What is Travel Insurance?
Travel. It’s one of those things we all look forward to, no matter where we plan to take off. From sandy beaches and snow-covered mountains to the hilly greens and bustling cities; the world is our platter and the very act of traveling- our chance to experience at least one portion of it.
Travel insurance covers cost, losses, and other predefined expenses associated with travelling. It insures the policy holders from different types of losses they might face during their travel.
It covers a range of services like baggage/passport loss, flight delays, flight cancellations, medical expenses, etc. Your travel insurance is a document that acts as a safety net every time you travel.
Digit’s International Travel Insurance is designed to accompany you on all your travels; to help you travel smarter and safer.
From unpredictable flight delays and missed connections to loss of belongings, medical emergencies and adventure sport ouches, we cover for you so that nothing takes away your peace of mind.
After all, traveling is meant to help you rejuvenate and relax and our travel insurance online is customized to ensure you can experience just that.
So, whether you accidentally hurt yourself while bungee jumping, get scammed only to lose out on your wallet and passport or get into a legal issue for damaging your car rental abroad; your securing your trip with an overseas travel insurance will ensure you’ll be covered through it all.
The best part? You need not go through long and cumbersome processes to get your compensation or claims settled. Everything from buying a travel insurance online to making a claim is super simple and can be done digitally, within minutes!
“Do I really need a Travel Insurance?
If that’s a question you’ve been battling with, read on.
What’s great about International Travel Insurance?
Types of Travel Insurance
When travelling, you need to have an insurance plan in hand. You’ve already read why it's important to secure yourself, now you’re wondering which plan do I pick? There are different kinds of plans available depending on the purpose, duration and nature of your trip. Before selecting your plan, you should also keep the coverage and premium offers in mind.
Some types of travel insurance are:
Individual Travel Insurance: An Individual travel insurance plan is suitable for those on a solo trip. Keeping in mind multiple things that can go wrong, it is important to be cautious especially on your own.
Corporate Travel Insurance: The Corporate travel insurance plan is offered to an employee who is travelling on a business trip. This plan is purchased by the firm or employer, to secure the safe travels of the employee.
Student Travel Insurance: If you’re a student wanting to go abroad on an educational basis, then this plan is for you. Designed keeping the needs of a student in mind, this plan offers beneficial covers at minimum expense.
Group Travel Insurance: This plan benefits the whole group of travellers for unforeseen expenses or losses incurred during the trip. A significant advantage of this plan is reduced costs than individual plans for each traveller.
Family Travel Insurance: Covering the immediate family members of the policy holder under a single plan, this type of insurance is designed for families that travel together.
Senior citizen Travel Insurance: Travelling above the age of 60 trails its own risks along. That’s why having an insurance in hand saves you from unexpected issues like medical expenses, unpredictable financial emergencies, etc.
Domestic Travel Insurance: Domestic travel insurance comes in handy when you are travelling within national boundaries.
International Travel Insurance: Similarly, an international travel insurance is useful for international travel. In many countries, it is mandatory to have travel insurance with you while applying for your visa. This protects you from unforeseen expenditure.
Schengen Travel Insurance: A Schengen travel insurance is one that is applicable when travelling to the 26 Schengen countries. This plan secures you from financial losses. You can also avail many benefits as defined by the policy you opt for.
Annual or Multi-trip Travel Insurance: An annual or multi-trip plan is suitable for year-round trips mostly undertaken by those in the corporate sector. If you travel often or more than once in a year, then this plan is suitable for you.
Single trip Travel Insurance: A single trip travel plan fits those who travel abroad occasionally.
What does my premium depend on and how can I lower it?
An insurance premium is the cost of your insurance. It is the amount you, as a policyholder, must pay in order to be insured. A travel insurance premium is calculated depending on the age, duration, location, number of travellers, and add-ons you choose for your travel insurance plans. The more covers required, the higher your premium amount will be. At Digit, we offer a premium starting at just Rs. 225 . If you’re looking to lower your premium amount, consider this:
Choose covers that are essential to you: Many policyholders are often oblivious to the covers of their packs and end up paying a much higher amount. To avoid this, you can customise your plan and choose only the essential covers like flight delay or missed connection, baggage/passport loss, medical covers, etc.
Be an early bird: If you purchase your travel insurance plan earlier on, you are not only educated about your trip, but you can also make required changes depending on the future events. Some companies may offer discounts or other benefits to policyholders who purchase their insurance prior.
Avoid high-risk activities: To lower your premium costs, you can avoid undertaking high-risk long duration activities or even travelling to destinations that prove to be high-risk. At Digit, we cover adventure activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping, and skydiving but only if the duration is 1 day. We do not cover weeklong hikes, or professional adventure sports.
Number of travellers: The premium amount also depends on the number of people you are travelling with. If you are going on a solo trip, consider choosing an individual plan. If you are going with a group, then a group plan proves better than single insurance plans for each individual.
Do your research: Buying travel insurance only guarantees your safety during your trip. It is important to choose the right plan, which is flexible enough, has abundant benefits that fit your goals, and compare prices across platforms. You can then compare and choose what’s best for you.
Things you should know when you are planning an International Trip
How to buy Travel Insurance online?
Buying a travel insurance with Digit Insurance is super simple and can be done within minutes!
Step 1: Tell us about your upcoming trip- Countries You’re Traveling to and your Dates.
Step 2: Leave us your birthdates so we know how old you are.
Step 3: Pick a plan you like.
Step 4: Give us a few details about yourself (Name, Passport Number, Contact, etc.)
Step 5: Complete your Payment and you’re done! Your policy will be emailed to you right after.
Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for International Travel?
No, a travel insurance isn’t mandatory for all countries internationally. However, it is recommended to get one as it not only protects you against unfortunate situations in a foreign land but, also strengthens your visa application in many situations.
It is compulsory in several countries, including ones in the Schengen region. Without one, you may not get an approved visa of the respective country.
Check out the list of countries where Travel Insurance is mandatory:
Cuba
The United States of America
The United Arab of Emirates
Schengen Countries. It is a group of 26 countries in Central Europe.
Ecuador which includes the Galapagos Islands.
Antarctica
Qatar
Russia
Turkey
List of Countries where Indians don’t need a Visa/Get a Visa on Arrival
We all know how boring visa applications and processes can be. Luckily, there are at least a few countries over the world where Indians don’t need to go through the hassle of applying for one.
Check the list of countries where Visa is not required for Indian citizens or a Visa on arrival is available:
Asia - Thailand, Bhutan, Cambodia, Maldives, Macau, Indonesia, Iraq, Nepal, Laos, Jordan, Timor Leste
Africa - Mauritius, Seychelles, Togo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Comoro Islands
South America - Ecuador, Dominica, Bolivia, Guyana
North America - British Virgin Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, Nicaragua, Turks & Caicos
Oceania - Cook Islands, El Salvador, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Palau, Nieu, Samoa, Fiji, Micronesia.
Travel Insurance for Schengen Countries
Every traveler has once wanted to visit at least one of the many Schengen Countries. So, whether you’re going for a complete Euro Rail tour or are planning to visit a country like Estonia, Finland or Portugal, you will need a Travel Insurance to get your Schengen Tourist Visa approved.
However, a Schengen Travel Insurance has many more benefits apart from just getting your visa approved. It will help protect you from several unfortunate situations such as a flight delay, baggage loss or delay, loss of passport, missed flight connection, trip cancellation, medical emergencies, financial emergencies etc.
Things to carry when you’re Traveling Abroad
Every traveler and their needs are different. However, no matter what kind of traveler you are there are some travel essentials you will need for every trip.
Here’s a quick list on the different things you will need to carry while traveling abroad.
Passport (Of course!)
International Adapters (You don’t want to be stuck with no charge, when you realize your Indian plugs don’t get in them sockets!)
Basic medications (Paracetamol, Pain-Killers, Anti-Allergy Tablets)
Sunscreen if you’re traveling in summer, moisturizer if you’re traveling during winters
Comfortable shoes (You never know when you need to hike up somewhere!)
A Forex Card so you don’t face any financial challenges.
Travel Insurance, so you’re protected throughout your journey!
Your camera! (To capture all those memories)
A raincoat or umbrella if you’re traveling to a place with unpredictable weather! (Europe and the UK are famous for this!)
A book of your choice (To keep you occupied during long flight hours and, well to help you relax when you’re on a holiday!)