Top Insurance Mistakes We Still Make While Travelling

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December 22, 2025

Over 60% of Indian travellers still fly without any form of travel insurance, even though a single ER visit abroad or lost luggage incident can cost more than the flight itself. People invest time comparing car insurance online or bike insurance plans, but when it comes to international travel, protection takes a backseat.

Travel is meant to be exciting, not expensive.

Here are the most common mistakes Indians make while planning a vacation:

1. Believing Their Credit Card Is Enough

Travellers think, “My credit card already gives travel insurance. I’m sorted.”

But here's the twist:

• Many cards only offer accidental cover, not medical. • Some cover flight delays but not baggage loss.

• Benefits work only if you booked the trip using the same card.

Relying only on credit card benefits is like buying the cheapest two-wheeler insurance. It does work, but only until it doesn’t.

2. Picking the Cheapest Plan

If the plan costs less than your dinner bill, chances are it won’t save you abroad.

Cheap plans often skip:

• Emergency medical cover

• Trip cancellation

• Lost passport

• Personal liability

It’s the same mistake people make when they buy car insurance online only for price, without checking what the plan actually covers. Choosing the wrong protection on a trip can cost far more than a car insurance quote ever will.

3. Ignoring Add-Ons

Adventure travel is trending. Scuba diving, skydiving, skiing, trekking, you name it.

What most travellers forget is one crucial thing:

Regular travel insurance does NOT cover adventure sports.

Just like the difference between third-party and comprehensive bike insurance, the right add-on can be the difference between a paid claim and a painful bill.

4. Not Declaring Pre-Existing Conditions

Many travellers hide existing health issues, thinking, “If I declare it, the premium will go up.”

But the truth is simple:

If you don’t declare it, your claim will likely be rejected.

The same principle applies whether you’re buying health insurance online or family health and term insurance.

5. Skipping International Health Cover

Some travellers assume, “I already have health insurance in India; that’s enough.”

But most domestic policies don’t work outside India, and even if it did, the coverage is far lower than what international medical bills demand.

This is where a health and travel insurance combo can save you from major financial stress.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Not Stressful

Travel is unpredictable. Delayed flights, misplaced bags, sudden illnesses, lost passports, etc.  A solid travel insurance plan covers all of that.

Before your next trip, remember:

  • Don’t depend on your credit card.
  • Don’t pick the cheapest plan.
  • Add adventure-sport cover if needed.
  • Declare your medical history.
  • Get international health cover.

Planning your next trip? Buy travel insurance online before you go. Travel safely and responsibly with Shift Risk.

Book your appointment with us now!
Written By:
ShiftRisk Team