The Importance of Travel Insurance
Nochiketa Dixit, Managing Director of Industries at EDME Insurance Brokers, states that during the holiday rush, “travellers often need to handle rebooking fees, additional accommodation, and the loss of essential items, and these unexpected expenses can add up quickly. Travel insurance provides a financial safety net when journeys face disruptions.”
Udayan Joshi, COO of SBI General Insurance, emphasizes that structured financial protection is particularly crucial during this time of year. “Travel insurance is vital now, as it shields travellers from the financial blow of delays, lost luggage, and cancelled flights. Having this level of protection ensures that unforeseen disruptions don’t derail the entire trip.”
For those with multi-city or international itineraries, the risks increase significantly.
According to Arun Ramamurthy, Co-founder of Staywell.Health, insurance serves as a “safety net” against various uncertainties—ranging from weather-related cancellations to cascading delays across airlines.
Ajay Shah, Head of Distribution at Care Health Insurance, mentions that these coverages “protect travellers from substantial unexpected expenses, helping them maintain their travel plans.”
Common Coverage Gaps
Experts warn that last-minute travellers frequently overlook critical details in their policies.
Dixit points out gaps such as:
- Insufficient trip value coverage
- Lack of baggage delay benefits
- Undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions
- Exclusions for adventure or winter activities
Ramamurthy identifies additional coverage gaps:
- Delay thresholds and notice requirements from airlines
- Restrictions on high-value lost or stolen items
- Coverage for missed connections when using multiple carriers
To avoid unexpected issues, travellers should thoroughly review policy inclusions, claim trigger conditions, and documentation requirements.
Joshi points out that travellers often neglect to check medical coverage limits or exclusions related to pre-existing conditions, and many forget to include home protection while away. He suggests that even a quick comparison of policies can help prevent complications when making claims later.
Balancing Cost and Coverage
When choosing a policy, experts recommend emphasizing overall value rather than opting for the lowest premium.
Dixit notes that slightly higher premiums often provide broader and more reliable protection during peak travel times.
Shah urges travellers to consider premiums against potential financial risks, such as last-minute rebooking fees, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
Ramamurthy mentions that those with intricate itineraries or international travel may benefit from higher-tier policies, while shorter trips with a single carrier might not require extra coverage.
Joshi advises evaluating premiums “from a value perspective rather than just price,” emphasizing that a marginally more expensive plan may afford greater protection against high-cost risks like overseas medical treatment or trip cancellations. Ramamurthy reiterates that complex itineraries may warrant higher-tier plans, while short-haul travellers using a single carrier may not need additional options.
Key Clauses to Review for Winter Travel
Before purchasing a policy, experts recommend checking:
- Delay thresholds – minimum waiting period for coverage to kick in
- Weather-related exclusions – policies might omit known weather events
- Baggage limits – maximum insured value for belongings
- Missed connection coverage – vital during busy holiday seasons
- Clauses for natural disasters and airport closures – particularly relevant for winter travel
Grasping these clauses, including exclusions, sub-limits, and documentation requirements, ensures that travellers choose a policy tailored to their needs.
