Travel Insurance Guide: What It Covers And What It Doesn't For Your Trips

Planning a trip is exciting - until something unexpected derails it. Flight cancellations, lost luggage, or sudden illness abroad can turn a dream holiday into a costly mess. This is where travel insurance quietly becomes your safety net. It may not be glamorous, but it is one of the most practical investments a traveller can make. Now, with more Indians travelling than ever before, both within the country and overseas, understanding travel insurance coverage, exclusions, and claim processes has never been more important. Here is everything you need to know before your next trip.

Also Read: 7 Strange Passport Rules That Could Ruin Your Next Holiday

Why You Must Always Buy Travel Insurance?

Travel is unpredictable. A single missed flight or medical emergency can disrupt plans and drain savings. According to PhonePe, more than 1.8 crore Indians travelled internationally in 2023, and domestic travel is projected to reach five billion trips by 2030.

With travel increasing, so are the chances of delays, lost baggage, and health emergencies. Travel insurance cushions you from these financial shocks, covering unexpected expenses and offering 24/7 support when you need it most.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

A good policy works like a financial safety net, covering major risks that travellers often overlook:

Even small inconveniences like lost baggage can lead to large bills, which is why travel insurance remains essential.

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Types Of Travel Insurance Plans In India:

Different trips need different cover. Here are the most common travel insurance plans available in India:

• Single-Trip Insurance: For short holidays or business travel.
• Multi-Trip Insurance: For frequent flyers who want annual coverage.
• Family Travel Insurance: One plan for the entire family.
• Student Travel Insurance: Designed for those studying abroad.
• Senior Citizen Travel Insurance: Tailored for older travellers, often including pre-existing conditions.
• Adventure Sports Coverage: For activities such as trekking, diving, or skiing.

Why Travel Insurance Matters For Domestic Trips?

Many travellers skip insurance for local holidays, assuming risks are low. Yet, flight delays, lost luggage, or medical emergencies within India can quickly ruin a trip.

Domestic travel insurance offers coverage for cancellations, delays, accidents, and hospitalisation. With travel insurance starting at Rs. 99 per trip, it's an affordable safety layer for short breaks or business journeys.

Also Read: 5 Key Documents You Must Have For International Travel

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What Travel Insurance Does Not Cover?

Knowing what your plan excludes is as important as understanding what it includes. Most insurers will not cover:

• Pre-existing conditions not declared in advance.
• Adventure activities without add-on cover.
• Travel to war or conflict zones.
• Theft of unattended belongings.
• Alcohol- or drug-related incidents.
• Pregnancy-related expenses.
• Trips without valid documents or visas.
• Always review exclusions to avoid surprises during a claim.

Also Read: How To Apply For A Tatkaal Passport In India: A Quick Guide

How To Choose The Best Travel Insurance Plan?

The cheapest policy is rarely the best. Look for a plan that fits your travel habits and risk factors:

• Assess Your Trip: Duration, destination, and purpose all affect the ideal coverage.
• Compare Plans: Use PhonePe, PolicyBazaar, or IRCTC for quick comparisons.
• Check Coverage Limits: For high-cost destinations like the US, aim for USD 100,000 or more.
• Confirm Global Assistance: Choose insurers with 24/7 international support.
• Review Customer Feedback: It shows how easily claims are processed.

A little research before you buy can prevent major stress later.

How To Buy Travel Insurance Online?

Buying travel insurance online is simple and quick. Most insurers and aggregators allow you to:

• Compare coverage and premiums in minutes.
• Add extras like gadget or home protection.
• Pay securely via UPI, card, or net banking.
• Receive your policy instantly by email.

Before paying, review claim procedures and the insurer's settlement ratio. Save both digital and printed copies for emergencies.

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Common Mistakes Travellers Make:

Many travellers fall into the same traps when buying travel insurance:

• Not reading the fine print.
• Choosing low premiums with poor coverage.
• Forgetting to declare medical conditions.
• Buying insurance after the trip is booked, losing cancellation protection.
• Avoiding these errors ensures your policy genuinely protects you when needed.

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Add-Ons Worth Considering:

While a basic plan covers most needs, certain travel insurance add-ons can offer extra peace of mind:

• Gadget Protection: Covers laptops, cameras, and other electronics.
• Home Burglary Cover: Protects your home while you travel.
• Cruise Insurance: For cancellations or onboard emergencies.
• Adventure Add-On: Extends coverage for riskier activities like diving or skiing.

Choose only the add-ons relevant to your itinerary to keep costs practical.

Travel Insurance For Visa Applications:

Many countries require proof of travel insurance before approving a visa. Here's a quick reference:

Indian insurers such as Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO, and ICICI Lombard offer visa-compliant policies recognised by embassies. Always confirm the latest rules before applying.

How Much Coverage Should You Buy?

Your destination determines the recommended coverage amount.

Higher coverage increases premiums slightly but provides crucial protection during emergencies abroad.

How To File A Travel Insurance Claim?

Filing a claim is straightforward if you follow the right steps:

• Contact your insurer's emergency helpline immediately.
• Collect essential documents such as bills, police reports, or airline letters.
• Complete the claim form online or via the insurer's app.
• Submit documents and track your claim until it is processed.
• Keep digital copies of key documents on your phone for faster access.

When To Buy Travel Insurance?

The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip. Early purchase covers cancellations and medical issues that arise before departure. Buying it too late can limit or void cancellation benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Is travel insurance mandatory everywhere?

No, but it is compulsory in Schengen countries, Russia, the UAE, and a few others.

Can I buy insurance after booking my trip?

Yes, but purchasing early provides better cancellation cover.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Typically between Rs. 200 and Rs. 500 per day, depending on destination and coverage amount.

Final Word: Why Travel Insurance Is Worth It?

Travel insurance may seem like an afterthought, but when your plans go wrong, it becomes your lifeline. Before you leave, spend a few minutes comparing plans, reading the details, and buying one that fits your journey. The right policy protects more than your trip - it protects your peace of mind.