Travel insurance protects against unexpected events that disrupt trips or cause financial loss. Whether traveling domestically or internationally, a good policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more—turning potential disasters into manageable issues.
As of January 2026, individual and family travel insurance policies benefit from 0% GST (exempt since September 22, 2025), making them more affordable. Premiums often start at ₹20-50 per day, with high claim settlement ratios (95%+) from top insurers.
(Suggested Featured Image: Family researching and buying travel insurance online.)
Why Travel Insurance is Essential
Medical treatment abroad can cost ₹20-50 lakhs or more for serious issues. Other risks include flight delays, baggage loss, or cancellations due to illness/weather.
Key protections:
- Emergency medical expenses and evacuation (up to $1 million).
- Trip cancellation/interruption reimbursement.
- Baggage loss/delay ($500-1,000+).
- 24/7 global assistance.
Many visas (e.g., Schengen requires €30,000+ medical) mandate it. With 0% GST, coverage is budget-friendly.
(Image: Medical emergency abroad scenario.)
Main Coverage Areas
Standard policies include:
- Medical Emergencies — Hospitalization, outpatient care, evacuation/repatriation.
- Trip Cancellation/Curtailment — Reimbursement for non-refundable costs due to covered reasons.
- Baggage Loss/Delay — Compensation for lost items or essentials during delays.
(Image: Lost baggage at airport.)
- Flight Delays/Missed Connections — Allowances for meals/hotels.
- Personal Accident/Liability — Death/disability benefits; third-party claims.
- Passport Loss — Assistance and reimbursement.
Add-ons: Adventure sports, pre-existing diseases (PEDs), COVID extensions.
Single-trip for one journey; annual multi-trip for frequent travelers.
Key Benefits
- Financial Safeguard → Cashless treatment at global networks.
- Peace of Mind → 24/7 helplines.
- Visa Compliance → Meets requirements for many countries.
- Customization → Family/student/senior plans.
- GST Savings → 0% tax on individual policies.
- Quick Claims → High CSR insurers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many travelers undermine coverage:
- Buying Too Late — Purchase early for cancellation protection; post-departure limits benefits.
- Choosing Cheapest Policy — Low premiums often mean inadequate medical limits or exclusions.
- Not Disclosing PEDs — Leads to claim rejection.
- Underestimating Medical Sum — Opt $100K+ for high-cost destinations.
- Ignoring Exclusions — War, intoxication, extreme sports without add-on.
- Assuming Credit Card Covers Enough — Limits are often low.
- Not Reading Fine Print — Miss sub-limits or conditions.
- Forgetting Add-Ons — For adventure or valuables.
Buy soon after booking; disclose honestly; compare CSR/networks.
Conclusion: Travel Protected
Travel insurance covers essentials like medical/trip/baggage risks, offering benefits from cashless care to reimbursement. Avoid mistakes like late purchase or non-disclosure for full protection.
In 2026, with 0% GST and strong plans from Tata AIG, HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, and ACKO, it's easier to travel worry-free.
(Image: Happy family traveling safely.)
Compare on Policybazaar or insurer sites—enjoy your trips fully insured!
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