Tourists in Ladakh to get enhanced safety net with tailored travel insurance plan

UT Admin invites EOI, virtual meeting with insurance firms on Dec 2; air evacuation of visitors to be mandatory

Jammu: In a tourist-friendly move, the Union Territory administration of Ladakh has initiated the process to introduce a “customized travel insurance package” for tourists, both domestic and foreign, catering to the specific needs of the lakhs of visitors who explore the Himalayan region every year.
This initiative aims to enhance the safety and security of travelers while promoting a more resilient and welcoming environment for tourism in Ladakh.
For this purpose, Ladakh tourism department has sought Expression of Interest (EoI) from reputable insurance companies to design and implement a comprehensive travel insurance package tailored to the unique requirements of tourists visiting Ladakh. The tourism department officers are scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with interested insurance companies on December 2 to discuss “the opportunity and address the potential concerns, gaps and challenges in creating an all-encompassing travel insurance policy.
“The Department of Tourism, Union Territory of Ladakh, seeks to understand from insurance companies the nuances of developing a comprehensive travel insurance policy, which includes, but is not limited to, several key components such as mandatory air evacuation, medical expenses, and coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions,” the EoI document states.
Given Ladakh’s remote location and high altitude, the insurance package, according to the EOI document, mandates air evacuation for medical emergencies as a critical feature to ensure the well-being of tourists, particularly for cases involving altitude sickness or other health issues requiring prompt attention.
Similarly, the policy will also provide extensive coverage for medical expenses incurred due to illness or injury during a stay in Ladakh, including hospitalization, outpatient treatments, and medication costs. Additionally, it will safeguard travelers against financial losses from unforeseen trip cancellations or interruptions caused by reasons such as natural disasters, personal emergencies, or travel advisories.
The plan also envisages coverage for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, including luggage and travel documents and provision of round-the-clock support services to assist tourists with emergency medical assistance, travel information, and coordination with local authorities if necessary.
The Department has encouraged insurance providers to include other innovative benefits and support services that can enhance the travel experience and safety of tourists in Ladakh.
“The insurance coverage will apply to every tourist visiting Ladakh, whether by land or air, similar to international travel insurance but specific to Ladakh. Mandatory air evacuation remains a key requirement of the plan, alongside all standard benefits,” the EOI document stated.
Tourists will be required to pay the insurance premium, which will be applicable to all age groups. The plan will cover varying itinerary durations, ranging from single-day visits to extended stays, ensuring comprehensive protection for all travelers.
Pertinently, over five lakh tourists visited Ladakh in 2023, including 4.9 lakh domestic tourists and 36,315 foreigners. In 2022, a total of 5.31 lakh tourists visited the land of high passes.
Last year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the proposal of Ladakh tourism department to allow overnight stay for foreign tourists at village Hanle, and Martsemik and Sko Valley in the Union Territory. Until then, Hanle was off-limits to foreign tourists. Only domestic tourists were allowed to visit the high-altitude village which has already been notified as a Dark Sky Reserve by the Wildlife Department of the UT Administration of Ladakh.

Updated On 11/30/2024 4:33:38 AM