Health protection beyond borders: Why you need it to travel safe

Indians are travelling more than ever, and their international footprint is rapidly increasing. In the first half of 2024, 15 million Indians travelled abroad, marking a 14% year-on-year rise and a 12% growth compared to 2019. Not just that, over 1.33 million Indian students were pursuing higher education abroad as of January 2024. As a result, more family members visit their wards settled abroad, often for prolonged stays. Then there are people seeking medical treatment abroad to avail advanced technology, be it for oncology, organ transplant or robotic surgeries. Medical exigencies of variant degrees can hit anybody, anytime and on foreign land it could prove even more overwhelming.

Take the case of Meera, on a week’s visit to her dream destination - Paris. She lost a precious day to food poisoning. Not only that, the trip to a local clinic, diagnosis and pursuant medication drained her of Rs 1.50 lakh. 

This only underscores how imperative it is to be armed with health insurance during any foreign jaunt. As Meera’s predicament points out, even minor ailments can carry heavy healthcare costs. More serious health incidents can be prohibitive. The average price of treating a heart attack in the US is $760,000 (over ₹6 crore), compared to  Rs 3.5 lakh in India. This huge cost difference and unfavourable exchange rates make it even more challenging for travellers to bear healthcare expenses in foreign countries.

Amid Covid-19 variant outbreaks, it becomes even more crucial for Indian travellers to opt for insurance plans that offer reliable, worldwide health protection against emergencies. Travelling without comprehensive health coverage may cause families severe financial stress due to overseas medical issues.

Most Indians rely on travel insurance to cover medical emergencies. This type of insurance is excellent for short-term coverage, unforeseen/urgent incidents, and protection for leisure or business trips. But there’s a growing need for complementary protection, a full-sum insured health plan that works across geographies for planned and emergency care.

Modern health insurance plans

Some contemporary health plans are well adapted to the realities of global Indian lifestyles. Such plans offer cashless hospitalisation internationally, up to Rs 3 crore or more, and support planned procedures abroad, including oncology, organ transplant, and joint replacements. Besides offering protection for students and citizens spending extended periods overseas, such plans include emergency evacuation and second-opinion services. These offerings keep the customers stress-free as their health cover travels with them.

A comprehensive plan is best suited for professionals going overseas for work, parents frequently visiting children abroad, families opting for advanced treatments overseas, and students studying abroad.

Globally-valid health insurance plan

A global plan offers the same confidence you get with domestic coverage. Look for a plan with a high sum insured, ideally Rs 1 crore or more, to ensure you’re financially prepared for costly treatments overseas. A good plan should also cover planned procedures or surgeries abroad, not just urgent care. Ensure it includes pre- and post-hospitalisation benefits applicable internationally, so your full treatment cycle is taken care of. A 24/7 global assistance desk and emergency medical evacuation support are critical for sailing through unversed healthcare systems. Lastly, opt for a policy that doesn’t need additional documentation or underwriting every time you travel. This way, your health remains protected wherever you go, with the same ease and assurance as back home.