All About Travel Insurance

Is Travel Insurance really necessary?

Travelling on business or on vacation can be stressful enough without having to worry about things going wrong. While travel insurance can’t prevent bad things from happening to you on your travels, it will definitely help ease the trauma and financial burden you and your family may face if something unforeseen was to happen. There are many different types of travel insurance policies available and depending on the travel insurance policy you obtain, you may be covered against a variety of circumstances.

What should my Travel Insurance Policy Cover?

• Your travel insurance policy should cover medical emergencies and thus provide you with financial assistance should you become ill or injured whilst on your travels.

• Some form of compensation is often provided by travel insurance should your personal property such as luggage be lost, stolen or damaged whilst travelling.

• If your passport is lost or stolen whilst on your travels, your travel insurance policy should provide you with the means to obtain a temporary travel document.

• Travel insurance should also provide you with financial coverage should your travels be cancelled or delayed beyond your control.

Obtaining Additional Travel Insurance Cover

You will be the best judge of the type of travel insurance cover you require. The type of insurance policy you obtain should cover all the activities you hope to undertake whilst travelling. For example, most standard travel insurance policies will not cover injury incurred whilst skiing or jet skiing. So you may need to request your travel insurance company for additional cover or simply shop-around for a separate insurance policy which will cover you during such activities.

Advice for obtaining Travel Insurance

• Always read your travel insurance policy and check for conditions and exclusions.

• If you have any doubts on which activities are covered by your travel insurance policy and which are not, simply contact your travel insurance company and obtain clarification prior to your departure.

• Remember, most travel insurance policies may not cover injuries incurred whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Always declare anything which may affect your travel insurance cover.

• Inform your travel insurance company about any recent or past medical conditions which you may suffer from.

• Always take reasonable care of your personal belongings whilst travelling to be eligible for compensation should they become lost or stolen.

• Finally, always take your travel insurance policy with you whilst travelling as well as the 24 hour emergency phone number for the travel insurance company.