On your trip abroad, you will want protection in the event of injury or theft. A travel insurance policy will cover you should something like this occur. Even if you have health insurance, it is unlikely your policy provides coverage outside the country. Think of travel insurance as a bridge policy, providing temporary protection. First, consider what protection you already have under your credit card policy or your renter's insurance policy; for example, some credit cards offer baggage protection coverage.
Why Purchase Travel Insurance
While health coverage is a big part of travel insurance, you will be pleased to find that most policies also handle inconveniences such as luggage theft or robbery, travel delays, and unplanned cancellation of the trip. You need travel insurance because things rarely go precisely as planned, especially in the airports, terminals, streets, and buses of unfamiliar countries. Travel can be inherently more dangerous than your day-to-day life; you will be exploring strange new neighborhoods, running across busy roads, and somewhat stressed all the time.
Options to Consider
When choosing a travel insurance policy, there are numerous options to consider. Does your policy cover trip cancellation and flight delays? If you should fall ill or be injured and have to return home, does your policy cover emergency evacuation? If so, do the terms include a charter flight and an onboard health professional? Does your policy cover all stolen or lost property, including jewelry, electronics, clothes, cash, and so on? If you hope to drive around on a motorbike, does your policy specifically cover this? Don't make the mistake of thinking that a policy with all the bells and whistles is a waste of money; better safe than sorry.
Keep in mind, your insurance policy most likely will not handle any preexisting conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. You will need to continue supplying your own insulin or other regular medication. Try to predict how your condition might affect your travel plans.
Study Your Claims Process
When you acquire your travel insurance policy, remember to print it out so you can take it with you. Prepare yourself in advance by studying the claim process. Will a claim require a police report? What is your policy number? What is your deductible? Collect all relevant contact numbers and emergency numbers, both toll-free and international dialing. Determine if claim reporting has a limited timeframe. You will most likely need receipts for all laptops, cameras, smartphones, and valuables in order to file a claim. Additionally, model and serial numbers of valuable electronics should be copied.
