Travel Insurance
Why should one take Travel Insurance?
Before proceeding abroad, one must get travel insurance! Yes, even if one is healthy and fit!
This is essential because accidents are unpredictable and inevitable and if you incur medical expenses while overseas and you don’t have travel insurance, you are personally liable for covering the costs.
The Government cannot pay for medical expenses overseas and nor does the standard domestic private health insurance.
Irrespective of the travel destination, one must travel abroad only with travel insurance!
Few important points to keep in mind while applying for insurance:
Ø One must declare any existing medical conditions he/she has as failure to do so may nullify all coverage.
Ø The extent of the coverage and the specific events or incidents covered by your policy will depend on the insurance company and the type of policy you purchase.
Ø You must read all of the terms and conditions of your policy carefully to ensure you are fully aware of what is covered by your policy and what is not.
Ø Most policies have standard exclusions like self-inflicted injury, injury due to civil unrest or acts of terrorism, loss or theft of unattended baggage and pre-existing medical conditions.
Ø An extra cover may be required for adventure activities such as surfing, bungee jumping, scuba diving, rock climbing etc.
Ø You must find out in advance if your insurance policy will make payments directly to the health service providers or if it will reimburse you later. You may prefer a policy that pays doctors or hospitals directly rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim the costs later.
Ø Ensure that the medical cover offered is adequate for all possible expenses in your destination country as medical costs can be very expensive in some countries, like US.
Ø A wide range of travel insurance policies are available so find a policy that best suits your circumstances and travel plans.
Travel Insurance
