Here is the inclusion of Student Travel Insurance Plan

Studying overseas is a dream for many and the students striving to secure admission in foreign universities spend day and night preparing tirelessly to make these dreams a reality. Once the country and university are decided and the admission process is being finalized, comes the crucial point where you must buy the best student travel insurance plan. Bearing the overseas education costs is no easy feat and while you might consider avoiding student travel insurance, you should not. Many students abroad would attest to the fact that while student travel insurance premium may seem like an additional expense at the beginning, it can prove to be a blessing in disguise when the need arises.

Keeping in mind the significance of student travel insurance and the assistance it provides to students in case of an emergency, most of the universities have made it mandatory to buy student travel insurance as part of their admission applications process. 

When you are looking to buy the best student travel insurance plan available, make sure that the eventualities specified by the University, if any under their detailed guidelines are covered by your insurance plan. 

Generally, the following are included in the list of inclusion in a student travel insurance plan:

1. Medical Expenses: When it comes to medical expenses the best student travel insurance plans not only include the emergency medical expenses incurred such as medical tests, hospitalization etc., but also the expenses pertaining to your pre-existing medical conditions, if any, and the costs for routine medical checks and for prescription medications. Another aspect best student travel insurance plans include these days is the psychological coverage which includes nervous breakdown, drug dependency etc.

2. Study Interruption: Due to certain medical emergencies, a student might have to be hospitalized for over a month. This would result in the student to take a break from the studies and even require to travel back home. This inclusion covers the expenses incurred in such an eventuality.

3. Accidental and Disability Benefit: As is the case with a general health or travel insurance plan, if you opt for the best student travel insurance plan, it will provide coverage in an event of accidental death or disability. In such unfortunate cases, the policy provider is liable to pay the pre-decided lump sum amount to the insured’s family, subject to the policy terms. 

4. Medical Evacuation: Certain medical emergencies may require the student to be evacuated immediately and transported to the home country. In such cases, the medical evacuation cover pays the expenses incurred or the lump sum amount as decided under the policy terms, whichever is less. 

5. Reparation of Remains: Under this cover, the insurance provider pays for the expenses incurred or the pre-decided amount, whichever is less in case the mortal remains of the insured are to be repatriated to his/her country.

6. Sponsor Benefit: According to the sponsor benefit, in the misfortune of the insured’s sponsor’s accidental death, the insurance provider covers the insured student’s tuition fee.

7. Flight Cancellation: This inclusion covers for the expenses incurred in case the insured’s flight is canceled by the airline. This benefit might also include the expenses in case the student misses his/her connecting flight or the connecting flight is canceled by the airline.  

8. Loss or Delay of Checked Baggage: In case the insured’s checked baggage is delayed while traveling through a common carrier, the insurer is provided with the expenses to purchase fresh toiletries and clothes. 

If a situation arises where the insured’s baggage is lost or damaged by a common carrier, he/she will be provided with the expenses to replace the damaged or lost articles and/or documents. This inclusion is crucial as almost all students carry valuable articles and documents such as transcripts, mark sheets etc. while shifting abroad for studies. 

9. Loss of Passport: While traveling and staying overseas, the passport is a very vital document for proof of nationality. If the student loses his/her passport, the best student travel insurance plan provides for the expenses incurred in arranging a fresh passport or at times the policy provider even arranges for a duplicate passport.    

10. Personal Liability: Personal liability is the damages legally payable in case someone or someone’s property is harmed by you. Under this inclusion, the insurance plan covers such damages and other medical expenditures legally payable by the insured in case someone is bodily harmed. 

11. Bail Bond: In case the insured (Student) is arrested/for detained by the local law authorities during the stay, this inclusion covers the bail amount if the arrest is made under a bailable offence. 

12. Compassionate Visit: A compassionate visit is when the student is hospitalized for 7 consecutive days or more and requires bedside assistance of an immediate family member. Under the inclusion for a compassionate visit, the policy provider pays for one family member’s roundtrip in economy class. The best student travel insurance plans even cover the expenses incurred for the family member’s stay in such cases. 

13. Identity Theft: In today’s time of technology moving at light’s pace, identity theft has become quite common. While looking for a suitable student travel insurance plan, this inclusion may seem irrelevant but it can actually come to the rescue in case of theft of credit/bank cards and/or any fraudulent charges made in the student’s name. Some policy providers even pay certain pre-decided daily allowance amount in case the student’s bank/credit cards are stolen so that they are not left in a lurch. 

A student travel insurance plan offers a protection to students against financial risks while they are studying overseas. The abovementioned list of inclusion consists of just the essential benefits, you should consider while comparing the insurance plans. Many websites or friends/family members might recommend a certain plan for you but always keep in mind that the best student travel insurance plan for you is the one which meets all your needs and requirements. Another key point to always remember is to ask for the policy provider’s round the clock assistance number which the student can use to contact in case of an emergency. 

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Buying Medical Travel Insurance Policy? Here are the Things you should Know!

In this era of globalization, international countries are becoming more accessible to the common man. The tourism industry is booming as people traverse the globe exploring new cities and drinking in their wonders with their own eyes. It requires a lot of expenditure and for the most part people are very open to spending vast sums of money on their travel plans. However, what most tourists are ignoring or glossing over is the issue of medical travel insurance.

The likelihood is rare, but if you are travelling in a foreign country, you could have the misfortune of encountering some sort of medical emergency. Your trip to paradise will turn into a nightmare as you see the astronomical medical bill that you will have to pay in such an event.

Why should you buy International travel Insurance?

First of all, this insurance plan will cover your medical expenses both within India and abroad. Secondly, you mal alter the plan according to the country that you choose to visit. In short, you may customize it according to your needs. These plans cover medical treatments, accommodation for medical emergencies. The coverage of the plan depends on your requirements. It could be as shirt as five days or as long as a whole year. It is indeed advisable to take up some kind of travel insurance if you are travelling abroad.

The advantage of a medical life insurance cover is that not only does it provide you a boon in terms of medical emergencies but its coverage also extends to flight hijacks, loss of your passport, delay of your flight and loss of your checked in baggage.

For frequent flyers:

There are specific travel insurance policies offered for those businessmen who have to take frequent trips abroad due to the nature of their job. Does that mean that you will have to purchase an insurance policy every time? Not at all. There is an option called the multi-trip travel insurance policy that covers either insurance up to a year or a set number of days. This kind of insurance is definitely more pocket friendly. There are several benefits such as hassle free cashless hospitalization, as well as quick settlement claims.

An important reminder is that you should purchase a medical travel insurance even if you have medical insurance within your native country. The reason for this is simple. Your medical cover may not be applicable abroad. And even if it is, the costs could escalate considering the value of the rupee against the foreign currencies like the dollar or the pound.

Visa Requirements

When you travel to countries like the USA, a medical insurance is advisable due to the reasons mentioned above. However, many countries themselves make a medical insurance a compulsory requirement in order to visit their country. This is because your medical emergency could be a liability for their institutions.

For example, you cannot travel to Europe’s Schengen area without an insurance cover that costs around €30,000 which is around 23 lakhs in Indian currency. The guidelines for visiting Germany strictly state that any visitor to the country for however a short period of time must have health insurance.

For Gulf countries:

Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar have made medical travel insurance a compulsion for tourists coming to stay in their nations. Other countries like Thailand which is a very popular destination for Indian tourists are also considering such a policy.

Russia, Turkey, South Africa and Cuba have followed in the UAE’s footsteps and insist in medical insurance for their visitors.

For the Elderly:

In the present day and age when the youth move abroad to re-settle, they often invite their elderly parents to their homes for a visit. There is definitely more risk in the travelling of an older person and so factors such as pre-existing medical conditions must be kept in mind before purchasing a medical insurance. If such conditions do exist, there are very few options available. However, one can always go to an US insurer that factors in these medical conditions.

Factors you must look out for while purchasing Medical travel insurance:

1.     Pre existing medical conditions: An important fact is that Indian medical insurers usually provide for decent cost effective policies with reasonable coverage for people who have no pre-existing medical conditions. However, for those who do suffer form some kind of ailment, the insurance policies available are scarce. So, while purchasing a plan enquire about the coverage. A hospital overseas should not be rejecting your insurance because of the medical condition.

2.     Sub-limit clauses: When you are purchasing an insurance plan, especially for the elderly, make sure you opt for one which does not have any sub-limit clauses. In case it does, you may be liable to pay additional amounts. So, if you opt for one without this sub-limit, even if the medical expenses are astronomical, you don’t have to pay anything out of your pocket. There may be sub-limits for those in the age group of 55 and above.

3.     Add-ons: When you purchase a policy look for one that has add-ons. This means that the policy has additional coverage for instances like medical evacuation, outpatient treatment, repatriation of mortal remains, and accident-related hospitalisation.

Your over-all sum insured will not reduce if you make a claim under any one of these categories.

Questions you must ask while purchasing a plan:

1.     What is the structure of the pricing? What kind of coverage will you get?

2.     Is your insurer a reliable source? Does he have a good reputation?

3.     What kind of documents will you need for the insurer to grant you the policy?

4.     How big is the approval list for the insurer? Is his network wide enough to include the places that you are travelling to?

Asking these relevant questions will help you choose the correct medical travel insurance policy to suit your needs. So travel the world and fulfil your desire but also stay safe and make sure you have made allowances for any medical emergency.

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Here is Why Travel Insurance Plan is a Must Have

We plan vacations to take a break from the jostling hustle bustle of our daily city lives and relax. The itineraries are meticulously planned after hours of research over the Internet and reading innumerable travel blogs. We give the same level of diligence and attention to travel and accommodation bookings. All this to achieve two main goals: great time with relaxed mind during the vacation and bookings/arrangements that don’t break the bank.

But most of us often ignore or choose to turn away from Travel Insurance during all this planning. While it may seem an insignificant detail at the time of booking, travel insurance can actually save the day during a crisis. Studies have found that until it is mandatory by the destination country, a majority of Indians choose not to buy International Travel Insurance online or from the travel agent, even though they know about it. This is more about not knowing in detail about the benefits of an international travel insurance plan. 

With more and more bloggers and travelers also talking about it from their experience, Travel Insurance is now being seen in a different light and with new age insurance portals coming up it has become even easier to compare and buy International Travel Insurance online. Here we bring you 7 reasons why you should opt for the travel insurance before heading out for your vacation.

1. Assistance in case you lose your passport or luggage. 
It can be quite a harrowing experience if you lose your passport or your luggage in a foreign land. The process of managing in such crisis and arranging the necessary items/documents can dampen the vacation plans. Therefore, you should buy International Travel Insurance online before leaving for your trip and make sure that the cover includes these kinds of emergencies and provide assistance to expedite the process of issuing duplicate passport/relevant documents at the time of need.

2. Emergency medical coverage
Medical emergencies can occur anywhere, anytime. When you are in your country, your health insurance plan covers the medical expenses. But what about any medical needs due incidents or due to pre-existing conditions? A good overseas travel insurance plan not only covers your medical expenses due to a pre-existing condition if any but also provides you with cashless medical expenses in case of need. Hence, when you are planning to buy International Travel Insurance online, make sure that the medical coverage is comprehensive yet tight.

3. Expenses occurred due to cancellation or delay
Whenever there is any sort of cancellation, be it cancellation of flight or stay, the traveler ends up bearing expenses. This is not a desirable course and often ends up adding to your stress and shaking the budget. While you may have prepared contingencies for such an event, you can avoid the hassle caused by cancellations or delay entirely. Before making any bookings towards your trip, make sure you buy International Travel Insurance online, a plan that covers changes due to cancellation or delays. Another important aspect to keep in mind are the delays, for instance, while waiting for the return flight home, you get stuck at the airport for an entire day due to heavy fog/snow and have to take up some sort of accommodation. Now, if your overseas travel insurance plan covers such expenses, you need not worry about such unprecedented expenses.

4. Emergency evacuation expenses
Calamities such as natural disasters, terrorist acts etc. or even a serious medical emergency can create the need for emergency evacuations. These emergency evacuations can bill up to thousands of dollars, depending upon the originating and destination country. If you include emergency evacuation expenses when you buy International Travel Insurance online, it not only helps cover the expenses but also provide assistance that makes such services available to you on foreign land. It is also pertinent to consider the limit your cover provides for such expenses.

5. Accidental death or disability
Unfortunate events such as death and disability are hard to cope, especially in a foreign land. There are innumerous formalities associated with such incidents and travel insurance helps with the expenses while also providing assistance. Some overseas travel insurance plans also provide additional coverage that also includes the process to ship the remains of the deceased home.

6. Trip interruption
Just as a good overseas travel insurance plan covers unforeseen expenses due to cancellation, if stipulated in the terms, the plan also takes care of cash advances in case of interruptions. For instance, if there is an interruption in your travel or maybe a missed flight, travel insurance reimburses the expenses incurred. One element to watch out is the list of exclusions and terms of cancellations.

7. Round the clock assistance in case of emergencies. 
Being on a foreign land is already intimidating, especially when you are not familiar with the local language. Even though it might sound like a frivolous advantage of buying an overseas travel insurance plan, having a 24X7 number for round the clock assistance can come in handy in case of emergencies. In adverse situations, having access to the travel insurance helpline can save the day.

Each country has a specific set of requirements in terms of insurance cover; also certain aspects of cover apply to only some grounds of the claim. For instance, few countries make it mandatory to have travel insurance as part of the visa formalities. The benefits offered by the insurance may outweigh any doubts regarding it, provided you keep the premium amount in check and cover all the bases according to the travel plans.

While many points about overseas travel insurance may seem insignificant, these points sometime make all the difference in case of emergencies. Hence it is pivotal to read and understand the terms of the plan. Even if the travel plans are as uncomplicated as relaxing at the beach or exploring the local markets, or adventurous as skiing, having travel insurance helps lessen the worry while traveling. Consider your overseas travel insurance plan as a security net to safeguard your vacation so that you can have a great time without hurting the pocket.

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Here’s why you should buy travel insurance for your weekend getaway

Weekend getaways are great to take you away from the heavy schedules of work. Most of the travelers believe that weekend trips don’t require any travel insurance due to the short duration of the visit. Even though you might be tempted to save money on these short trips, giving into this temptation could prove to be expensive. You can face the same troubles on a weekend getaway as with longer duration trips.

Risks that can be insured in an International travel insurance plans

Good International travel insurance plans provide coverage for risks involved in any trip, even weekend getaways, such as:

1. Flight or stay delays and cancellation: In case of flight delay or cancellation, the travel insurance plan covers the overhead expenses incurred. This would ensure that you could make alternate travel or stay arrangements without halting your trip. 

2. Damage or loss of passport and luggage: Not all weekend getaways translate to road trips. Short international trip for a weekend getaway would involve traveling by public transport. And losing luggage on such trip is a common occurrence; many travelers can vouch for that. International travel insurance plans offer coverage for such incidents. It is a crucial benefit, especially in the case loss of passport, having international travel insurance; you are privy to round the clock assistance that can expedite the process of completing the necessary formalities.

3. Medical expenses: Medical emergencies can strike anywhere and while on vacation, you wouldn’t want the doctor’s fee or other medical expenses to mount your credit card bill. International travel insurance plans provide cashless medical assistance or reimbursement of the said bills, subject to the policy terms. 

4. Emergency evacuations: Natural disasters such as wildfires, flood, earthquake or man-made emergencies such as political crisis etc. can result in the need for emergency evacuations. Charges for emergency evacuations runs in tens of thousands of rupees, especially emergency medical transport. Comprehensive international travel insurance plans include such contingencies and provide assistance in such situations. 

In addition to these, International travel insurance plans also include some other benefits to ensure that all possible aspects of your weekend travels are covered. Some of these benefits are:

1. Personal Liability: Personal liability is the expenses incurred in case someone’s property is damaged or you injure someone. By including this benefit in your domestic or international travel insurance plans, one more unexpected expense can be addressed and you can enjoy the vacation more relaxed.

2. Additional Expenses: While your travel insurance plan might cover the costs of flight delay or cancellation, you might have to incur some extra unprecedented expenses while you wait for the changes travel arrangements.

3. Amendment and cancellation costs: In some cases, you might need to alter or even cancel your plans altogether. These can change your booking costs and a good international travel insurance plan can help take care of these charges. 

4. Accidental Death: In an unfortunate event of death, some International travel insurance plans pay a lump sum benefit. 

Merits of travel insurance for weekend getaway

While the majority of people believe that travel insurance is a necessity for long vacations, what they don’t realize that the correct travel insurance policy would provide a similar cover for short vacations, even the weekend getaways. In fact, the same risks are covered for both international and domestic trips. Hence, it is a smart and practical choice to buy one of the domestic or International travel insurance plans while you plan for an exhilarating vacation because no matter where you travel, a vacation must be relaxing and stress-free.

Making travel insurance for short trips affordable

1. Opt for basic cover: If you are taking a short trip with fewer contingencies, you can opt for a basic cover. For example, your stay booking is refundable or in case of an interstate weekend getaway, you would be traveling by your own car then benefits for cancellation or delay won’t hold much value.

2. Plan ahead: Just like your bookings and tickets, it is always beneficial to figure out your interstate or International travel insurance plans ahead of time. This will give you a clear picture of your situation and requirements. This also helps in covering the costs incurred due to any change in plans during the months leading to your departure date. 

3. Know your needs: It is essential to identify your needs and goals for a travel insurance plan. This helps in looking for a product whose terms are suitable and match your needs. For instance, if you prefer weekend getaways at the beach and are a minimalist traveler, you need not have the benefit for insured valuables in your travel insurance plan as those generally result in higher travel premiums.

4. Buy online: It may seem a pretty straightforward and hassle-free step to buy the interstate or international travel insurance plans from your travel agent or select the travel insurance checkbox on the flight booking website. But this could mean you paying more for your travel insurance as most of the times travel agencies and flight booking websites have their own commissions added to the premium. Hence you should always purchase the travel insurance online from an insurance portal or directly from the policy providers website.

5. Compare products: Before purchasing any of the domestic and international travel insurance plans available, shortlist the ones that suit your needs while falling under your budget. Now compare these selected products to pick out the ideal travel insurance plan for you. 

6. Discounts: The insurers sometimes offer existing customers discounts on travel insurance plans, making it lucrative to purchase the plan from them.       

7. Annual Policy: If you go for frequent short trips or weekend getaways during a year, purchasing an annual policy can actually be more affordable and suitable for the long run. You should go for an annual policy of you would be taking at least two or more trips in the 12-month span. 

Even though you might be going for just a weekend getaway, always opt for at least the basic coverage that includes all possible risks without burning a hole in your pocket once you have compared and studied the various domestic and international travel insurance plans available in the market. 

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Make the Most of Your Shopping Trip to London

You can manage the best shopping in London which is apt for designer clothing, unique items, specialist food and antiques. As you visit popular departmental stores, you can catch latest fashion and innovative home wares. There are small niche stores all over the city. Designer furniture, home-wares and gifts can be found in Marylebone High Street. You can plan your visit with a guide as it will help you choose the right destination as per your budget. You will save time and it is possible to derive best shopping experience!

Prominent shopping locations 

Oxford Circus – If you are focusing pure shopping, you should get down at the intersection of Oxford Street and Regent Street. The chains will change the stock on a regular basis so that you can find various kinds of items very easily. Even though you will want to go through the crowded street, it is a worthwhile option. You can also find the largest fashion store, TopShop. 

Harrods – The famous departmental store is located outside the Knightsbridge tube stop. Tourists, fashion-savvy people and wealthy people visit the location. You can find the giant food hall which helps you refresh in between shopping. You can buy attractive bags, shoes and chocolates. You will admire various items and it is easy to spend at least one hour for simple window shopping. 

Selfridges – The departmental store on the Oxford Street presents trendy items. You can shop for designer labels, quality eateries and high-quality food items. 

Harvey Nichols – It is located at the Knightsbridge and the place presents designer labels for men, women and children. You can shop home wares and accessories. The food hall is ideal for lunch. 

Bond Street – The Bond Street is ideal for designer shopping. You can figure out big designers, auction houses, jewelers and various brands including Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Aspery and Hermes. 

Covent Garden – if you are looking for new fashions and would like to spend more, you can visit Covent Garden. Most of the chains present in the area are in the lines of Diesel or Miss Sixty. 

Benefits of overseas travel insurance plan 

There are many benefits associated with the overseas travel insurance plans. You can Buy Overseas Travel Insurance Policy online after comparing the best policies from various insurance companies. You should be aware of the exclusions such as expenses arising out of drug abuse or alcohol, self-injury and suicide. 

The benefits are listed below:

• Emergency hospitalization expenses 

• Medical treatment 

• Repatriation expenses

• Emergency dental care expenses

• Accidental death and dismemberment 

Best Travel Insurance Plans

You should choose the best travel insurance plan as per your budget and coverage of risk factors. The policy can be customized as per your needs. When you choose the best plan, you can shop in the streets of London with absolute peace of mind. The travel insurance covers your stay in London. It will include pre and post hospitalization expenses as per the terms and conditions mentioned in the plan. 

Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance Plan 

• In-house international toll-free and fax numbers

• Covers hospitalization expenses 

• Loss of baggage 

• Trip cancellation and trip curtailment is covered by the plan 

• Quick disbursement of claims 

• Insurance plans for students and senior citizens 

• Award-winning general insurance company 

TATA AIG Travel Guard 

The travel guard insurance plan by TATA AIG will cover your worries. All your belongings, journey and medical expenses are borne by the insurance plan. You can get the best deal from the reputed insurance company. 

• International travel insurance policy 

• Accidental death and dismember benefit 

• Bounced hotel or airline booking 

• Flight delay 

• Trip cancellation 

• Home burglary 

• Baggage delay benefit 

• Sickness medical expense reimbursement 

• Minimum sum assured $10,000 and maximum sum assured $25,000

Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance 

• You can get policy in 5 minutes 

• 24/7 dedicated helpline 

• Attractive premium rates 

• Cashless hospitalization abroad 

• Medical repatriation 

• Lost baggage and lost passport assistance 

• Embassy referral service

• Exchange rate information 

• Single trip/multi-trip coverage 

Religare Travel Insurance 

• Offers complete support for travel and non-travel related issues 

• Covers hospitalization expenses

• Daily allowance of $25 per day (max 5 days) 

• Sum insured € 30,000 & € 100,000

• Age band – Day 1 to unlimited age 

• Common carrier accident death 

• Medical evacuation 

• Double sum insured for accidental hospitalization 

Conclusion 

The medical expenses in London will be very high. You should insure the travel-related risks and other factors by choosing the best travel insurance plan so that the journey can be completed in a very confident manner. As there are various plans offered by different insurance companies, you should choose the best plan after comparing different plans. The insurance company that offers best claim processing, customer support and affordable premium should be selected. 

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