Travel Insurance: If you die in a plane crash, what will your family get? In many countries including India, airlines give compensation to passengers under international rules, which can be crores of rupees.

Travel Insurance Plane Crash India: Air India plane going from Ahmedabad to London met with an accident within minutes of takeoff. There were 242 people on board the plane. This accident has raised many questions in front of passengers who often travel by flight, especially about safety and compensation. The most important question in this is that if such an accident happens, who compensates for the loss? Does travel insurance help? If there is no insurance, will you get anything? Here we will tell you in a very simple way what happens after a plane accident and what you should do..

Do airlines give compensation after a plane crash?

In India, the responsibility of the airline in a plane crash or any serious accident is determined by the rules of the Montreal Convention 1999. This is an international rule. According to this, the airline pays a compensation of at least ₹1.4 crore (128,821 SDR) to every dead or injured passenger, no matter who is at fault. If the negligence of the airline is proved, more compensation can also be given. DGCA guidelines are also applicable in domestic flights, which have almost similar compensation rules.

Why is travel insurance necessary?

If you have taken travel insurance, then you get more compensation and help even faster. It includes accidental death cover of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore, medical emergency, hospital expenses and flight cancellation cover, claim can also be made if bag or luggage is lost. In some policies, a fixed amount is also available for hospitalization per day. In case of permanent disability, there is a coverage of Rs 5-10 lakh. But keep in mind that insurance is useful only when you have made a plan before the flight.

What if you don't take travel insurance?

Still, you can get compensation from the airlines (as mentioned above). If you were travelling for office work, then the company's insurance may be useful. Some credit cards include free travel insurance, check if you have booked the ticket from there. If you have travelled through a tour operator or package, you can benefit from a group insurance plan.

When do legal complications arise in travel insurance?

Many times the compensation is delayed, especially when the accident investigation is long. If there is no insurance or nominee details are not given, the case drags on. In such a case, families have to approach the consumer court, civil court or insurance ombudsman.

Those who travel by flight must do these 4 things

1. Always take travel insurance, be it domestic or international
2. Fill the nominee details correctly
3. Insurance plan must have 'Accidental + Medical' cover
4. Carry digital and print copies with you

How much does travel insurance cost

It depends on the duration of your trip, where you are travelling domestically or internationally, your age and medical history, how much cover is there in the policy (up to ₹10 lakh or ₹1 crore), extra coverage such as baggage loss, flight delay, medical emergency.

Cost of Travel Insurance in India

• Domestic Travel Insurance- Rs 30 to Rs 100 per day
• Around Rs 100 to Rs 500 for the entire trip (for a 5-7 day trip)

International Travel Insurance

Asia Travel- Estimated premium Rs 300 to Rs 700, coverage Rs 5-15 lakh

Europe- Estimated premium Rs 500 - Rs 1,200, coverage Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore

UAS or Canada- Estimated premium Rs 1,000- Rs 2,500, coverage Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore

Australia or UK- Estimated premium Rs 700 to Rs 1,500, coverage Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore

Will Air India compensate the passengers of the accident?

After the Ahmedabad plane crash, Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran said, 'We confirm with deep sorrow that flight AI-171 from Ahmedabad to London was the victim of a tragic accident. Our condolences are with all the victims and their families. We are providing all necessary help and support.'

Image Credit: Gemini