Travel insurance. We’re all told that we need it. Usually by older relatives who have more worldly experience than us…but what’s all the fuss about? What is it for? Do you need to look at international health insurance? Should it really be a priority when you go traveling?
Read on for the answers to your Travel Insurance questions.
Do I need it?
The simplest answer is: yes. If you’re traveling abroad then investing in travel medical insurance is an absolute must. You never know what might happen when you’re traveling or simply on holiday. You might be intending to spend your break on a sun lounger by the pool, but you could just as easily slip and need medical assistance as much as someone who’s looking for an adrenaline rush on a daredevil trip. Be smart and don’t leave it to chance!
I have travel insurance. Isn’t that the same thing?
No. Many travelers take out travel insurance assuming that they’ll be covered medically too, which (unless stated in your policy) simply isn’t the case. Travel insurance covers you if your holiday package is canceled, if you lose your luggage, have huge delays or the flight is canceled etc. Travel insurance is usually quite expensive too.
So, what IS Travel medical insurance and what does it cover?
Travel Medical Insurance is a policy taken out that covers you medically whilst you’re abroad. It usually covers a whole spectrum of scenarios, accidents, incidents and problems you might encounter whilst you’re away from home.
For example, if you’re on holiday, fall ill and need to go to a hospital, your medical insurance will ensure you’re seen by appropriate medical personnel and at a reputable hospital or medical center. Emergency dentistry is also, usually covered in the cost too. Your travel medical insurance will also cover the cost of the transportation (or the ambulance) to the hospital.
Likewise, if you’re in a remote area and need taking to a hospital in an emergency, your policy will cover your transportation including airlifts, to the nearest facility where you can receive medical care.
If you are killed or die whilst on abroad and you don’t have Travel medical insurance then this can cause even more trouble and heartache for your family back home. Having the right insurance means that your repatriation will be covered, and your body will be transported home properly and then placed within the care of a funeral directors near to your home.
Obviously, check your policy and make sure you have the coverage you want.
Can you give me an example?
- You’re off traveling for several months and catch food poisoning
- You’re heading back into the hotel, slip on the marble floor and break your leg
- You’re in a remote part of Thailand and catch an infection
- You trip and chip your teeth
- You have a traffic collision are seriously injured
Convinced?
Hopefully, now, you have a better idea of what Travel Medical Insurance is all about. So now – go out and get some!
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