Traveling to new places is exciting, but it also comes with unexpected risks. What if you fall sick during your trip? What if your luggage gets lost at the airport? What if your passport is stolen in a foreign country? This is where travel insurance becomes very important.
In this blog, we will help you understand travel insurance in a simple way. We’ll also explain the features and benefits of New India Assurance Travel Insurance, one of the trusted travel insurance providers in India.
Understanding Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects you from unexpected problems while you are traveling. These problems may include:
- Medical emergencies (like illness or accidents)
- Loss of luggage or passport
- Flight delays or cancellations
- Trip cancellation due to unforeseen events
- Legal expenses or personal liability
With a travel insurance policy, you get financial help in such situations so that your trip doesn’t turn into a nightmare.
Why Do You Need Travel Insurance?
When you’re traveling, especially abroad, medical treatments can be very expensive. A simple hospital visit in countries like the USA, UK, or Canada can cost thousands of dollars. Losing your baggage or passport can create a lot of trouble. With travel insurance, you don’t have to worry about these problems because the insurance company will take care of the costs (as per the policy terms).
Let’s say you are traveling to the USA for 15 days. If you get sick and need to visit a hospital, a good travel insurance plan will cover the medical expenses. This not only saves you money but also gives you peace of mind during your journey.
Key Benefits of Travel Insurance
Here are some major benefits that most travel insurance plans offer:
1. Medical Expenses Coverage
Covers hospital bills, doctor’s fees, medicine costs, and emergency treatments during your trip abroad.
2. Loss of Checked-in Baggage
If your checked-in luggage is lost or damaged during transit, the insurance company will compensate you as per the policy.
3. Delay of Baggage
If your baggage arrives late and you need to buy essential items like clothes or toiletries, the insurance will reimburse those expenses.
4. Loss of Passport
Losing your passport in a foreign country is a serious problem. Travel insurance helps cover the cost of getting a new passport or travel documents.
5. Trip Cancellation or Interruption
If you are forced to cancel or shorten your trip due to illness, emergency, or other covered reasons, travel insurance will reimburse non-refundable costs like hotel bookings and flight tickets.
6. Personal Accident Coverage
If the insured person dies or becomes disabled due to an accident during the trip, the nominee will receive the insurance payout.
7. Personal Liability
If you accidentally injure someone or damage property abroad, your travel insurance will cover the legal and compensation costs.
Who Can Buy Travel Insurance?
Most travel insurance plans are available to:
- Individuals and families
- Senior citizens (some policies may require medical tests)
- Students going abroad for education
- Business travelers
- Frequent fliers and tourists
In the case of New India Assurance, people from the age of 6 months up to 70 years can buy travel insurance without a medical check-up. Above 70 years, some health tests might be required, especially for long trips or travel to countries like the USA or Canada.
What Does Travel Insurance Not Cover? (Exclusions)
Just like every policy has inclusions, it also has exclusions. Travel insurance will not cover certain things like:
- Pre-existing diseases (unless covered in specific plans)
- Traveling against doctor’s advice
- Self-inflicted injuries or suicide
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Loss of valuables like jewelry, cash, or bonds
- Participating in war or dangerous sports
- Pregnancy-related issues
- Routine medical check-ups or treatment purposes
It’s important to read the policy documents carefully to know what is and isn’t covered.
The New India Assurance Company Ltd. is a government-owned, multinational general insurance company. It operates in over 25 countries and has been providing travel insurance for many years. It is one of the most trusted names in India and offers various plans for domestic and international travel.
Features of New India Assurance Travel Insurance:
- Covers up to USD 500,000 for medical expenses
- Available for both individuals and families
- Covers over 39 countries
- COVID-19 coverage available
- Cashless treatment at network hospitals
- 24×7 support and in-house claim settlement
- Plans for students, business travelers, and tourists
- Affordable premiums starting as low as ₹18 per day
Types of Travel Insurance Plans by New India Assurance
Here are some popular plans:
1. Suhana Safar Policy (Domestic Travel)
This policy is for people traveling within India. It provides coverage for accidents, baggage loss, and more.
2. Overseas Mediclaim (Business & Holidays)
This is designed for people traveling abroad for leisure or business purposes. It covers medical expenses, personal accident, loss of baggage, passport, and more.
3. Overseas Mediclaim (Employment & Studies)
Specially made for students and employees going abroad for work or education. It provides coverage for health, accident, and liability during their stay.
Example Premium Comparison
Here’s a rough idea of how different travel insurance plans compare for a 30-year-old traveling to the USA for 15 days:
| Plan | Provider | Premium (Approx) | Medical Cover | Loss of Passport | Baggage Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overseas Travel Ease | New India Assurance | ₹1,697 | $100,000 | $250 | $600 |
| Travel Delight | Cholamandalam | ₹3,313 | $100,000 | $1500 | $300 |
| Economy Care | Reliance | ₹2,179 | $100,000 | $300 | $1000 |
(Note: These are sample prices and benefits and may vary depending on your exact travel details.)
How to Buy a Travel Insurance Policy?
You can buy a travel insurance policy from New India Assurance through:
Online Mode:
- Visit PolicyBargains.com or New India Assurance website
- Select the “Travel Insurance” option
- Enter your trip details
- Choose a suitable plan
- Pay online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI
- Get the policy instantly in your email
Offline Mode:
- Visit the nearest New India Assurance branch
- Fill out the proposal form
- Submit required documents
- Pay by cash or cheque
- Collect your printed policy document
How to Make a Claim?
If something goes wrong during your trip, here’s how to make a claim:
- Inform the insurance company immediately through email or phone
- Fill out the claim form and submit it along with required documents
- Provide medical reports, police reports, or bills (based on claim type)
- After verification, your claim will be settled (many times cashless)
For faster settlement, always keep the original bills and copies of important documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is travel insurance mandatory for international travel?
It depends on the country. For Schengen countries in Europe, it is compulsory. But even if not mandatory, it is highly recommended for safety.
Q2: Can I cancel my travel insurance and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel before the policy start date. Refunds are subject to company rules.
Q3: What if I extend my trip?
You can contact the insurer and apply for policy extension before your policy expires.
Q4: What happens if my trip is postponed?
You can change the policy start date by informing the insurer in advance.
Final Thoughts
Travel insurance might seem like an extra expense, but it is actually a smart investment. A few hundred rupees can save you from huge expenses in case of medical emergencies or travel mishaps. Companies like New India Assurance offer reliable, affordable, and feature-rich travel insurance plans for every type of traveler.
Whether you are going abroad for studies, business, vacation, or even traveling within India, make sure you are protected with a good travel insurance plan.
So, the next time you plan a trip, pack your travel insurance along with your passport!
Need help choosing the right travel insurance?
Visit www.policybargains.com or call +91-8360639923. We’ll help you find the best plan at the best price.
