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How to Avoid Travel Insurance Scams?

Team AckoDec 10, 2025

Nothing ruins the excitement of a dream vacation faster than falling victim to a scam. While travel insurance is meant to safeguard you from things like flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost baggage, fraudsters sometimes take advantage of unsuspecting travellers through fake travel insurance offers and other travel-related scams.

The good news? A little awareness goes a long way. In this blog, we'll tell you how you can avoid travel insurance scams, choose the right plan, and ensure that your trip truly stays that way.

Contents

Common Types of Travel Insurance Scams
Top Travel Tips to Avoid Travel-Related Scams
How to Choose Real Travel Insurance That’s Reliable?
What To Do If You Suspect a Fake Travel Insurance?
Why are Travel Insurance Scams rising?
Tips For Buying Travel Insurance Online
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Types of Travel Insurance Scams

Knowing what to watch out for is the first step to staying safe. Here are some of the most common travel insurance scams:

Fake Policy Providers
Some scammers set up convincing-looking websites offering unbelievably cheap insurance plans. These sites might even copy the logos and language of real insurers. Once you pay, they disappear, leaving you uncovered during your trip.
Policy Duplication Scams
Scammers may sell you an existing policy that’s already in someone else’s name. You’ll only discover it’s invalid when you try to file a claim.
Fake Claims and Refund Scams
Some scammers pose as agents or third-party claim handlers, promising to 'help' you get refunds or quick claim approvals. They then ask for your policy number and bank details, leading to potential identity theft.
Phishing and Email Fraud
Scam emails look like they’re from real insurers but may hide dangerous links or attachments. Clicking on them can put your personal and financial information at risk.
Overpriced Add-ons
Certain unregulated intermediaries may charge extra for unnecessary coverage, telling you that it’s 'mandatory' for your trip. Always verify before paying for add-ons.

Top Travel Tips to Avoid Travel-Related Scams

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international holiday, these top travel tips can help avoid travel insurance scams:

Do your research
Before you buy any policy, check the insurer’s official website. Look for a verified domain (for example, '.com' or '.in') and make sure the site uses 'https' - the 's' stands for secure. Avoid third-party links or unknown portals.
Compare before you buy
Don’t get excited and jump at the lowest premium. Compare coverage benefits, claim processes, and customer reviews. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check regulatory credentials
Make sure that the insurer is licensed and recognised by the national insurance authority, for example, the IRDAI. Genuine insurance companies are always listed on the official regulator’s website.
Avoid cash payments or informal transfers
Always pay through secure digital methods or official payment links. Avoid things like direct transfers to an individual’s bank account.
Keep documentation digital and safe
Store your policy documents in your email or cloud storage. This helps ensure you can access them even if you lose your phone or luggage.
Stay alert to unsolicited offers
If someone calls or messages you with 'exclusive' travel insurance deals or limited-time discounts, it’s best to ignore them because authentic insurers never pressure their customers into immediate purchases.

How to Choose Real Travel Insurance That’s Reliable?

One of the best ways to avoid travel insurance scams is to understand how to choose travel insurance wisely. Here’s what to look for before hitting 'Buy':

Clear Coverage Terms
A real insurer will clearly outline what’s covered, and what’s not, in simple language. Be cautious and careful of unclear terms like “complete protection” if it does not have specific details.
Clear Pricing
Authentic policies are upfront and honest about what you’re paying for, they will show you what you're paying for in detail. Scammers, on the other hand, tend to sneak in hidden fees or extra charges.
Verified Contact Details
Always make sure to confirm if there’s a working customer service number or email you can reach. If the only point of contact is a mobile number or chat handle, it’s most likely a scam.
Easy Online Verification
If you buy travel insurance online, make sure you get an official policy document and reference number you can verify on the insurance company's portal.
Authentic Reviews
Check for genuine customer reviews on trusted review platforms. Avoid relying solely on testimonials displayed on the insurer’s own website.

What To Do If You Suspect a Fake Travel Insurance?

If you realise you may have purchased a fake travel insurance policy or suspect travel insurance fraud, act immediately:

Contact the real insurer - Reach out to the company the scammer claimed to represent to confirm if your policy exists.
Report it ASAP - Reach out to the local police or file a complaint through the cybercrime helpline as soon as you can.
Secure your bank accounts - If you’ve shared any banking details, call your bank immediately to block or freeze your cards.
Spread awareness - Warn your friends or fellow travellers so that others don’t fall for the same trap and inform them to do the same.

Why are Travel Insurance Scams rising?

As more people choose to buy travel insurance online, cybercriminals are finding clever ways to trick travellers. These scams will target people in a hurry, those booking last-minute trips or looking for the cheapest deal possible. Fraudsters may create fake travel insurance websites, pose as agents, or even send phishing emails that look like legitimate policy offers.

With online bookings and digital payments becoming the norm, travel insurance fraud has also evolved over time. Scammers use tactics like fake claim approvals or cloned websites to collect your personal information or payment details.

Tips For Buying Travel Insurance Online

The key to a safe trip isn’t just booking your flights and hotels in advance; it’s protecting yourself with genuine and clear coverage.

When you buy travel insurance online, remember:

Always go through trusted websites.
Read the fine print carefully.
Keep your documents and proof ready.
And always keep your personal and payment details private and share them only through secure, verified channels.

Conclusion

Scammers are getting smarter these days, but you can always outsmart them. By staying alert, verifying before buying, and knowing how to choose travel insurance from a trusted provider, you can confidently travel anywhere without fear of travel insurance scams or travel-related fraud.

Because at the end of the day, the real goal of travel insurance is simple and that's to protect you, not trick you. So stay informed, stay alert, and make every journey a safe trip for you and your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy travel insurance online?

Yes, as long as you purchase from a trusted insurer’s official site.

How can I check if the travel insurance is genuine or fake?

Check if the company is registered with the IRDAI and look for authentic contact details and customer reviews before making a payment.

What are the signs of a fake policy?

Be cautious if the policy is unusually cheap, has vague coverage details, or comes from an unverified website or agent. Fake travel insurance policies often have no customer support, missing policy numbers, or errors in the document.

Do these scams happen for international trips also?

Yes, travel insurance scams happen for international trips often through fake add-ons, bogus companies using high-tech tools, and creating policies or made-up services like “visa insurance.”

What should I do if I think I’ve fallen for a travel insurance scam?

Contact the real insurer to verify your policy details as soon as possible. If it turns out to be fake, report the fraud to local authorities or the national cybercrime helpline, and inform your bank to block any suspicious transactions.

How can I protect my personal information from travel insurance scams?

Avoid sharing any personal information or financial details over calls from unknown or unverified numbers. Always use the insurer’s official website or app to check if the communication or request is genuine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any medication. The list provided is intended as general guidance and may not be suitable for everyone.