Travel insurance should be a key part of any travel plan. It serves as a safety net to protect you from unforeseen circumstances which could impact or disrupt your trip. Below are just a few key reasons why investing in travel insurance is so important...
- Trip Interruption/Cancellation: As we all know, life can be quite unpredictable. Sometimes unexpected events happen and force you to cut short/cancel your travel plans. Having travel insurance offers you financial protection by reimbursing you for non-refundable travel expenses such as flights, accommodations, cruises and other pre-paid activities in case of covered events. These covered events vary by policy, but typically include events such as illness, injury or family emergency.
- Medical Emergencies Abroad: Getting sick or injured while traveling can be a terrible experience, especially when traveling out of the country. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical expenses (including hospitalization), emergency medical evacuation and any other necessary treatments. This means you receive the care you need without having to worry about exorbitant costs.
- Lost/Delayed Baggage: Misplaced or delayed baggage can be a major inconvenience, but when you have travel insurance, you can be reimbursed for essential items you need to replace while your bags are being located and returned to you. Some policies also have coverage for lost or stolen bags. Again, another way to relieve the financial burden associated with these incidents.
- Travel Delays/Cancellations: Let's face it. When traveling, delays and cancellations can happen anytime. Having travel insurance in place can help with those additional expenses incurred during these disruptions. These expenses can include meals, accommodations and alternate transportation arrangements.
- Emergency Assistance/Support: Most travel insurance policies include 24/7 emergency assistance services. These can be invaluable if you find yourself in a challenging situation while traveling, especially abroad. Whether it's needing expert guidance, help finding local medical facilities or support in various emergency scenarios, having this help available can be a lifeline when you most need it.
When purchasing travel insurance, always keep in mind that policies vary. This means you need to carefully review the specific terms and coverages options before making your decision. If in doubt about what the policy your considering covers, call the carrier directly and get all of your questions answered by a licensed insurance agent.
At the end of the day, travel insurance is one of those essentials you do not want to leave home without.