In most cases, your travels will go without any mishap. But sometimes you may experience a nightmare of being seriously ill or injured in a foreign country and that’s when you will think that opting for travel insurance would have been a good choice.
Travel insurance is a legal contract, so you should spend the time to read the fine print and description of the coverage you’re getting – which includes the policy wording – thoroughly and ask any questions you have if you don’t understand what exactly you’re covered for? Here’s a list of coverage you should check for.
Medical Emergencies and Evacuation
If there was ever a reason to buy travel insurance, this is it.
Hospital costs anywhere in the world are expensive, while emergency transport home for treatment or medical evacuation, costs so much more. Note the exclusions outlined in your policy document.
Trip cancellation
Travel insurance will usually cover you for costs if you can’t go on your planned trip for some unforeseen reason like illness, an accident, or the death of a close relative. Not all travel insurance plans will cover cancellation, and only some cover your non-refundable, pre-booked costs if your trip is interrupted. Always remember to buy your insurance when you start booking, not the week you plan to leave.
Baggage and Personal Belongings
Losing or misplacing important personal belongings is the main reason most people buy travel insurance. However, it is arguably the least important as your material things can be replaced but your health often can’t. If you are carrying your laptop, camera, phone, and other valuables along with you, some travel insurance plans will allow you to specify these items to cover their higher value.
Personal Liability
If you are ever involved in an accident or accidentally cause damage to someone or someone’s property and are held accountable for it, insurance can cover your liability and legal expenses. Coming home early and then resuming the trip
Travel insurance ends the minute you come home, so if you’ve purchased a policy for 12 months and return after 4, you aren’t entitled to a refund. Not every travel insurance is the same. Every travel insurance policy will have specific exclusions and benefits and it’s imperative and absolutely necessary to take the time to read the policy wording carefully always.
