For travelers caught in such situations, travel insurance exceeds only one formalities.
“Travel insurance provides the necessary financial security when it is unexpected,” Vivak Chaturvedi, chief marketing officer and head of direct sales in digit insurance.
Whether you are working with delay in travel, hospital tour, or lost goods, a strong travel plan can reduce both emotional and financial burden.
Medical emergency and clearance
If you are injured during an earthquake or cyclone, travel insurance usually covers emergency medical expenses.
This includes hospitalized, surgery, intensive care and even medical withdrawal for nearest suitable facilities.
“Injuries from natural disasters are sudden and often severe. Insurance steps are not delayed by the cost that care is not delayed due to cost care.”
Death or disability profit
In the worst condition, where a natural disaster leads to death or permanent disability, insurers provide a lump sum to the affected passenger or their family.
This payment can also help cover residue and repatriation of funeral expenses.
Cancellation
If a disaster hits your destination just before departure, you may be forced to cancel. Travel insurance often compensates for non-worthy booking-Flights, hotels, cancellations are due to an official advice from the Government of India or Destination country.
If you have already reached and are forced to reduce your journey, the same applies.
“Trip abandonment coverage can help you book returns travel and help recover lost expenses if you should suddenly empty,” says Chaturvedi.
Extended stay and missed connection
Natural phenomena can delay your return journey or miss you connecting flights. Insurance plans with trip extension or missed connection benefits cover additional housing costs and rebooking fee.
Coverage back home
Some policies move even further. If you are damaged while traveling, some travel insurance plans may be compensated under ‘Home Building and Content Coverage’.
Chaturvedi explains, “Many passengers don’t consider it, but disasters do not follow boundaries. A good policy should cover both destination and home.”
What passengers should do after disaster
If you face any disruption, inform your insurer or their third-party service provider as soon as possible. Keep all receipts, invoices and medical documents handled.
For medical emergency conditions, if available, inform the insurer immediately to avail cashless treatment. For lost goods, enter an FIR (if necessary) and inform the insurer without delay.
“When the documents are clear and timely, the claims are processed smoothly,” says Chaturvedi.
Read fine print
Travel insurance plans vary widely among providers. It is important to check what is covered and what is not. Policy holders should seek specific inclusion such as medical emergency conditions, travel canceling and natural disaster coverage.
