The Importance of Travel Insurance: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to traveling, everything can change at the snap of a finger.
People get sick, flights get canceled, and even pandemics can arise. Whether travel insurance is something you swear by or something you deem as totally unnecessary, we always think it’s a good idea to know your options and what resources are available to you.
Travel insurance is designed to protect travelers from unexpected events or emergencies that may occur while on a trip. These events can include things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and other unforeseen problems that can disrupt a trip and cause financial losses. Let’s take a closer look at the details of travel insurance and why it’s so important to have when preparing for an adventure.
There are many different types of travel insurance available, each with its own set of coverage options and exclusions. Some policies will cover specific types of events, while others provide more comprehensive coverage. The type of coverage you need will depend on your specific travel plans and the level of risk you’re willing to take on. Here are some of the most common types of travel insurance.
General Trip Protection
Most travel insurance plans have some sort of overarching general insurance plan that can be purchased for any trip. General trip protection insurance usually covers trip delays, cancellations, lost or stollen luggage, natural disasters, and more. For the average annual vacation or the more common issues that may arise during pre-planned travel, general protection is a great way to go.
When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to carefully review the coverage options and exclusions to ensure that the policy will provide the protection that is needed. For example, some policies will only cover you for a certain amount of money, while others will provide unlimited coverage.
Medical Travel Insurance
Medical travel insurance covers medical expenses that may be incurred while traveling, such as hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medications. It may also cover the cost of evacuation to a hospital in the event of a serious injury or illness. Some policies will only cover you for medical expenses incurred in the event of an emergency, while others will provide more comprehensive coverage that includes things like prescription drugs, medical evacuation, and even repatriation (bringing you back to your home country if you're unable to travel). For example, some medical policies may not cover pre-existing medical conditions or may have limits on the amount of coverage provided for certain types of events.
If you're planning a trip to a developing country, you may want to consider a policy that includes medical coverage in case you need to seek medical treatment while you're there. It's important to choose a policy that will provide the level of medical coverage you need, depending on where you're traveling and the type of activities you'll be doing.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
When it comes to trip cancellations, travel insurance can be a lifesaver. Trip cancellation insurance covers the cost of canceling a trip due to unforeseen events such as illness, weather, or a death in the family. It may also cover the cost of rebooking a trip if it is disrupted by a covered event. Generally, these policies can be applied to various aspects of your trip, i.e. flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
Even if a trip isn’t fully canceled, travel delays can still be a major inconvenience when you're on the road. Many travel insurance policies will cover you for expenses incurred as a result of travel delays, such as food and accommodation. Some policies will also cover any additional transportation costs if you need to take an alternate route to your destination. Policy coverage details vary so be sure to read the fine print!
Lost or Stolen Luggage Insurance
Lost or stolen luggage can be a major inconvenience when you're traveling. Many general travel insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing your lost or stolen luggage, as well as any items that were inside. However, you can also specifically purchase lost and/or stolen luggage insurance to ensure you’ll be reimbursed for any purchases necessary in the event that your luggage and personal belongings don’t arrive at your destination.
Beyond covering the necessities you’ve packed for your trip, many luggage insurance policies allow add-ons based on what you plan to pack. For example, there are various “Protect Your Gear” insurance policies that are particularly helpful if traveling with expensive technology or equipment. Think camera bodies and lenses, laptops, drones, etc.
It's important to always check the coverage limits of your policy to make sure you're covered for the full value of your belongings.
Adventure Activities Insurance
If your travel plans include any sort of adventure activities, this is a great type of insurance to consider. Some medical travel policies exclude injuries from particular activities. Most activities insurance covers adventures such as white water rafting, sky diving, scuba diving, horseback riding, and more. Many cover up to 150 different types of activities!
Other tips worth noting:
With travel opening up after the pandemic lockdown, many insurance companies offer specific COVID-19 insurance, which covers you in the case of getting COVID before or during the trip, or cancellation due to an airline or country restrictions.
If you’re booking a cross-country road trip or any local travel, consider a domestic travel insurance plan. These tend to be less expensive since it doesn’t include any international travel.
Consider the reimbursement process of your travel insurance. Different companies and policies have different guidelines and regulations. Proof of costs also varies widely, so knowing this information ahead of time will help you be aware of any receipts you may need to hang onto in case of any travel hiccups.
Many credit cards already offer travel insurance as a benefit. Before purchasing travel insurance, check your credit card(s) benefits to see if you are already covered.
It's also important to consider the location of your travel. Different countries have different travel risks and may require additional coverage. Think particularly about the place(s) you plan to visit, especially if it’s a multi-country trip.
Lastly, when choosing a travel insurance policy, it's important to consider the cost of the policy. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest policy available, it is important to ensure that the policy provides adequate coverage for the specific needs of the traveler. It's also important to read the fine print of your policy to understand the terms and conditions. This will help you to understand what is covered and what is not covered, as well as the specific procedures that must be followed in the event of a claim.
In conclusion, travel insurance is an important consideration for anyone planning a trip. It can provide financial protection against unexpected events and help ensure that a trip is not disrupted by unforeseen problems. When choosing a travel insurance policy, it's important to consider the level of coverage it provides, the type of medical coverage it includes, and the specific events that are covered. By carefully reviewing the coverage options and exclusions, and considering the traveler's specific needs, it is possible to find a policy that provides the protection needed at an affordable cost.
we require every adventurer To purchase travel insurance when embarking on a travel her way trip.
While you are able to provide proof of any travel insurance that best fits your needs, we always want to help make your adventure as seamless as possible. So, we’ve partnered with WorldNomads.com to make it simple and easy to book travel insurance. Travel insurance from World Nomads is available to people from 140 countries. It’s designed for adventurous travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage, and adventure sports and activities.
Click here to learn more about our insurance requirements and why we particularly love World Nomads!
We can’t wait to explore the world with you!
