When To Know You Need Travel Insurance
The assertion that insurance in general is convoluted and made up of several components is politically correct. Specific types of insurance should not confuse anyone. Take health insurance, for instance. Lawmakers spend hours arguing about whether to provide health insurance to the public when everyone should have access to quality medical services.
There are also certain types of insurance such as travel insurance that some people think are not essential. Not everyone gets to travel elsewhere. Those who are confined to a single location, travelling an average distance of not more 5 kilometers a day, may find travel insurance an added expense. But it’s another story if you’re travelling overseas for rest and recreation or to trek a famous mountain. In as far as travel insurance is concerned, the line between necessary and unnecessary is hard to distinguish.
Purchasing a travel insurance package has its benefits, but the final decision still rests in you. Experts in the field shared their two cents in a bid to enlighten baffled travellers. Here are their insights and recommendations:
Who needs travel insurance?
Disclaimer: not everyone needs travel insurance. Travellers do, however, and ideally all of them should be insured throughout the duration of their trip. The turf of travel insurance is mostly limited to medical emergencies, cancelled or delayed flights, lost baggage and evacuations. If you frequently encounter any or all of these issues, then you need travel insurance.
How much does it cost to purchase a travel insurance plan?
Travel insurance policies differ from one provider to another or on a case-to-case basis. Some policies are relatively cheaper but comprehensive coverage may not be guaranteed. Other plans cost more money but your security is already assured.
In the United States, travel insurance can be purchased at less than $150 on average. This sum may decrease or increase depending on attendant factors (e.g. age, riders, coverage preferences). It is a fact that the older the buyer, the more expensive the insurance policy is, regardless of type. Travelers aged 30 and below pay premiums at a flat rate until they reach 31 above, in which case premium prices start surging.
Will credit card rating affect your premium?
Travel insurance rates are determined by a different set of factors and credit score isn’t one of them. Providers will not even ask about your credit rating when you request for a travel insurance quote. According to industry experts, credit scores have no bearing in any travel insurance plan because your premium is identified based on information related to your trip and your specific coverage requirements.
Are high-risk activities covered?
Bungee jumping, parasailing, zip-lining and water rafting are examples of high-risk activities that most tourists find appealing. Since engaging in high-risk activities increases one’s chances of incurring a medical emergency, certain providers refuse to cover injuries or ailments resulting from such activities. Your solution is to find a travel insurance plan that covers high-risk activities as a rider. Furthermore, your location, as much as your itinerary, is also important. If you wish to travel to remote places, make sure to get a plan where you can be evacuated immediately should worse come to worst.
Do you have any other insurance coverage?
If you think your current coverage is not enough, you can always talk to your policy handler and request that other types of coverage be added to the ones you already purchased. Your plan must be applicable overseas in the event you decide to travel outside of the country. Double check everything – from the nature of your insurance package to your future travel plans to your other security concerns. You also have the leeway to purchase a single type of travel insurance or a comprehensive package that covers almost any travel issue.
Where to purchase travel insurance?
Buy travel insurance from a provider of your choice such as Medipac Travel Insurance. You can purchase online or visit the company’s head office. Online purchases are faster for buyers situated in other states or outside the country. You simply fill out an online application form downloadable through the company website, scan and attach requirements (where necessary) and wait for a few days to receive news about your application. If you want to talk to a qualified representative and discuss your preferences in detail, then visiting the head office is a better option.
How to choose a plan?
Avoid rushing your purchase. First, compare plans and corresponding benefits. Second, assess your travel needs. Third, present your travel information to shortlisted companies and be transparent with your itinerary. Finally, after a thorough evaluation, choose the plan that best addresses your preferences.