incurred, thus keeping you worry-free for the rest of your journey.
6. Adventure Sports Cover
Coverage for participation in hazardous activities, like adventure sports, is not an in-built feature of travel insurance plans. However, you can get an adventure sports cover as an optional benefit at an additional premium. It is useful if you intend to go for adventure activities and keep you secure if things go wrong despite the safety measures you have taken.
7. Deductibles and Sub-Limits
Understand the deductibles and sub-limits available in your travel policy. A deductible is that amount you must pay before the policy starts providing coverage for the expenses. That include costs incurred during medical emergencies, including in-patient care, room rent, ICU charges, out-patient care, and treatment of pre-existing disease that becomes life-threatening, etc.
8. Premium Amount
Getting maximum benefits at an affordable price is the best deal you can get. So, consider the premium as a vital factor when comparing travel insurance policies. The premium is based on various factors, such as trip duration, the traveller’s age, the type of coverage, the travel destination, etc.
Choose a travel insurance policy that gives you maximum coverage for your travel risks at the best premium. More importantly, find out if you have the option to customize the policy. This way, you will pay for the features that are best suited for your travel requirements, nothing beyond that.
>> Check: Travel Insurance Premium Calculator
9. Exclusions
Understand the policy exclusions before selecting a travel cover. It will help you prepare yourself against the risks the policy does not cover. Some exclusions include cover for risks related to natural disasters, pre-existing diseases, pregnancy care, and personal liability arising out of breach of law. Merely opting for a low premium policy, but does not cover conditions like pre-existing diseases, especially if you are suffering from one, is not advisable. Go for a travel policy that has minimum exclusions.
10. Claim Procedures
Finally, when you compare travel insurance plans, consider the claim settlement ratio as a crucial factor. It is the ratio of the total claims settled in a year to the total number of claims filed. Your chances of getting a claim are higher if this ratio is high. After all, hassle-free claim settlement is an integral part of the advantages of the travel policy. Do your research on the claim settlement ratio.
Find the perfect solution for all your travel insurance needs. Rely on ‘Explore’ by Care Travel Insurance, an overseas travel insurance policy designed for travellers visiting foreign destinations.
