Are you a UAE resident who is planning a much-needed getaway? Well, in that case, you might also have to buy travel insurance, as there are several countries that require them. So, it’s important that you buy the right package. And Neeraj Gupta, the CEO of Policybazaar.ae gives us an exclusive insight into a myriad of things that people must keep in mind when they buy travel insurance. Take a look!
Things To Remember While Buying Travel Insurance
1. Instant Issuance
Don’t wait too long until the time of your departure! This is definitely not a smart choice, as travel insurance is best bought early. He opines that many people get confused about the coverage span of travel insurance. It should be noted that coverage starts the moment you buy the plan and your trip bookings – whether flight, hotel or activities. So, if you buy your insurance plan after the announcement of such an event that can lead to trip cancellation or curtailment, you will lose the benefit.
2. Be Mindful Of Your Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is usually a one-time buy, in the case of most people. Many people choose to get annual multi-trip plans, but that’s only the case when you travel a lot for work and other purposes. Buying one travel insurance in the UAE in plausibly several years should come with all the pickiness you can spare.
This is important, as you will be in a foreign country where the first point of contact in any difficult situation will be your insurance provider. So, be selective, compare as many plans as you can, gather some information from financial experts, and only then invest in a plan that covers all your requirements. All of these can be at the price you like.
3. Travel & Health Insurance Are Not The Same
There are only some similarities between these two types of general insurance plans. However, they’re mostly different! Health insurance plans, those with international coverage only offer coverage for health-related emergencies and services. For instance, emergency hospitalisation, dental, medical evacuation, and repatriation. But travel insurance in UAE also offers travel inconvenience and travel curtailment benefits!
4. You Can Get Travel Insurance Coverage For Your Pets
The most recent development in the field of travel insurance is that now you can even get your pets insured. This insurance works just like the normal travel insurance in the UAE. You can get emergency medical treatment covered by insurance for your pet and also medical evacuation and repatriation to the home country if required. Some more comprehensive travel insurances in the UAE offer reimbursement for pet care. This is needed if you cannot take your pet with you!
5. Travel Insurance Is Less Expensive Than Believed
Many travellers disregard travel insurance in the UAE as an unnecessary expense, while there are others, who shy away. They think that buying one might increase the total cost of their trip! So, if you are buying the right kind of plan, travel insurance in the UAE is actually one of the most cost-effective general insurances out there.
6. Bundle Deals Are Not Always Beneficial
If you have travelled independently before or have bought tickets for your trips, you may have come across bundled deals for flight tickets and travel insurance in the UAE. While these might be a good idea to save cost, it is not the same for travel insurance. And it’s because the cost of these plans is not justified enough when compared to the benefits offered in the plan. Buying travel insurance with your airline tickets can often be a cause of not-so-profitable results. So, buy your travel insurance in the UAE separately, after thorough research and comparison.
7. Travel Insurance Is Mandatory In Many Countries
Many people may see travel insurance as something optional. However, the fact is that travel insurance is mandatory for travel to many countries. All 26 Schengen countries require people on visit visas to have proper travel insurance. Besides the UAE itself has made travel insurance mandatory for everyone entering the country on a tourist or visitor’s visa. So, make sure that you have checked the mandatory insurance requirements of the country you plan to visit.
8. You Can Get A Special Cover For Adventure Sports
Almost all travel insurance providers offer a few specialised covers for activities that are generally regarded as dangerous. So, they’re excluded from insurance coverage. Such activities can include terrorist attacks and adventure sports like skiing, sky diving, etc. You can simply take any basic travel insurance in the UAE and add adventure sports cover as a rider with it. This comes with an additional premium and covers everything from equipment to injury.
9. Pre-Existing Conditions Are Not Covered, Unlike Health Insurance
Health insurance plans in the UAE must offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, even if it is after a small waiting period. So, people might think that their travel insurance in the UAE also covers pre-existing conditions and their treatment. But the Emergency Medical Travel Insurance cover in a travel insurance in the UAE does not include pre-existing conditions. So, if you get sick because of a
prolonged illness, your treatment won’t be covered by the insurance plan. Hence, make sure that you let your provider know about any pre-existing conditions.
10. Online Reviews Are Quite Reliable
The goodwill of the provider is an important factor when you are looking to buy travel insurance in the UAE. Another important factor he mentioned is, “online reviews of customers”. Yes, adding further he said, “Online shopping also leads to honest reviews about the kind of services an insurance provider offers and the scope of coverage for their plans. So, try and find such reviews and rely on them to find a good insurance provider for your upcoming travel.”
With these careful insights into buying the perfect travel insurance, make sure to buy wisely!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Images are for representative purposes only)
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