Travel Insurance In India: When planning trips to domestic or international destinations, the idea of purchasing travel insurance rarely crosses the minds of many Indian travelers. They often consider it an unaffordable luxury due to budget constraints. However, unpredictable weather and increasing climate uncertainty are starting to change this perspective. Experts say the need for comprehensive coverage is growing, especially in the face of rising climate uncertainty. What Does Travel Insurance Cover? Travel insurance is traditionally known for covering medical emergencies, accidents, and loss of baggage or documents. However, its importance during weather-related disruptions is being increasingly considered. “Flights may be cancelled for various reasons, including inclement weather, but travel insurance doesn’t cover weather itself—it covers the consequences like trip cancellation or delay,” explains R Balasundaram, Secretary General of the Insurance Brokers Association of India (IBAI). He also clarifies that cancellations by tour operators in package trips are not recoverable under most policies. Extreme Weather and Claims According to Vivek Chaturvedi, CMO & Head of Direct Sales at Digit Insurance, “Flight delays and trip cancellations are the most common claims during extreme weather events like floods or heavy rain. Such incidents directly disrupt travel plans and trigger insurance claims if delays exceed the minimum time specified.” He adds that travel insurance can also support in rare but severe cases like accidents at airports or natural disasters. What Should Consider Before Buying Travel Insurance? Chaturvedi recommends selecting policies that not only cover travel interruptions but also protect one’s home in India if damage occurs while the policyholder is abroad. Post-pandemic and amid climate disruption, travelers are opting for more robust insurance. “Many now prefer higher sum-insured policies—ranging from $250,000 to $500,000—to cover medical costs, fraud, or last-minute cancellations,” Chaturvedi says. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.