Foreign travel is not just the most anticipated time of year but also one of the most planned, whether it is the clothes to wear, destinations to visit, or precautions to take for a safe trip. Unexpected climates, different cuisines, and dozens of unknown conditions make it essential to consider all of these risks and take appropriate precautions not just to prevent them but also to opt for risk management tools such as travel insurance for a safe and secure trip across the world.
But what is travel health insurance, how does it work, why is it essential to have international travel protection, and how do you buy travel insurance online? Keep reading to find out.
What is travel health insurance?
Travel health insurance is a risk management tool that specifically covers medical emergencies such as accidents, illnesses, and hospitalisations while travelling. Policyholders and covered travellers can utilise this policy to claim settlement as compensation or reimbursement for the expenses borne from covered risks.
While unlike general travel insurance, which covers trip cancellations, delays, or lost baggage, travel health insurance focuses on health-related incidents abroad, depending on the specific insurer, it still has coverage for some major risks.
While also available for domestic trips, foreign travel is expensive, and any event can result in significant financial risks and a negative travel experience. Thus, it is especially important to opt for travel insurance when travelling internationally.
Why is it essential to have travel health insurance?
As a traveller, it is a must to have travel health insurance to deal with the financial implications of unexpected medical emergencies. Whether it is due to being mandated as an entry requirement by over 30 countries, based on travel advisories or as a precautionary measure, it can play a vital role in securing travellers' health and financial well-being. In addition, in certain countries where travel insurance is not mandatory, some hospitals demand insurance or showcase proof of capacity to pay before beginning treatment. Not just this, but in certain countries where medical expenses are touching the roof, travel insurance plays a vital role in ensuring quality healthcare without having to worry about the potential impact on your wallet and savings.
Why should travellers buy medical insurance online?
Whether it is the convenience, cost-effectiveness, 24/7 availability, no pre-policy check-up, zero paperwork, or minimal documentation, buying travel insurance online is the easiest and best way to buy an insurance policy to secure your trip. As some travel plans can be conducted well in advance, and others can be at the spur of the moment, it is essential to look for an insurance provider who fulfils your needs and offers the policy from anywhere at any time; buying travel insurance online makes the most sense.
What should be covered in your international travel protection?
Suppose you are looking for a travel insurance provider offering optimum protection for affordable prices. In that case, it is essential to ensure the premium for minimum coverage and required additional coverages and then compare them with another insurer for an accurate assessment. Here are the coverages you should have in all international travel protection plans.
Look for a policy covering medical treatment and hospitalisation, including inpatient and outpatient treatment.
Emergency medical evacuation is another critical coverage to consider, as it enables you to be transported to another hospital or repatriated to your home country if the primary healthcare is unsatisfactory.
Accident coverage is essential to secure oneself from accidents during a trip financially.
Typically, an exclusion means it isn’t covered; pre-existing condition coverage is another essential coverage if you are planning an international trip but have any pre-existing conditions. As any hospitalisation expenses incurred in dealing with them will not be covered, it is essential to check the policy document for specific coverages.
How to buy medical insurance online?
Once you have assessed the above criteria, buying medical insurance online is the easiest step. You can just visit the website of a leading insurer like Niva Bupa, fill in your details, choose the right plan based on the features, submit the documents and purchase the policy. The entire purchase process just takes a few minutes, enabling you to get the right policy from anywhere at any time without any delays or hassle.
Conclusion
Whether you're going on a short trip or an extended stay abroad, it is essential to secure your trip with the right international travel insurance online or offline, with robust international travel protection which covers medical emergencies. This helps ensure that you are not left with expensive hospital bills but instead a mai tai in one hand and your loved ones in another. So, protect yourself, your loved ones, and your finances from unexpected medical emergencies with Niva Bupa.
