Buying travel insurance is something every traveler should do. Many problems could happen while overseas and many regular insurance plans wont cover you overseas. If you aren’t covered when you travel, you should buy travel insurance for your trip. Moreover, travel insurance cover more than just you but all those accidents and problems you might face on the road.
You should also be aware of what is not covered and exclusions. Travel insurance policies do not normally cover alcohol or drug related incidents, or carelessness in handling your possessions and baggage. You won’t get reimbursed if the problem happened because you were reckless.
Additionally, travel insurance usually covers health emergencies. Make sure your plan does. If you get sick on the road, you want to make sure you are covered, especially if you are injured during an outdoor trek and need to be airlifted somewhere. You do not want to have to cover the costs yourself. Make sure your insurance company provides at least 500,000 dollars in coverage.
If you make a claim, remember travel insurance companies, no matter how good, are there to make money and will try to avoid paying out as much as they can. Make sure you have all your receipts and necessary forms. Be prepared to wait awhile to receive your money too. Even the best companies drag their feet.
There are many good companies out there. Two of the best travel insurance companies are STA Travel and World Nomads. Depending on your needs and requirements, one of these companies will probably be good for you. Make sure you read the fine print in any contract and agreement because if something does go wrong, you don’t want to be the victim of a loophole.
No matter what your needs it is important that you buy travel insurance before you go away, especially if you are going away for an extended amount of time. You never what could happen, what could get lost or stolen or who could get sick with what. It is better to be safe than sorry for the few dollars travel insurance costs per day, it is a worthwhile expense.