How Acko Travel Insurance Changed My Mind About Travel Insurance During the Pandemic

I have always been skeptical about taking travel insurance. My perception was that it was a scam wherein I would never be able to get my money back. However, the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns taught me that travel insurance can be incredibly beneficial. Specifically, my experience with Acko travel insurance during the second wave of coronavirus brought me to this conclusion.

My Initial Skepticism

Before the pandemic, the idea of travel insurance was off-putting. I often dismissed it, thinking that the chances of needing to claim were slim to none, and the hassle of the paperwork would outweigh the benefits. My skepticism was driven by the thought of the insurance company denying claims or not providing adequate compensation.

The Second Wave - A Turning Point

When the second wave of the coronavirus struck, everything changed. Both the departure and destination cities were placed under lockdown, and my family’s vacation plans were suddenly in jeopardy. It was at this moment that I realized the importance of having travel insurance.

The Bumpy Path to Claiming Insurance

I had purchased travel insurance through GOIBIBO for my flight from Bangalore to Chandigarh. The process of claiming the insurance was not without its hiccups, but overall, it was a positive experience. Let me walk you through the steps:

Step 1 - Contacting Acko Customer Care

The first step was to call Acko customer care to verify if my travel insurance claim would be valid due to the lockout. To my relief, the representative was exceptionally helpful and confirmed that my claim would be valid.

Step 2 - Raising the Claim

Next, I raised the claim through the Acko mobile app. The process was straightforward, and the customer service team directed me on which category to raise the claim under - in my case, "trip cancellation due to natural catastrophe."

Step 3 - Providing Documentation

I then emailed the required proof, including my ticket confirmation, news articles about the lockdown, and other relevant documents related to the cancellation.

Step 4 - Follow-Up and Rejection

The initial review of my claim was rejected as Acko informed me that my reason for cancellation was deemed insufficient according to their policy documents. Nevertheless, I persistently argued my case in my email, making sure to reference the relevant policy terms that supported my claim.

Step 5 - Approval and Payment

After a thorough analysis of my arguments, Acko agreed that my reasons were valid, and my claim was approved. Half of the requested amount was delivered within a matter of days. I later raised a separate claim for my wife, and the entire amount was approved within 3 days of claim approval.

My Reflection and Future Plans

Having personally experienced the benefits of travel insurance, I am now a firm believer. The customer support from Acko was unparalleled, and their willingness to evaluate claims based on the policy terms is something I greatly appreciate. This experience has not only changed my perception of travel insurance but has also built trust in the Acko brand.

In conclusion, my experience with Acko travel insurance during the pandemic has been overwhelmingly positive. It has not only provided financial relief during a difficult time but also restored my faith in travel insurance as a valuable safeguard. I now trust Acko fully and will be taking their services every time I travel.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

1. Always research and purchase travel insurance from reputable providers.

2. Understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy.

3. Gather all relevant documentation when making a claim.

4. Be persistent and patient when navigating the claims process.

5. Make sure to contact customer service for guidance and support.