Why You Need Travel Insurance for Your Next International Trip?

As indicated by its name, travel insurance involves protecting yourself during your travels. Now, the question you may ask is: Why is travel insurance necessary to begin with? Ultimately, you're just traveling for 7 days, possibly 10 or 30. What might possibly happen in such a brief period?

Now picture this: you've just arrived in an unfamiliar country. You purchase coffee or tea and stand in line for your bags. Ten minutes go by, followed by an hour, and ultimately, six hours go by. You're still at the airport, awaiting your bags. You have already argued with the airline management team more than five times, yet nothing has been settled.

You eventually depart for your hotel. Nevertheless, when you check in, you find that you've misplaced your crucial bag — the one that holds your passport, visa, and all your money.

These are merely a few of the potential situations that might go awry, leaving you powerless. Now, picture a different scenario: what if you sustain an injury and find yourself in a hospital that costs $500 each night? What would you do at that point? What happens if your flight is delayed or canceled?

The options are limitless, and unforeseen occurrences can transform your dream vacation into a disaster. That’s the reason it is often stated:  "Prevention is better than cure."

So, yes — the answer is clear. You need travel insurance when you travel.

How to choose the Travel Insurance 

A valid question! Now that you know you need travel insurance, the next most important question is: How do you choose the right travel insurance? As mentioned earlier, the possibilities of what could go wrong are endless. Here are some key criteria you should check before selecting any travel insurance:

1. Ease of Availability

Ensure that obtaining the insurance is easy and trouble-free. If processing takes days, or if you're constantly required to give information through endless calls, it’s not worth it. As most travel insurance plans cover a brief period (at least 7 days and up to 30 days), the procedure ought to be swift—ideally requiring only 2-3 clicks to apply and obtain your policy.

2. Countries Covered

Check which nations are part of the travel insurance policy. Numerous Indian insurance companies offer coverage for a variety of countries but might omit specific high-risk areas like Pakistan, Afghanistan, DR Congo, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, North Korea, Haj pilgrimages, or the Manasarovar Yatra. Keep in mind these exclusions, particularly if you are visiting politically unstable areas.

3. Emergency Medical Coverage

Travel insurance must provide extensive medical coverage for emergencies such as accidents, illnesses, or potentially medical evacuation if required. Verify the caps on medical costs and make sure they are adequate for your destination, particularly in nations with high healthcare expenses such as the USA or Europe.

4. Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Seek coverage that safeguards you in case your trip is canceled or interrupted because of unexpected events, like sickness, severe weather, or other emergencies. This guarantees that you won't forfeit the funds you've put into reservations.

5. Personal Liability Coverage

Some policies offer protection against liability if you accidentally cause injury to someone else or damage their property while traveling. This feature can be a lifesaver in unfamiliar legal environments.

6. 24/7 Assistance Services

A good travel insurance provider should offer 24/7 support in case of emergencies, such as lost documents, legal help, or medical emergencies. Having access to a dedicated helpline can make a significant difference in high-stress situations.

7. Flexibility and Extensions

Check if the travel insurance policy allows extensions in case your trip gets prolonged unexpectedly. Flexibility in modifying the policy can be an important factor.

8. Customizable Plans

Some insurers offer customizable travel insurance plans where you can select only the features you need. This can save money while ensuring you’re covered for your specific requirements.

Travel insurance by Matrix

Matrix makes securing travel insurance incredibly easy and convenient. Here's how the process works and why this plan stands out:

Select Your Age Group

• Up to 40 years
• 41 to 60 years
• Above 60 years (eligible for Senior Travel Insurance)

Choose Your Travel Duration

Coverage starts from 7 days and extends up to 28 days for international travel.

Pick Your Medical Coverage

Select from various medical insurance choices, beginning at USD 50,000 and reaching USD 500,000, based on your travel requirements.

Plans begin at just ₹644 for a duration of 7 days, offering coverage of USD 50,000. Indeed, you understood that correctly! This ensures that Matrix Travel Insurance is both extensive and cost-effective for travelers.

Key Features of Matrix Travel Insurance

• Medical Coverage: Includes both in-patient (cashless hospitalization) and out-patient (reimbursement) treatment. Cashless facilities are available for hospital stays exceeding 24 hours.

• Covid-19 Coverage: During international travel, medical costs associated with Covid-19 are covered, including expenses related to quarantine (only medical expenses, excluding accommodation or incidental costs).

• Transparent Plan Comparison: Every plan distinctly details the coverages, simplifying the process of selecting the one that suits your needs.

Important Terms & Conditions

Insurance Provider: The product is covered by Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd., with support services offered by AWP Assistance (India) Pvt. Ltd. (operating as Allianz Travel in India). Matrix Cellular serves as a facilitator rather than as an insurance agent.

Excluded Countries: Travel Insurance is not valid for travel to certain politically disturbed regions, including:

• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• DR Congo
• Iran
• Iraq
• Yemen
• Syria
• North Korea
• Haj and Manasarovar Yatra

Pre-Existing Conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered by default. However, you can request coverage for pre-existing conditions by emailing support@matrix.in. Approval and additional premium charges are at the sole discretion of the insurer.

Policy Limitations: Only medical expenses during the quarantine period are covered; non-medical and accommodation costs are excluded.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance is an essential investment for any overseas journey. It offers reassurance and financial security against unexpected events such as lost baggage, health crises, trip disruptions, and others.

The positive aspect is that Matrix provides a practical and budget-friendly travel insurance option for students and seniors (over 60 years old) featuring customizable plans and clear coverage information.

Get your travel insurance from Matrix today and start your dream holiday with confidence.