Travel insurance is often a last minute extra when choosing your holiday but can be a god send in case of accidents, especially is you're riding across the Thar desert on a camel when it happens. You'll be more than grateful in the worst case scenario that you thought ahead and did buy a travel insurance india package.
At the very least a good travel insurance policy provides a little extra peace of mind allowing you to fully unwind whilst on your break. But is it a false sense of security? With travel insurance companies estimating that up to 15% of claims are fraudulent, how can you ensure that any legitimate claim you make is taken seriously and paid in full? Make sure you do the proper research before departure, and investigate the options thoroughly. You want to enjoy the sights and sounds of India without having to worry about worst case scenario troubles such as accidents.
Therefore, you can take a number of straightforward but important precautions to make sure your lives up to its promises:
Check the policy smallprint before you sign on the dotted line. Many people assume one travel insurance policy is the same as the next but a lot of complaints arise because people think they're covered and discover too late that they're not. In particular, examine the paperwork for:
(1) Excesses: don't just compare premiums check how much of a claim you would have to pay. If the excess is Ј150 per item that means you have to pay the first Ј150 of any claim for each item you are claiming for.
(2) The level of medical cover you have, particularly in countries like the UKwhere medical costs can be extortionate.
(3) What you're not covered for such as pre-existing medical conditions, particular adventure sports etc.
(4) If you're covered for lost or stolen rupees and how much.
(5) If loss of possessions is covered as well as theft.
(6) If 24-hour emergency assistance is included or optional. This is absolutely crucial!
Tips
Disclose any existing medical conditions
Your
india travel insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurer based upon "utmost good faith". This requires you to divulge anything that may affect the acceptance or terms of a policy.
Be completely open and honest about your medical history and the activities you're likely to be involved in, whether you think they're risky or not. A good rule of thumb is; if in doubt declare it anyway. One of the most common defenses made by insurers when declining a claim is that information was not disclosed. Don't leave them any room for manouvre should a claim arise.
(a) Take a copy of the travel policy documents with you on your trip to India, as well as a photocopy of your passport, and the emergency number including international dialing code.
(b) Note any expensive items you take with you, including serial numbers etc.
(c) Take photo's and keep receipts for expensive items such as jewellery or cameras you plan to take with you on holiday. Having proof helps enormously if you claim for these high value items
(d) Report any thefts or losses quickly and get a police report. Ask your indian concierge or tour guide to help if you don't know how.
(e) If your possessions are lost or stolen, report it immediately to the local police. Get an accident report number or similar documentary proof that you've reported the loss and if you're on a package holiday, report the theft/loss to the hotel or travel rep.
(f)If your bag is lost, stolen or damaged at the airport, report it immediately and get a receipt from the airline or baggage handler.
When you get home
Examine the small print, contact your insurer and work out what you can claim for. Submit all supporting documentation via recorded delivery (keeping copies for yourself) as evidence of your claims and feel free to deluge the insurer with receipts, photographs and copies of any police or medical reports you have.
Keep copies all correspondence and make detailed records of every phone call, including the name of the person you spoke with and the time of your call.
What to do if your claim is declined?
Your claim could be declined by the insurer for many reasons but they will examine it against their policy terms and conditions first. For example most policies won't cover alcohol-related incidents and like all insurance you must take 'reasonable' care of your belongings.
Your first step is to appeal against the decision providing detailed and specific points for your arguement backed up by any additional evidence. If you feel you have been poorly treated you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
India Travel Insurance – Begin your holiday well protected!