The tourism sector in India is booming mostly with the domestic tourism market contributing to the surge. The considerable traction that travelling gained can be owed to an increased disposable income and newer travel destinations along with a substantial increase in the number of millennial tourists.
While travelling can be a very effective way to introduce a change in everyday life, ill planning or other adverse circumstances can make the much anticipated pleasant experiences go for a toss. A domestic travel insurance plan carries critical weightage in this regard.
However, before buying a domestic travel insurance policy, there are a few things that should be kept in mind –
- Medical cover
Before availing a domestic travel insurance policy in India, it is essential to check for the medical cover provided under a specific plan. Irrespective of the precaution that may have been taken by a traveller, a medical emergency may come up at any point of time while travelling. A cost-effective and suitable insurance plan would thus usually require the individual to undergo medical tests.
It should be noted in this respect that a significant surge has been recorded in solo travelling. A solo traveller cover can thus be the need of the hour. It may provide complimentary insurance coverage in case of medical emergencies and hospitalisation on account of an accident up to Rs.3 lakh.
- Type of traveller
For optimum benefits, the category of traveller should also be determined. The requirements will be markedly different for a senior citizen traveller and that of a student, for instance. Hence, a plan that is best suited to the requirement of each traveller should be chosen for suitable coverage benefits.
Bajaj Finserv, under its Pocket Insurance & Subscriptions, offers one of the best domestic travel insurance plans in the form of domestic travel insurance that includes a year-long Travel Safe membership apart from the benefits of emergency travel assistance, roadside assistance and complimentary insurance coverage among others.
- Cover for personal belongings
Before availing an online domestic travel insurance plan in India, check for the facilities provided for baggage loss. Loss of personal belongings is, perhaps, the most common occurrence while travelling. Such loss can create a significant hurdle, and in the worst-case scenario, the entire trip may have to be cancelled.
Specific baggage insurance plans can thus provide comprehensive coverage. The facilities under such a plan may include coverage for baggage loss owing to robbery, theft, or damage caused by fire or riot. The insurance plan may also extend coverage to family members in case of loss of the policyholder’s luggage.
- Coverage for trip cancellation
Check for domestic travel insurance plans that provide trip cancellation coverage as well. A planned trip may be cancelled owing to airlines cancelling a particular flight, natural calamity, etc. If the insurance plan provides the facility of trip cancellation coverage, the expenditure incurred due to pre-booking can be saved.
- Exclusion
It is important to take note of the exclusions in the insurance plan as well since that would provide a comprehensive understanding of the aggregate of facilities that can be availed. The policy terms should thus be read minutely to identify the restrictions and the aspects that are not covered under such a plan.
Hence, a travel insurance policy in place can certainly be an essential requirement when planning a trip. Most travellers, nevertheless, still consider travel insurance plans to be just another document offered by their travel agent within the package.
Such a plan may not be adequate for every traveller, though. It is thus advisable to avail an insurance plan according to specific requirements and needs. Online comparison of different plans can help in this regard. However, before availing such insurance coverage, it should be noted that any standard travel insurance plan does not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
