When Is the Right Time To Buy Travel Insurance Online?
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel Insurance is an essential document you purchase to cover the risks that come along with travelling and can be used internationally or even for domestic travel and during unexpected circumstances.
When should you consider buying Travel Insurance online?
The best time to buy travel insurance online is within 15 days of making the first deposit (booking hotel or flight tickets) on your trip. After completing planning your trip, you will be able to estimate your total pre-paid trip costs. That allows you to avail an accurate quote for your plan to secure your trip.
Buying travel insurance early often qualifies you for pre-take-off coverages such as trip cancellation, interruption, flight delay etc. Many companies (like ours) let you buy plans until the day before you leave. Just make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered. Even though you might not avail of all the benefits, you still get important covers such as baggage and passport loss, medical covers, adventure activity coverage, personal liability and bail bond, etc.
The earlier you buy your plan, the sooner you will be covered. But, if you are an impulsive nomad, you can still secure your trip right before leaving. You can avail of Digit’s International Travel Insurance Policy online now!
When should you not buy a Travel Insurance?
You cannot buy travel insurance after clearing immigration at the airport from general insurers in India.
Technically, your policy starts from when you take off until you return to your home country. You can also not buy a travel insurance policy after something has happened. For example, on your trip to Thailand, you injured your leg, or your luggage was stolen. Unfortunately, you cannot claim travel insurance for circumstances like this after it has happened. If a situation has already occurred or is expected to occur, you will not be covered under your policy.
What are the advantages of buying Travel Insurance early?
Buying travel insurance online policy early is an intelligent choice, so you don’t forget to do so later.
Often, a travel supplier or professional will recommend purchasing a policy; it’s always better to have a plan in place that you know in and out. Getting the best deal means knowing which plan perfectly suits your purpose of travel and availing it at an affordable price. To understand this better, you should know how to compare plans online.
You also qualify for coverages that run out if you buy your plan last minute. So, coverages like trip cancellation and common carrier delay are benefits you avail before you take off.
Also, if you buy early, you have one thing off your checklist and can focus on other essential matters like accommodation, itinerary, clothes etc.
If you’re still mapping out plans or changing your itinerary, don’t fret. You can adjust your travel insurance policy by requesting a plan change. You can then update your total trip cost or tweak your travel dates.
What happens if you travel without insurance?
Travelling without travel insurance is a risk you shouldn’t be willing to take. Here’s why:
28 million baggage are reportedly mislaid by airlines every year. (1)
Medical expenses cost 3 to 5 times more outside India. (2)
47% of baggage loss happen during international transfers. (3)
Phones, Bank Cards, Licenses & Passports are the top 4 belongings people lose while travelling. (4)
In 2021 alone, 3 instances of hijacking took place. (5)
You’re very likely to miss or encounter a delayed flight on any given day. (6)
Travel scams are extremely common in tourist-heavy countries. (7)
So, is Travel Insurance really worth it?
Yes, because it helps cover thousands of rupees in travel-related expenses in case of unexpected hurdles or disasters. In some cases, many travellers who purchase travel insurance do not necessarily file a claim. And that’s almost the whole point!
Travel insurance is bought as a security blanket if you face any disruption in your trip. The financial repercussions from such situations might be grave, so you purchase international travel insurance for your trips abroad to avoid burning a hole in your pocket. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Below we’ve mentioned some more important reasons and benefits of getting your travel insurance:
If you need emergency hospitalisation, evacuation, your trip is cancelled or your bookings bounce, your travel insurance can help reimburse your expenses, proving worth the investment.
A significant factor is that travel insurance is mandatory when travelling to certain countries.
Another scenario is when you get free insurance (or insurance along with a package, credit card, from your bank, etc.). In such cases, it becomes even more crucial to thoroughly review the policy document and ensure you are getting the right coverage for the right price. Take a look at the range of coverages Digit’s International Travel Insurance policy offers.
Now that you know why travel insurance is crucial and the right time to purchase, go ahead and get your policy from Digit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does travel insurance get more expensive closer to the trip?
The price of travel insurance doesn’t increase the closer you get to your travel date. Although, you will be missing out on pre-take-off coverages that could benefit you if you buy your policy at the last minute. Some of these coverages include trip cancellation, common carrier delay, etc.
What factors affect the cost of travel insurance?
Factors affecting the cost of travel insurance are:
- Age and Health conditions of the Travellers: Older travellers are usually charged higher rates than younger travellers.
- Duration of the trip and Destination: Another significant factor is how long your trip will last and where you are travelling.
- Sum Insured: The sum insured is the maximum insurance amount paid through various benefits. A higher sum insured results in a higher premium rate.
Other factors, like discounts offered by the company and the type of plan you choose, also influence the amount you pay. You can also try to reduce the cost of your travel insurance premium by practicing these tips!
How long does travel insurance last?
Travel Insurance is valid from when you purchase your policy until you return from your trip. The duration of travel plans that you avail vary- some are valid only for the dates you select, while others, like annual travel insurance plans, are valid for a year. Student travel insurance plans from Digit are valid for up to 3 years, and so on.
What is a reasonable amount to pay for travel insurance?
The cost of your travel insurance plan depends on many factors and differs from one insurer to another. Digit’s International Travel Insurance Policy offers premiums starting from ₹225 for over 150+ countries and islands worldwide.