Travel Insurance – Being Prepared For The What Ifs

As much as we want to avoid additional expenses prior to traveling, I always find it super important to consider whether travel insurance is necessary given my trip details.

If you’re planning an international trip, it’s considered essential to buy travel insurance. It’s also said to be the single most important step you can take to mitigate the risks associated with your trip and prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

Unfortunately, travel insurance is something that many people tend to overlook, as they do not understand why comprehensive coverage is needed in the first place and how it can protect them against the risks of international travel.

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Understanding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that is designed to provide you financial protection and assistance in the event of unexpected events or emergencies that might occur before or during your trip. You should compare travel insurance plans from the best travel insurance companies to ensure you get a competitive average trip cost.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Travel health insurance policies typically cover a wide range of contingencies – from trip delays to trip interruptions, missed connections, trip cancellations, lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, emergency medical treatment, and emergency medical evacuation.

Depending on the travel insurance cost, the policy may include various benefits, making it one of the most recommended travel insurance options available. These benefits may include medical benefits, medical evacuation coverage, accidental death and dismemberment, medical tourism benefits, extreme sports accident coverage, personal effects coverage, baggage delay, rental car damage, and other travel insurance benefits with generous coverage limits for one or multiple trips for both occasional as well as frequent travelers.

Planning a Trip to an International Destination

When it comes to advice on what and how to pack or where to visit, we have you covered on several destinations around the world. Check out our various travel guides, 

Here are some examples:

Ultimate Italy Packing List – What To Pack For Italy In 2023

ROAM Custom Luggage – How To Design Your Own Luggage

What To Wear On A European River Cruise – Packing List

Circumstances under which Travel Insurance Can Be a Lifesaver

Trip Delay

If your trip is delayed due to a reason covered under your travel insurance policy, you can get reimbursed for food, lodging, transportation, and any other expense as part of your travel delay benefits.

Covered reasons for trip delays typically include airline maintenance issues, airline delays, missed connections, natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, and terrorist incidents. Just watch the Steve Martin movie Trains, Planes, and Automobiles and you will know enough.

Trip Cancellation

If you need to cancel your trip due to a covered reason, your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for the expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation. It can include the cost of food, accommodation, flight tickets, rental cars, tours and cruises, and other non-refundable, prepaid expenses you incurred.

Covered reasons for trip cancellations include illness or injury, death of a family member, death of a traveling companion, employment termination, unplanned jury duty or court subpoena, military deployment, natural disasters, and terrorist incidents, 

Trip Interruption

If you need to cut your trip short due to a covered reason, your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for the expenses incurred including:

• The unused portion of the prepaid, non-refundable expenses associated with your trip
• Additional transportation costs incurred to return home
• Food and accommodation related expenses incurred while you are stranded as a result of the interruption
• Fees associated with changing your travel arrangements

Medical Expenses

When you travel to a different country, your health insurance might not provide any coverage or might only provide little coverage under limited circumstances. Either way, your policy will be of no use if you are injured or if you become ill while traveling. This is where travel medical insurance can prove to be a lifesaver.

A travel medical insurance plan can cover a wide range of medical expenses that you might incur in a foreign country. These include emergency medical transportation, surgery, hospitalization, doctor’s fees, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

When you are on an international trip, if you are injured or become ill to the point that you need to be transported to a health care facility in a different part of the country or if you need to be transported back home, your travel insurance can cover the expenses associated with it.

Travel insurance policies also have assistance teams that you can contact any time in the event of an unexpected event or emergency. They can help you locate health care facilities, communicate and coordinate your care with healthcare providers, and provide you with the assistance you need.

Delayed, Damaged, Lost, or Stolen Baggage

If your baggage is lost by the airline, stolen by someone, or damaged during your trip, your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for your belongings – up to your policy’s limit. Similarly, if your baggage is delayed for an extended period (12 to 24 hours or more), your travel insurance policy can reimburse you for the essential items you need to buy during the delay. These include clothes, toiletries, and other necessities.

Rental Car Coverage

If your rental car is damaged or stolen during your trip, you can get reimbursed – up to your travel insurance policy’s limit.

Repatriation of Remains

In the unfortunate event of your death, your travel insurance policy can cover the expenses associated with repatriating your remains to your home.

Planning Your Next Trip?

We have tons of advice on how to travel, especially when food and drinks are top of mind. We love incorporating Food Tours into our agenda. 

Check out our Culinary Tours 101 for great advice on how to book a food tour on your next journey. 

I personally use Viator for all of my tour bookings, they have great options all over the world for tours and excursions alike. 

How Travel Insurance Can Help You Travel with Peace of Mind

One of the most important reasons to buy travel insurance is that it can help you travel with peace of mind. When you have travel insurance, you know that you are protected against the known and unknown risks associated with your trip. The fact that you are financially protected against unforeseen emergencies can make you feel safe and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip and making lasting memories without worrying about what might go wrong.

When and Where to Get Travel Insurance

The best time to buy travel insurance is shortly after booking your trip. Once you book your trip and plan all the arrangements, you can have a clear idea of the prepaid expenses associated with your trip as well as your total trip cost. Based on that, you can determine the amount of coverage you need. Moreover, buying travel insurance after making your travel arrangements can give you the largest coverage window possible.

When it comes to buying travel insurance, there are several options available for you.

• If you use your credit card to book the trip, your credit card company might provide trip delay, cancellation, or rental car insurance free of cost.
• Many travel agencies and travel reservation websites allow you to purchase travel insurance while booking your flight or hotel.
• You can check out travel insurance comparison websites, compare different policies with one another, and buy a policy.
• You can buy travel insurance directly from travel insurance companies.

Among these, buying travel insurance directly from a travel insurance company is the best option for several reasons.

Customized Coverage

Travel insurance companies typically offer a range of policies with various coverage options. Buying directly allows you to customize your coverage to match your specific travel needs. You can choose the type and level of coverage that aligns with the risks involved in your trip as well as your personal preferences.

Access to Full Policy Details

When you purchase travel insurance directly from the provider, you have direct access to the policy details, terms, and conditions. It can help you understand what is covered, what is excluded, and any limitations or restrictions.

Expert Guidance

Travel insurance companies have knowledgeable customer service representatives who can provide information and guidance on selecting the right policy. They can answer your questions, clarify policy terms, and assist you in making informed decisions.

Timely Assistance

Travel insurance companies often provide 24/7 assistance services. Buying directly ensures you can contact their dedicated support team for help with emergencies, including medical assistance, travel delays, or other travel-related issues.

Access to Add-ons and Upgrades

Travel insurance companies may offer optional add-ons and upgrades that you can easily add to your policy to enhance your protection. Buying directly ensures you have access to these options.

Faster Resolution

In the event of disputes or issues related to your policy, dealing directly with the insurance company can lead to faster resolution, as there are fewer intermediaries involved.

Transparency and Accountability

When you purchase directly from the insurance company, you have a clear point of contact and accountability. If you encounter problems or need to discuss your policy, you can address them directly with the insurer.

Importance of Research While Buying Travel Insurance

It’s critically important for you to do your research before buying travel insurance, so you can buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan that meets your specific needs and provides the level of coverage you need.

The key factors you should consider while buying travel insurance are:

Type of Coverage

When planning your next adventure, it’s crucial to consider travel insurance recommendations to ensure a worry-free journey. Start by determining what types of travel insurance coverage you need. Common coverage options include trip interruption insurance coverage, trip cancellation coverage, medical costs, emergency medical coverage, and delayed, lost, or stolen baggage coverage. Choose your trip insurance policy coverage for an upcoming trip that aligns with your travel plans and concerns.

Trip Details

Consider your trip duration, destination(s), and the activities you will be engaging in. Different trips may require different levels of coverage. For example, adventure sports or international travel may necessitate additional coverage.

Coverage Limits

Review the coverage limits for each benefit in the policy. Ensure that the limits are adequate to cover potential expenses related to trip cancellation, medical emergencies, baggage loss, and other unexpected events.

Deductibles

Understand the deductible amounts, if any, for the policy. A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Choose a deductible that aligns with your budget and risk tolerance.

Pre-Existing Conditions

Check if the policy covers pre-existing medical conditions and understand the requirements for coverage. Some policies may provide coverage if you meet specific criteria, such as purchasing the insurance within a certain time frame after booking your trip.

Optional Coverage

Review optional coverages or riders that can enhance your policy, such as Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage or coverage for adventure activities. Consider whether these options are worth the additional cost for your trip.

Exclusions and Limitations

Carefully read the policy’s terms and conditions to understand any exclusions or limitations. This includes activities not covered, maximum payout amounts, and any restrictions on coverage.

Age and Eligibility

Check the policy’s age limits and residency requirements. Some policies may have age restrictions or residency restrictions that affect eligibility.

Coverage Period

Make sure that the policy covers the entire duration of your trip.

Cancellation Policy

Understand the insurer’s cancellation policy. Some insurers offer a grace period during which you can cancel the policy for a full refund if you change your mind shortly after purchase.

Claims Process

Familiarize yourself with the insurer’s claims process, including the documentation required to file a claim. Ensure that you can easily access and provide necessary documents in case of an incident.

Price and Value

Compare prices among different insurance providers, but also consider the value you receive for the cost. Don’t solely focus on finding the cheapest policy; prioritize coverage that adequately protects you.

Policy Renewal and Extension

If you have a long trip or plan to travel for an extended period, check if the policy offers renewal or extension options. This can be important to avoid coverage gaps.

Customer Support

Assess the accessibility and responsiveness of the insurer’s customer support team, especially if you need assistance during your trip.

Travel Insurance – A Necessity for International Travelers

If you are planning an overseas trip, travel insurance can be a reliable safety net that can provide financial protection, medical assistance, transportation assistance, and 24/7 emergency assistance when you need it. Knowing that you are protected against emergencies and other unforeseen events can help you make the most of your trip, experience new adventures, and create memories that you will cherish for a long time.