International travel can be exciting, but it also comes with potential risks that can affect your health, finances, or peace of mind. International Travel Insurance can be a crucial safeguard, providing coverage for unforeseen emergencies.
Let’s dive into the key aspects of what it covers, using real-life examples to highlight its benefits.
Emergency medical and hospitalisation expenses
Health emergencies while traveling abroad can be expensive. Healthcare costs in foreign countries can be significantly higher, and without insurance, they could put a huge dent in your finances.
For instance, a person traveling to Nairobi in 2023 suffered a severe road accident and needed hospitalisation.
Fortunately, their International Travel Insurance policy covered the hospitalisation expenses, amounting to ₹14 lakh.
Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO and Head of Direct Sales at Go Digit General Insurance, highlights this: “An International Travel Insurance can cover you against various adversities. Many often don’t realise that any type of financial emergency or health-related emergencies can have an adverse impact on one’s finances.”
Lost or stolen documents and cash
Losing important documents like your passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, or debit/credit cards while traveling can be overwhelming. However, insurance can help ease the situation.
“One example is a traveler to the UK who lost crucial documents and cash. The Emergency Financial Cash cover provided by the insurer quickly reimbursed the person with over ₹20,000 to meet immediate expenses,” Chaturvedi told CNBC-TV18.com.
Additionally, the insurance also covers passport theft.
“For instance, a traveler in London had their passport stolen but was reimbursed ₹25,000 to help cover the loss,” Chaturvedi added.
The amount reimbursed varies depending on the sum insured (SI) you choose when purchasing your insurance.
Missed connections
Flight delays or missed connections are another travel inconvenience that can incur unexpected costs. If your incoming flight is delayed and causes you to miss your next connection, an International Travel Insurance policy can cover the expenses of booking a new flight.
“For example, in 2023, a customer traveling from Antalya Airport to Istanbul missed their connecting flight to Mumbai due to a delay. They received over ₹50,000 to cover the cost of the new flight,” Chaturvedi said.
Travel insurance: A safety net for travelers
International Travel Insurance offers far more than just emergency medical cover. From financial assistance in case of theft or lost documents to support for travel disruptions, it can be your safety net in foreign countries.
As Chaturvedi points out, “You never know when you might face a financial or health emergency while traveling. Insurance helps mitigate the risk of these unexpected events.”