You've booked your flights, confirmed your hotel, and even reserved that dinner at the Eiffel Tower. But have you considered what happens if your luggage gets lost—or worse, if you fall ill in a foreign country?

This is where travel insurance becomes a non-negotiable part of smart travel planning.

Whether you're heading to Europe, the U.S., or Southeast Asia, international travel comes with unpredictable risks. Fortunately, the right travel insurance policy—often bundled with your credit card or offered by your bank—can protect your finances and your peace of mind.

Let’s break down the top 5 must-have features your travel insurance should include for your next big trip.

✈️ 1. Medical Emergency Coverage (Including COVID-19)

This is arguably the most important feature. Healthcare abroad is expensive—and even a short emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars in countries like the U.S. or Canada.

What it should cover:

• Hospitalisation due to illness or injury
• Outpatient treatment (doctor visits, medication)
• Emergency surgery
• COVID-19 diagnosis and quarantine expenses
• Medical evacuation or repatriation if needed

? Tip: Some bank travel cards offer automatic travel insurance that includes medical coverage—check your card’s T&Cs before buying separately.

? 2. Loss of Baggage & Personal Belongings

Lost or delayed baggage is a common travel nightmare. Travel insurance helps you recover part of your losses or expenses.

Must-have inclusions:

• Compensation for permanently lost, stolen, or damaged baggage
• Reimbursement for emergency purchases (clothes, toiletries) if baggage is delayed
• Cover for electronics (like laptops, tablets) with a cap

Real example: A traveller to London received ₹35,000 from their insurance provider when their luggage didn’t arrive for 2 days.

? 3. Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage

Plans can change due to family emergencies, illness, natural disasters, or airline issues. Cancellation cover helps you avoid losing 100% of your money.

Look for coverage that includes:

• Trip cancellation due to medical or legal emergencies
• Trip curtailment if you have to return early
• Non-refundable bookings (hotels, flights, tours)
• Delayed or missed departures

Pro Tip: Some premium credit cards automatically insure your booked travel if you use that card for payment.

? 4. Personal Liability Cover

This feature protects you in case you accidentally cause harm to someone or damage their property while abroad—and are legally liable for it.

Examples include:

• Damaging hotel property
• Accidentally injuring someone while driving a rental
• Causing damage in a public area

Personal liability claims can run into lakhs—or even crores—especially in Western countries. Travel insurance ensures you're not paying from your own pocket.

? 5. Passport Loss and Emergency Support

Losing your passport in a foreign country can be extremely stressful. Travel insurance helps ease the process and covers some of the associated costs.

Good coverage will offer:

• Assistance in locating your nearest embassy or consulate
• Reimbursement for re-issuance or emergency passport costs
• Emergency cash assistance
• 24x7 helpline in your language

? Bonus Coverage to Look For

• Hijack distress allowance
• Adventure sports injury cover (especially for skiing, diving, or hiking trips)
• Maternity and child coverage if traveling as a family
• Home burglary cover while you're away
• Flight delay compensation

? How Credit Cards & Banks Help With Travel Insurance

Did you know that many credit cards include complimentary travel insurance?

Here’s how:

Some banks also offer bundled travel insurance when you buy forex, prepaid travel cards, or take a travel loan.

Always check if your existing banking relationship provides insurance—you might already be covered!

? Documents You Need to Make a Claim

• Copy of your passport & visa
• Police or airline report (for theft or loss)
• Medical bills & doctor’s report (for health claims)
• Boarding passes & ticket copies
• Policy document and claim form

Claims can usually be initiated online or via the insurer’s 24x7 helpline.

? Final Travel Insurance Tips

• Always declare pre-existing medical conditions
• Buy insurance that covers your entire trip duration
• Don’t skimp on coverage to save a few hundred rupees
• Store soft copies of the policy and insurer helpline in your phone
• Inform the insurer immediately in case of any mishap

? Conclusion: Don’t Leave Without It

Travel insurance is one of those things you hope you never need—but are incredibly thankful for when you do. From a stolen phone to a medical emergency, it cushions the financial blow and helps you handle stress abroad like a pro.

And with many banks and credit cards now offering bundled travel insurance benefits, you might be closer to a worry-free trip than you think.

So the next time you're planning a journey—add travel insurance to your checklist. It could turn out to be the most valuable companion you didn’t pack.