Travel Insurance FAQs For Travellers
Are you planning to travel? Should you get a travel insurance? Maybe you have so many questions in your head right now and you are looking for answers. Read on to learn more about travel insurance.
Do you need Travel Insurance?
There can be unforeseen problems that might come up when you have already planned your travel or while you are on a trip. Some examples are cancelled flights, bad weather and serious illnesses. In rare cases, terrorism and the financial default of a travel agent can also be a reason. The money you invested in non-refundable pre-payments and medical expenses that isn`t covered by your health insurance are likely the two major financial problems that you might face when you are forced to cancel or interrupt your travel plans due to illness, accident or other unexpected circumstances. The good news is travel insurance covers all these, which are a very important reason why you should buy travel insurance.
Travel Insurance also provides coverage for the loss of checked baggage, travel delay and baggage delay.
How Do You Find Right Travel Insurance Policy For You?
When you are going to search the internet for travel insurance choices, you will find yourself looking into long lists. Basically there are just three travel insurance options that you can choose from.
- You can buy directly from travel insurance companies online. Most of these companies sell their travel insurance policy online which makes it convenient for you.
- You can also avail travel insurance policy from your travel company. A lot of travel companies, including airlines, cruise lines and tour operators often offer an optional insurance directly for customers. Though you can get a good deal from them, it`s best that you also try to look up other options before deciding on one of their policies. Some tour operators and cruise lines might not be able to cover you once their company goes belly-up so you should be careful about that.
- You can buy from your travel agent or a third party. Your travel agent might recommend you to a third party company which provides travel insurance policy.
It is best to consult an online company that specializes in evaluating and comparing insurance policies. They can help you find the best insurance policy for your needs.
What Are The Things That You Should Look For In A Travel Insurance Policy?
You would want to match your own needs to the policy as much as possible. There are a lot of concerns that you might want to include in your insurance policy and here are some areas you might want to consider:
- For accidental death policy, they will offer cash payment for accidental loss of life or limbs while traveling.
- Your baggage can also be a part of your insurance policy. They will reimburse lost, stolen or damaged baggage or personal items. This applies not just on your flight but also during your entire trip.
- Cancelling your travel plans for any reason can be available mostly in higher premium. This will allow you to get a reimbursement of up to 80% of your non-refundable trip payments and deposit if your trip is cancelled.
- While travelling and you got emergency medical or dental treatment, the cost will be covered.
How Much Should You Pay For Travel Insurance?
Typically it costs between 4% to 8% of your trip`s prepaid non-refundable travel package. Travel insurance policies differ based on your age, state of residence and the type of coverage you want.
When Should You Buy Travel Insurance?
A day before your travel, you can still purchase your travel insurance; but the sooner the better. Purchasing ahead of time is much better since it will give you time to study it and ask some questions. You can even request for slight changes on your policy if you think some changes are necessary.
You Already Bought Your Travel Insurance Policy, What Do You Do Next?
While you are on the trip and something unexpected happens, you should keep in touch right away with your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will assist you on the things that you need to do.
What Do You Need To Do When You Needed To File A Travel Insurance Claim?
After your trip, you should call your insurance company and ask what you need to do and present when filing a travel insurance claim. Take note that most of the travel insurance claims, if not done right, will be rejected and you will have a hard time fixing it. Make sure that you have kept important receipts, invoice, hotel folios etc.
