When to Buy Travel Insurance?

Well, congratulations. You are going on a trip, but have you bought your international travel insurance yet? An international travel policy is a must-have for your trips. Travel insurance provides financial protection in case of unexpected events that can occur during your trip. It can save you a lot of money, so it's important to have a policy before you leave. Make sure to purchase it as soon as possible. Below, we will discuss some of the timelines and reflect on when to buy travel insurance.

Before Booking Your Trip

Consider planning travel insurance even before finalising your travel plans. Once you've decided on your destination and have a rough itinerary in mind, start exploring insurance options. So you’ll be wondering if you can buy travel insurance at any time, well, anytime before your trip commences. Why so early? Because certain policies offer benefits that kick in even before you embark on your journey and insurers do not offer international travel insurance once your journey starts.

Trip Cancellation Coverage:

Life is unpredictable, and plans can change. Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage can be valuable if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel your trip. Whether it's a medical emergency, family crisis, or work-related issues, having insurance in place early can help recoup non-refundable expenses.

Pre-Existing Conditions:

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, getting coverage early is crucial. Some policies have clauses that exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions if the insurance is not purchased within a specific time frame before booking your trip. Don't leave it to chance—check the terms and conditions of the policy.

Trip Interruption Coverage:

Provides reimbursement for unused, non-refundable trip costs if your trip is interrupted due to covered reasons, forcing you to return home early. And this way, a policy financially backs you.

Travel Delay Coverage:

Insurance companies will pay a lump sum subject to the limits specified in the policy if your travel is delayed for more than 6 continuous hours due to any covered occurrence.

Missed Connection Coverage:

If you miss your connecting flight at an intermediate port due to a delay of more than 12 hours from the original schedule, you can claim reimbursement for the cost of actual boarding and lodging. This applies if the delay is caused by inclement weather, equipment failure of the common carrier, strike, or other job action by employees of the airlines.

Travel Insurance Prerequisites:

Can you buy travel insurance at any time before the trip begins?

Yes, you can. But before clicking "Buy Now" to secure your travel insurance, it's essential to confirm that you meet the documentation requirements. By proceeding with the purchase, you affirm that you have a valid Indian passport or fall into one of the following categories:

1. Indian Passport Holders: Ensure that your Indian passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip. It's a prerequisite for purchasing travel insurance.
2. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) with Indian Passports: If you're an NRI holding an Indian passport, you are eligible to buy travel insurance. Make sure your passport is up-to-date and will remain valid for the duration of your travels.
3. Dual Passport Holders: Travel insurance is available for individuals holding dual passports, provided one of them is Indian. Both passports must be valid and meet the entry requirements of the countries you plan to visit.
4. Foreign Nationals with Indian Work Permits: If you are a foreign national working in India and hold a valid Indian work permit, you are eligible for travel insurance coverage. Ensure that your work permit remains valid for the duration of your trip.
5. OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) Card Holders: Individuals possessing an OCI card are eligible for travel insurance. Verify that your OCI card is current and will be valid throughout your travel period.

Important Note:

Before finalising your purchase, carefully review the terms and conditions of the travel insurance policy to ensure compliance with the specified eligibility criteria. Please meet these prerequisites to avoid limitations or denial of coverage.

Royal Sundaram Terms and Conditions

Certainly! The terms and conditions (TNCs) you agree to when purchasing insurance from Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Limited outline the mutual understanding and obligations between you and the insurance company. Here's an explanation of the key points in the provided consent:

1. Communication Preferences

You consent to receive communication regarding the proposal status, policy details, and renewal reminders via email, SMS, and WhatsApp. This indicates the company's commitment to keeping you informed about your insurance-related matters through various electronic channels.

2. Authorisation for Communication

You authorise Royal Sundaram General Insurance Co. Limited to make welcome calls, service calls, or any other form of communication (electronic or otherwise) regarding the proposed or existing policy. This allows the company to engage with you for policy-related updates, services, or other relevant communications.

3. Accuracy of Information

By purchasing the insurance, you declare that all statements and answers provided by you while buying the policy are true and accurate. This underscores the importance of giving correct information during the application process.

4. Non-Liability for Incorrect Information

You acknowledge that Royal Sundaram will only be liable under the insurance contract if it is found that any information you provided needs to be corrected. This emphasises the significance of giving accurate and truthful details, as inaccuracies may impact the validity of insurance coverage.

Importance of Understanding TNCs

Understanding and agreeing to the terms and conditions outlined by the insurance company is crucial for policyholders. These conditions govern the relationship between you and the insurer, impacting the validity of the policy and the obligations of both parties. When contemplating when is the best time to buy travel insurance, it's advisable to read and comprehend these terms to ensure a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities throughout the insurance coverage period. If you have any concerns or queries, seeking clarification from the insurance provider is recommended before finalising the purchase.

Conclusion

Purchasing travel insurance is an essential aspect of planning any trip. It provides financial protection and peace of mind in the face of unexpected events. Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance policies that cover a wide range of unforeseen circumstances. By adhering to the prerequisites and carefully reviewing the terms and conditions, you can ensure that you are eligible for coverage and avoid any limitations. So, whether you're planning a international trip, consider Royal Sundaram Travel Insurance to safeguard your travels.