Traveling is like buying peace of
mind in exchange for the hectic work culture and stressful life pattern. We all
get excited when it comes to traveling. It gives us the opportunity to
disconnect from our regular life. You get to forget your problems, sorrows and
issues for few weeks and just live the moments as they come towards you. At
some point we all are frustrated with those crazy schedules, work and a family
to take care of. Going alone or with
some friends can give you distance and perhaps even make you realize that this
world is full of love, adventure, fun & peace.
While planning a vacation we are
all very positive and focused and often thinking about adventure, fun and
entertainment. Although it’s good to be positive but have you ever wondered to
give a thought on things like sudden accident, struck illness and medical
emergency etc. These things matter and they matter a lot especially when you’re
a frequent traveler. At that time you wonder I wish I would’ve insured myself
or family while traveling. A travel insurance plan is one of the most important
security tools to carry along with you to counter upon the unfortunate times
that could spoil the good times of life. These could be any such as Medical
emergencies, checked-in baggage, trip cancellation, trip delay, loss of
passport, unusual weather conditions etc.
Even though you don't make a claim
every time you buy travel insurance, it is unwise to go out without one.
Medical costs in most foreign countries are high. Even consulting a doctor can
burn a big hole in your pocket. Therefore it is advisable to have a suitable
insurance cover at the time of traveling.
By spending a few hundred rupees,
you not only insure yourself against financial disaster but ensure that, if
needed, you get the best possible service. Now the next thing arises in your
mind would be since it’s not a matter of choice but need of the hour how would
I keep the plan at the optimum costs. Well you surely deserve to hold a sensible
plan. Why haste and make a waste when you know you can make the best?
Before buying travel insurance
policy there are few things that you will need to ask yourself that will help
you recommend a suitable plan as per your needs. The article guides you on some
points that will help you determine a cheap travel insurance plan:
Where
Am I Going?
Your destination determines the
size of the cover, that is, the sum insurance required. Since medical cover is
the main feature of travel insurance, decide the sum insured on the basis of
how expensive medical services are in the country or city you are travelling
to. Check if your insurance provider has any tie-ups with doctors and
hospitals, medical care units in your travel destination. This way it will help
you reduce that extra costs and buy a cheap travel insurance plan.
What
will be the duration?
Before buying a policy, know the
exact number of days that you wish to stay abroad. Longer stay means higher
premium. So if you’re a frequent flyer, it’s better to buy annual multi-trip
policies saving those extra bucks in your travel insurance. These plans are
valid for a year and usually cover any number of trips abroad, each trip having
a maximum duration of 30-45 days. Annual multi-trip plans turn out to be
cheaper than the single-trip policies as they cut down on the additional
administration expenses.
What
will I do?
Is it just travelling, working,
sleeping and eating or you have planned for sightseeing holiday, adventurous
such as trekking in difficult terrains, skiing, water sports, etc.? It is
better to specify the kind of journey in your travel cover. Though a regular
travel insurance plan will not cover risks involved in these activities, you
can get special coverage on request at an extra cost. Understand that these
handfuls of extra bucks are just to curb you pockets from shedding those huge
costs if an unfortunate happens during the travel event. Similarly, if you are above 65, you can opt
for plans for senior citizens that have features such as cover for pre-existing
illness in special situations, higher sum insured and accidental death and
dismemberment cover.
Did I
compare?
Apna nara Aur dikho! Aur
dikho! seems to be the best mantra when
it comes to comparison of your policies. Never buy insurance just on the basis
of emotions and hasty decisions. It is always better to have a comparative
analysis of companies and their offerings like online services, claims procedures,
flexi-payment options, network of hospitals, discounts available etc. This way
you will be able to buy a cheap travel insurance plan as per your needs and
requirements. It is advisable read the terms & condition and claim
procedures carefully, keep your required documents handy, and save the helpline
numbers of your insurer and the third-party administrator in your phone or
laptops, gadgets or maintain a diary incase you lose your gadgets. The best way
is to keep the information on email id which you can track anytime and from any
part of the world.
