Planning a vacation will require you to put in the effort. From planning the itinerary to booking the ticket and securing your travel insurance, there's just too much to do. But what if your flight is cancelled or delayed on the day of your departure? It can be highly annoying. 

These are unforeseen situations that are likely to happen at a time. The same can happen on your day of arrival from the destination. Either way, it can often hamper your plan and prevent you from experiencing the fun of the trip. In such situations, you will have to reschedule your trip, which can lead to extra expenses. Therefore, your travel insurance can be the major relief in this case. 

Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is meant to cover all financial losses during your trip. This is usually for surprises or emergencies like medical emergencies, flight delays, transportation delays, injuries and more. Your insurance may not be as expensive as your trip, but it is totally worth it. 

The premiums that you pay for travel insurance will vary significantly depending on different factors like trip cost, destination, coverage type, age and more. There are special travel insurance policy providers that can also cater to the specific needs of expats, travellers and athletes. So, if you travel frequently, the insurance can significantly help as mishaps come unannounced! 

You will have to connect with a professional trip insurance policy company that can offer insurance. Your travel agent can offer you complete information on travel coverage and more. Moreover, this can also be extremely beneficial in buying air tickets, train tickets, booking hotels, renting a car and more. 

How Does Travel Insurance Work?

When you buy a policy, you pay a premium based on factors like trip cost, destination, and coverage type. If an issue arises, you file a claim with supporting documents, and the insurer reimburses eligible expenses. Some policies offer cashless hospitalisation, especially for international trips.
 
 So, you need to have the contact details of the international agencies who will be able to help you in case you need assistance in a foreign land.
 
 Also, students travelling for their higher education must opt for student travel insurance. Most universities make it compulsory for enrollment so that medical emergencies can be taken care of without any concern. 

What Type of Coverage is Provided by Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance offers multiple coverage options to protect you from unexpected travel disruptions:

1. Trip Cancellation & Interruption – Your travel insurance will reimburse all non-refundable expenses if your trip is cancelled.


2. Medical Emergencies – Covers hospitalisation, doctor visits, and emergency evacuation. Some policies offer cashless treatment abroad.


3. Baggage Loss & Delay – Compensates for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage, including reimbursement for essentials during delays.


4. Travel Delays – This covers additional expenses like meals, accommodation, or alternative transport if your trip is delayed beyond a specified period.


5. Personal Liability – Provides coverage if you accidentally injure someone or damage property.

However, since delays have increased so much with flights these days, you need to be aware of how will a travel insurance plan help you with delays.

Can Travel Insurance Ease the Burden on Delays?

Yes, travel insurance can significantly reduce the financial strain caused by delays:

1. Accommodation & Meals – Reimburses expenses incurred during extended travel delays.


2. Alternative Transport – This covers additional costs if you need to book another flight or mode of transport due to long delays.


3. Missed Connections – Helps recover costs if a delay causes you to miss a connecting flight or cruise.


4. Baggage Delay Coverage – Reimburses essential purchases like clothing and toiletries while waiting for delayed luggage.


5. Compensation for Extended Delays – Some policies offer lump-sum payouts if your delay exceeds a certain number of hours.

Always check your policy details to understand specific coverage limits and claim requirements.

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim?

Filing a travel insurance claim can be smooth if you follow the proper steps and keep the necessary documents handy. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your travel insurance claims efficiently.

Pre-Travel Preparations:

1. Photograph all essential documents and valuables and store them securely on your email or cloud storage for easy access.


2. Note down identifying details like serial numbers and model numbers for expensive electronics.


3. Make two copies of your travel documents—leave one with a trusted friend or family member and carry the other separately from the originals.


4. Keep your policy number and emergency contact details accessible in an emergency.

1. Making a Claim for Lost/Stolen/Damaged Luggage:
   
   
   
   1. If your luggage is lost or stolen, report it to the nearest police station within 24 hours. A copy of the police report will be required for your insurance claim.
   
   
   2. If a police report is not available, some insurers may accept a statement from your hotel manager or transport provider as evidence.
   
   
   3. If you incur expenses to replace essential items due to baggage delays, obtain a report from your travel provider to support your claim.
       
   
   
   
   


2. Making a Claim for Medical Expenses:

1. For non-emergency treatments, seek prior approval from your insurance provider before proceeding. Keep all medical bills for reimbursement.


2. In an emergency, report the incident using the insurer’s emergency contact number as soon as possible. If you cannot, a travel companion can report on your behalf.


3. Retain all receipts, ensuring they are signed and dated, and specify the medical centre’s address.


4. If a third party is involved in an accident, a copy of the police report may be required.


5. Stay in regular contact with your insurer if you need ongoing care to cover all expenses.

1. Making a Travel Insurance Claim for Cancellation:
   
   
   
   1. Claims for trip cancellations or shortened travel periods require strong supporting evidence.
   
   
   2. Provide a death certificate if cancelling due to a family member’s passing.
   
   
   3. Submit a police report if the trip is cancelled due to theft or burglary.
   
   
   4. If called for jury duty or court service, attach the official letter.
   
   
   
   

1. Filing a Claim:
   
   
   
   1. File your claim promptly, as insurers usually set a deadline of 40–60 days after your return date.
   
   
   2. Most insurers allow online claim submissions. Typically, the process includes:
      
      
      
      1. Download and fill out the claim form from the insurance company’s website.
      
      
      2. Submitting the completed form along with supporting documents via email.
      
      
      
      
   
   
   3. Some insurers may require physical submission of documents. In such cases, keep copies before sending the originals.
   
   
   
   

By following these steps and keeping necessary documentation in order, you can streamline the claims process and ensure timely reimbursements from your travel insurer.

Conclusion

A reliable student travel insurance policy can be extremely beneficial for students. When you have to report to your university, and you're not able to be present due to delays, it is important to secure your travel. The insurance policy will help you get alternative transportation ensuring that you are able to reach your destination in time. As a result, you won't have to struggle with being stranded and not being able to reach your university on time. Make sure you choose the best policy that determines your needs. 

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