Overseas Travel Insurance: Medical Bills Reimbursement Process Explained

If you are planning a trip abroad, whether to the US, Australia or any Schengen countries, an overseas travel insurance is crucial. Whether it is a travel mandate (like for Schengen countries) or otherwise, this type of coverage protects against unpredictable events that might disrupt your trip while travelling abroad.

From covering medical emergency expenses to trip cancellations, loss of valuables, and missed flights, you get reimbursed for all the out-of-pocket expenses.

To learn more about the best overseas travel insurance in India, how to make a reimbursement claim and how to use the overseas travel insurance cost calculator, read on. 

How to Claim Medical Bills Reimbursement in Overseas Travel Insurance?

The following is a general outline of how your claim process shall go in the event of such a situation:

1. You Inform the Insurance Company

The first thing to do is let the insurance company know of the medical emergency if it falls within the scope of your travel insurance policy.

2. You Collect all Hospitalisation-Related Documents

You must collect all medical bills and documents related to your hospitalisation. This can include invoices, relevant medical information, the attending physician’s statements, and so on, depending on the type and severity of the medical emergency.

**Please note that most documents would be required in the original for a travel claim.

3. You Submit the Claim Form

Along with the hospitalisation-related documents, you need to submit the most important document as well, the claim form. It can be availed on the insurance company’s website.

4. The Insurer Verifies the Claim

Now, the insurance company will verify the claim based on all the information provided by you.

5. The Insurer requests any Additional Documents

If the insurer finds any information lacking or requires additional documents, they will let you know. You must share the same with the insurer as soon as you can.

6. The Insurer Settles the Claim

After all information has been shared (including any additional details required), the insurer will verify all documents. If the claim is found permissible within the policy’s purview, it will be approved, and the payment shall be released to the policyholder’s bank account within 10 days.

* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the travel insurance policy.

Thus, one can say that the process to claim reimbursement for medical bills with an international travel health insurance plan is quite straightforward. You can also raise a cashless claim if the situation allows for it.

* We shall explain the process for the same in the next section.

How to Raise a Cashless Claim in Overseas Travel Insurance From Bajaj General Insurance?

If you opt for the cashless facility for medical emergencies in your travel plan, here’s what you need to know about the process:

Step 1: Inform the insurer within 48 hours of the event online.

Step 2: Reach out to us via Email: travel@bajajgeneral.com or call us at: +91-20-30305858 (chargeable)

Step 3: Submit all the claim-related documents, such as proof of medical bill, passport, digital policy ID, and policy certificate.

Step 4: After verifying the documents, we will approve the claim and settle the bill directly at the network hospital. (Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the travel insurance policy.)

Overseas Travel Insurance Coverage (Other Than Medical Emergencies)

Based on the plan you choose, these are some of the travel insurance benefits you can enjoy:

1. Trip and Event Cancellation

In case of unavoidable and necessary cancellation of the insured trip (before it begins) from India, certain costs may be reimbursed based on the policy wording.

2. Loss of Checked-in Baggage

If the airline loses your checked-in baggage, the costs as specified in the policy schedule shall be reimbursed.

3. Loss of Passport

In case of the loss of your passport, the insurance company shall reimburse the costs incurred by you to procure a duplicate one.

4. Personal Liability

If you become legally liable to pay to a third party, the insurer shall cover the costs incurred by you in the process, based on the policy wording.

** Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the travel insurance policy.

Overseas Travel Insurance Coverage by Destination

Medical costs, visa requirements, and travel risks vary across countries. According to a report published by the Economic Times, when it comes to international travel insurance, duration and geography matter the most. For example, a single-trip policy to Southeast Asia will be completely different from a multi-trip annual plan to North America or Europe.

Choosing the right overseas travel insurance coverage based on your destination can help you avoid unexpected financial burdens during your trip.

Most mainstream travel insurance policies offer coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation expenses, medical evacuation, repatriation assistance, trip interruption benefits and loss of valuables.

Let us now look at some specific countries and how the coverage varies by destination:

Travel Insurance for the USA and Canada

The USA and Canada are among the most expensive destinations for healthcare. Although travel insurance is not a visa requirement, travel experts recommend getting one to avoid extravagant charges for medical emergencies, hospital admission, or evacuation. You can opt for a sum insured amount of $250,000 to avail sufficient medical coverage.  

Travellers visiting North America should ideally opt for a higher sum insured due to even higher healthcare costs.

Travel Insurance for Europe (Schengen Countries)

Several European countries require travellers to hold travel insurance as part of the Schengen visa process. Bajaj General's travel insurance offerings are also promoted as Schengen-compliant. According to the Schengen visa regulation, travellers need to purchase a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

Travel Insurance for Southeast Asia

Popular destinations such as Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam may have comparatively lower medical expenses than North America, but travellers can still face trip disruptions due to medical emergencies. While travelling to these countries, you can purchase a comprehensive coverage of $200,000.

Recommended Sum Insured for the Best Overseas Travel Insurance in India

Are you wondering, “How Much Travel Insurance Coverage Do You Need?” Then, check out the table below to get an idea:

Overseas Travel Insurance Cost Calculator: What Affects Premiums?

Here are the factors that impact travel insurance premiums:

1. Destination country

2. Age of traveller

3. Duration of trip

4. Sum insured selected

5. Number of travellers covered

6. Optional add-ons chosen

For example, a seven-day-long Thailand trip for a 25-year-old policyholder may attract a lower premium compared to a USA trip of 30 days. Here, the destination country and the trip duration are crucial factors in determining the premium. You can use the online overseas travel insurance premium calculator to compare various coverage options and estimate applicable policy costs before purchasing.   

If you are looking for the best overseas travel insurance India for students, choose the Travel Prime plan from Bajaj General Insurance. Targeted towards students, this plan is beneficial in terms of coverage, benefits and premium.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, an overseas travel insurance enables you to receive a financial safety net that offers peace of mind through reimbursement and cashless benefits. During medical emergencies, choosing a network hospital is ideal to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. However, it is best to choose a reimbursement claim if you are unable to locate a network hospital in your destination country. 

Irrespective of whether you are going to the US, the UK, East Asian countries, or Europe, buy overseas travel insurance plans from Bajaj General Insurance to avail the best coverage at a cost-effective premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best overseas travel insurance in India?

The best overseas travel insurance policy is one that offers adequate medical coverage, emergency assistance, baggage protection, trip-related benefits, and destination-specific coverage.

How much travel insurance coverage do I need for the USA?

Travellers should consider coverage of at least USD $50,000, although many opt for USD $100,000 or higher because of high healthcare costs in the USA.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Schengen countries?

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Schengen countries. According to the Schengen visa regulation, visa applicants generally need travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

Why is international travel insurance for students a necessity?

Students travelling abroad for higher education often stay overseas for several months or years. During this period, unexpected illnesses, accidents, or emergencies can result in substantial expenses. To get coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation, and study interruption, they need an overseas travel insurance plan.

How can I calculate overseas travel insurance costs?

International travel insurance premiums are generally based on the destination, policyholder’s age, trip duration, coverage amount, and optional benefits selected.

*Claims are subject to the terms and conditions set forth under the travel insurance policy.

* Standard T&C apply.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.