Planning your next trip can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. There are many things to consider, from weather conditions, holiday schedules, annual leaves and many more. From all those things that came to your mind, did you think about the setbacks? What if I accidentally left my luggage behind? Or, should there be an unexpected injury, what should I do?
Travel insurance helps you with all those “What if”. Sadly, not many people understand the real benefits of having travel insurance. It seems like an unnecessary cost to your travel expenses. Where in fact, it reduces the risk of having to spend more on your trip.
What is Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is a policy that you purchase to protect you from any financial risks and losses that may occur when you’re travelling, both domestically and abroad. Though it is not mandatory in some countries in Asia, Europe, and the US, they require their visitors to have travel insurance.
Your travel agents cannot force you to purchase travel insurance, yet it is best to include an insurance plan when planning your next trip. There are many benefits you can get by buying a travel insurance plan at a reasonable price.
There are two types of travel insurance; A single trip policy and an annual policy. For a single trip, the insurance is only valid for one return trip with a validity period of up to 180 days. You can purchase a single trip policy through your travel agent when you make your booking. But, if you want to buy it separately with an insurance agency of your choice, you are more than welcome to do so.
The annual policy is usually offered by insurance agencies. This policy can cover multiple trips in a year, with a coverage period of up to 90 days per trip. We suggest you to read the terms and conditions of each program and weigh the benefits before deciding.
Benefits of Travel Insurance
Although no plans can ever fully prepare you for what may occur during your trip, you would still want to minimise the effect of unwanted events during your trip.
This is where travel insurance can help you and assure you and your family have a pleasant and safe journey; here are several benefits you can get with purchasing a travel insurance plan:
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Free Rebooking Fee
The most important thing you need to anticipate when travelling is the investable changes. Uncertain things may lead to travel changes, such as health conditions and government regulations that may change any minute due to the pandemic. And as we know, changing flight schedules will cost you rescheduling fees and may blow up your budget.
Having travel insurance will be beneficial for you. It protects you from these unwanted additional costs. Not all travel insurance offers this protection, so be sure to check that the travel insurance you purchase provides you with the Ticket Rebooking Fee Protection. -
Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Any plans can change due to unforeseen circumstances. It could cause your trip to be delayed or cancelled and cause an incredible inconvenience, and could change your entire trip. Travel insurance would provide you with delays or cancellations compensation if this were to occur. The insurance includes payment for accommodation, tour package, and theme park entrance ticket that got affected.
You must remember to keep your travel documents to ensure your claim for the delay or cancellation can be approved. -
Indemnity of Lost or Damaged Baggage
Damaged or lost luggage or any luggage left behind is often a problem for those who travel frequently. There is no fun in losing all your clothes just as you start your holiday!
Travel insurance covers any loss or damage caused by this unfortunate situation. The compensation you received may look like coverage for the lost luggage and its contents or the costs of waiting for your delayed baggage to arrive.
Make sure to pay attention to the administrative requirements or other required documents for this compensation to be approved. -
Health and Hospital Care
You can never predict when you may fall sick or get a particular illness during these unprecedented times. If this was the case, you might have to be hospitalised or get any hospital treatments to recover.
Health insurance will cover the costs of your hospital treatments. All expenses are covered as long as the hospital you’re staying in is listed by your insurance company. The services obtained is vary based on the hospital and the insurance coverage. Your insurance may include; 24-hour emergency cover, ambulances, hospitalisations, to emergency operations.
This coverage is essential when someone is going abroad. In a new, unfamiliar environment, your body may react to climates or other unknown things. With Travel Insurance, you don’t need to worry about expensive medical care whilst travelling. -
Accident Coverage
People often forget about this, but being on holiday does not mean you are exempt from having an accident. Usually, insurance companies will provide a vast amount of benefit, especially when considering the potential fallout from such an accident. Paralysis, loss of limbs or risk of disability due to an accident would all be covered. They would also provide the compensations needed.
When purchasing travel insurance, please pay attention to the coverage for each event since it is different between hospitals in other countries. -
Coverage from Natural Disasters or Acts of Terrorism
Everyone wants to travel as safely and comfortably as possible but, natural disasters and the threat of terrorism are impossible to predict. Thankfully, travel insurance can help provide a sense of security in case the worst were to happen. Make sure you are purchasing travel insurance with 24-hour evacuation process coverage. -
Death Compensation
In a health emergency or an accident that resulted in death, travel insurance can help lighten the burden of the family a little. Insurance will compensate the holder if they happen to pass away while travelling. The benefit will be given to the departed family, or someone appointed by the passed when purchasing the insurance. The amount varies depending on the beneficiary. -
Repatriation of Bodies
Other than providing compensation, the insurance will also help the process of repatriation of bodies. The benefit is offered in two forms; you can select as needed.
There will also provide the option of cremation or burial assistance if your beneficiary were not to repatriate the body. That way, the family members left behind do not need to worry about the funeral process.
Many benefits can be obtained by purchasing travel insurance. There are various travel insurance plans for you. The greater the costs incurred, the more benefits will be provided. You can adjust precisely to your needs.