Selecting a Reliable Travel Medical Insurance Policy Tips to Consider

Going on a trip overseas is an exhilarating experience one filled with anticipation and excitement just waiting to get on the trip. However, when booking your tickets, reserving accommodations, packing bags, or even starting on your journey, travel insurance is often not considered a priority. 

However, while travel insurance might feel like an additional step or an extra expense, it is a valuable tool in securing your trip and safeguarding it from unexpected expenses breaking the bank. With the right travel insurance policy whether you are going on a vacation in Thailand, work trip in the UK, or study abroad in the USA, you can be assured that your back is secured. 

But how does one get around to that, with so many options how can one choose the right insurance provider and policy for their needs? Let go of confusion and anxiety as here is all you need to know about selecting a reliable travel medical insurance and how to buy it. 

What is travel medical insurance?

When going on a trip, travellers are often exposed to a variety of risks. While these risks might not always materialise, if they do their impact might be significant resulting in financial loss and a negative travel experience. This is where travel medical insurance comes in as a risk management tool that protects the policyholder from covered risks when travelling abroad. 

These policies essentially provide financial protection for unexpected expenses incurred due to these covered risks. For example, there are risks like loss of checked-in baggage, missed connecting flights, loss of passport, trip delay, interruption or cancellation, getting into an accident, or suffering from a medical emergency. With international travel insurance, you will be protected from their financial impact and even get access to quality healthcare in certain countries. 

How to choose the right travel insurance policy?

Travellers who are looking to purchase an insurance policy for their trip can refer to these factors to choose the right policy. 

Coverages offered

When choosing an insurance policy, the main difference between various policies is often the scope and extent of coverage. Travellers must look for a policy that provides comprehensive coverage while not breaking the bank. 

Exclusions

When selecting a plan, travellers must also consider what is not covered under the insurance policy and what is a part of the exclusions list. While what is not covered is anything not mentioned in the inclusions list, exclusions are specific activities and circumstances in which if a traveller participates, the claim might be rejected.

Sum assured

A sum assured is the total amount a policy is covered for. This means that any payout made will be made from this total sum based on the terms and conditions. 

Insurer’s reliability

When purchasing an insurance policy, the insurance provider promises to pay any expenses borne by the policyholder when exposed to covered risks. However, while dozens of insurers can choose from, not all of them are as reliable and transparent. 

Travel destination

As not all insurance providers service all travel destinations, it is important to choose the insurer that covers your specific travel destination.

How to buy travel medical insurance in India?

Travellers who are looking to buy travel medical insurance can do so once they have determined the specific insurer they wish to purchase a particular policy. The following is a step-by-step guide that you can follow to purchase a policy from Niva Bupa, one of the leading travel insurance providers in India. 

1. Visit the Niva Bupa website and click on Travel Insurance. 
2. On this page,  choose between single and student insurance and fill in necessary information such as travel destination, duration, and phone number. 
3. Click on “View Plans” to fill in the traveller’s details. 
4. Once these details are added, click on next to choose the right plan based on your needs. You can select between three levels of plans, sum assured, choose any add-ons, and preview the premium price. 
5. Click on next to fill in the necessary details and purchase the policy. 
6. The policy will then be shared via email. 

Conclusions 

Like any other insurance policy, travel medical insurance is an investment. Although not everyone might have to face these risks and claim settlement for it, it is still highly recommended to buy the right one. This is because the policy silently safeguards your trip, acting as a safety net at times of need providing a fallback option for you and your loved ones. Additionally, travel insurance also allows a policyholder to travel with confidence and peace of mind as if faced with any risk, you do not have to face it alone.