Should you buy travel insurance before your trip?
Reasons why you should get a travel policy for your next trip.
Travel insurance is known to provide protection against certain unforeseen incidences that may occur during your trip. It guarantees you peace of mind as you travel the world with family or for business.
Although not compulsory in most cases, it’s best to have it rather than to regret later. Especially for regular international travelers. So to answer the question: Should you buy travel insurance before a trip? The simple answer is yes!
Risks associated with international travel
Travelling is something that we all enjoy. We take time to plan for food and accommodation well in advance. We search and plot for the best time to buy air tickets months before the actual travel dates.
However, due to the excitement that comes with all that planning, we often forget to factor the risks associated especially with international travel. Here are risks to consider when planning your next trip and choosing a travel policy.
- Hijacking.
- Loss of baggage.
- Delays and trip cancellations.
- Travel provider goes bankrupt.
- Accidents that could lead up to death.
- Loss of personal document such as passports.
Where to buy travel insurance
Knowing where to buy your travel policy can save you time and money. Always start by doing an online search and compare the offers you get. Request for a quote and if necessary visit your providers offices and inquire on the finer details of the policy.
- Credit card companies.
- Travel agents and airlines.
- Banks that offer travel insurance.
- Insurance companies.
- Cruise line operators.
Types of travel insurance policies
It goes without saying that not all policies are made equal. When choosing a policy make sure to pick the one that suits you best. Although they may all have certain similarities, do not assume that they are the same.
Contact your provider in order to get a clearer picture of the one you want. Ask if they offer tailored policies in case you don’t find one that best meets your needs.
- Student travel policies.
- Business travel policies.
- Family travel policies.
- Backpackers travel policies.
- Group travel policies.
- Corporate travel policies.
Benefits of having travel insurance
There are countless benefits that come with having a travel insurance policy in place. If you travel regularly and especially abroad make an effort to get one before your next trip. That way you can avoid losing money and belongings just in case anything happens. Here are some of the benefits of travel insurance:
- Prompt emergency medical evacuation.
- Cover for medical expenses and hospitalization abroad.
- Swift locating and forwarding of personal documents and lost baggage.
- Compensation for delay in luggage arrival.
- Legal defense and assistance.
- Advance for bail and bond.
- Cover for delayed and canceled trips.
- Covers older people (always check the plan).
Instances not covered by travel insurance
Not everything is covered by a travel policy. There’s a high chance your travel insurance will not cover you if you are engaged in the following activities.
- Gambling and betting.
- Death and injuries related to attempted suicide.
- Pre-existing illnesses prior to the inception of the policy.
- Participating and engaging in criminal acts.
- Participation in sports that could lead to injuries such as boxing and motor sport racing.
- Illnesses and injuries caused by alcohol and drugs consumption.
- Work related injuries and accidents.
Conclusion
It is advisable to always have a travel policy in place and more so if you are traveling abroad. There are many risks that cannot be overlooked and the best way to cover yourself is by getting a travel policy. By doing so you can travel worry free knowing that you are protected. Contact potential providers and make an effort to inquire more about their plans.
