Travel insurance is important for anyone going on a trip; choosing the best one can make your journey much smoother. There are many options in India, each offering different benefits to protect you while you travel.
The best travel insurance helps you in case of emergencies like medical issues, canceled flights, or lost luggage. It can also cover trip delays or theft, giving you peace of mind while exploring new places. This post will highlight the top 10 travel insurance plans in India and other related aspects.
List Of Top 10 Travel Insurance In India
We have chosen the below-mentioned companies from the latest IRDAI report as per their gross direct premium income (2022-23). For reference, we are examining one travel plan from each company.
1. ICICI Lombard’s Single Trip Travel Insurance
ICICI Lombard’s Single Trip Travel Insurance covers you for a single journey abroad. Valid for trips up to 180 days, this policy covers emergency medical needs, COVID-19 treatment, and personal accidents.
If you lose your wallet, emergency cash assistance is available. It also helps if you miss a flight connection due to unexpected issues. Moreover, you can get coverage without a medical check-up, which is ideal for urgent trips.
2. HDFC ERGO’s Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
HDFC ERGO’s Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance is ideal for frequent travelers. It covers multiple trips worldwide with just one plan.
You can stay abroad for up to 45 days per trip and choose coverage amounts of $250K or $500K. It can also be renewed annually. This policy is designed to simplify travel insurance for those who fly often, offering comprehensive protection year after year.
3. Bajaj Allianz’s Senior Citizen Travel Insurance
Bajaj Allianz Senior Citizen Travel Insurance is designed with special features for seniors. It offers global on-call support and quick claim settlements, including automatic claims for trip delays.
You can choose from various plans tailored to different needs: Travel Elite Age, Travel Elite Super Age, Travel Prime Age, and Travel Prime Super Age. Policyholders can enjoy cashless hospitalization, home burglary insurance, and ‘Golfer’s Hole-In-One’ benefit.
4. Tata AIG’s Student Travel Insurance
TATA AIG’s Student Travel Insurance offers extensive coverage for students studying abroad. Starting at just ₹41.33 per day, it provides protection for accidents, illnesses, and emergency medical treatments.
The policy includes coverage for medical evacuation, emergency dental services, and even hijacking. It also supports compassionate visits if you or a family member is hospitalized, and reimburses tuition fees if you need to interrupt your studies due to serious circumstances. With premiums in INR and coverage in USD, you get affordable, comprehensive protection with this plan.
5. SBI Travel Insurance (Business & Holidays)
SBI Travel Insurance (Business and Holidays) makes your trips stress-free with easy and comprehensive coverage. It provides worldwide protection, including loss of passport and reimbursement for emergency travel documents.
The policy offers round-the-clock assistance and travel support for issues like lost baggage and trip cancellations. With no medical examination required, it’s hassle-free to get coverage. Affordable premiums start with options for single or multi-trip insurance, covering up to $500,000.
6. Reliance General’s Schengen Travel Insurance
Reliance General’s Schengen Travel Insurance is essential for anyone visiting Schengen countries. It covers medical emergencies up to $500,000, including COVID-19-related hospitalizations. You can also enjoy protection for baggage and passport loss, trip delays, and more.
The policy includes third-party liability coverage up to $250,000 for any accidental damages or injuries caused during your trip. Additionally, if you’re hospitalized abroad for over seven days, it provides a compassionate visit cover to help bring a family member to be with you.
7. Go Digit’s International Travel Insurance
Digit’s International Travel Insurance offers affordable plans with excellent features. It covers adventure sports like scuba diving and bungee jumping for up to one day and provides immediate compensation of Rs. 500-1000 for flight delays over six hours.
The policy is hassle-free with smartphone-enabled claims, so you can avoid paperwork. You can also use its missed call facility to get a callback within 10 minutes, saving on international calling costs.
8. Future Generali’s Jet Set Secure Travel Insurance
Jet Set Secure by Future Generali is a flexible travel insurance designed to meet various travel needs. It is suitable for leisure, business, or educational trips.
It offers customizable coverage including pre-existing conditions, adventure sports, card fraud, pet care, and more. With 36 add-ons to enhance your plan, special benefits for seniors, and 24/7 toll-free assistance, Jet Set Secure ensures comprehensive support.
9. Niva Bupa’s Travel Assure Plan
Niva Bupa’s Travel Assure policy offers robust protection for your trips abroad. It provides coverage up to $5,00,000 for emergency inpatient medical treatment without sublimits.
The plan also includes dental treatment, coverage for pre-existing conditions, and medical evacuation. You’re covered for personal accidents and emergency outpatient care as well. Additional benefits include compassionate visits, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and financial emergency cash.
10. Royal Sundaram’s Travel Secure Insurance
Royal Sundaram’s Travel Secure Insurance offers options for worldwide coverage specifically for regions like Asia and America. It covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and treatment, and reimburses unused tuition fees if your studies are interrupted.
It also handles travel inconveniences like lost baggage, stolen passports, and personal liability. Some other additional benefits of the plan include hijacking support, flight delay coverage, and COVID-19 treatment.
How To Purchase Travel Insurance In India?
Here are the steps to purchase travel insurance in India through online and offline methods:
ONLINE
- Choose An Insurance Company: Find a company that is best for your needs, like ICICI Lombard, HDFC Ergo, or Bajaj Allianz.
- Visit Their Website: Go to the insurance company’s website.
- Fill Out The Form: Enter details about your trip, such as the destination and travel dates.
- Compare Plans: Look at different plans and choose the one that fits your needs.
- Enter Personal Information: Provide your name, age, and contact details.
- Make Payment: Pay for the insurance using a debit or credit card.
- Receive Policy: After payment, you will get your insurance policy via email. Print it out or keep it on your smartphone or laptop.
OFFLINE
- Visit An Insurance Office: Go to the local office of an insurance company or visit an insurance agent.
- Talk To An Agent: Discuss your travel plans with the agent.
- Choose A Plan: The agent will help you select the right insurance plan.
- Fill Out Form: Complete the application form provided by the agent.
- Make Payment: Pay the premium amount directly at the office.
- Receive Policy: The agent will give you a physical copy of your insurance policy.
Common Reasons Why Travel Insurance Claims Are Rejected
Here are some of the key reasons for claim rejection.
- Claim Denied For Pre-Existing Conditions
One common issue is that claims are denied if the problem was already there before the trip. For example, if you had a health issue before you traveled and needed medical help during the trip, the insurance might not cover it. So, it’s important to check your policy to see what is covered and what is not.
- Lack Of Coverage For Certain Activities
Another problem is that some insurance policies don’t cover certain activities. For instance, if you are skiing or scuba diving and your policy doesn’t include these activities, you might not get help if you get hurt. Always read your policy carefully and make sure it covers the activities you plan to do.
- Claim Denied Due To Failure To Follow Policy Rules
Sometimes, claims are denied because people don’t follow the rules of their policy. For example, if you have to get medical treatment and don’t tell your insurance company right away, they might not cover the costs. It’s important to follow all the steps listed in your policy, like informing the company as soon as you face a problem.
- Traveling To High-Risk Areas
Some insurance policies have rules about where you can travel. If you want to travel to a place that is considered dangerous or high-risk, like a country with a lot of political unrest or a serious disease outbreak, your claim might not be covered. Check if your policy has any restrictions about travel destinations.
- Not Enough Proof For The Claim
To get your money back, you usually need to provide proof. This means showing documents like medical bills or police reports. If you don’t have enough proof, your claim might be rejected. Always keep all receipts and documents related to your issue, as they are important for your claim.
- Claims For Non-Refundable Costs
If you have to cancel your trip, travel insurance usually helps with costs that can’t be refunded, like flights or hotel reservations. But if you just change your mind or cancel for reasons not covered by the policy, you won’t get your money back. Make sure you understand what reasons for cancellation are covered by your insurance.
- Exclusions In The Policy
Exclusions are things that are not covered under a policy. For instance, some policies won’t cover accidents if you are drunk or using illegal drugs. It’s important to know these exceptions to avoid surprises later.
- Not Using The Insurance Correctly
Sometimes, people don’t use their insurance correctly. For example, if you get sick and don’t go to a doctor or hospital that is covered by your policy, you might have to pay all the bills yourself. Always check with your insurance provider to make sure you are using the correct services.
How To File A Claim Against A Travel Insurance?
If you run into problems with your travel insurance, here are some simple steps to help you file a claim:
Review Your Policy:
Start by carefully reading your travel insurance policy. Look for details on what is covered and what is not. Check if the issue you are facing is included in the policy. Understanding these details will help you know if you have a valid claim and how to proceed.
Gather Documentation:
Collect all necessary documents related to your claim. These might include:
- Medical reports or bills if you have a health issue.
- Receipts for any expenses you want to claim.
- Police report if there was theft or an accident.
- Any correspondence with your insurance company.
- Make sure you have organized records to support your claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Reach out to your travel insurance provider as soon as possible. You can usually do this by phone, email, or through their website. Inform them about your situation and ask for guidance on how to proceed with your claim.
Complete & Submit The Claim Form:
Fill out the claim form provided by your insurance company. Include all relevant details about your situation, such as dates, times, and what happened. Then submit the form along with documents to your insurance company.
Claim Decision:
Once your claim is processed, the insurance company will decide and inform you accordingly. They might approve the claim, deny it, or offer a partial settlement. Review their decisions carefully. If you agree, follow their instructions to receive your payment.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel insurance in India can make all the difference in your travel experience. By picking the right policy, you can protect yourself from unexpected problems like medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations.
Remember to read the policy details carefully, gather all necessary documents, and follow the steps to file a claim if needed. With the right travel insurance, you can enjoy your travel adventures with confidence, knowing that you are covered no matter what comes your way.
