Travel insurance: what it is and where to get it  

Diya Dhiman

Diya Dhiman

Have you ever had your trip plans fall apart ? Or perhaps you’ve anxiously awaited your luggage at the baggage claim, only to discover it’s nowhere to be found ? Maybe you’ve even faced an unexpected accident with no support in sight, feeling the weight of unplanned expenses bearing down on you. It’s moments like these that can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. But what if I told you there’s a safety net for these unforeseen events? Imagine shielding yourself from the financial fallout of a cancelled trip, lost belongings, or sudden mishaps. That’s the magic of travel insurance – your guardian angel against the unexpected twists and turns of your journey.

What is Travel Insurance?

You might be curious about what travel insurance is? It’s a form of financial safeguarding that comes in handy during your travels. Travel insurance helps to  cover unexpected costs or losses that can occur while travelling. It typically provides coverage for things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. So, if something goes wrong during your trip, travel insurance can help ease the financial burden and give you peace of mind.

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Why do we need Travel Insurance?

You might be questioning why it’s necessary to invest in travel insurance when you’re already spending so much on your trip. However, considering the uncertainties of the future, travel insurance acts as a safeguard against unforeseen events. There are several reasons why having travel insurance is essential:

Cancelled trips 

Imagine the excitement building as you’re about to embark on your dream trip, only to be sidelined by unforeseen circumstances like a sudden illness or the return of a pandemic like COVID-19.The disappointment is tangible, compounded by the financial setback of cancelled plans. But don’t worry! Travel insurance is like a good friend that helps you out by giving back the money you spent.

Medical emergency 

What If you get sick while travelling and end up spending the money you saved for shopping on medicines instead, travel insurance can be a lifesaver here. It usually covers medical emergencies, so you can get treatment for illness or injury while you’re away from home.

Travel delays

If your trip is delayed because of things like bad weather or mechanical issues, travel insurance can help cover extra costs like hotel stays and meals.

Lost or delayed baggage

Imagine carefully packing your bags with all your favourite and essential items, only to find them lost or delayed upon arrival. Now you’re left without anything to wear, and you’ll need to spend money to replace everything, throwing off your budget. But worry not! With travel insurance, you’ll be reimbursed for the value of your belongings, easing the financial burden of having to replace them.

For visa

If you’re preparing to travel abroad, it’s important to note that certain countries such as Russia, Turkey, and the United States require travellers to have travel insurance as a mandatory requirement for obtaining a visa.

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Where to find Travel Insurance 

You might be considering purchasing travel insurance but unsure of where to obtain it. Allow me to guide you on where you can find travel insurance.

  • Specialized Travel Insurance Providers 

Specialised travel insurance providers focus exclusively on offering travel insurance solutions, catering to a wide range of travellers and trip types. These companies often provide highly customised policies designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of individual travellers. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a backpacking adventure, a business trip, or a round-the-world journey, specialised travel insurance providers offer a variety of coverage options to suit your requirements. Additionally, their expertise in the travel insurance industry allows them to offer personalised advice and support, ensuring that you find the right level of coverage for your unique travel situation. 

You can learn more about their offerings at TATA AIG and Bajaj Allianz  

  • Travel agency

When booking your trip through a travel agency, they often provide options for travel insurance as well. Travel agencies typically offer a range of insurance plans tailored to different types of trips and traveler needs. They can also assist you in understanding the terms and conditions of the insurance policies available, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific travel circumstances.

  • Online sites

Platforms such as Squaremouth and  InsureMyTrip,  offer the convenience of comparing various travel insurance plans from different providers to suit your specific needs and preferences. These websites enable you to explore a wide range of coverage options, including trip cancellation, medical expenses, and baggage protection. By inputting your travel details and preferences, you can easily compare policy features, prices, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.

  • Credit card companies

Certain credit card companies provide travel insurance as a complimentary perk when you use their cards to book travel arrangements.  It’s essential to review the terms and conditions of your credit card’s travel insurance coverage to understand the extent of protection provided and any limitations or exclusions that may apply. Taking advantage of this perk can offer valuable protection and potentially save you money on purchasing separate travel insurance policies. 

For example, HDFC Bank offers travel insurance coverage with select credit cards. You can learn more about their offerings by visiting the HDFC Bank website.

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Travel insurance serves as a vital safety net for travellers, offering protection and peace of mind in the face of unforeseen events. Whether it’s cancelled trips, medical emergencies, travel delays, or lost luggage, having travel insurance can significantly mitigate the financial burden and ensure a smoother journey.So, before embarking on your next journey, remember to consider investing in travel insurance – your trusted guardian angel against the unexpected twists and turns of travel.

Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about saving money while traveling, check out  for insightful tips on maximizing your travel budget.”

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