'It is important To Have International Travel Insurance Even With Global Health Insurance'

A foreign vacation is all about indulging in fun, immersing in new cultures, enjoying exotic food and embarking on exciting adventures. Amidst the excitement, what if a medical crisis arises unexpectedly? While many travellers prefer to buy global health insurance to meet their medical needs abroad, it is imperative to purchase a comprehensive international travel insurance to enjoy additional benefits. Parthanil Ghosh, Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, talks about the benefits of comprehensive travel insurance along with a global health insurance policy:Why one should buy international travel insurance with global health insurance? While global health insurance typically covers medical treatments in various countries, international travel insurance enhances this by offering: Emergency Medical Expenses: In case of severe illness or injury, travel insurance covers the cost of transportation to the nearest medical facility or even the native country, if required. Further, it also covers reimbursement expenses incurred for emergency medical evacuation, medical repatriation, and repatriation of mortal remains. 24/7 Assistance Services: Travel insurance companies often provide around-the-clock helplines to assist with medical emergencies, thus offering prompt support. Hospital Cash: In case a person is hospitalised due to injury or illness, the insurer pays a fixed amount to take care of daily expenses. Trip Cancellation and Interruption: A travel insurance policy reimburses the policyholder in case a trip gets cancelled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances, like illness, family emergencies, natural disasters, etc. Lost or Delayed Baggage: Travel insurance covers lost, stolen, or delayed baggage. Travel Delays or Cancellations: In case of any flight delay or cancellation for an extended period, travel insurance covers accommodation, meals, and other expenses. Personal Liability: In case you cause accidental injury or property damage to others in a foreign land, travel insurance can cover legal fees and compensation costs. Can Travel Insurance Be Your Friend?Is it possible to customise international travel insurance? Yes, one can tailor their international travel insurance policy to meet the specific needs of a trip by including additional coverages such as: Adventure and Sports Coverage: If travel plans include high-risk activities such as skiing, scuba diving, or hiking, one can get them covered under their travel insurance plans by paying additional premium. Destination-Specific Coverage: Certain foreign locations may have specific risks or requirements, and therefore, one can customise one's travel insurance to address these unique needs. Duration and Frequency of Travel: Whether you are a frequent traveller or planning a one-time vacation, one can buy single or multi-year travel insurance plan as per their need. Can you please make a comparison between travel insurance and global health insurance for us? While global health insurance is an imperative part of international travel, it often falls short in providing coverage against the full spectrum of potential travel risks. International travel insurance complements global health insurance by offering comprehensive protection against both medical and non-medical emergencies, thus, giving financial security and peace of mind. So before embarking on your next adventure, don’t forget to buy international travel insurance to safeguard your journey and enjoy a worry-free travel experience.