A Comprehensive Guide to Travel Medical Insurance

Know everything about travel medical insurance, its benefits, coverages offered and how you can find the right one.
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3 mins
08 February 2024

Travelling is a great way to explore new destinations, create lasting memories, and experience different cultures. Whether you are planning a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, ensuring your health and safety abroad should be a top priority. This is where travel medical insurance steps in as your trusted companion, providing peace of mind and financial security during your journeys.

What is a travel medical insurance?

Travel medical insurance, also known as travel health insurance, is a specialised type of insurance designed to cover medical expenses incurred while travelling internationally or domestically. It offers protection against unforeseen medical emergencies such as accidents, illnesses, or injuries that may occur during your trip.

Types of travel medical insurance

Following are the different types of travel medical insurance you can opt for as per your requirement:

  • Single trip insurance: Provides coverage for a specific journey from departure to return.
  • Multi-trip insurance: Offers coverage for multiple trips within a specified period, usually a year.
  • Family travel insurance: Travel insurance for families is a tailored policy catering to families travelling together, covering all members under a single plan.

Coverages offered in travel medical insurance

The travel medical insurance plan offers a host of coverage options, including:

  • Emergency medical treatment: Covers expenses for hospitalisation, surgery, and medical consultations in case of illness or injury.
  • Emergency medical evacuation: Arranges and covers costs for transportation to the nearest medical facility capable of providing adequate treatment.
  • Repatriation of remains: Covers expenses for returning the insured's mortal remains to their home country in case of unfortunate demise during the trip.
  • Trip cancellation or interruption: Provides reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses in case of cancellation or interruption due to covered reasons such as illness, injury, or natural disasters.
  • Lost baggage or personal belongings: Reimburses expenses for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal belongings during the trip.

Benefits of travel medical insurance

Here are some key benefits of having travel medical insurance:

  • Financial protection: Shields you from hefty medical bills and unexpected expenses, ensuring you receive necessary medical care without worrying about the cost.
  • Peace of mind: Offers reassurance and confidence, allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels without the fear of encountering medical emergencies.
  • Worldwide assistance: Provides access to a network of assistance services, including 24x7 emergency support, medical referrals, and language translation services, ensuring help is always within reach.
  • Customised coverage: Allows you to tailor your insurance plan according to your specific needs, including duration of travel, destination, and level of coverage required.
  • Additional benefits: Some policies may include added perks such as coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, adventure sports, and travel-related inconveniences like flight delays or missed connections.

Explore the domestic travel insurance plan offered through Bajaj Finance

Bajaj Finance along with CPP Group India offers CPP Domestic Holiday Cover, a subscription plan available at a membership fee of Rs. 699. Below are the key features of the plan:

  • Offers coverage for trips spanning up to 10 days.
  • Offers single-call card blocking facility, through which policyholders can conveniently block their lost credit and debit cards with a single phone call.
  • In the event of an emergency, the plan offers an advance of up to Rs. 1 lakh to cover hotel expenses.
  • A complimentary protection cover of up to Rs. 3 lakh is included, encompassing personal accidents, accidental hospitalisation, trip cancellations, home burglaries, and baggage loss.
  • Additionally, subscribers can access 24x7 roadside assistance at over 500 locations throughout India.

How to apply for a travel medical insurance?

You can apply for travel medical insurance online or offline. Many insurance providers offer several travel medical insurance options online, where you can choose the right one that best suits your needs. Here are the steps to follow while applying for travel medical insurance:

  • Research different insurance providers and compare the plans.
  • Get a quote and review the coverage options.
  • Fill out the application with accurate details.
  • Pay the premium, and the insurance provider will send you the policy documents.

For buying a domestic travel insurance through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall, you can follow the below steps:

Step 1: Visit the Domestic Holiday Cover available on the Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall and click on ‘Buy Now’.

Step 2: Enter your full name and mobile number. Click on ‘Proceed’.

Step 3: Enter the One Time Password (OTP) received on your registered mobile number.

Step 4: If your mobile number is present in our records, pre-filled details will appear on the form. You need to review the details.

Step 5: In case you are a new customer, buying the plan, you will need to fill in the application form. The details required are name, address, email address, and phone number.

Step 6: After reviewing or filling out the details, the payment page will open. Complete the online payment via one of the following options: UPI, net banking, credit/debit cards, and wallet.

Step 7: After the payment is successful, you can download the plan receipt instantly.

Read more about international travel insurance.

How to choose the right travel medical insurance?

Here are some factors you should consider while choosing the right travel medical insurance:

  • Assess your needs: Consider factors such as destination, duration of travel, age, health condition, and activities planned during the trip to determine the level of coverage required.
  • Compare policies: Research and compare insurance plans from reputable providers, evaluating coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and premiums to find the most suitable option.
  • Read the fine print: Thoroughly review the policy documents, paying attention to terms and conditions, exclusions, and limitations to ensure you understand what is covered and what is not.
  • Check the provider’s reputation: Choose a reputable insurance provider with a strong track record of reliability, excellent customer service, and prompt claims settlement.
  • Seek recommendations: Consult with friends, family, or travel experts who have prior experience with travel medical insurance for valuable insights and recommendations.

In conclusion, travel medical insurance serves as a vital safeguard against unforeseen medical emergencies, providing essential coverage and peace of mind for travellers. Whether you are going on a short getaway or a long-term adventure, having the right insurance protection ensures you can explore the world with confidence. By understanding the types of coverage available, assessing your needs, and choosing a reputable provider, you can enjoy worry-free travels knowing that you are well prepared for any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Frequently asked questions

What is travel medical insurance, and why do you need it?

Travel medical insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to cover medical expenses and emergency treatment while you travel abroad. It provides you with financial protection and peace of mind in case of unexpected medical emergencies.

How do I claim travel medical insurance?

Steps to claim travel medical insurance may vary depending on the policy provider. Generally, you will need to submit all original bills and medical reports, a copy of the policy, and a travel itinerary with dates and locations. The insurance company will evaluate the claim and reimburse the appropriate amount as per the policy.

Is travel medical insurance mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Having travel medical insurance will help you in case of any medical emergencies while traveling abroad.

Do you need travel medical insurance to travel in India?

Travel medical insurance is not mandatory when travelling within India but it is highly recommended to have one. Indian citizens travelling within India can buy a domestic travel insurance. As, it will cover medical expenses and emergency treatment during the trip, providing you with financial protection and peace of mind in case of any unforeseen medical emergencies.

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Disclaimer

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. *T&C Apply - Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third party insurance products of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Future Generali Life Insurance Company Limited, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited , Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited, Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited and Care Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite CA registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. Please refer insurer's website for Policy Wordings. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also a distributor of other third party products from Assistance Services providers such as CPP Assistance Services Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, sum insured, value added services, etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective insurance company or the respective Assistance service provider company.

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