Severe rainfall in Darjeeling, a popular hill station in North Bengal, has triggered devastating landslides and flooding, wreaking havoc on the region. Roads have been washed away, bridges collapsed, and numerous homes have been damaged. Tragically, over 20 people have lost their lives, while hundreds of tourists have found themselves stranded in the midst of the disaster.
Rescue operations are ongoing, but many areas remain inaccessible, with tourists advised to stay put until evacuation is possible. This disaster is a painful reminder of how quickly natural calamities can disrupt travel plans, as witnessed in other regions like Manali in recent months.
In such distressing times, travel insurance becomes an essential safeguard, offering protection and financial relief in several key areas:
1. Trip Cancellations or Delays: If your flight is canceled or delayed due to a natural disaster, travel insurance can cover those costs, ensuring that you’re not left financially vulnerable.
2. Stranded Tourists: For tourists stranded in remote areas, travel insurance can cover additional accommodation and meal expenses until safe evacuation is possible.
3. Medical Emergencies: In the event of medical emergencies caused by a disaster, comprehensive travel insurance covers hospitalization, evacuation, and repatriation expenses.
Meet Kapadia, head of travel insurance at Policybazaar, emphasizes that travel insurance can alleviate many financial burdens during such crises. “Travel insurance can cover costs for things like trip cancellations, delays, and additional accommodation or meals when you’re stranded due to floods, landslides, or other calamities.”
Sarita Joshi, head of health and life insurance at Probus, notes that comprehensive travel insurance generally covers a wide range of financial losses during natural disasters. She explains, “In a situation like the Darjeeling floods, a good travel insurance plan can cover trip interruptions caused by road blockages, airport closures, or evacuation orders. Non-refundable costs, like hotel bookings or flight tickets, are often reimbursed. For those stranded, the policy may also cover the costs of additional accommodations or transportation.”
Another crucial aspect of travel insurance is emergency evacuation coverage, which can be a lifesaver if you need to be moved to a safer location or a medical facility. In the event of major disasters like floods or earthquakes, travel insurance may cover the costs of additional return fares and emergency evacuations.
However, it’s essential to purchase travel insurance in advance. Kapadia warns, “Travel insurance typically won’t cover disasters that have already occurred, so it’s important to secure coverage before any unforeseen event happens.”
In summary, travel insurance offers invaluable peace of mind, especially in regions prone to natural disasters. It provides protection against disruptions, additional expenses, and medical emergencies, helping travelers manage the unpredictable nature of travel, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas like Darjeeling.
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