A lot of my online friends are asking about the basics of travel insurance — if it’s really important to have one when traveling. That’s why I’ll try to explain here as clear as possible what everyone should know about it:
What is travel insurance?
Travel insurance is an insurance that is designed to cover financial losses, medical expenses, and other cost incurred during travels, either in one’s own country or abroad.
What are usually covered by travel insurance?
Usually, travel insurance covers the following common risks:
- Cancellation of flight
- Curtailment or restriction of flight
- Delayed departure
- Damage, loss, or theft to money and personal belongings
- Emergency evacuation or repatriation
- Delayed baggage
- Emergency replacement of personal items
- Personal liability
- Medical expenses
- Legal assistance
- Accidental injury, death, and disablement benefit
- Overseas funeral expenses
When is the arrangement of travel insurance done?
Travel insurance is often arranged during the booking of a trip, covering the exact duration of the trip.
A more extensive, continuous travel insurance is also available. This covers the whole duration of the trip, plus a few days, weeks, or months more. It can usually be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents, or travel suppliers like tour operators or cruise lines.
What travel types can be insured?
Travel insurance offers various coverage, including business travel, student travel, leisure travel, cruise travel, adventure travel, and international travel to name a few.
What else do you need to know about travel insurance?
Often separate travel insurance is available for specific activities with additional cost. This includes insurance for:
- high-risk sports such as scuba-diving, skiing, parasailing, and the likes
- trip to high-risk countries due to wars, terrorism, or natural disasters
- serious medical conditions
Travel insurance also offers helpful services such as emergency travel assistance and concierge services, often 24/7.
