With uncertainties lingering all around you, it is crucial to choose the right travel insurance policy while travelling. The policy will play an important role in covering your medical expenses in case you injure or hurt yourself on a flight.
When you’re setting out on a trip, the plane crash will be the last thing you’ll imagine yourself in. Sustaining injuries from such a deadly crash can often be fatal. These injuries, however, can be costly to treat. If you have reliable travel insurance, it will protect your finances in case of medical emergencies.
How does travel insurance help in case of flight accidents?
Turbulence, malfunctioning equipment or a crash landing can be extremely deadly, leading to severe injuries and partial disability. Sometimes, these accidents can also lead to death. The risk is variable because the worst can come, and you wouldn’t be able to estimate the finances and your medical bill.
If you’re injured on a flight, it can affect your entire trip. In this case, medical support is of utmost importance. Moreover, if you’re on your way to Schengen countries and don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay for it out of your pocket. In this case, your Schengen travel insurance should offer you protection.
Flight accidents are more common than you think. You don’t always have to be injured for the accident to be recorded. If your flight has to make an emergency landing, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere, it is very common for you to be confused. If no one can contact you in such a situation, you’ll be recorded to be missing.
That’s when your travel insurance should be helpful to you. It is advisable to check the coverage on what is being offered by the insurance so that you can get the best deal.
What does travel insurance cover in case of flight accidents?
In the past few months, there have been numerous reports of flight accidents- the Ahmedabad-London Air India flight crash, the Bering Air Flight 445 crash and the Air Panama Flight 982 crash. While the chances of being involved in a plane crash are too low, it is still advisable to stay prepared.
In case of any tragic situation, travel insurance should offer enough coverage. Some of the key ways through which the insurance can cover you during flight accidents are as follows:
1. Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)
Several travel insurance policies provide the AD&D benefit, where a lump-sum amount is paid to the beneficiary in case of death or dismemberment of the insured due to a flight accident. It is a type of financial support for grieving families who can use it for managing immediate financial expenses.
2. Repatriation of mortal remains
If the insured passenger passes away in a flight accident, expenses involving the repatriation of mortal remains will be covered. This ensures that the mortal remains of the deceased are transferred to the home country. This is a slightly complex and expensive procedure, which only increases the stress on the bereaved families.
3. Medical expenses
In case of an accident, the aviation and travel insurance will cover all medical expenses of the insured who survives the accident. Proper coverage will be provided for treatment, hospitalisation and even follow-up care. If you’re travelling internationally, particularly to Schengen countries, make sure to have Schengen travel insurance, as medical treatment in these countries can be very expensive.
Note: Some travel insurance policies will also offer extra support services for the affected families. In case of severe flight accidents, the insurer will also help with all the major logistical arrangements.
Documents required for a flight accident claim
When filing a flight accident claim, you must produce proper documents. It is advisable to connect with the Medical Emergency Assistance helpline of the insurer, too. These experts can guide you through the process. However, ensure that you’re arranging the documents in the right place.
Some of the standard documents that you’ll be required to produce for filing any flight accident claim include the following:
- Copy of tickets
- A medical report describing the nature and extent of the injury
- Death certificate or permanent or temporary disability certificate from a registered medical practitioner
Travel insurance and liability from the airline
During flight accidents or such urgent situations, it is essential to understand the proper difference between the airline’s liability and coverage provided by travel insurance policies. As per government norms, the airlines have insurance. Hence, they need to provide compensation to the victims of flight accidents.
If you file a compensation claim with the airline, the process is very lengthy and complex. On the other hand, your travel insurance can help with immediate protection and support. If you have travel insurance, it will be easier to file a claim than the airline’s liability process. The insurance will cover all your immediate needs and fill the gap in the compensation process.
Benefits of flight accident coverage in travel insurance
If you have Schengen travel insurance, it can be of extra help, especially in case of flight accidents. This is especially more important when you’re travelling internationally and helps to mitigate all the risks associated with air travel.
Some of the key benefits of getting flight accident coverage for travel insurance are as follows:
- Financial coverage: A flight accident can be stressful, and dealing with the aftermath can be beneficial and draining. The travel insurance coverage ensures that the families aren’t burdened with too many bills, and it’s taken care of.
- Extra protection: Having some additional protection against unforeseen circumstances isn’t something you should avoid. Although airlines provide coverage, they’re limited. On the other hand, your travel insurance can cover medical treatments, rehabilitation and more.
- Personal injury and accident cover: Apart from financial coverage, travel insurance can also help to cover personal injuries and accidents. If any unexpected health crisis arises due to the flight accident, insurance will take complete care of it.
Flight accidents are unpredictable. With so many incidents happening lately, it is not wrong to stay protected. Moreover, a trip to Schengen countries or any other part of the world is going to cost you a lot. Amidst all those expenses, you can’t afford to add these expenses too. Therefore, having Schengen travel insurance gives you peace of mind that, financially, you’ll be covered for unforeseen circumstances.
How do you choose the right travel insurance policy?
To get proper protection against unforeseen circumstances, it all comes down to selecting the right travel insurance. Here are some of the key things to take care of:
- Always check the coverage limits in terms of medical expenses and AD&D benefits.
- Carefully review the inclusions and exclusions of the policy in case of air travel, along with pre-existing medical conditions.
- Ensure that you’re selecting the policy regarding the type of trip you’re taking.
- Always read the terms and conditions, along with the fine print, to ensure you’re getting the best policy.
Conclusion
Going on a trip is all about travelling with the peace of your mind. However, uncertainties can arise, which is why you should always be prepared. Although flight accidents are not very common, it’s not wrong to stay protected. Your travel insurance can play an essential role in offering you maximum protection and help you avoid any financial risks that can arise due to these accidents. So, stay focused and choose a policy that aligns with your goals.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.