Many people are unsure if they want to purchase travel insurance for their trip. Once you’ve already paid for your flight and hotel and saved for your expenses while traveling, the idea of shelling out even more money for travel insurance can have some people choosing to “self-insure” (hoping they don’t get hurt, sick, or robbed and understanding that they’ll be paying if something happens).
Travel insurance will cover you for a variety of different things, depending on both the coverage you choose, the policy, and the insurer. It’s important that you know exactly what you’re covered for before you travel, so you don’t need to worry about any surprises in the event that you do need to make a claim.
Booking your insurance at least a few weeks in advance is a good idea, since you then won’t need to worry about potentially cancelling a trip if you get sick or injured.
Generally, travel insurance will cover you in the event that you get sick or injured while overseas. You won’t be covered for anything medical while you’re at home, as it’s expected that you’ll have your own insurance.
It’s a good idea to check the standard of medical coverage that is covered. Some insurance policies will allow you to visit an international hospital (so you can be sure that they have the necessary facilities, training and health and safety standards), while others will only cover you if you visit a local hospital (which can be problematic in certain countries). Knowing this will allow you to make the best decision at the time.
Travel insurance should also cover you in the case that you need to cancel a trip, major medical (this should also cover emergency medical evacuation back to an excellent hospital or your home country), accidental death (this will make it easier on your family in the event that you suddenly die), and travel medical (which can include anything from strep throat to an infected bug bite).
There are many different travel insurance providers, and the one you choose will depend on the level of cover you’re looking for. Some will include coverage for your personal items like passports, mobile phones and laptops, while others will only include medical coverage.
If you choose not to take travel insurance, it’s important to remember that while you may be traveling in a developing country, the medical costs can be much higher than at home. Thailand is a good example, and is one of the best places for a cheap holiday, however it also has some of the most expensive medical care in the world.
If you’re seriously injured or sick overseas, it’s not uncommon for a hospital to demand payment up front, meaning that your family would need to cover the costs. This can be a huge cost, and families have had to mortgage properties to pay for their loved ones care after motorbike accidents in Southeast Asia.
For your piece of mind, be sure to purchase travel insurance for your next trip.
