Should you buy travel insurance for domestic trips in India?

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When we think about travel insurance, we instantly think foreign vacations when medical bills or delayed luggage can spoil your trip. Yet on a domestic trip, something can go wrong as well — flight delays, accidents on the road, or unexpected hospitalization in the midst of a new city. Domestic premiums are fairly affordable compared to foreign policies, which makes people wonder if it’s worth adding.

What is included under domestic vacation insurance

Most policies include trip cancellations, delays, missed connections, delayed or missed baggage, and accidental hospitalization. The coverage includes three-to-seven days in the event of a trip that incorporates a flight on the domestic sector; this is generally priced below ₹300. Road or railway journeys cost even less. The coverage would be ₹2-5 lakh towards medical emergencies and smaller fixed amounts towards baggage or cancellations.

When it makes sense

If you're buying expensive non-refundable tickets, booking hotels that would burn a hole through your finances if you cancel, or bringing along your elderly parents, then domestic insurance is a wise protection. It is also useful if you are traveling to areas with limited or costly healthcare, such as mountain resorts or isolated vacation destinations.

When you can possibly omit it

In cases where you are travelling to the next town by public transport and the tickets are refundable, the cover will not be very useful. But as a regular commuter, one delayed flight or medical condition can easily exceed the premium, making the premium very reasonable.

What to be aware of

Check exclusions carefully. Many policies won’t cover pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities like trekking without permits, or cancellations due to personal reasons. Also, low premiums can mean strict claim conditions, so read the fine print carefully before relying on it.

FAQs

1. Is travel insurance compulsory on home tours?

No, it is discretionary. Carriers and online bookers will occasionally ask you to include it when you book, but you can omit it if you want.

2. Does it insure against COVID-19 or any diseases?

Most current policies cover hospitalization during the trip, including COVID-19, but not routine medical expenses or pre-existing diseases.

3. Can I buy travel insurance separately after booking tickets?

Yes, you can. Most insurers and internet sites offer the possibility of purchasing domestic travel cover after the trip is already booked, although the coverage is usually activated only when the policy is issued.