We are not going to debate whether or not you need to buy travel insurance when venturing abroad or even taking a prolonged escapade in your own country – because the definitive answer is yes, you do need travel insurance. And for a number of compelling reasons. If you don’t obtain travel insurance prior to embarking on your adventure, you are setting yourself up for a world of potential financial liabilities that you might not be able to afford should something go awry.
With that said, you should understand the benefits that travel insurance brings to the table, and not just take the advice at face value. Understanding the advantages will help you find the best travel insurance for your needs, and help you understand what you’re entitled to. Here are the whys of travel insurance.
Comprehensive Coverage In Medical Emergencies
The first and most obvious benefit of buying travel insurance is that it provides financial protection against the exorbitant costs associated with medical treatment abroad. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can enjoy free healthcare in a country that offers it to its residents – you’re not a resident, and therefore you will have to pay up. God forbid your treatment involves hospitalization or surgical procedures, because the costs could be astronomical.
With your travel insurance policy in your pocket, though, you can rest assured that you are covered against all of these liabilities, and every eventuality. This means that, no matter what happens, you can visit the local doctor’s office instead of hoping that the condition will pass and praying for the best.
Cover Any Unexpected Dental Costs
Another great advantage of travel insurance is dental coverage in the case of an emergency. After all, you have as much chance of chipping a tooth as you have a chance of twisting your ankle while gazing up at the marvelous architecture of a historic city, so it’s important to have all of your bases covered. In the case that you do have a dental emergency, you can have a dentist of your choice perform a number of procedures listed in your policy.
That said, it’s imperative that you read through your travel insurance policy carefully and methodically, and compare different insurers and policies, so that you know exactly what it does and does not cover in the case of a dental emergency. It can mean the difference between a smooth dental procedure and a cumbersome expense.
Claim Compensation For Cancelled Or Rescheduled Flights
Yet another amazing benefit of travel insurance people don’t usually think about is that it provides coverage against cancelled or rescheduled flights. It should go without saying that a flight cancellation or a delay can completely disorganize your itinerary, make you lose your reservations, and wreak havoc on your entire vacation.
However, if you research your travel insurance options prior to departure and choose a comprehensive plan that ensures coverage against these scenarios, you can easily reclaim the value of the plane ticket and claim compensation for a number of consequential eventualities. Remember, one canceled flight can kick-start a snowball effect that could ruin your trip, so make sure you have a way to get your money back.
Medical And Transportation Coverage In Remote Areas
We live in an age of global adventuring, an age when travelers young and those more mature are not afraid to abandon the traditional travel concepts in search of more thrilling experiences. In other words, people are increasingly traveling to remote rural areas in search of adventurous activities such as rock- climbing, white-water rafting, canyoning, and more.
Needless to say, these activities do carry a certain degree of risk with them. Should you slip and fall, and are unable to walk or drive, you will need to be airlifted and transported to the nearest urban area. The costs associated with this type of extraction are exorbitant to say the least, which is why you need to have a travel insurance policy that guarantees coverage in rural areas as well.
Protect Yourself From Car-Related Accidents
When driving in foreign countries, whether it’s your own car or a rental, you need to have travel insurance to safeguard you from every potential accident on the road. From small dings and bumps, all the way to head-on collisions that might wreck your car completely, you don’t want to be the one to pay for the repair costs. Instead, you want your insurance company to cover the costs of restoring the vehicle to its previous state, all the while covering any medical procedures as a result of the crash.
Reclaim the value of stolen or lost luggage And lastly, travel insurance allows you to reclaim the value of your luggage, should it end up lost or stolen. In this high-tech world we live in, we tend to travel around with at least a couple of thousand dollars’ worth of gear, such as laptops, smartphones, professional cameras, and various gadgets. While the loss these items would be regrettable, you will be able to find solace in the fact that you will be reimbursed for the value of your luggage.
Insure Your Travels
There is no denying that travel insurance is one of the prerequisites of a stress-free vacation, whether you’re going abroad or taking a road trip to a remote corner of the country. With these tips in mind, you know what to expect of a good travel insurance policy, and how it can help you organize a safe and memorable trip.