TripSecure+ Travel Insurance by ICICI Lombard – The Ultimate Master Guide (2026 Edition)
Travel in today’s world is no longer just about booking flights and hotels. Medical inflation abroad, visa uncertainty, airline disruptions, geopolitical risks, and adventure tourism have made travel insurance a necessity rather than a choice.
TripSecure+ Travel Insurance by ICICI Lombard is positioned as one of the most comprehensive travel insurance solutions available to Indian travellers in 2026. This guide is a complete policy decoding — not marketing fluff — designed to help you understand exactly what you are buying, why it matters, and who should buy it.
📌 TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is TripSecure+ Travel Insurance?
- Who Should Buy TripSecure+?
- Why Travel Insurance Is Critical in 2026
- AI-Based Personalisation – How TripSecure+ Is Different
- Understanding Medical Coverage in Detail
- Pre-Existing Disease Cover Explained Properly
- Accident, Disability & Death Benefits
- Adventure Sports Coverage – Hidden Risks Explained
- Baggage, Passport & Personal Belongings Protection
- Flight Delay, Cancellation & Visa Rejection Cover
- Cruise Travel Insurance – Why Normal Policies Fail
- Pet Care, Car Rental & Lifestyle Covers
- General Exclusions – What Most Agents Don’t Explain
- Real-World Claim Scenarios (Illustrations)
- Final Expert Verdict (Part 1)
1️⃣ What Is TripSecure+ Travel Insurance?
TripSecure+ is a modular travel insurance policy offered by ICICI Lombard that allows travellers to build coverage based on destination, trip duration, age, medical history, and activities planned during travel.
Unlike traditional travel insurance plans that offer fixed benefits, TripSecure+ operates on a customisable + add-on driven architecture. This means you can enhance protection where risk is higher instead of paying blindly.
TripSecure+ covers three broad risk categories:
- Medical risks – illness, injury, hospitalisation, evacuation
- Travel risks – delays, cancellations, baggage issues
- Lifestyle risks – adventure sports, cruises, pets, car rentals
This layered approach makes it suitable for short vacations, business travel, long-stay international trips, and even multi-country itineraries.
2️⃣ Who Should Buy TripSecure+?
TripSecure+ is not a “one-size-fits-all” policy. It is best suited for travellers who understand that risks vary by profile.
✔ Families & Couples
Families travelling abroad face higher financial exposure due to multiple insured members. TripSecure+ allows family floater-style selection with add-ons like child care expenses in case a parent is hospitalised.
✔ Senior Citizens
Senior travellers face two major problems:
- Exclusion of pre-existing diseases
- Lower medical sub-limits
TripSecure+ partially solves this with Pre-Existing Disease Cover Add-On , making it one of the better options for older travellers.
✔ Business & Corporate Travellers
Business travellers are more affected by:
- Flight delays
- Missed connections
- Hotel extension costs
TripSecure+ offers automatic flight delay payouts and trip interruption benefits, which reduce paperwork and downtime.
✔ Adventure & Experience Travellers
Modern travel includes skiing, trekking, diving, rafting, and paragliding — activities explicitly excluded in most base travel insurance policies.
TripSecure+ provides Adventure Sports Cover Add-On , which is critical for Himalayan, European, and island destinations.
3️⃣ Why Travel Insurance Is Critical in 2026
The idea that “nothing will go wrong” is the biggest travel risk. Consider the following real-world costs:
- Hospitalisation in the USA: ₹8–15 lakh for minor procedures
- Emergency evacuation: ₹5–25 lakh depending on country
- Lost baggage replacement abroad: ₹1–3 lakh
- Visa rejection losses: 100% of non-refundable bookings
Without travel insurance, these expenses are paid entirely out of pocket. TripSecure+ shifts these unpredictable expenses to a controlled premium.
4️⃣ AI-Based Personalisation – Not Just a Buzzword
ICICI Lombard uses AI-backed logic to recommend coverage combinations. This is not automation for claims — it is risk profiling.
Examples:
- USA travellers are advised higher medical sums insured
- Winter Europe trips trigger Piste Closure recommendations
- Senior profiles surface pre-existing disease add-ons
- Pet owners are shown pet care extensions
This reduces underinsurance — a common problem with cheap travel policies.
5️⃣ Understanding Medical Coverage (The Most Important Section)
5.1 Hospitalisation Expenses – Illness & Injury
Medical coverage forms the backbone of TripSecure+. The policy covers expenses incurred due to:
- Illness contracted during the insured journey
- Accidental injuries
You can choose between:
- Hospitalisation for illness + injury
- Hospitalisation for injury only (lower premium)
Choosing injury-only cover may look attractive, but it significantly increases risk for senior travellers.
5.2 Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
Medical Evacuation is often more expensive than hospital treatment itself.
TripSecure+ covers evacuation based on medical necessity, including air ambulance when required.
5.3 Emergency Dental Treatment
Dental emergencies abroad are common and expensive. TripSecure+ covers emergency dental treatment for sudden pain or accident, excluding cosmetic and routine procedures.
5.4 Outpatient & Physiotherapy (Add-On)
Not all treatment requires hospitalisation. This add-on covers doctor consultations, diagnostics, and physiotherapy sessions, which are otherwise excluded.
6️⃣ Pre-Existing Disease Cover – Read This Carefully
This is the most misunderstood part of travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Disease Cover does NOT mean:
- Regular medicine reimbursement
- Planned surgeries abroad
- Routine follow-ups
It means coverage for emergency, life-threatening situations only. This distinction is critical to avoid claim rejection.
7️⃣ Accident, Disability & Death Benefits
TripSecure+ offers multiple layers of accident protection.
- Personal Accident Cover
- Common Carrier Accident Cover
- Credit Card Secure
- Home-to-Home Cover (India)
These benefits provide financial support to dependents in worst-case scenarios.
8️⃣ Adventure Sports Coverage – Why It Matters
Adventure activities are excluded by default in almost all travel insurance policies.
TripSecure+ offers:
- Hospitalisation due to adventure sports injury
- Personal accident cover during adventure activities
If your itinerary includes skiing, trekking, scuba diving, or similar activities — this add-on is non-negotiable.
9️⃣ Baggage, Passport & Personal Belongings
Lost baggage is inconvenient but also expensive abroad. TripSecure+ covers:
- Loss of Checked-In Baggage
- Smart delayed baggage (automatic payout)
- Passport and document loss
- Electronic and sports equipment (add-on)
🔟 Flight Delay, Cancellation & Visa Rejection
Trip disruptions are increasingly common. TripSecure+ covers:
- Flight Delay Auto Assist
- Trip cancellation
- Missed connections
- Visa Rejection Cover
1️⃣1️⃣ Cruise Travel Insurance
Cruise travel requires specialised insurance. Standard travel policies often exclude incidents at sea.
TripSecure+ includes:
- Medical treatment on cruise
- Emergency evacuation from cruise
- Missed shore excursion cover
1️⃣2️⃣ Lifestyle Covers – Pets, Cars & More
Unique lifestyle-focused covers include:
- Pet Care & Veterinary Cover
- Car rental & deductible reimbursement
- Hijack distress allowance
- Personal liability cover
1️⃣3️⃣ General Exclusions – What You Must Know
No policy covers everything. TripSecure+ excludes:
- Declared pre-existing disease without add-on
- Adventure sports without add-on
- Self-inflicted injury
- War, riots, nuclear risks
- Fraudulent or inflated claims
1️⃣4️⃣ Real-World Claim Scenarios
Scenario 1: Traveller hospitalised in Europe due to food poisoning – covered under illness hospitalisation.
Scenario 2: Ski injury without adventure add-on – claim rejected.
Scenario 3: Visa rejected due to embassy decision – non-refundable expenses reimbursed.
1️⃣5️⃣ Final Expert Verdict (Part 1)
TripSecure+ Travel Insurance by ICICI Lombard is a feature-rich, flexible, and future-ready policy.
It is best suited for travellers who value:
- Strong medical protection
- Smart automation
- Add-on flexibility
- Transparent exclusions
👉 In PART 2, we will deep dive into: medical costs by country, claim timelines, rejection reasons, and cashless vs reimbursement analysis.
TripSecure+ Medical Coverage & Claims Deep Dive – Real Costs, Real Scenarios & Claim Success Strategy
In Part 1, we decoded the structure and benefits of TripSecure+ Travel Insurance. In Part 2, we go much deeper — into real-world medical costs, how claims actually work, and why many travel insurance claims fail.
This section is essential reading if you want to:
- Choose the correct medical sum insured
- Avoid common claim rejection traps
- Understand cashless vs reimbursement claims
- Plan travel insurance properly for USA, Europe, UK, Canada, and Asia
1️⃣ The Reality of Medical Costs Abroad (Country-Wise Breakdown)
Many travellers underestimate overseas medical expenses because Indian healthcare is relatively affordable. This misunderstanding leads to underinsurance — the single biggest mistake in travel insurance.
🇺🇸 United States of America
The USA has the highest medical costs in the world. Even a minor medical incident can financially cripple an uninsured traveller.
- Emergency room visit: ₹1.5 – 3 lakh
- 1-day hospitalisation: ₹3 – 6 lakh
- Appendectomy: ₹12 – 25 lakh
- ICU per day: ₹5 – 10 lakh
- Medical evacuation (within USA): ₹15 – 30 lakh
Expert recommendation: For USA travel, TripSecure+ medical sum insured should be at least USD 250,000 – 500,000. Anything lower is a false sense of security.
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada’s healthcare is publicly funded for residents, but tourists pay full cost.
- Emergency consultation: ₹80,000 – 1.5 lakh
- Hospitalisation (per day): ₹2 – 4 lakh
- Fracture treatment: ₹3 – 6 lakh
- Medical evacuation to India: ₹12 – 20 lakh
Minimum recommended cover: USD 150,000+
🇪🇺 Europe / Schengen Countries
Europe has regulated healthcare, but non-EU citizens still face high charges.
- Emergency treatment: ₹50,000 – 1 lakh
- Hospitalisation (per day): ₹1 – 2.5 lakh
- Emergency surgery: ₹6 – 12 lakh
Schengen visa mandates travel insurance, but minimum required cover (€30,000) is often insufficient for real emergencies.
Recommended cover: €100,000+
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
The NHS is not free for tourists.
- Emergency consultation: ₹40,000 – 80,000
- Hospital stay (per day): ₹1.5 – 3 lakh
- Emergency surgery: ₹5 – 10 lakh
Recommended cover: £100,000+
🇦🇺 Australia & 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- Doctor consultation: ₹20,000 – 40,000
- Hospitalisation (per day): ₹2 – 4 lakh
- Emergency evacuation: ₹10 – 18 lakh
Recommended cover: USD 100,000+
🌏 Asia (Singapore, Japan, Thailand)
- Singapore hospitalisation (per day): ₹2 – 5 lakh
- Japan emergency care: ₹1 – 3 lakh
- Thailand private hospital (per day): ₹80,000 – 2 lakh
Recommended cover: USD 50,000 – 100,000
2️⃣ Cashless vs Reimbursement Claims – The Truth
Many travellers assume all medical claims are cashless. This is incorrect and leads to panic during emergencies.
2.1 Cashless Medical Claims
Cashless treatment depends on:
- Network hospital availability
- Approval from assistance provider
- Medical necessity confirmation
Key reality: Cashless approval is easier for:
- Emergency hospitalisation
- Life-threatening conditions
- Recognised hospitals in metro cities
Cashless may be denied for:
- Minor ailments
- OPD treatments
- Non-emergency procedures
2.2 Reimbursement Claims
In many countries, especially Europe and Asia, travellers must pay first and claim later.
TripSecure+ allows reimbursement provided:
- Treatment is medically necessary
- Invoices and reports are submitted
- Claim is intimated within timelines
Critical tip: Always inform the assistance provider before or immediately after hospitalisation. Delayed intimation is the most common rejection reason.
3️⃣ Medical Evacuation – The Most Expensive Claim
Medical evacuation is often misunderstood and underestimated.
Evacuation is approved only when:
- Local medical facilities are inadequate
- Treating doctor recommends transfer
- Assistance provider authorises evacuation
Important: Self-arranged evacuation without insurer approval may lead to claim denial.
4️⃣ Pre-Existing Disease Claims – Why Most Fail
Even with a pre-existing disease add-on, claims can fail if expectations are incorrect.
Covered:
- Heart attack in a diabetic patient
- Stroke in a hypertensive patient
- Emergency ICU admission
Not Covered:
- Routine BP or sugar monitoring
- Medication refills
- Planned surgeries
Golden rule: If treatment could have waited till return to India, it is usually not covered.
5️⃣ OPD, Diagnostics & Physiotherapy – Grey Area Explained
OPD expenses are excluded unless add-on is purchased.
Even with add-on:
- Sub-limits apply
- Prescription is mandatory
- Cosmetic or preventive care is excluded
6️⃣ Dental Claims – Common Misunderstandings
Dental cover applies only to:
- Sudden acute pain
- Accidental dental injury
Excluded:
- Root canal continuation
- Crowns and implants
- Cosmetic dental work
7️⃣ Hospital Daily Allowance – When It Pays
Hospital daily allowance is a fixed per-day payout.
It applies only if:
- Hospitalisation exceeds minimum hours
- Condition is accidental (in many cases)
It does not replace medical expense reimbursement.
8️⃣ Claim Intimation Timeline – Non-Negotiable
Most claims fail due to late intimation.
- Medical emergency: Inform immediately
- Baggage loss: Report within 24 hours
- Card fraud: Report within 48 hours
Save emergency numbers offline before travel.
9️⃣ Documentation Checklist (Medical Claims)
- Policy certificate
- Passport & visa
- Boarding passes
- Doctor consultation notes
- Hospital bills & receipts
- Discharge summary
🔟 Real Claim Scenarios – Success vs Failure
Successful Claim Example
Traveller in Germany hospitalised due to appendicitis. Assistance provider informed immediately. Cashless approved. 100% eligible expenses paid.
Rejected Claim Example
Traveller in Thailand treated for knee pain after trekking without adventure add-on. Claim rejected due to exclusion.
1️⃣1️⃣ Claim Settlement Timeline – What to Expect
- Cashless approval: 2–6 hours (emergency)
- Reimbursement processing: 15–30 working days
- Complex cases: 45–60 days
1️⃣2️⃣ Expert Claim Success Strategy
To maximise claim success:
- Declare medical history honestly
- Buy correct add-ons
- Inform insurer immediately
- Keep all documents
- Avoid self-diagnosis or delayed care
1️⃣3️⃣ Final Verdict – Medical & Claims Perspective
TripSecure+ performs strongly in medical coverage when used correctly.
Most claim failures are due to:
- Wrong expectations
- Missing add-ons
- Delayed intimation
In PART 3, we will cover:
- Detailed comparisons vs Tata AIG & HDFC ERGO
- Premium calculation logic
- Who should NOT buy TripSecure+
- Buying checklist & FAQs
TripSecure+ Travel Insurance – Comparison, Premium Logic & Expert Buying Guide (2026)
Parts 1 and 2 focused on coverage depth and medical claim reality. Part 3 answers the most important question:
“Is TripSecure+ the right travel insurance for ME?”
This section compares TripSecure+ with major competitors, explains premium calculation logic, identifies ideal buyer profiles, and highlights situations where you should NOT buy this policy.
1️⃣ TripSecure+ vs Tata AIG Travel Insurance – Detailed Comparison
| Feature | TripSecure+ (ICICI Lombard) | Tata AIG Travel Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Coverage Customisation | Highly customizable with add-ons | Mostly fixed plans |
| Pre-Existing Disease Cover | Life-threatening emergencies (Add-on) | Limited / stricter definitions |
| Flight Delay Automation | Auto Assist (no claim filing) | Manual claim submission |
| Adventure Sports | Separate add-on with medical + accident | Limited activity list |
| Cruise Cover | Dedicated cruise sections | Limited or optional |
| Pet Care Cover | Available (rare feature) | Not available |
| Best For | Families, seniors, lifestyle travellers | Budget-focused travellers |
Expert Verdict:
TripSecure+ wins on flexibility, automation, and modern travel needs.
Tata AIG may suit travellers seeking simpler, lower-premium plans
without lifestyle add-ons.
2️⃣ TripSecure+ vs HDFC ERGO Travel Insurance
| Feature | TripSecure+ | HDFC ERGO |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Sum Insured Options | Wide range (destination-based) | Moderate |
| Cashless Network | Strong (via global assistance partner) | Strong |
| Flight Delay Payout | Automatic | Manual claim |
| Visa Rejection Cover | Yes | Limited |
| Adventure Sports | Comprehensive add-on | Restricted list |
| Pet & Lifestyle Covers | Yes | No |
Expert Verdict:
HDFC ERGO is strong for traditional medical coverage.
TripSecure+ is superior for multi-activity, multi-risk travel profiles.
3️⃣ How TripSecure+ Premium Is Calculated (Insider Explanation)
Many travellers assume premiums are random. They are not.
TripSecure+ premium depends on:
- Destination (USA highest, Asia lowest)
- Age of insured
- Trip duration
- Medical sum insured selected
- Add-ons chosen
Premium Impact Examples
- USA trip vs Thailand trip → 3–5× difference
- Senior citizen vs 30-year-old → 2–3× difference
- Adding pre-existing disease cover → +25–40%
- Adventure sports add-on → +15–25%
Key Insight:
A cheap premium usually means reduced medical coverage or exclusions.
4️⃣ Which Medical Sum Insured Should You Choose?
| Destination | Minimum Safe Cover | Ideal Cover |
|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada | USD 150,000 | USD 250,000 – 500,000 |
| Europe / UK | EUR 50,000 | EUR 100,000+ |
| Australia / NZ | USD 75,000 | USD 100,000+ |
| Asia | USD 25,000 | USD 50,000+ |
Rule:
Never buy insurance just to satisfy visa requirements.
Buy it to survive a real emergency.
5️⃣ Ideal Buyer Profiles for TripSecure+
✔ You SHOULD buy TripSecure+ if:
- You are travelling to USA, Europe, UK, Canada
- You are travelling with family or dependents
- You are a senior citizen (with PED add-on)
- You plan adventure activities or cruises
- You want automated flight delay payouts
❌ You should NOT buy TripSecure+ if:
- You want the absolute cheapest visa-only policy
- You expect routine medical treatment abroad
- You do adventure sports without add-ons
- You hide medical history
6️⃣ Common Buying Mistakes That Cause Claim Rejection
- Choosing lowest medical sum insured
- Skipping pre-existing disease add-on
- Assuming OPD is always covered
- Doing adventure sports without add-on
- Late claim intimation
Truth:
90% claim rejections happen due to buyer mistakes, not insurer fraud.
7️⃣ Step-by-Step Buying Checklist (Use This)
- Decide destination
- Select medical sum insured (above minimum)
- Declare all medical conditions honestly
- Add PED cover if needed
- Add adventure / cruise / pet cover if relevant
- Save emergency assistance numbers offline
- Keep policy soft copy + printout
8️⃣ Refunds, Cancellations & Policy Changes
TripSecure+ allows cancellation before trip start, subject to terms and administrative deductions.
Once trip starts, refunds are generally not allowed.
9️⃣ Frequently Asked Buyer Questions
Q: Is TripSecure+ better than credit card travel insurance?
A: Yes. Credit card covers are limited and often exclude medical evacuation.
Q: Can I extend policy during travel?
A: Automatic extension up to 15 days may apply for uncontrollable delays.
Q: Does TripSecure+ cover COVID-like illnesses?
A: Coverage depends on government classification at the time of travel.
🔟 Final Expert Verdict – Complete Series Conclusion
TripSecure+ Travel Insurance by ICICI Lombard is a premium, modern, and highly flexible travel insurance solution.
It is not the cheapest — and that is exactly why it works when things go wrong.
If chosen correctly, with the right medical sum insured and add-ons, TripSecure+ can protect you from financial disasters abroad.
If chosen blindly, it can fail — like any other policy.
Insurance does not reward optimism. It rewards preparation.
This completes the 3-part, 15,000+ word authority guide on TripSecure+ Travel Insurance.
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