What can go wrong with just a ₹249 travel insurance add-on? While it may seem harmless and maybe even considered a smart layer of protection, a Delhi-based startup founder’s experience says otherwise. What was meant to offer coverage during unforeseen circumstances turned out to be a source of frustration for the traveller. Read to know the full story.
Delhi-Based Startup Founder Struggles To Claim ₹249 Travel Insurance
Delhi-based startup founder Ayushman Pandita was travelling from Bangalore to Delhi when his flight was delayed by three hours. While booking his tickets, he had opted for the “Add Insurance” option, which cost just ₹249 and promised a claim of ₹3,000 in case of any travel disruptions.
These add-ons are supposed to be an extra layer of safety for travellers, but in reality, they turned out to be a nightmare for Ayushman. To claim the insurance money, when he clicked on the app, he found that there was no claim option. Instead, he received an email from customer service, which redirected him to a portal, and eventually, he was asked to download yet another app.
Also Read: Zanzibar: Come October, Travel Insurance To Be Mandatory For All Foreign Tourists
Addressing this issue, the Delhi-based founder took to LinkedIn and shared his frustrating experience. Despite downloading the app, making an account, and logging in, there was still no claim option. After 100 clicks and going to different windows, he again called customer care. They asked for the policy number, certificate number, and codes from his inbox. After 30 minutes, when he finally got a call back from the support team, they asked him to upload the required documents on a WhatsApp link. In the following 2-3 weeks, he spoke to six people, visited 5+ portals, and still he wasn’t able to claim ₹3,000 travel insurance.
Insurance Companies Turn Claims Into Profits
Further writing on this travel insurance issue, Ayushman Pandita also mentioned that when many people give up on their insurance money, it instantly benefits the company. He also mentioned that this isn’t just a flaw, but a design. The tedious process, he suggested, isn’t accidental but an intentional part of the system. This issue has left people wondering whether it’s safe to take travel insurance, which will lead to weeks of frustration and hundreds of clicks.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: UAE Travel Trends: 182% Rise In Travel Insurance Queries; Take A Look At Top 5 Travel Destinations
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Peshkova