Travelling with Omicron: Let's relook at your Travel Insurance

Since 2020, everyone has been stuck in their homes for the most part. Travelling had become a far-fetched reality for a while, but thankfully things are slowly opening up. The vaccination drives and the new emerging data and research have slowly helped the world tide over the Covid-19 wave. However, with new variants like Delta and now Omicron, a lot still needs to be done. 

The eagerness to travel is justified, and the urge to visit a new city and culture is a much-needed respite from the mental stress and turmoil. But it is also essential to take precautions, visit uninfected areas only, get vaccinated, and always travel with travel insurance. 

Travelling Safely with Omicron Present
 

1. Take All Precautions:

Sanitiser, soap, masks, gloves, etc., are some must-haves you cannot do without these days. So, no matter where you go, and however secluded or deserted the destination may be, always wear a mask. Keep in mind that your goals should not just be to protect yourself but also to protect those around you and not be a carrier of the virus. In addition to this, if you are travelling on a train, sanitise your berth before you sit or sleep on it. You can also carry your sheets or a neck pillow if possible while travelling in buses or trains. Also, remember to put on your mask during the entire journey. If you are travelling by air, wear the mask at all times, along with a shield. Airplanes are confined with a lot of people sitting close to each other. The chances of transmission are higher here. So, being mindful, your safety is paramount.

2. Get Vaccinated: 

Vaccination is the only weapon at this point against Covid-19. And even though not much is known about the vaccine's efficacy against new variants like Omicron, they are still extremely important. Before you travel, make sure that you get both shots of the vaccine. Currently, there are two vaccines available in India – Covishield and Covaxin. You can opt for either one, based on the availability. If you are travelling abroad, check if the destination country accepts the vaccine you have received. If you are travelling with your family or friends, ensure that the entire group has been vaccinated. It is also essential to leave a gap of a few days before your last vaccine shot and your travel. After getting the shot, some people may experience fatigue, fever, and headache. So, it may not be advisable to travel right away. You may consult a doctor for more information on the same.

3. Check the Destination: 

The first thing to keep in mind is to not travel to a place that has been infected with the new variants like Omicron. Try to avoid travelling to such destinations unless necessary. If you do happen to visit an infected area, make sure to cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Some doctors also advise wearing two masks. If it can be avoided, pick a safe destination for your travel. Small towns and cities that have not been as severely exposed to Covid-19 can be a safer option. You would be more comfortable moving around safely here as well, without having to worry about your health. However, it would help if you also were vaccinated so as to not infect those in small towns. A few days before your travel, keep checking the statistics and news of the area. If there is a spike in the number of cases, consider cancelling or postponing your trip. Remember that your safety is the most important. 

4. Buy Travel Insurance: 

The most important thing to have while travelling in both pre-and post-Covid-19 times is travel insurance. Travel insurance can be beneficial in many ways. It can help you in diverse situations like medical emergencies and sickness while also covering emergency evacuations, theft or loss of personal belongings, and trip cancellation. In present times, travel insurance is also crucial as it covers the expenses borne out of Covid-19 related health concerns. So, if you face any of these issues, you can comfortably rely on your travel insurance plan and rest assured that some financial help is readily available. 

Your Travel Insurance Must Include

Travel insurance is a must when travelling. However, it is also vital to pick the right travel insurance plan. Only a comprehensive plan that covers all kinds of situations can offer you complete protection. Before you purchase a travel insurance plan, make sure to check for the following features:

1. Claim Settlement Process: It is good to buy a plan that offers quick and hassle-free settlements. Travelling can be chaotic. To top this, a financial emergency can overwhelm you further. So, pick a travel insurance plan that provides you with immediate disbursements that can help you sort things out. 
2. Features: Look for features like a high cover, including baggage loss or theft, trip delay or cancellation, accidents, sickness, emergency evacuation, loss of passport, etc. A plan that covers these situations can be helpful in most cases. If you are travelling more than once, you can also look for a multi-trip insurance policy. 
3. Insurance Company: Choosing a reputable insurance company is crucial. A responsible insurer can be more dependable. You can look at IDFC FIRST Bank Travel Insurance to provide you with complete coverage. Moreover, a travel insurance plan from a reputable and stellar company would be accepted in most countries. So, you can be certain that your travel policy will be accepted in the destination country. Also, check the company's customer service and how easily approachable it seems. In your hour of need, this can be very important.
4. Covid-19 Expenses: Check if the insurance plan covers Covid-19 expenses like medical procedures, medicines, hospitalisation, and more. With Covid-19 variants emerging around the world, it is vital to purchase a travel insurance plan that covers its expenses. 

To Sum It Up

Travelling can be relaxing, calming, and also liberating in many ways. However, you must plan for it in advance for it to be so. In addition to this, given the circumstances, you must also be mindful of taking all safety precautions. Wearing a mask, washing your hands often, and sanitising your hands and frequently used objects like wallets, phones, etc., is fundamentally important. Travelling without a good travel insurance plan is also highly discouraged. So, make sure to get travel insurance before you set sail to explore the world. 

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.