4 Min Read
Destination weddings have become the epitome of luxury and personalisation. Exotic locales, curated themes, and intimate gatherings are redefining the traditional wedding setup. This trend has surged, especially among Indian couples, who are choosing palatial heritage properties, serene beaches, or picturesque mountain backdrops for their big day.
But while destination weddings bring dreams to life, they also introduce unique risks.
From travel disruptions to unforeseen weather events, the stakes are high.
This is where wedding insurance steps in, offering a safety net for unforeseen disruptions and ensuring that celebrations proceed as planned.
“Travel delays and cancellations are main concerns for destination weddings. Such events may also encounter weather-related risks, which can interfere with the ceremony. To tackle these challenges, wedding insurance policies now offer tailored coverage," says Gaurav Arora, Chief Underwriting, Claims, Property & Casualty, ICICI Lombard.
Premiums depend on the destination
Not all wedding venues are created equal — neither are their insurance premiums.
The location directly impacts the risk assessment.
“Heritage properties, mountain destinations, or beachside locations usually attract higher premiums compared to metro locations,” explains Arora. “Remote or exotic locations inherently carry more uncertainty and risk, driving the relative risk price higher.”
For couples dreaming of saying "I do" on a secluded island or amid snow-capped peaks, factoring in these costs is essential.
Documentation differences for destination weddings
Insuring a destination wedding isn’t vastly different from a local one in terms of documentation.
However, additional details such as travel and wedding itineraries are crucial for ensuring proper coverage.
“The required information mostly remains the same,” says Arora. “But for destination weddings, additional details like the travel itinerary and number of attendees traveling may be necessary.”
This transparency helps insurers better understand the scope of the event and provide appropriate coverage.
Claims process
A common concern for couples is navigating the claims process when incidents occur abroad. Fortunately, insurers have streamlined this procedure.
“The claim settlement process works the same whether in India or abroad,” says Arora. “Intimation of the incident to the insurer must happen at the earliest possible opportunity. Documentation requirements remain minimal and specific to the nature of the claim.”
Exclusions
Destination weddings often involve adventurous activities or exotic locations, but not everything is covered under standard policies.
“Adventure activities like hiking or scuba diving are often excluded from coverage unless added on,” says Arora. “Similarly, terrorism coverage might be excluded for certain countries. However, these exclusions can be addressed with add-on features and additional premiums.”
Couples planning adventurous or international weddings should consult with insurance specialists to understand these exclusions and customise their policy.
A look at wedding insurance policies available
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But while destination weddings bring dreams to life, they also introduce unique risks.
From travel disruptions to unforeseen weather events, the stakes are high.
This is where wedding insurance steps in, offering a safety net for unforeseen disruptions and ensuring that celebrations proceed as planned.
“Travel delays and cancellations are main concerns for destination weddings. Such events may also encounter weather-related risks, which can interfere with the ceremony. To tackle these challenges, wedding insurance policies now offer tailored coverage," says Gaurav Arora, Chief Underwriting, Claims, Property & Casualty, ICICI Lombard.
Premiums depend on the destination
Not all wedding venues are created equal — neither are their insurance premiums.
The location directly impacts the risk assessment.
“Heritage properties, mountain destinations, or beachside locations usually attract higher premiums compared to metro locations,” explains Arora. “Remote or exotic locations inherently carry more uncertainty and risk, driving the relative risk price higher.”
For couples dreaming of saying "I do" on a secluded island or amid snow-capped peaks, factoring in these costs is essential.
Documentation differences for destination weddings
Insuring a destination wedding isn’t vastly different from a local one in terms of documentation.
However, additional details such as travel and wedding itineraries are crucial for ensuring proper coverage.
“The required information mostly remains the same,” says Arora. “But for destination weddings, additional details like the travel itinerary and number of attendees traveling may be necessary.”
This transparency helps insurers better understand the scope of the event and provide appropriate coverage.
Claims process
A common concern for couples is navigating the claims process when incidents occur abroad. Fortunately, insurers have streamlined this procedure.
“The claim settlement process works the same whether in India or abroad,” says Arora. “Intimation of the incident to the insurer must happen at the earliest possible opportunity. Documentation requirements remain minimal and specific to the nature of the claim.”
Exclusions
Destination weddings often involve adventurous activities or exotic locations, but not everything is covered under standard policies.
“Adventure activities like hiking or scuba diving are often excluded from coverage unless added on,” says Arora. “Similarly, terrorism coverage might be excluded for certain countries. However, these exclusions can be addressed with add-on features and additional premiums.”
Couples planning adventurous or international weddings should consult with insurance specialists to understand these exclusions and customise their policy.
A look at wedding insurance policies available
| Provider | ICICI Lombard General Insurance | Future Generali |
| Policy name | Wedding Insurance Policy | Vivah Suraksha |
| Covered events | - Wedding cancellation due to specified contingencies | - Wedding cancellations, accidents, loss of valuables, burglary |
| Cancellation Coverage | - Covering various expenses like venue booking, catering, decorations, travel bookings | - Covers rearrangement expenses, printing costs, advances to vendors, accommodation costs due to cancellations |
| Property damage coverage | - Protects against fire, allied perils, burglary and theft | - Safeguards property at residence and venue, decorations, sets erected |
| Valuables coverage | - Covers jewellery, ornaments, precious stones, and appliances as wedding gifts | - Protection against loss or damage to jewellery, and appliances gifted by guests |
| Accident coverage | - Covers disability (partial, total), death due to accidents | - Protection against permanent partial/total disability, temporary total disability, death due to accidents |
| Burglary coverage | - Covers loss of money from safe or strong room | - Provides coverage against the loss of money from a safe or strong room |
| Exclusions | - Bandh/civil unrest, terrorism, kidnappings, transportation breakdowns | - Exclusions: Congenital diseases, injuries due to alcohol/drugs, war-related injuries, hormone-related treatments, non-prescribed drugs/medicines |
| Discounts/benefits | - Flexible premium payments, family discounts, voluntary deductible plan | - Benefits: 10% family discount, premium discounts based on voluntary deductibles, floater discounts, one-time premium payment discount, website purchase discount |
(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
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