You Can Get Your Eco-Tourism Trips Insured

Travellers will now feel comfortable undertaking a quick hike to a waterfall, a strenuous trek through the mountains or an exciting safari drive through a national park in Karnataka. The forest department has requested insurance coverage for visitors to eco-tourism locations to ensure their safety. The principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) has issued a new directive to all tiger reserves and heads of wildlife divisions ordering an extension of travel insurance coverage to all ticket holders.

Karnataka’s forests are home to some of the best-kept tiger reserves, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, making them popular eco-tourism destinations. These eco-tourism locations are well known for adventure activities like trekking, kayaking, boating, rafting, and visits to waterfalls, elephant camps, and safaris. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to these locations.

Many of these activities, though, come with a risk factor for tourists, from unexpected wildlife attacks to honeybee attacks to drowning, which can result in passing away and permanent or partial disability. The state’s relief fund or the forest department compensated travellers in exceptional circumstances. Although Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) used to offer insurance coverage to its customers while they visited these locations or engaged in similar activities, the forest department did not.

They provide a similar benefit to general travellers who may visit these locations without making a reservation through JLR or purchasing tickets directly to engage in adventure activities. The gate fee that they take in at these locations will be used to adjust the insurance cost. Travellers will now receive travel insurance coverage due to their partnership with insurance companies. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under the travel insurance policy.

Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni recently petitioned the department, demanding insurance coverage for travellers, citing a similar initiative by the JLR and the Kerala forest department. The Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020–26 strongly emphasises giving visitors a secure and first-rate experience. Tragedies like the 2009 Thekkady boat disaster in Kerala’s Periyar Tiger Reserve have brought attention to the importance of visitor safety. This will improve the state’s reputation. The department must require that the travel insurance coverage be limited to those who have purchased tickets to enter these sites and could forbid liability for damage to visitors’ property or loss of valuables.

When embarking on eco-tourism adventures, it’s a wise decision to explore the option of travel insurance to safeguard your investment and ensure you’re protected in case you need to make a travel claim due to unforeseen circumstances. You can use a travel insurance premium calculator to get an estimated cost of premiums that you would need to pay.* 

Eco-tourism provides an opportunity to connect with nature, support conservation efforts, and create unforgettable memories. To fully enjoy these experiences, travellers should consider the protection and peace of mind that travel insurance offers. So, embark on your eco-adventures, take in the beauty of the natural world, and let travel insurance be your safety net for a truly enriching and worry-free eco-tourism experience.

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