It is not fair to state that any insurance plan is better or worse than another plan. What is important to note that each insurance plan comes with a different set of benefits at varying sum insureds and it is important for the insured to compare the options available before making a decision. There are two aspects to travel insurance. One is the set of benefits/coverages under the plan. Hence the insured must consider the following while deciding on the insurance plan and company – Duration of Travel, Destination of Travel, Age of the Traveller, Coverage required. A younger traveller can opt for a lesser coverage while an older traveller should take a more comprehensive cover with higher benefits . Second and more importantly the insured should consider the Assistance and Claims support available in the foreign location. It is better to partner with an insurance company who has a strong Assistance partner and a large network of hospitals abroad. This will ensure seamless cashless treatment and prompt travel and claims assistance should the need arise.
Travel insurance in India is currently offered by many competent insurance companies in India like Tata AIG, Bajaj Allianz, Reliance General, Religare Health, HDFC Ergo, Apollo Munich etc. Almost all these companies have a dedicated vertical which takes care of managing the Travel insurance business. Their range of products also are comprehensive in terms of coverage benefits and their premiums are competitive. Another important component of Travel Insurance is the Assistance Partner (TPA) who supports claims (both medical and non medical) across the world, since they are the first point of contact for the insured while they are abroad. Some of these companies have a global partner managing claims and assistance while some have developed inhouse capabilities.
The traveller should keep in mind all aspects of their travel before finalising their insurance plan and insurance company. If they are travelling to USA, they should ideally choose an insurance partner with a good assistance partner in USA. They should choose an ideal sum insured plan (if travelling to UK/Europe they should opt for a minimum coverage of $250,000 given the healthcare costs in these regions) as well and opt for an insurance company which is reputed for settling claims on time.
All travel insurance plans have two sections or two types of coverage. One is Medical coverages which include Accident & Sickness Expense Coverage, Dental Coverage, Medical Evacuation, Personal Accident etc. Accident & Sickness cover is most important for the traveller given the cost of healthcare treatments in all countries abroad. The traveller should ensure they are adequately covered given their age, duration of travel and destination of travel.
The second section pertains to Non Medical coverages like Loss of Passport, Baggage Delay/Loss, Trip Cancellation/Curtailment, Personal Liability, Bounced Hotel, Missed Connection/Departures, Flight Delay etc. These are equally important coverages because if the traveller is stranded in a foreign country without insurance, all expenses relating to these exigencies will have to be borne by the insured. One is the financial cost, the other is that with an insurance policy in place, their Assistance Partner abroad will support the traveller in such exigencies, which is really beneficial.
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You can buy insurance online by using a credit/debit card, direct funds transfer using NEFT or RTGS or by using a cheque.
Know more »Travelers who have already traveled from India and do not have insurance can buy travel medical insurance after approval.
Know more »Insurance customers can renew their existing policy online before the exipry date at any time.
In case of a claim or reimbursement of treatment expenses, notify by contacting them.
Are travel insurance directly billed or is it reimbursement basis, is there a hospital network.
Know more »How to use Indian visitor insurance in case of sudden sickness and accidents
Know more »Comparison of overseas Healthcare cost and popular tourist destinations
Know more »Tips to find good and adequate international travel health insurance
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