Travel insurance is usually considered a waste of money since it is assumed to be taken only for a trip. People do not feel like spending money on something that may never happen on a short trip. But it is not only medical emergencies that travel insurance covers; things such as flight cancellation, loss of baggage, flight delays, etc., are also covered. Let's understand everything about traveller's insurance.

What is Travel Insurance?

Travel or travellers insurance is a policy that financially covers you in any travel-related emergencies. As mentioned above, the different situations can relate to cancellations, medical emergencies, delays, baggage loss, etc. Buying a traveller's insurance plan is simple, and many insurance companies offer various benefits.

Why Should You Buy Traveller's Insurance?

There can be a lot of things that you may have planned for your trip. These could be an adventure, sightseeing, travelling between different cities/states/countries, and exploring unique places. However, with so much in the itinerary, the chances of risk involved get more extensive. 

Like you would purchase your life insurance policy, you should always have traveller medical insurance on your checklist while planning your trip, irrespective of the risk factor.

Suppose you still need to purchase the travel insurance policy. In that case, you will eventually have to use your hard-earned money and savings to handle your travel-related emergencies, especially if you are planning an international trip where you may only know a few people and places to go for help. And that would be the last thing anyone would want during their trip. Hence, buying an insurance plan before you start your trip is always recommended.

Reasons for Buying Travel Policy

Listed below are the benefits of travel insurance policy and how it can help you save your savings in unforeseen circumstances.

1. If your flight gets cancelled for any reason, you can claim cancellation costs such as accommodation, transport, car hire, and others from your travel and tour operator, which others would not be reimbursed. Remember to read the documents thoroughly to understand what is covered.
2. Medical emergencies are the most difficult to handle during any trip. People prefer to avoid falling sick or meeting with an accident during a trip, especially internationally. Buying a policy before you leave for your journey is imperative to avoid such situations. If you have yet to purchase travellers' medical insurance, you must pay these expenses out of pocket.
3. Losing your travel bag is the most common of the mishaps, and it can happen either from your side or the airline. It also applies to you losing essential documents such as passports. If you purchase the insurance, loss of baggage can also be claimed, which otherwise you will not get.
4. If you are a student going abroad for studies, you should check the student's travel policy. Since you will be staying in an international country for a long time, it would be great to have a policy that can cover all your medical expenses if required.
5. You can find many insurance companies; you may even offer home coverage while you spend your time on vacation. Such coverage provides you with a claim and reimbursement in case of a house burglary while you are away on your family trip.
6. You can even get insurance companies with activity coverage, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, etc. These activities come with a risk; thus, only a few will have this coverage. But if there is a provision, remember to take it; you will never know when you may need it.

While it is good to remember the things that you will get, you should also know about exclusions. Below are some things that may not be covered in a traveller's insurance and will depend from company to company.

1. Any medical situation due to pre-existing diseases.
2. In case of a loss due to intoxication.
3. If you are travelling abroad for medical reasons.
4. When travelling abroad to participate in any sporting event.

Whether your trip is long or short, consider buying an insurance policy regardless of the number of days and where you plan to go. It will safeguard you in the most challenging times without you worrying about taking care of the expenses. Remember to read the terms and conditions properly to avoid any last-minute confusion.