Millions of Indians undertake domestic and international travel every year. The number is only growing with each passing year, with international travel recording a 235% growth from 2017 to 2018.

Despite the high volume of tourism, the penetration of travel insurance policies in India is quite low. It can be partly attributed to the lack of awareness about these policies and how they can benefit an individual in such situations.

So, it’s essential that you understand what a travel insurance plan entails and why one cannot afford to go on a vacation without one.

An overview of travel insurance

By nature, travelling has a lot of unpredictable elements. A tourist is not always fully in control of the situations he or she may be up against. Some of these uncertainties may involve substantial expenses, which a tourist may find difficult to meet.

A suitable travel insurance may ease the financial burden of emergencies on a trip considerably. There are numerous insurance houses that offer different types of travel insurance policies in India.

Here’s a brief look at some of the most beneficial travel insurance plans brought to you by Bajaj Finserv via their simple and affordable Pocket Insurance schemes.

• Domestic Holiday Cover: Protect yourself from emergency travel situations with a domestic holiday cover covers the insured with a sum of up to Rs. 3 Lakh for emergency travel and assistance such as loss of baggage, cash and payment cards, personal accidents, and trip cancellations, etc.
• Road Trip Cover: If you are embarking on your dream road trip with your family or friends, a Road Trip Cover Pocket Insurance scheme is an absolute necessity. It covers you for a sum of up to Rs. 3 Lakh in case of car mishaps, accidents, loss of baggage and any other emergency bills.
• Personal Trip Liability Cover: Any third-party liability is covered under this Pocket Insurance plan. In the event of any bodily harm to a third-party or damage to their property for which you are financially liable, you may avail coverage of up to Rs. 1 Lakh via this scheme.
• Home Protection Insurance: Protecting your home while you are away on a trip is also paramount. Pocket Insurance schemes such as the home protection insurance cover any loss incurred due to damage or theft to your property while you are on a trip. It includes coverage against burglary, vandalism or natural disasters.

Advantages of travel insurance plans

There are numerous benefits attached to availing an insurance policy while travelling. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to get travel insurance.

1. High coverage: You can benefit from a high coverage limit to meet any medical or non-medical emergencies on a holiday. You may be assisted with sums of up to Rs. 3 Lakh to meet hospital expenses, compensation for the loss of baggage, cancellation of tickets, among various other things.
2. Low cost: Some of the best travel insurance in India requires you to pay a one-time premium, which in itself is quite low considering the high coverage limit. Most premiums range as low as Rs. 149 to anything up to Rs. 699.
3. Helps you cope up with emergencies at an unknown place: Arranging funds at an unknown place in case of an emergency can be a challenging task. The problem worsens if there is a loss of baggage and wallet. With an insurance policy in place, you can benefit from substantial and immediate financial assistance to meet any unforeseen expenses.

Any wise traveller should not take the risk of going to a trip without a contingency plan for emergencies. These days, you can even buy a travel insurance online which makes it all the more convenient. Protect yourself from unforeseen emergencies with a comprehensive travel insurance coverage.