Another year for taking a vacation this summer to experience a refreshing change of your mind and heart. Think you are ready to get away? Not so fast! There is something you cannot miss and need to plan before you go to travel: It’s travel insurance. Selecting a travel insurance sounds difficult, doesn’t it? However, it can be as simple as booking your flight ticket. Just follow these 5 important steps to get insurance you need only, and avoid unnecessary spend.
What is needed for a great travel insurance plan?
#1: Check your existing insurance packages
Before you obtain any travel insurance, check your existing insurance plans ,such as medical, home, or auto insurance, on what eventualities they cover. Go through your policies and contact your insurance providers for more details. Ask your current insurers about the tiers and availability of coverage too. Knowing what your existing insurance covers will help you make a smarter decision when choosing a travel insurance that fits your requirements.
Did you know, you may already have travel insurance with your credit card? Yep! certain credit cards offer travel insurance when you use it to purchase a flight ticket online, or when you place a booking for your accommodation. With this, you can automatically get travel insurance for free.
Please note that the insurance coverage varies depending on the credit card type. Read the terms and conditions of your credit card, or call your bank for better clarification.
#2: Know your destination and its current situation
Keep in mind that insurance companies offer various insurance plans depending on where you travel: domestic or international. These insurance plans range from medical-only to comprehensive policies which include coverage for theft, baggage loss, and cancellations. If you are traveling to high-risk countries or countries with high crime rates, you are encouraged to get extensive travel insurance that gives you more coverage.
Some insurance companies will not offer insurance coverage for individuals who travel to high-risk countries. Should they do, the travel insurance premium might be higher than other countries
#3 The Devil is in the Details
Compare travel insurance providers and policies before you make a purchase. Remember: You get what you pay for! Once you compare policies and prices carefully, you might find that some of the insurance plans are not as good as you think.
Don’t be tempted by the cheapest insurance policies because there are likely loopholes and coverage exclusions hidden in the fine print. The cheaper insurance policies may offer lower coverage amount or have limited category coverage. It is important to understand and read the fine details of an insurance policy before you make a decision. Also, learn how to make a successful insurance claim. Do not forget to make copies of everything and review the coverage amount to get your claims should the unfortunate happen. The last thing you need when you’re in trouble while traveling is an insurance plan that won’t cover you.
#4: Consider your travel itinerary
If you are a thrill seeker and are planning for some extreme sports or activities such as cage diving, bungee jumping or hiking during your trips, you should choose an insurance policy that has coverage for such activities and extreme sports. Make sure you check the policy documents and if they cover for activities that you are partaking. The coverage amount and details could be varied depending on the type of activities too. Speak to your insurer if you are unclear about the policies’ coverage on extreme sports or activities.
#5: Understand the Difference between Travel Insurance and an Expat Insurance
For someone who travels in short periods of time or for less than a year for vacations, travel insurance will suffice to keep you covered. An expat insurance is needed by those traveling overseas for more than 12 months. It typically provides comprehensive medical coverage around the world for emergency or non-emergency care. Do keep in mind the difference when you’re deciding on travel insurance.
We cannot be sure what will happen during the vacation, can we? Flights could possibly be delayed or even cancelled. Baggage could be stolen or lost. To stay safe, you can spend some money (how much depends on your policy of course!) to get things covered. So, if you are traveling - what are you waiting for? Be smart and get travel insurance.
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