We have come a long way in simplifying travel, connecting even the remotest regions, and enabling more affordable transportation and accommodation opportunities for globetrotters across the world. However, despite the increased safety and comfort of modern-day travel, certain risks remain present for all kinds of traversing the world, not only the ones that involve exotic destinations and adventure travel. That fact alone makes travel insurance a necessity that every traveler needs to consider for every single one of your trips.
Luckily for us, the world is brimming with opportunities when it comes to insurance, and the present market competition makes it all the more widespread so that you can pick and choose a package to your liking. Let’s go over all the most vital tips on how to choose the best coverage for you and the key information on travel insurance in general so that you can have peace of mind for your next adventure!
Why you need travel insurance
The fittest, strongest, and most responsible among you will likely say that they don’t need travel insurance, to begin with. But can you predict a sudden flight change, losing your luggage, or slipping and twisting your ankle? Insurance is there precisely for the unexpected and keeping you safe and medically covered in case of an emergency. If you’re worried about price, consider it an investment: in case you do get injured and you have no insurance abroad, the bill will be truly astronomical compared to the price of your insurance policy.
In case you get sick, or you suffer from an injury while you’re traveling, your travel insurance will cover the costs of any needed hospitalization, medical bills, and other treatments included. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use the policy, but in case you do, they typically include 24/7 support, so that you can get in touch with a professional at a moment’s notice.
Opting for the custom-made solution
The growing number of new insurance agencies out there has brought on another benefit for the end-user: customization. Different trips call for different coverage, so you should always talk about the purpose of your travels, the destinations, and your current health with your insurance agent so that you can devise the best option for your situation.
As an example, if you’re eager to go on a cruise, then obtaining a cruise travel insurance is the best way to go, as it will cover all those voyage-specific needs, such as onshore and offshore medical coverage, repatriation, and your personal belongings as well. If you plan to enjoy any potentially dangerous activities, perhaps your policy might need some extra benefits, as well.
What travel insurance covers
Although the offer will differ from one policy to another, as we’ve already established, certain common items are typically included in every travel insurance policy under the sun. For example, these are some of the most common items you’ll find covered when you purchase your policy, although the overall sum may vary (and of course, the greater the coverage, the better for you):
- Losing your passport or luggage
- 24/7 emergency lines for you to reach someone to help you
- Emergency return home in case of an issue in the country you’re visiting
- Theft of your personal belongings
- Flight changes that affect you, such as delays or cancellations
- Medical emergencies including illness, injuries, and accidents
- Ambulance and other transportation expenditures
- A follow-up upon your arrival home in case you’ve had a medical procedure abroad
- Trip cancellation in case of the death of a loved one back home
These are typically listed on every travel insurance policy. However, the sum will vary, which is why you should compare the actual value of items you carry with the offered sum, to see if you can get better coverage elsewhere when you’re looking into options.
What travel insurance doesn’t include
With all the perks that insurance brings, there are certain exceptions that aren’t included in a typical policy. Once again, you should make sure that you understand the exact coverage terms of your policy before you make your choice, as these are only guidelines to give you an idea of what to expect:
- Extreme sports and other overly risky activities specified in the policy (think: bungee jumping, paragliding, races, etc.)
- Pre-existing medical issues such as chronic illnesses that were diagnosed before your trip
- Illegal activities such as illegal drug consumption
- Losing your belongings because you’ve left them unattended
- Radiation
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as AIDS/HIV
- Venereal disease
- Traveling against your doctor’s advice
In most scenarios, you can look into additional coverage fees in case you’d like to have a more inclusive policy specifically designed for your trip, in which case the costs will likely be higher, but you’ll also be certain that you have all the coverage you truly need.
Although travel has become safer and more convenient over the past years, every traveler still needs to be responsible enough to purchase insurance for each trip. Make sure you look into all the different options, and you’ll surely find a policy that matches your needs in no time!
