What is the Emergency Medical Coverage Limit?
This is the most critical question. Medical care abroad, especially in destinations like the US and Europe, can be incredibly expensive. A policy's total sum insured might look high, but you need to check the specific sub-limit for emergency medical expenses.
For travel to the US or Canada, a cover of at least ₹40-80 lakh is advisable. Also, ask if the policy offers a 'cashless' facility, where the insurer pays the hospital directly. This can be a lifesaver, preventing you from having to pay huge sums out of pocket during a stressful emergency. Finally, check if the plan includes emergency medical evacuation to transport you to a suitable facility or back to India if necessary.
How Are Pre-Existing Conditions Handled?
This is a major point of confusion and a common reason for claims being rejected. You must declare all pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart issues when buying a policy. Ask the insurer exactly how these are covered. Most standard policies exclude them entirely, while others may cover only life-threatening emergencies arising from a pre-existing condition. Some plans require you to purchase a specific add-on for this coverage. Failing to disclose a condition can void your policy, so honesty is the best policy here. Routine check-ups or planned treatments for these conditions are almost never covered.
What's Covered Under Trip Cancellation and Interruption?
Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your pre-paid, non-refundable costs—like flights and hotels—if you have to cancel your trip before you depart for a covered reason. Trip interruption applies after your trip has started, covering unused costs if you have to cut your trip short. The crucial detail is the list of 'covered reasons'. These often include serious illness or injury to you or a close family member, but not changing your mind. For greater flexibility, ask about a 'Cancel for Any Reason' (CFAR) add-on, which typically reimburses 50-75% of your costs for any reason not listed in the base policy.
What Are the Key Exclusions?
Every policy has a list of what it won't cover, and reading this is just as important as reading the benefits. Common exclusions include incidents arising from alcohol or drug use, participation in adventure sports unless you've bought a specific rider, and travel to a country against government advice. Many policies will not cover theft of unattended belongings, so you must demonstrate you took 'reasonable care'. Also, check the policy for any exclusions related to acts of war, civil unrest, or pandemics. Understanding these exclusions beforehand prevents unpleasant surprises if you need to make a claim.
What is the Process for Filing a Claim?
A great policy is useless if the claim process is impossible. Ask about the procedure for making a claim, both while you are abroad and after you return to India. Most insurers have a 24/7 helpline you must contact immediately or within a specified timeframe (often 24-48 hours) when an incident occurs. Failing to do so can jeopardise your claim. Ask what documents are required for different scenarios, like a police report (FIR) for theft or a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline for lost baggage. It's also wise to check the insurer's claim settlement record.
Are My Baggage and Personal Belongings Covered?
Losing your luggage can ruin the start of a holiday. Check the coverage for total loss of checked-in baggage as well as for baggage delays. For delays, policies usually reimburse you for essential purchases like clothing and toiletries after a certain number of hours, typically 12. Be aware that baggage delay cover is often only for your outbound journey, not the return trip to India. Also, ask about the sub-limits for valuable items and the process for claiming, which will require reports from the airline and receipts for any emergency purchases you make.
