13Tips to Find Cheap Travel Insurance Online in India

You’ve planned a great exotic holiday; you have booked flight tickets, confirmed the hotel rooms and booked rental cars. Looks like you are all set? But what if you have an accident on your trip abroad or happen to lose your luggage or your passport? Are you covered against such eventualities? No, if you don’t have travel insurance.A good travel insurance plan will be economical and take care of any unforeseen situations during transit. So whether you lose your luggage or catch the stomach flu, you know you are secure against all those unexpected expenses.

However, with numerous policies in the market, it is important to look for a travel insurance plan that not only offers complete peace of mind but also fits your budget. The process has become hassle free because now you can easily access all the information related to travel insurance in India online and book the travel insurance online itself.

Here are some tips on how to get the cheap travel insurance that covers your needs.

Don’t buy from a travel agent, tour operator or airline

This will almost certainly cost you more. Take assistance from your existing insurer and try to find a low cost travel insurance that caters to all your needs. Strictly avoid buying policies that are clubbed with the trip by travel agents because most of these plans are costly. It is always better to buy travel insurance from a reputed insurance company in India.

Decide on the cover you need before finding deals on comparison sites

Comparison of travel insurance online is very expedient. While comparing travel insurance online you should assess your requirements, research a little about the background of the insurance company and understand which type of policy would be suitable for you – individual, family, senior citizen, annual multi trip, student etc. Also, you must compare features and benefits of all plans and then figure out your ideal travel insurance plan.

Check what is already covered by your home insurance policy or bank

Home policies often include insurance for personal possessions when away from home, so you can opt out of having baggage cover and save money. You may also have a credit card or current account that includes travel insurance but check if the cover is sufficient for your needs because "free" insurance can sometimes be very basic.

The Complex Terms

Before actually investing in a travel insurance plan, you should make double sure you understand terms like coverage limits, deductible etc. This is important to avoid any confusion and inconvenience in the long run; and after all you’ve spent on the vacation you don’t want to get back home to bear more expenses.

Choose annual cover if you travel more than three times a year

If you travel three times or more a year (or twice or more if one trip is to the US) then you must get an annual policy that covers the entire year's travel for one fee is likely to cost you less than buying separate single-trip policies. But most annual policies won't cover backpackers on extended trips; they usually cover trips up to a maximum of 31 days.

Turkey is in Europe, but the US is not in the world

You don't need to buy a worldwide policy for much of North Africa: as Egypt, Morocco and Turkey come under Europe in most deals. But watch out, some "worldwide" policies exclude the US and Canada. So make sure that the travel insurance plan you buy should not impose any restrictions on destinations.

Look out for age limits and medical exclusions

Many policies, particularly the ones that are very cheap, will not insure anyone aged over 65, however fit and active. Also, most standard policies will not cover any pre-existing conditions. So, for example, if you are asthmatic and suffer an attack on holiday that requires medical treatment, your policy will not pay out. So, you must inform your insurer about any ongoing medical conditions and answer questions honestly. Some insurers may then agree to cover certain conditions for a small extra premium or, if your condition warrants it, refer you to a specialist insurer. Don’t let the travel insurance cost hold you back from getting one. Moreover, don’t rely on your regular medicalinsurance to cover you for your travel.Even if you have an international health insurance, it will only cover you for specific conditions.

Cancellation Service

Before buying a travel insurance plan, you should check to see whether or not a cancellation service (cover) is available. Most companies these days offer cancellation of trip due to terrorist acts or political unrest to their customers.

Even horse riding is adventurous

Many policies exclude "risky activities", which can be horse riding, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing or mountain climbing. If you are going on a skiing holiday make sure the policy includes comprehensive winter sports cover and weigh these activities against your tour plans.

Claim Filing for Travel Insurance Plan

When filing a claim, it is important to be honest about trip plans when buying the plan. In short, the insurer must be aware of your plan about visiting a specific place and the activities you wish to undertake as soon as you reach the desired destination.

Independent travelers should opt for scheduled airline failure cover

If you tend to make your own flight and accommodation arrangements, rather than booking a package, it's important your insurance includes scheduled airline and end-supplier failure cover, which protects you in case of any airline failure.

You should verify with your insurance service provider about adding a rider. This is usually added to an existing plan in order to offer cover for costly items such as jewelers, electronic items, laptops etc.

Coverage

It is vital to enquire the insurance provider about the coverage. Know whether it is primary or secondary. Secondary travel plans would ask the customer go through the standard cover initially. On the other hand, a primary travel insurance plan covers you out-and-out.

You need to review the coverage and then try to maximize it via making buying it at least 2 weeks prior to setting out on the journey.

Prepare a detailed list of items you would carry along. This will facilitate you make claim for any loss or damage during the trip. Also take pictures of all the items and receipts if possible. This will help you a lot when filing a claim.In the event of a loss due to theft, you must report it immediately to the local authorities. Also supply a document trail for insurance claim. It is vital to get copies reports (if any). Make sure you keep tabs on the authorities you are communicating with.