Buying Travel Insurance: The Three Basic Things to Check

Posted on the 21 July 2014 by Ncrimaldi @MsCareerGirl

People all over the world have become proper travel junkies. As opposed to the days in the past when traveling was (excuse the pun) a foreign and expensive vacation option, traveling has now become a wonderful and accessible way to enrich your soul and life experiences. Top destinations are more frequented more than ever. Everyone wants to travel! Whether it’s outside your country or within it, there is much to gain from stepping out of your box. 

Being a travel junkie myself, I’m planning some trips this year. I’m the type to just go where the wind takes me. While spontaneity sounds like the way to do it,  Travel insurance is undeniably a handy thing to have. Many buy them without understanding what they are entitled to. Travel insurance is a contract which has fine print that you should take time to read. At the most basic level, you have to understand the parts of a travel insurance and what they can do for you.

I really do!

Here are the three most basic coverage travel insurance inclusions you should check for:

1. Medical emergencies & evacuation

This is the most basic thing you  need to check for in your travel insurance. In the case of a situation where you need medical attention, you need to understand how far you are covered. Make sure to read exclusions as well which would be enumerated in the policy wording.

2. Trip cancellation

This will help you save money in case unforeseen events cause you to cancel your trip. It is to remember here that to have this clause you should buy your travel insurance prior to booking tickets. Cancellation clause in a travel insurance policy is not necessarily included all the time. Check for this if you feel you need this flexibility.

3. Baggage & personal belongings

Losing your bag can be a nightmare, especially if it has valuable things in it. When checking your travel insurance for this coverage you should be able to read how they deal with losses of high value items, cash, or sporting equipment upfront. Be aware of the value of your items so that you are able to specify them in case you need to use this aspect of your insurance.

Do you know the real score on your travel insurance?

Whatever you do, be informed before you buy. Make sure that the travel insurance company is easy to communicate with and has information ready for their current and potential clients online. One that I’ve seen has a good amount of organized information about their services is Southern Cross Travel Insurance. Understanding what you are getting before you sign up saves you a lot of time and money later on. An informed decision can keep your vacation truly worry free.

Is the travel bug biting? Go ahead and pack a bag, the world has so much in store for you! Where is your next travel destination? Tweet us @mscareergirl or comment below!