Short-Term Travel Health Insurance – A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

Do you know that short-term travel insurance can be purchased online in minutes, right before you fly, with an instant policy download? So, what are you waiting for? Get a short-term travel insurance policy today from Bajaj General Insurance, which is perfect for a quick business trip or weekend getaway.

This guide is all about short-term travel health insurance, its features, importance, and important tips to keep in mind when purchasing a short-term travel insurance policy.

What is Short-Term Travel Health Insurance?

A short-term travel insurance plan provides coverage for medical emergencies and travel related issues for a short period of time, from a few days up to a few months. The difference between annual multi-trip insurance policies and short-term travel insurance is that annual policies cover many times, while short-term policies offer benefits for one-time travellers and provide coverage for the number of days travelled.

Example: Suppose you are on your dream 15-day trip to Europe with your family. You travelled a few Schengen countries for the first 5 days, and then on day 6 you landed in Italy. In Italy, you slipped and fractured your leg. You and your family members realise it will not be possible to continue the trip with a fractured leg and decide to return to India.

Without an insurance policy, all these medical expenses and expenses incurred due to trip curtailment need to be borne by you. But with short-term travel insurance, the costs incurred towards medical emergencies are paid by your insurer.

What Are the Features of Short-Term Travel Insurance?

Following are the features of short-term travel insurance that make your journey stress-free:

Covers Costs of Medical Emergencies

If you are travelling to a foreign country and you suddenly fall sick, insurance pays for the medical help. It includes hospitalisation expenses which is the cost of staying in the hospital, cost of surgery which is essential for serious injury or illness, OPD treatment, and medical evacuation if you are brought back to India.

The medical costs abroad are tremendous and if you travel without an insurance policy and face such emergencies, you will be forced to pay huge hospital bills. Travel insurance helps to cover such costs.

Covers Accidental Death or Disability

While travelling, suppose unfortunately an accident leaves you disabled or in the worst case causes your death; travel insurance provides you or your family a lump-sum amount. Though a loss of life can never be compensated by money, it will help your family members manage the expenses financially.

Covers Trip Cancellation or Curtailment

Suppose a natural disaster like a flood-like situation or some civil unrest in a foreign country has forced you to cut short your trip and return to India. Insurance will repay you the money you have spent on non-refundable bookings like plane tickets or hotel reservations. This way, you need not lose the amount you spent due to curtailment or cancellation of your trip.

Loss of Passport and Baggage

Suppose you lose your passport in a foreign country and are left clueless about what to do! Do not worry; with a travel insurance policy, the insurance company will help you in getting a new or duplicate passport and guide you through the process.

In another scenario, suppose your luggage is lost. In such cases, the insurance company will compensate you for the loss. Also, in case of delayed baggage - that is if your bags arrive late, you will be compensated so that you can buy essentials.

Emergency Cash Advance

If your wallet gets stolen or you lose your funds while travelling, you will be provided emergency cash in case you already have a travel insurance policy. It ensures that you are not stranded without money and can pay for hotel stays, food, and transport until the situation is sorted out.

Why is Short-Term Travel Insurance Necessary?

Short-term travel insurance is essential while you travel because the costs of medical expenses can be tremendous abroad, and domestic insurance may not cover overseas costs. In such cases, an international travel insurance policy covers the costs of emergencies, making travel safer and less stressful. You can also avail of quick access to healthcare and help with hospital arrangements and transport during an emergency.

Who Should Purchase Short-Term Travel Health Insurance?

Short-term travel insurance is a must in the following cases:

• Vacationers – Those who travel abroad for holidaying for a few days must purchase this insurance.
• Business Travellers – Business owners who travel abroad to attend meetings, conferences, or exhibitions need to purchase insurance.
• Employees - Employees on temporary job assignments outside their home country must also purchase.
• Students – It is important for students who travel for short exchange programs or training courses overseas.
• Others - Anyone whose regular health insurance does not cover international travel must opt for this policy.

Important Points to Keep in Mind When Purchasing Short-Term Travel Insurance

Buying the right policy can save you from stress and high costs while travelling.

Select the right policy

Not all insurance policies are the same, so check for what these policies cover and how much is the sum insured. Also, check whether they work only in certain regions or worldwide. Finally, check the premium amount: a cheaper plan may not cover enough, while a costly one may include things you don’t need.

Choose Coverage That Suits Your Destination and Trip Length

Expensive countries like the USA, UK, or Canada have high medical costs, so you need to pick a plan with strong medical coverage if you travel to these places. Also, longer trips require comprehensive coverage.

Start Coverage From Day of Departure

Make sure your insurance starts on the day you leave home and ends only when you return, so that if you get sick before boarding or after landing, you will still be protected.

Save All Receipts and Documents

If you need medical help or face a travel issue, keep every bill, report, and document. These are needed when you file a claim. Also, contact your insurance company as soon as possible if you face an emergency.

Do Not Perform Risky Activities Without an Add-On

Most policies do not cover injuries from dangerous activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, or mountain climbing. Purchase an adventure sports add-on if you want to experience these.

Summing Up

A short-term travel health insurance policy is important for covering unexpected medical costs and provides you with protection in a foreign country. If your trip gets longer than planned, you can also renew or extend your policy.

Explore the travel insurance policy by Bajaj General Insurance and secure your trip today.

FAQs

1. How long does a short-term travel insurance policy last?

Short-term travel insurance policy can last from a few days to a few months, depending on the duration of your trip.

2. Who should buy short-term travel insurance?

Anyone travelling abroad for a short time like tourists, students, or business travellers should buy travel insurance.

3. Does it cover medical emergencies?

Yes, travel insurance covers hospital bills, doctor fees, and even medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

4. Can I buy short-term travel insurance online?

Yes, you can easily buy short-term travel insurance online within minutes and get your policy instantly.

5. Do I need insurance for Schengen visa approval?

Yes, Schengen countries mandate travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies.

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**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.

***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.