When you plan a vacation or urgent work trip, the last thing you'll want to experience is flight delays, floods or last-minute trip cancellations. Each of these situations can spoil your entire plan. While it can be exciting to set out on a new journey, it is not worth it. 

From lost baggage to emergency evacuations and so much more, each of these scenarios will leave you looking for solutions that can cost you a fortune. So, how do you combat that? You buy reliable international travel insurance. It's your first step towards getting a safety net to help you explore your trip against these unforeseen situations. 

What travel-related claims can be made under travel insurance?

If you've been planning your trip for some time now, you know that everything is in order. However, due to unpredictable circumstances like bad weather, the flights can get cancelled and delayed at the last moment. This means that all your non-refundable bookings are going to waste. Well, that won't be the case when you have good international travel insurance. 

The insurance policy usually covers this damage and will provide reimbursement for all these non-refundable components. On other occasions, you may only need to reschedule a trip due to a personal emergency. Does that mean all your accommodation bookings go to waste? No. Your travel insurance covers it. 

How does an international travel insurance policy protect you against natural disasters?

When you're buying international travel insurance, you would think that it only covers medical expenses, baggage and document loss. However, it covers more than that. A reliable travel insurance policy also provides coverage against natural disasters. So, if you're travelling internationally and any unforeseen disaster occurs, you'll receive proper compensation for it. 

Natural disasters can happen anytime and anywhere, which is why you need to stay protected with international travel insurance. These lead to injuries, restrictions and even fatalities. Therefore, your travel insurance should cover flight delays, floods and chaos. It also covers the costs for alternative transport and accommodations, mainly due to natural disasters. 

Common international travel insurance claims to file

While you're setting out on an international trip, your travel insurance is going to be your saviour. You must be mindful of the claims and other processes so that you don't have to struggle. 

So, here are some of the common insurance claims that you can file for:

1. Flight delays

Flight delays and cancellations can disrupt your entire trip, especially regarding connecting flights and hotel bookings. Your insurance should help in covering these as a reimbursement. Some travel insurance policies also help with making alternative travel arrangements to fit your needs. 

2. Lost or delayed baggage

If the luggage is stolen or lost, the airline bears the responsibility for it. However, filing a claim through them can take way too long. But what if you need immediate service? That's when your international travel insurance comes into play. The insurance policy usually reimburses the cost of essentials like clothes and toiletries based on the value of the baggage. 

3. Medical emergency

Falling sick during a vacation or work trip in a foreign land can be very deadly. The treatment costs are incredibly high. Now, when you have to pay that out of your pocket, would you be able to cover that? If not, secure yourself with good travel insurance. If the need arises, you can file a claim with your international travel insurance to get hospitalisation and treatment coverage. 

4. Natural disasters

Being stranded in a foreign land due to natural disasters can be risky. Not only does it put physical strain, but it also puts financial strain. Therefore, one of the smartest things to do in such a situation is to get international travel insurance with natural disaster coverage. It covers floods, earthquakes and storms that lead to trip cancellations or delays. 

Amidst all this, if you need emergency medical evacuation services, international travel insurance can cover those, too. However, as for natural disasters, it should be an unforeseen situation. For example, if you buy insurance after or during a storm or particular natural calamity, even if you file a claim due to any damage, you wouldn't receive that. 

Why buy international travel insurance for natural disasters?

If you want to travel securely, nothing is better than getting insurance that provides you with complete protection. Some of the key reasons why you should buy international travel insurance, especially for natural disaster claims, are as follows:

1. All-round protection:Your insurance will provide you with all-round protection in case of any natural calamity. If you require reimbursement due to trip cancellation, delay or for covering your medical evacuation expenses, you should be able to get it. 

2. Emergency evacuation: Floods and flight delays can lead to a lot of chaos, especially leaving you stranded in a foreign land. That's when your international travel insurance assists and supports you. The insurers will help with rebooking travel arrangements or getting medical assistance and evacuation. 

The international travel insurance that you purchase provides you with complete peace of mind. You get to enjoy your trip peacefully without having to worry about any chaos caused due to flight delays or cancellations. You can be sure that you're covered, and if required, help will arrive immediately. 

As for natural disasters, never ignore travel warnings. Before your visit to a specific country or region, if you get any government warnings, do not ignore them. In that case, it means that you're willingly entering into a danger zone. These insurance companies are aware of these warnings and will not cover the claim in case you file for it. 

Challenges with international travel insurance coverage

While international travel insurance covers many things, it may not cover everything, especially in case of natural disasters. This creates a space for chaos, preventing you from enjoying your trip. When you are shopping for travel insurance, make sure to check that you're getting sufficient coverage. 

There are some insurers who may not offer specific things in the plan. In that case, you should consider checking if the insurer provides any add-ons. Now, if you opt for these add-ons in the international travel insurance plan, you'll have to pay extra for this coverage. 

Also, there may be limitations and exclusions from the policy in regard to natural disasters. Several insurance providers do not cover all natural disasters. On the other hand, there are specific insurance providers that only cover certain types of natural disasters. Therefore, go through the fine print carefully before making a choice. 

Filing the claims on international travel insurance

When you're filing claims on international travel insurance, you must ensure that they're accurate and follow all the rules. It is crucial that you check the documentation and what the policy has to offer in terms of inclusions, exclusions and coverages. If you read the insurance policy carefully, you'll know that in case of flight delays, you can ask for cover to buy refreshments, accommodation and meals. 

Conclusion

International travel insurance is extremely crucial when you're travelling abroad, be it for work, education or vacation. However, as the traveller, it is your right to file the claim on insurance for flight delays, natural disasters, medical emergencies and so on. While you're filing a claim for these, make sure that you submit the proper documents. Filing the claims within the specified timeline by the insurer speeds up the process and ensures that you receive help within the timeline. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.