In an era of climate uncertainty and increasing extreme weather events, the joy of travel must be balanced with foresight and preparedness.
Going on a travel vacation is not just about exploration; it also involves anticipating the unexpected. The thrill of discovery comes with the potential for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage and travel delays, all exacerbated by today’s changing climate. Even seasoned travellers can be caught off guard by cancelled flights, flooded accommodations and impassable roads. With 1.4 million lost luggage incidents annually and the very real threat of natural disasters turning dream vacations into nightmares, the risks of modern travel have never been higher.
Benefits of having travel insurance during monsoons
As we have hit the month of July, a lot of people are already planning their mid-year travel plans. However, with late and extremely uncertain monsoons hitting India this year, it is strongly advised to travel wisely and travel insured. Travel insurance is particularly valuable during the monsoon season, offering a comprehensive safety net for travellers facing various challenges. Beyond flight-related issues, it provides coverage for personal accidents, medical emergencies and baggage delays or losses. Personal accident coverage ensures financial security for hospitalisation expenses, medical treatments and emergency evacuations resulting from accidents during the journey. Add-ons like flight delay cover and cancellation by operators protect against flight disruptions, caused by weather-related issues, easing the financial impact on travellers.
Essential travel insurance tips
The resurgence of travel has led to a surge in demand for travel insurance, with reports showing that over 76% of travellers now purchase policies, especially post-pandemic. It is advisable to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions to the insurance company to ensure coverage in case of a medical emergency during the trip.
Know how to choose the right policy
The key to finding the right travel insurance policy is to ensure it fits one’s unique needs and circumstances, providing robust protection for everything from adventurous pursuits to leisurely explorations. One should avoid settling for the first policy; instead, draw comparisons from multiple quotes from various providers, considering coverage, deductibles, and price. Before purchasing, consumers should check for any travel advisories or warnings issued by the government regarding the destination, as some policies may not cover areas with high security risks or during pandemics.
How do I make a travel claim?
When a consumer has to file a travel claim, it is important to act immediately and reach out to the insurance provider, highlighting the challenges. It is also important that the consumer take the necessary advice and guidance from the insurance provider, which is essential for a smoother claim settlement process. The process of filing the claim includes understanding the issue, assessing the coverage, deductibles, assistance and premiums, and thoroughly reviewing the policy’s terms and conditions. It is also crucial that proper documentation is done; hence, consumers should keep records of their medical bills, police reports (in case of theft) and any other relevant documents to facilitate the claims process. Every policy comes with its own coverage limits; hence, one should be aware of these limits, especially when it comes to medical expenses, as healthcare costs can vary significantly depending on one’s location.
(The author, Chetan Vasudeva, is the Senior Vice President of Business Development at Elephant.in.)
