Popular aspects of India travel insurance for international travel
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, Royal Sundaram, Future Generali 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.
There are many insurance companies offering comprehensive and innovative travel insurance solutions in India backed up with strong claims management for the traveller to choose from. Almost all insurance companies offering travel insurance products at competitive premiums. But when deciding on the most suited insurance partner, it is important for the traveller to keep in mind their claim settlement capabilities and their reputation in the market with respect to travel insurance.