Do You Really Need Travel Insurance for Your Next International Trip?
Travel insurance is one of the first things travelers cut from their budget, largely because most trips go by without ever needing it. The problem is that the one time you do need it, the cost of not having it can be enormous.
Medical costs abroad are not capped
A hospital stay in the US, Europe, or much of Southeast Asia can run into thousands of dollars for even a short admission. Unlike India, there is no subsidized public option available to a foreign tourist, and the bill is due before or immediately after treatment in most private hospitals.
It covers more than hospital visits
A standard policy also covers trip cancellation, delayed or lost baggage, missed connections, and emergency evacuation. For study-abroad trips, many universities make some level of insurance mandatory as a condition of enrollment or visa approval.
What to actually check before buying
Do not just look at the premium — check the sum insured for medical emergencies, whether pre-existing conditions are covered, and the claim settlement process. A cheaper policy with a low medical cap or a slow, document-heavy claims process can cost you more in a real emergency than a slightly pricier one.