Travel insurance: Do not make the mistake of not buying it!

Stepping out of the country without travel insurance can be a costly mistake.

Scores of people take foreign trips every year, with many of these journeys being holiday-related. It is easy enough to go on holiday these days – you can book your tickets online, look up good accommodation, shop for necessities and just get going.

There is one more thing that is easy to do – taking travel insurance in India. In fact, everybody – from the airlines to the tour operator you book your trip with – offers to sell you travel insurance. After understanding the bare details, people sign up for the plan that has the lowest premium.

This is a mistake. Taking travel insurance is not about seeking out the least expensive plan, but getting the most comprehensive one. There is no way to predict future problems on your trip – you are well aware of Murphy’s Law that states ‘Anything that can go wrong, will!’ You cannot tell for sure that you or a family member will not fall ill on the trip, or that the vehicle you travel in will not be rammed into by another car, or if a passing pickpocket will not flick your handbag. The point is, it pays to be safe on your holiday so that nothing can rob you of the joy of travelling to a new country and seeing the sights.

Buying a travel insurance policy in India is quite easy. You can easily do so online when you are buying it from reputed insurance providers. Travel insurance plans protect you against the costs of:

Illness on the trip: Eating unusual food, a change in weather, jet lag and being on the road can make you fall ill. Not only will your vacation time be spent going to a doctor, you will also spend a lot of money on expensive treatment. Instead, let your travel plan pay for the treatment.

Lost or stolen bags: Tourists are easy targets abroad, and incidents of mugging and theft are on the rise internationally. Your bag containing your passport, cash and travel documents may be stolen. Or it could be misplaced by the airlines. However, your travel plan reimburses you up to 50% of the value of the lost items in your bag. Also, it pays to duplicate your passport so you may continue your travel.

Flight delays/cancellations: Flight delays and cancellations can scupper your travel plans. There is also the question of getting new tickets at the last moment if the flight is cancelled altogether. But your travel policy can reimburse you for your old tickets if the flight is delayed by over 12 hours.

Accidental damages: In case you cause accidental damage to property, or injure another person on your travels, your travel insurance can settle third party liability claims. You might inadvertently cause damage to another person or property while abroad. Your overseas insurance can pay third party damages.