Imagine you’re travelling to another country for a vacation. You’ve booked your tickets, packed your bags, booked your hotel rooms, and are ready with your passport and visa.

You reach your destination excitedly and are informed that your luggage has been misplaced!

Or, worse, you end up losing your passport during the trip!

In situations like these, travel insurance provides financial protection and assistance. It helps cover unexpected expenses and problems that may occur during your trip.

When you buy a travel insurance plan, you pay a premium, which is a fee, in exchange for the insurance company taking on the risk of potential travel-related problems.

If something goes wrong while you're travelling, such as your flight being cancelled, your luggage getting lost, or you needing medical treatment abroad, travel insurance can help you recover some or all of the costs.

It is extremely important if you’re travelling in a foreign country, where the medical expenses are high or if you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the native language.

It is also ideal if you’re a solo traveller who might need assistance tackling unexpected situations.

Travel insurance helps you travel in peace without worrying about the hassles you might encounter while you’re on your trip.

Travel insurance is like having a safety net while exploring new places. It protects you from unexpected situations that can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.

Because life is unpredictable, sometimes you have to cancel a trip due to illness, an accident or the death of a family member. With the help of a travel plan, you can be compensated for the non-refundable expenses.

Or, you might fall sick while you’re on vacation and need to seek medical help. Healthcare costs in a foreign country can be expensive; travel insurance helps you cover that.

If your luggage goes missing (airlines often misplace luggage), your insurer can help cover the cost of buying essential items like clothes and toiletries until you get your belongings back.

Of course, not all travel insurance plans are the same, so it's important to read the policy details and understand what is covered and what is not.

But having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing you have financial protection against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your travel experience.

After all, travel should be about creating beautiful memories.

Travel plans are suitable for businessmen who have to travel for work and for anyone who loves to explore new places and enjoy going on vacations.

Whether you're a frequent traveller or planning a memorable vacation, a travel plan provides valuable assistance throughout your journey.

With a travel plan, you can travel confidently, knowing you have support and financial coverage if something goes wrong.

While it seems like travel insurance is just for people who frequently go on vacations or are planning a long trip, it is not.

Even if you're planning a short trip, or going on a quick work trip, having a travel plan can be beneficial. Life is uncertain, and travel mishaps can occur anytime.

In simple terms, a travel plan is like having a friend who has your back during your travels. It takes care of you when things don't go as planned, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip to the fullest.

The right time to buy travel insurance is usually as soon as you start making travel plans and buying your tickets.

It's a good idea to get it sorted out early so you can benefit from the coverage right from the beginning.

When you purchase travel insurance early, you'll have coverage if something unexpected happens before your trip.

For example, if you fall ill or have a family emergency that forces you to cancel your travel plans, having insurance can help you recover your non-refundable expenses.

Also, some countries need you to show proof of travel insurance before they issue the visa to you.

And the best part is that the sooner you buy your travel plan, the lesser the premium you have to pay.

You need to consider many factors before choosing the right travel insurance plan.

• Your travel destination
  

The choice of your travel destination plays an important role in selecting the right insurance plan. Depending on your destination, travel insurance costs will differ.

Some places, especially remote or high-risk areas, may require specialised coverage.

You should consider if your destination has high healthcare costs or is prone to natural disasters.

You also need to check if the country you’re visiting requires you to buy mandatory health insurance.

• Travel frequency
  

If you travel frequently, opting for an annual or multi-trip insurance plan rather than purchasing coverage for each trip makes sense. It saves you time, money and covers all your travels throughout the year.

But, if it's a one-time trip, you can buy an individual travel insurance plan.

• Duration of your trip
  

The premium and claim limit is often calculated based on the length of your stay.

People generally buy an online travel insurance policy that’s slightly exceeding their stay so that in case of any changes or extensions, they don’t have to pay an extra premium.

Some insurance plans also limit trip duration, while others offer coverage for short- and long-term travel.

• Number of travellers
  

If you're planning a trip with your loved ones, it's important to make sure the travel insurance plan you choose covers everyone.

Some insurance policies offer special rates for groups or even cover families without extra charges.

So, it's worth checking the details and determining how many people are covered under the plan.

• Claim limit
  

The claim limit is the maximum amount the insurance company will pay you for certain expenses.

When picking a travel insurance plan, consider how much money you might need for medical bills, lost belongings, or other unexpected costs.

Make sure the claim limit provided by the insurance plan is enough to cover those expenses comfortably. It's all about having peace of mind, knowing that you'll be financially protected if something goes wrong during your trip.

So, consider your potential expenses, read about the insurer, and their claim settlement ratio, check the claim limit and choose a plan that gives you the coverage you need.

Most travel insurance companies provide basic coverage, including trip, medical and baggage.

Typically, under trip coverage, insurers cover:

• Trip Delay:
  

If your flight gets delayed due to reasons beyond your control, this coverage can save the day.

It helps cover the cost of meals, accommodation, and other essential expenses during the delay.

• Missed Departure or Connecting Flight:
  

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may miss a scheduled departure or a connecting flight.

With this coverage, you can get compensated for necessary expenses.

Some insurers like also cover:

• Legal Expenses:
  

Imagine finding yourself in unfamiliar legal situations during your trip, like personal injury or property damage.

This coverage covers the associated legal costs, giving you peace of mind.

• Bail Bond:
  

While it's not something we hope for, unexpected arrests or detainment can happen during a trip.

If you are in such a situation, this coverage helps you cover the cost of posting bail or getting a bail bond.

• Loss of Personal Money:
  

Losing your money during a trip can be a real headache. Whether it's due to theft, loss, or unauthorised use, it offers financial protection and can help you recover from such situations.

Most insurers provide basic medical coverage that includes:

• Medical emergency and associated expenses:
  

If you need medical help while travelling, this coverage has your back. It takes care of those unexpected medical expenses like treating illness or injuries, so you don't have to worry about a thing.

• Dental treatment expenses:
  

Toothaches and dental problems can happen when you least expect them, and they're never fun. But this coverage helps cover those emergency dental treatments during your trip.

• Covid-19 quarantine accommodation expenses:
  

Travel insurance covers you if you have to quarantine due to Covid-19 while on your trip.

It helps cover the costs of your accommodation, meals, and other essentials during that quarantine period.

• Repatriation/Return of remains to Nigeria:
  

In the unfortunate event of your death while travelling abroad, this coverage offers financial assistance and support for returning your remains to Nigeria.

It's never easy to think about, but having that peace of mind for you and your loved ones is good.

Some insurance companies also cover the following:

• Transportation and hospitalisation allowance:
  

Hospital stays can be overwhelming, especially if they stretch beyond a few days.

This coverage steps in and provides you with an allowance to help cover the transportation to and from the hospital and the expenses related to your hospital stay.

• Family member's accommodation in case of hospitalisation:
  

Having loved ones around is always comforting when you're going through a tough time.

If your hospital stay extends beyond 48 hours, travel insurance takes care of the cost of accommodation for a family member or companion who wants to be there with you.

• Emergency family travel:
  

When you need your family in an emergency, this coverage is a lifesaver.

It takes care of expenses like transportation, accommodation, and other necessary costs for your family member to join or visit you during the emergency.

• Medical evacuation:
  

If you find yourself in a medical emergency during your trip, travel insurance covers it.

It provides the financial protection and assistance you need to get to the nearest medical facility or home country for proper care.

Baggage coverage comes as a blessing in disguise when you buy Travel insurance. It typically includes:

• Loss of checked-in baggage:
  

If the airline loses your checked-in baggage, baggage coverage will help compensate for the loss. So, even if your bags go missing, you won't be left empty-handed.

• Baggage delay:
  

It covers the cost of essential items you need to buy in case of baggage delay. So, while waiting for your bags to catch up, travel insurance will help you buy essentials like clothes and toiletries.

• Loss of passport:
  

Losing your passport is an overwhelming experience, especially when you're in a foreign land.

Baggage coverage covers the expenses of getting a duplicate passport or other essential travel documents if you misplace them during your trip.

Most travel insurance policies will cover your medical expenses if you find yourself hospitalised due to COVID-19 while travelling.

It includes doctor's fees, hospitalisation charges, medications, and other necessary treatments.

Of course, it's essential to remember that every insurance policy is unique, so reviewing your specific policy details is a good idea.

Take a look at what's covered, any limitations or conditions, and the maximum coverage amount provided for COVID-19 hospitalisation.

Insurance companies want you to be safe and travel without the hassles of unexpected situations. But, there are some issues which travel insurance plans do not cover.

Generally, travel insurance policies do not cover the following:

• Medical Exclusions:
  
• If you have any pre-existing medical condition or any complications, your travel insurance company will not cover it.
  
• Travel insurance companies do not cover issues related to pregnancy or associated medical procedures.
• Legal Exclusions:
  
• Travel insurance policies don’t cover injuries resulting from suicide, attempted suicide, or self-inflicted harm.
  
• If any events occur due to substance abuse, alcohol, hallucinogens, or any other intoxicants, they are not covered.
  
• If you participate in criminal activities, resulting injuries are generally not covered.
  
• Travel Exclusions:
• Insurers do not cover accidents or mishaps if you travel to a country without a valid visa.
  
• Travelling to another country specifically for medical treatment or consultation is not covered.
  
• If you choose to travel against your doctor’s recommendation, it is not covered by travel insurance companies.

If you’ve planned your trip well in advance, it’s easier to follow some tips to lower your travel insurance premium:

• Purchase insurance early: Buying travel insurance early can sometimes lead to lower premiums. Insurance providers may offer discounts for early purchases, so don't wait until the last minute to secure coverage.
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons: Customise your policy, evaluate the add-ons and include the ones necessary for you.
• Get family/group travel plans: Family or group plans are cost-effective and help lower your premium. Opt for these when you travel in a group.
  Multi-travel plans: If you’re a frequent flyer, you can opt for annual plans or buy a multi-trip insurance plan which covers multiple trips.

Imagine getting everything done in the comfort of your home and with just a few clicks.

• Save time and effort: Buying Travel insurance online is hassle-free; You can compare different policies, coverage options, and prices with just a few clicks, saving you time and effort.
  
• Increased transparency: When buying travel insurance online, you can access detailed information about each policy, including terms and conditions, coverage limits, and exclusions.
  

This transparency helps you to make an informed decision based on your preferences and requirements.

• Instant purchase: You can buy a travel insurance policy within minutes. Just submit documents online and get insured even a few hours before travelling.
  
• Easy claim procedure: If you have your claim documents in place, it will take just a few minutes to make your claim. And you’ll have Ombrella assistance to help you with it too.
  24/7 Assistance: Buying online travel insurance from Ombrella guarantees 24/7 help with all your queries. It’s quick and easy, and you can reach out anytime while on your trip. We’ll handle the rest.

Sometimes, unexpected things can happen during your travels that can change your travel plans.

You might experience an accidental injury or fall ill, disrupting your smooth journey. In these situations, you might need to extend your hotel stays or rearrange your flight tickets just to make it back home.

Many insurance companies offer coverage for these unexpected expenses according to the terms of their policies.

So, firstly, it is important to know if your policy covers and allows you to extend your policy.

If yes, you can get in touch with your insurer or easily extend your policy online. You’ll have to pay an extra premium to extend your policy.

The insurance company might need details and documents like a copy of your rebooked flight ticket, hotel details, etc.

Filing for a travel insurance claim might seem like a chore, but it’s straightforward if you do it online.

• Step 1: Contact your insurer or start the claims process online. You will have to log in to your account and begin the claims process.
  
• Step 2: You must submit certain documents to move the claims process forward. You might need to submit travel tickets, medical bills and hospital records (in case of medical emergencies), proof of loss, and other necessary documents.
  
• Step 3: Once you've submitted your claim and the necessary documentation, your insurer will review it and determine the settlement amount.

If you don't need to claim on your travel insurance policy, you might wonder if you can get your money back.

Typically, travel insurance works on a ‘no claims, no refund’ basis. If you haven't made any claims during your coverage period, you won't receive a refund for the premium you paid.

It might seem like an unnecessary investment, but the premium you paid is considered the cost of having peace of mind and protection in case something unfortunate does happen.