- Saturday, April 27, 2024
By: Eastern Eye Staff
Oh, the allure of travel! 2023 may be the year where all your globe-trotting dreams come true. With the world now open, the desire to travel has reached the top of our bucket lists. But wait, the spotlight is on the often-ignored travel companion – travel insurance . It’s easy to dismiss its importance when the skies are clear. But when the journey gets rocky, travel health insurance will be your safety net.
You may be nestled on your couch, sipping your coffee, planning your next dream destination, yearning for the vibrant energy of a new city or the serenity of a secluded beach. But remember, wherever you go, financial protection must accompany you.
However, in the whirlwind of planning and excitement, it’s easy to often overspend on travel insurance without realizing it. Think of it like buying hiking boots. You don’t need the most expensive pair; you just need the pair that fits you perfectly. Now, how about we start by ensuring you’re getting the perfect travel insurance without overpaying?
Say you’re hiking taking in the mightiness of the pyramids, or maybe you’re tasting street food in a busy market in Bangkok. Suddenly, you fall sick. Medical emergencies can ambush you, even if you’re in the pink of health.
How to Save: Look for travel medical insurance policies that provide direct payment to hospitals rather than reimbursement. Also, check if they cover emergency evacuation to your home country. Some policies may exclude specific activities, like scuba diving or mountain climbing; ensure you’re covered for your adventures.
Whether it’s a sudden work commitment or a family emergency, sometimes our months of planning don’t pan out. You may suddenly have to cancel your long-awaited Paris trip because you got sick. Travel insurance will cover you if trip cancellations fall under the coverage terms.
How to Save: Understand what qualifies for a “valid” reason for cancellation in your policy. Some may cover work-related cancellations, while others might not. Also, consider ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ (CFAR) add-ons if you sense uncertainty in your plans.
Say you land in Paris, but your baggage decides to take a detour to Prague. It’s not just about the loss; it’s about the inconvenience. Lost luggage has more than just your clothes and gadgets – it may have your medicine, and valuable items as well.
How to Save: While most policies cover lost or delayed luggage, the devil lies in the details. Ensure you know the maximum limit of coverage. If you are traveling with high-value items, check to see if they’re covered or if you need additional riders.
Travel insurance policies cover medical emergencies and may cover death, some forms of disability, as well as hospital expenses for injury. In case of death, the travel insurance may cover moving the deceased back home from overseas.
How to Save: Apply for travel insurance before you travel. Submit your age, any pre-existing medical conditions and your destination. You will get a personalized accident or injury coverage according to your health and age, as well as place of travel.
Medical evacuation is when you need immediate transportation to a hospital or medical facility for an illness or injury in a helicopter or ambulance. These transportation costs are expensive overseas. With medical insurance, you don’t need to worry about these costs.
How to Save: Because of your injury or illness requiring immediate medical evacuation, you may have had to pay an exorbitant fee. Travel insurance that covers this will cover all costs, including treatment.
Travel insurance doesn’t just cover your medical expenses and treatments. It also ensures that you save significant money because you chose travel insurance. From lost luggage to needing an airlift for a broken leg, travel insurance is cost-effective and fits into every travel budget. Don’t let accidents and illnesses put a pause on your vacation! Get travel insurance and have more fun, and pay less too.
