Travel Insurance Covers Pre-Existing Ailments with Extra Premium for Indian Travelers Heading Abroad

Travel Insurance Covers Pre-Existing Ailments with Extra Premium for Indian Travelers Heading Abroad

As the holiday season approaches, an increasing number of Indian travelers are set to explore international destinations, prompting a growing need for comprehensive travel insurance. Travel insurance not only provides coverage for medical emergencies but also protects against non-medical issues such as flight delays, loss of baggage, and trip cancellations.

Amrish Dubey, Vice-President at TATA AIG General Insurance, emphasizes that most travel insurance policies offer medical coverage that includes hospitalization, outpatient department (OPD) treatments, and post-hospitalization expenses. Meanwhile, Parthanil Ghosh, Director at HDFC ERGO General Insurance, adds that some insurers provide hospital cash allowances to cover non-medical costs during hospitalization.

Exclusions in Travel Insurance

While travel insurance offers extensive coverage, it also comes with exclusions, particularly concerning pre-existing medical conditions (PEDs). Aashish Sethi, Head of Health and Travel at Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, notes that pre-existing conditions are generally excluded unless explicitly covered. He adds that routine physical check-ups, losses not reported to the police within 24 hours, and the detention of important documents like passports by authorities are not covered under these policies. Furthermore, health issues caused by substance abuse or accidents due to driving under the influence are not included in the coverage, according to Meet Kapadia, Head of Travel Insurance at Policybazaar.com.

Determining the Right Sum Insured

Choosing an adequate sum insured is crucial, depending on the destination, duration, traveler’s age, and planned activities. Ghosh suggests that travelers to countries with high medical costs, such as the USA and Canada, should opt for higher coverage limits. Additionally, older travelers, those with pre-existing conditions, or those visiting multiple destinations should consider a more comprehensive cover.

Coverage for Pre-Existing Diseases

Many insurers only cover pre-existing diseases (PEDs) in life-threatening situations, often limiting coverage to around $3,000. This provides temporary medical assistance until the insured individual becomes stable. However, Sethi points out that travelers can opt for add-on covers that extend emergency medical coverage related to pre-existing conditions, up to the policy's specified limits.

Adventure Sports Coverage

Adventure sports enthusiasts should be aware that while some travel insurance policies cover adventure sports by default, others may require an add-on for such activities. According to Kapadia, adding this coverage typically increases the premium by 10-30%, depending on the insurer and the activities covered.

Key Considerations for Travelers

For travelers heading to Schengen countries, a travel insurance policy with at least 30,000 euros in medical and evacuation coverage is mandatory to obtain a visa. Travelers should ensure that their insurance covers all intended destinations, as Ghosh highlights that not all policies offer global coverage. Additionally, travelers should check the insurer’s hospital network, especially the availability of cashless services abroad.

Finally, Sethi advises travelers to declare any existing medical conditions, including any surgeries or diagnoses made within the last 48 months, to avoid potential claim rejections.