
How Much Life Insurance You Need?
Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while traveling,
Travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a "multi-trip" policy can cover an unlimited number of trips within a set time frame. Some policies offer lower and higher medical-expense options; the higher ones are chiefly for countries that have high medical costs
- Medical expenses
- Hospitalization
- Assistance
- Medical transportation
- Civil liability
- Individual accident
- Legal assistance
- Baggage insurance
- Trip cancelation
Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers
Pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
Sports with an element of risk (e.g. skiing, mountain climbing, scuba diving)
Travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to war, natural disasters or acts of terrorism)
Additional AD&D coverage
Rental Car Coverage
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
3rd party supplier insolvency (e.g. the hotel or airline to which you made non-refundable pre-payments has gone into administration)
Acute onset of pre-existing conditions
Specific event coverage, (e.g., to cover travel cancellation costs if the reason the person is travelling, such as a concert, is cancelled. )
Tour Operator Cancellation: When it comes to trip cancellation, tour operators cancelling is not covered under travel insurance policies. In this case, it is the tour operator and not you who cancels the trip.
Acts of war/local protests: Although terrorism is covered by most travel insurance policies, acts of war or civil unrest are common policy exclusions. So even if ongoing protests or sporadic outbreaks in international locations might force you to change your plans, most travel insurance policies won't help.
Pre-existing medical conditions: This is a common exclusion in many travel insurance policies. It refers to any medical condition that has required attention prior to travel or initiation of the travel insurance policy.
Baggage delayed for less than 24 hours: Most travel insurance policies will not reimburse necessary expenditures for baggage delayed less than 24 hours.
Death or illness of a pet: Many of us have beloved animals in our homes, and you'd certainly not want to go on that family trip if your pet was terribly sick. Even service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs, aren't covered, although that may change as the industry wakes up to the need for such coverage.
Loss or damage to keys, money, documents, tickets, or credit cards: These items are commonly listed under the exclusions to Baggage and Personal Items Coverage in your travel insurance policy. Be sure to keep these and other valuables with you at all times.
Sports injuries: Many travel insurance policies don't cover injuries from certain adventure sports like bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain climbing, or white water rafting.
Pregnancy and childbirth: Travel insurance policies specify the conditions under which pregnancy complications or childbirth is covered. Some travel insurance policies insure in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Psychological illness or self-inflicted injuries: Coverage for emotional and mental illnesses or emergencies is often excluded. If you suffer a nervous breakdown, your travel insurance won't let you cancel your trip without penalty.
It is based on Duration of Trip.
The minimum and maximum sum insured may vary widely between providers.
Travel insurance also covers medical evacuation, which means that travelers do not have to pay medical emergency transportation expenses with their own money. Another important benefit of travel insurance is that it provides protection against trip cancellation and interruption
Individual travel insurance is designed to provide coverage and protection for
travellers against various unforeseen circumstances during their journeys.
Here are some special notes to consider when purchasing and using
individual travel insurance:
1. Coverage Variability: Travel insurance policies can vary widely in
terms of coverage, benefits, and exclusions. It's crucial to carefully
review the policy details, including coverage limits and exclusions, to
ensure it meets your specific travel needs.
2. Trip Duration: Check whether the policy covers the entire duration of
your trip, including any extended stays. Some policies might have
limitations on the maximum trip duration they cover.
3. Pre-existing Conditions: Most travel insurance policies have
exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. If you have any medical
conditions, make sure to understand how they're treated under the
policy and consider purchasing a policy with pre-existing condition
coverage if needed.
4. Adventure Activities: If you plan to engage in adventurous or high-risk
activities like skydiving or scuba diving, check whether these activities
are covered by the policy. Some policies may require additional
coverage for such activities.
5. Cancellation and Delay: Look into coverage for trip cancellations or
delays due to unforeseen events such as illness, natural disasters, or
airline strikes. This coverage can help you recover non-refundable
expenses.
6. Emergency Medical Expenses: Medical emergencies can be costly,
especially in foreign countries. Ensure the policy covers emergency
medical expenses, hospitalization, and medical evacuation if needed.
7. Lost or Delayed Baggage: Check if the policy provides coverage for
lost, stolen, or delayed baggage. This coverage can help reimburse you
for essential items and clothing if your luggage is lost or delayed.
8. Personal Liability: Some policies include personal liability coverage,
which can be important if you're held legally responsible for causing
injury or damage to others while traveling.
9. Travel Interruption: This coverage can reimburse you for additional
expenses if your trip is interrupted due to covered events, such as a
family emergency.
10. Document Retention: Keep a copy of your travel insurance
policy and emergency contact numbers handy while traveling. This will
help you quickly access information in case of emergencies.
11. Timely Notification: If an incident occurs that might result in a
claim, notify the insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their
instructions for documentation and claim filing.
12. Country-Specific Requirements: Some countries or regions
may have specific insurance requirements for entry. Make sure your
travel insurance meets these requirements if applicable.
13. Exclusions: Be aware of the policy's exclusions, which are
situations or circumstances that are not covered. Common exclusions
include self-inflicted injuries, participation in illegal activities, and more.
14. Extension Options: If your trip duration changes, explore the
possibility of extending your coverage. Some policies allow you to
extend coverage while you're already traveling.
15. Refund Policies: Understand the policy's refund policy and any
applicable cancellation fees if you decide to cancel the insurance before
your trip begins.
Travel insurance offers valuable peace of mind while exploring the world. By
understanding the policy's terms, asking questions, and tailoring the coverage
to your needs, you can ensure a smooth and well-protected travel experience.
The claim process for a Travel Insurance policy involves notifying the insurance company of any covered events or incidents during your trip and submitting the necessary documentation to initiate a claim. Below is a general guide along with a checklist:
Travel Insurance Policy Claim Process: