You don’t want to go on your trip believing that everything that can go wrong will go wrong, but you also don’t want to go unprepared. Flights get delayed, bags get lost, or life can just get in the way. There is simply no way to guarantee that everything will go according to plan on every trip, and that’s something we have to learn to embrace and adapt to as travelers.
However, these uncertainties shouldn’t paralyze us or prevent people from exploring near and far. One of the most important steps you can take when planning a trip is investing a small amount into travel insurance. In this guide, we’ll cover what travel insurance does and whether or not you should get it for your upcoming trip.
What Does Travel Insurance Cover?
A basic travel insurance package can cover travel-specific mishaps, including a canceled flight or lost luggage. Thankfully, they also tend to cover most medical emergencies. The last thing you want to consider in any hospital is how much it will cost you.
According to travel content creator Raimee Iacofano, “I used to think travel insurance was dumb because I’m young and healthy, but many things could happen, and you never know. As someone with a bit of travel anxiety, it always makes me feel better to have it just in case!”
Most travel insurance packages do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, meaning that benefits may not apply to claims related to the condition. They also typically do not cover alcohol-related or drug-related injuries, and this is primarily dependent on the country’s laws.
How to Pick a Travel Insurance Plan
Each insurance policy is different. Adventurous travelers should be sure to look closely at their insurance policy. You may have to upgrade based on the risk level of your trip. For example, if you want to go cliff jumping or free diving, you may have to look for a slightly more expensive package that explicitly includes adventure sports.
You can also add extra protection for expensive technology or vehicle rentals. Prices can also range based on your destination and your age. For example, companies like SafetyWing charge more to non-residents who visit the United States.
Travelers should also look into their insurance options a few weeks before their trip to ensure that they are covered from the very first day. Also, check any benefits from their credit card or airline mileage programs to see if they are already covered.
How to Use Travel Insurance
Be sure to document any travel or medical mishaps that you are hoping to cover with insurance. Raimee says, “I’ve always had good experiences, but do your research and ensure the policy you choose is comprehensive. If something happens, ensure you have all the necessary documentation to get your claim!”
Take photos and keep physical copies of any doctor’s visits or prescriptions. Keep track of flight updates, take photos of your luggage before checking it in, and keep valuables close to you at all times.
When Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
Some travelers prefer to avoid the hassle and skip the travel insurance during short trips. It’s easy to forget something you rarely think about or need, but we advise you to add it to every trip. As Raimee says, “Travel insurance is worth the extra $5 to $10 per day cost to your trip because mishaps can happen anywhere… especially on the road! You never know if you’ll get sick, lose something, have things canceled out of your control, or (hopefully not) worse. Travel insurance will ensure you’re covered for anything out of your plan that pops up.”
For a typical trip, the basic travel insurance plan should cover you. However, as with all insurance policies, read between the lines and ensure you are protected. Remember that travel insurance may seem scary or intimidating, but it’s here to keep you and those you travel with safe.
