The tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad has once again brought air safety and passenger rights into the spotlight. With 242 people onboard, the aircraft crashed minutes after takeoff en route to London, raising questions about insurance coverage, airline responsibilities, and how families of victims receive compensation.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, understanding air travel insurance and compensation rules is crucial.

✈️ What Is the Airline’s Legal Responsibility?

In India, if a passenger suffers serious injury or dies in a plane crash, the airline is legally bound to pay compensation. Under the Montreal Convention of 1999, airlines are liable to pay up to ₹1.55 crore (approx. USD 187,000) per passenger—regardless of fault.

If negligence on the part of the airline is proven, the compensation amount may be even higher. The actual payout, however, depends on factors such as the passenger’s age, income, number of dependents, and personal circumstances.

Even for domestic flights, Indian airlines generally adhere to similar compensation rules.

🛡️ How Travel Insurance Helps

Travel insurance offers financial support in cases of:

• Death or serious injury

• Lost baggage

• Flight delays or cancellations

• Medical emergencies

For instance, policies may provide:

• ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore for accidental death

• ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for permanent disability

• Coverage for hospital bills and baggage loss

However, this protection is only available if the passenger purchased travel insurance before the flight. Unfortunately, many domestic travelers skip buying insurance, despite its low cost and high benefits.

❌ What If You Don’t Have Travel Insurance?

Even without travel insurance, passengers (or their families) are still eligible for legal compensation from the airline in case of death or injury.

Additionally:

• The government may offer financial aid in large-scale disasters.

• Some credit cards provide complimentary travel insurance when tickets are booked through them.

However, these alternatives generally offer limited coverage compared to a dedicated travel insurance policy.

📝 Why Travel Insurance Matters

While aviation accidents are rare, they can be catastrophic when they occur, causing both emotional and financial turmoil for families. A small investment in insurance can offer:

• Peace of mind

• Faster financial relief

• Coverage for treatment, recovery, and even lost belongings

To ensure smooth claim processing:

• The nominee's details should be clearly mentioned in the policy.

• Policy documents must be stored safely and shared with family members.

Air travel may be statistically safe, but when things go wrong, being informed can make all the difference. From understanding your rights as a passenger to choosing the right insurance plan, a little preparedness can protect you and your loved ones from life-changing losses.