Going on a holiday is an exciting time. Holidays allow you to see things, experience things and get away from the stress and worry of everyday life. Unfortunately, stress and worry often come along for the trip. Unforeseen circumstances can end up costing you a lot of money, stress and aggravation if you are not fully prepared for them. But how can you prepare in advance for something that you don’t know is going to happen? Simply put: travel insurance can help you plan for anything that might befall you while on holiday.

Travel insurance is not expensive; it normally costs about 5 to 8% of your holiday’s prepaid cost. Not purchasing travel insurance, however, could cost you much more. The following are just a few ways that travel insurance can protect you:

* Injury – The number one unforeseen circumstance that befalls many travellers is injury. People often try new things and become more adventurous when they are on holiday. They are also in unfamiliar surroundings which makes it easier for an injury to occur. Remember; most medical coverage does not pay for medical treatment received while abroad. You will have to pay for these expenses out of pocket if an injury occurs.

* Illness – The same is true if an illness occurs. Travel insurance will also reimburse you for prepaid travel and holiday expenses if your trip is cut short due to an illness.

* Travel interruptions – Weather, travel delays and booking mishaps can leave you without a place to turn to in a country that is not your own. Travel insurance can help you pay for additional lodging and travel expenses if you find yourself in this situation. Travel insurance will also pay for any expenses incurred if you have to evacuate an area due to an emergency situation.

* Loss/theft – The most frustrating thing that can happen while on holiday is to lose your luggage and the possessions that you have brought with you. It can take days for airlines to locate your lost or stolen luggage and get it back to you. In the meantime, you can spend a lot of money replacing necessities. Travel insurance will protect you by replacing anything that is lost or stolen while on vacation.

* Peace of mind – When you know that you are covered no matter what happens, you gain peace of mine. Peace of mind allows you to relax and enjoy your holiday instead of worrying about all of the things that could go wrong.

As you can see, it could cost you a lot more if you decide to travel without travel insurance than it would to just go ahead and purchase insurance. There is the possibility that you may never need to use the insurance. But if you do, you will be glad that you took the extra step to protect yourself and your companions while on holiday. Bottom line: Don’t skip travel insurance as it may cost you in the end.