Last update:December 17, 2024, 12:34 p.m. IST

Many insurers now offer insurance policies lasting up to 365 days, ideal for students, remote workers or families of overseas employees.

Travel disruptions can have many reasons: lost passport, misplaced luggage or invisible interruption. (Representative image)

By Meet Kapadia

As this year comes to an end, the time to travel begins. Travelers draw up carefully crafted itineraries, book flights, obtain visas and pack their bags for long-awaited getaways. However, one crucial aspect often slips through the cracks: travel insurance. Without this crucial safety net, your happy season could very well go awry.

While no one wants flight cancellations, lost luggage, or medical emergencies to deplete their journey joy – let alone their pockets – is not something you can control. Whether you’re seeking exotic adventures, indulging in culinary delights, seeking wellness retreats, or undertaking thrill-packed excursions, having a protection plan gives you peace of mind . After all, a trip you’ve been looking forward to for months deserves to be enjoyed without unforeseen setbacks ruining the experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in your vacation experience without worrying about what-ifs.

So what do you gain when you add travel insurance to your checklist?

Medical emergencies and travel assistance

Accidents and illnesses – the last thing on your mind while on vacation? However, they occur much more often than we would like to imagine. Hospitalization costs, especially abroad, are not an expense that you would like to include in your travel budget. So it is travel insurance that comes to your rescue against such unexpected health problems during your vacation abroad.

It covers expenses related to medical care, hospital stays, emergency transportation and even medical evacuations if necessary. Many policies offer cashless hospitalization, guaranteeing prompt medical care with no upfront payment. In serious cases, such as an unfortunate death, travel insurance covers the repatriation of the mortal remains to India. If you become ill during your trip, the police may also allow you to cut your vacation short and return home to continue your treatment.

Travel Disruption Protection

Travel disruptions can have many reasons: lost passport, misplaced luggage or invisible interruption. Losing essential documents like passports, plane tickets or luggage can disrupt your vacation plans. This is where travel insurance comes in with financial support in the event of stolen, lost or damaged goods. Some policies cover trip cancellations or interruptions due to events such as natural disasters, flight delays or airline strikes. Those with a penchant for adventure activities should consider adding a runner for adventure sports coverage.

Additional riders such as home burglary protection or emergency hotel accommodation provide personalized safety nets.

Choosing the right travel insurance

The industry is full of options to suit your needs. Single or multiple trips, individual or family travelers, seniors or students: each traveler has a product adapted to their travel insurance needs. Factors such as travel duration, destination, number of travelers and specific coverage needs must be evaluated.

Many insurers now offer insurance policies lasting up to 365 days, ideal for students, remote workers or families of overseas employees. Be sure to read the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy carefully. It is ideally recommended that you take out travel insurance within 15 days of booking your trip to ensure a stress-free and well-protected holiday.

-The author is the Travel Insurance Manager at Policybazaar. The opinions expressed are personal.