Considerations When Buying Travel Insurance for People with Disabilities

Travelling is an experience that everyone should be able to have at least once in their lifetime. Travelling to different places broadens your horizons, exposes you to new cultures and lifestyles, and allows you to take a break from your everyday routine. As travelling becomes more popular and accessible, there has also been an uptick in the number of people with disabilities choosing to travel far and wide. Thanks to increased awareness and technology, it has now become possible for people with disabilities to have an enjoyable and safe travel experience. However, travelling to a new place brings with it a new set of challenges, regardless of your ability level. A well-structured travel insurance plan can help you face these challenges and be prepared for them with financial dignity. This article looks at why people with disabilities should buy travel insurance and what considerations they should have in that process.

Importance of travel insurance for people with disabilities 

Travel insurance can benefit almost every traveller, whether international or domestic, for business or leisure. However, people with disabilities can specifically benefit from travel insurance in a variety of ways, especially regarding support and assistance. One of the most important resources to have when you are travelling is a financial backup. Even though you may have enough funding to last the entire trip, one cannot predict when (and where) an unfortunate event will occur. People with disabilities are especially vulnerable during such situations due to their restricted mobility. Furthermore, if there is a medical emergency, the costs for the treatment can be quite exorbitant, especially in developed countries. Hence, a travel plan that provides global health insurance coverage is important. Aside from the practical support that comes in the form of funding, travel insurance also helps you have mental peace since you know that you are covered for a variety of situations. * Standard T&C Apply

What people with disabilities should consider when buying travel insurance?

There are many kinds of travel insurance plans that can be customised using the myriad of add-ons available. There are some aspects, however, that people with disabilities must consider the most strongly when choosing a travel insurance plan.

• Medical emergency and evacuation

No other coverage is more important than medical coverage for a person with a disability. Travel insurance helps you access high-quality treatment across the globe without worries of financial distress. Along with hospitalisation, your travel insurance plan should also cover situations where you may have to be evacuated on a flight for medical reasons, with medical apparatus. * Even if you have a health insurance plan, its coverage may be geographically limited. Travel insurance with global health insurance coverage is, thus, vital if you are travelling internationally.

• Trip cancellation and curtailment 

If you have to cancel the plan or curtail it for a valid reason listed in the policy, you can get reimbursement for the non-refundable flight tickets you may not be using. Most insurers provide this coverage in the event of a natural disaster or a manmade calamity. You must clarify with your insurer about the conditions involved to receive financial compensation if the trip is cancelled or curtailed from your end. *

• Personal liability coverage

Being in a new destination can be a bit intimidating. If you mistakenly get involved in an incident where you become financially liable to another individual, you can seek the aid of your travel insurance plan to help you in such a scenario. * * Standard T&C Apply You can also consider opting for add-ons, such as loss of personal belongings cover, compassionate visit cover, or emergency accommodation cover for family member add-on, and so on with your general insurance plan.

Pre-existing conditions clause for people with disabilities 

A pre-existing condition or disease is essentially any medical issue that the policyholder has had prior to buying the policy. The terms and conditions pertaining to pre-existing illnesses differ across insurers. Whether a disability can be considered exactly as a ‘pre-existing condition’ may depend upon the insurer and their underwriting principles. Some insurers may have limited coverage for policyholders with disabilities since they are more likely to have medical issues or require medical/other assistance. Many insurers also have a pre-existing conditions coverage available as an add-on. The premium may be high in this case of comprehensive travel insurance coverage. * Standard T&C Apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.