It is always advisable to have insurance cover when travelling abroad. International travel insurance, also called overseas travel insurance, provides coverage for a variety of unexpected events ranging from lost belongings to emergency medical care. There are many insurance providers but it can be a little tricky to analyze which plan to choose. Here is all the information you need to know about overseas travel insurance:

INSURANCE PLANS

• Individual– covers only the policyholder travelling abroad
• Student– provides for students travelling abroad
• SeniorCitizen – Includes people above the age of 60 travelling overseas
• Family– covers families travelling abroad together
• Group– covers a group of people travelling abroad together
• Corporate– provides customized insurance for corporate trips abroad
• Medical– includes all medical emergencies for the insurer travelling to another country

INCLUSIONS                                 

The type of benefit provided for different coverage depends on the insurer and the terms of the policy. Some of the common events included in all international insurance plans are:

• Baggage-related Coverage: All uncertain baggage-related events such as loss of baggage or personal documents, loss of checked-in baggage, and delay in checked-in baggage. 
• Journey-related Coverage: All events that affect the overall trip, including personal liability for third party damage, financial emergency assistance (robbery, theft, dacoit, etc.), hijack distress allowance, flight delays, missed-connection, trip delays, loss of passport, legal requirement, and hotel accommodation (while recovering from medical emergencies). 
• Medical-related Coverage: All medical needs and emergencies in a foreign country such as emergency medical expenses, hospital daily allowance, dental expenses, medical evacuation, medical and body repatriation, accidental death, and permanent disablement. Some policies also cover the transportation of the mortal remains or burial. 

EXCLUSIONS

These vary by policy but generally include:

• Loss or health condition resulting from war or breach of law
• An injury that is self-inflicted or caused due to adventure sports
• Cosmetic or obesity treatment
• Purpose of travelling is to seek medical care abroad
• Problems because of pre-existing health conditions
• Travel is undertaken against physician’s advice
• Patients suffering from venereal diseases or HIV/AIDS
• The occurrence of an event under the influence of alcohol, intoxicant or from mental incapability such as depression, suicidal attempt, etc.

Above all, overseas travel insurance is a very comprehensive and useful policy which is more of a need in these times than a necessity. Be prepared for the unknown, always!