If yes, an international travel insurance plan is vital for a hassle-free experience in a foreign country. Notably, travel insurance covers different risks you may encounter during travel. A travel insurance plan offers the much-needed flexibility to react to any unforeseen event and compensates for the losses arising from travel woes.

Read on to learn about the importance of overseas travel insurance and what to consider while choosing the right online plan.

Why is Travel Insurance Important?

International travel insurance is a great way to cope with an unanticipated disruption during travel that can cause monetary losses, discomfort and inconvenience. Here are some more reasons that highlight the need for travel insurance in a foreign land:

1. Emergency Evacuation: A good travel insurance plan covers the cost of emergency evacuation owing to uncertainties arising from geopolitical unrest or natural calamities.
2. Flight Cancellation: While nobody likes to be stuck at the airport due to a cancelled flight, booking another flight at the last minute can be expensive. The right travel insurance plan covers you in such situations, offering agility and peace of mind.
3. Medical Assistance: Medical emergencies can occur anywhere, even when you are holidaying overseas, where medical costs may be higher. It is wise to buy the right travel insurance policy that not only shields you from paying medical expenses out of pocket but also lets you access the right medical care in a foreign land.
4. Other Benefits: Besides, many overseas travel insurance policies also offer coverage in cases like the loss of passport, and loss and/or delay of baggage.

Countries Where Travel Insurance is Important for Indians

From medical assistance in emergencies to coverage for trip cancellation and loss of belongings, travel insurance offers many benefits. Also, international travel insurance is compulsory in around 38 countries across the world, including:

• Cuba
• Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands
• New Zealand
• Qatar
• Russia
• Schengen area (a group of 27 countries in Central Europe)
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkey
• United Arab of Emirates
• Ukraine

For example, if you’re travelling to the Schengen region, you will require Schengen travel insurance to enter any 27 countries within the Schengen region. So it is better to plan and see the requirements whether your travel destination requires travel insurance or not. However, it is always recommended to have travel insurance as protection abroad.

How to Choose the Right Travel Insurance Policy?

While many travel insurance plans are available in the market, focusing on purchasing the right policy when visiting overseas is essential. Notably, there are two types of travel insurance policies, including:

1. Trip-wise Insurance Policy: Single-trip and multi-trip travel insurance plans are available for travellers' convenience, allowing them to buy insurance considering their frequency of travel. Some multi-trip travel insurance policies even last an entire year and can cover multiple trips to a particular destination, making travel coverage cost-effective and reducing the hassle of frequent purchases.
2. Group Travel Insurance Policy: These policies cover a group of people who are not a family but are travelling on the same trip. These plans are considered more cost-effective than their single-trip counterparts.

What to Consider Before Buying Travel Insurance Online?

Let’s dive deeper to learn about the six major factors that must be considered while buying international travel insurance online:

1. Coverage: Check the inclusions and exclusions of a policy. Don’t just assume your travel insurance policy will cover every loss that arises during travel.
2. Add-ons: While regular travel insurance plans do not cover expensive items like jewellery and electronics or high-risk activities such as adventure sports, add-ons are available to enhance coverage and ensure an enjoyable holiday experience.
3. Claims Process: Choose reputable insurers that offer seamless and efficient claims settlement. Many insurance providers now also offer cashless travel claims settlement. 
4. Travel Duration: Always consider the duration of your stay, as this will determine the cost of your overseas travel insurance.
5. Pre-existing Medical Conditions: Always declare any pre-existing medical condition to reap insurance coverage benefits when purchasing the policy. Please do so to avoid your policy becoming void.
6. Side Trips and Extra Destinations: It is to be noted that location-specific international travel insurance policies do not cover trips to nearby countries. Any trouble encountered during these side trips will leave you disappointed as these are not covered by your existing overseas travel insurance.

Considering the increasing uncertainties, international travel insurance is no longer a good-to-have option with you but a must-have when going overseas. These policies let you enjoy your journey, experience destinations thoroughly, and celebrate life.