Does Your Travel Insurance Pack In Adequate Health Coverage?

Though health insurance is usually a part of a travel policy, check if it covers pre-existing diseases or not, as medical costs in some foreign destinations can be inhibiting

- Meghna Maiti

Once you have made a budget and zeroed in on an international destination that fits into it, that’s not all the job done. Going on a vacation abroad doesn’t just involve having adequate money and ensuring timely bookings, but it is also about planning carefully and protecting yourself against risks. You wouldn’t want any setback to leave you and your family in a logjam abroad.

While it is mandatory to buy travel insurance if you are flying to certain countries, not all of them have that requirement. But it is crucial to buy travel insurance when you are going abroad, as it provides coverage for unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and others.

Some airlines and aggregators have tie-ups with various insurers to provide travel insurance. Typically, most people tend to buy them, while some compare quotes from different insurers in order to buy the cheapest policy. But that may not be right, especially when you are travelling to a foreign land. Besides the cost, it’s also important to assess and check the features that the policy offers, especially related to health issues.

In most foreign countries, especially in the US, the cost of medical care can be exorbitant. Travel insurance can ensure access to quality healthcare without burdening you financially, but only if you know all the terms and conditions. Thus, it is advisable to do your research beforehand and not buy a policy at the last minute. Buying travel insurance in haste can be a costly mistake.

When it comes to the health insurance component, one of the major factors to check are the rules around pre-existing diseases (PEDs). Says Brijesh Unnithan, senior vice president, embedded insurance, Acko General Insurance, “Travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions can be crucial if one anticipates the likelihood of medical care related to their existing health issues while abroad.”