What Are The Basic Types Of Coverage Provided With Travel Insurance?

When planning a trip, a common thought that crosses people’s minds is “Do I really need travel insurance?”. It’s no secret that planning a trip can be pricy… A few of your expenses may include plane tickets, tour packages, cruise packages, lodging, food, activities, etc. There are so many factors that go into planning a trip that by the end of it, you may become desperate to cut costs in any way you can. 

A majority of people feel that travel insurance is one of those costs that can be cut. Sometimes it is and sometimes it’s not. The first step in deciding if this form of coverage is necessary is to first look into what is actually covered by travel insurance.

1) Trip Cancellation

Travel Insurance Icon - circle with and "x" in the middle.Trip cancellation is the #1 concern with most travelers. Some of the expenses listed above are pre-paid and non-refundable, which means you may be at risk of losing a considerable amount of that money if a trip is canceled unexpectedly. The most common reasons for trip cancellation is someone getting sick or a family member passing away. Trip interruption travel insurance is similar to cancellation coverage. It covers your lost expenses if you have already started your holiday but you are required to return home. The coverage will reimburse you for the lost portion of your trip as well as any additional expenses for the last-minute flight home.  

2) Medical Emergencies Abroad

Travel Insurance Icon - Ambulance Most people believe they are covered for medical emergencies if they already have existing health care. Within the United States, that may be true, but in other parts of the world, that’s not the case. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover you abroad. You’ll need to purchase travel insurance which includes coverage for accidents and emergency medical or dental care.

3) Emergency Evacuations

Travel Insurance Icon - Plane FlyingEmergency Evacuation Coverage will pay for emergency evacuation expenses such as airlifts and medically equipped flights back home.  An ambulance to the hospital, an airlift to a more adequate hospital can easily cost you $1,000’s.

4) Lost Bags, Delayed Bags or Delayed Flights

  • Travel Insurance Icon - Suitcase Baggage Coverage can reimburse you for your personal items if your luggage is lost, stolen , or damaged.
  • Baggage Delay Coverage provides money to purchase essential items until your delayed bags arrive, such as a toiletry kit, a bathing suit, or a change of clothes.
  • Travel Delay Coverage provides reimbursement for additional expenses if your flight is delayed, such as an extra night in a hotel or extra meals at restaurants.

5) Phone Assistance 24/7 Worldwide

Travel Insurance Icon - Phone with the number "24" next to itThis coverage is non-negotiable. It’s what makes all the other coverages possible. You are provided a 24/7 lifeline in case things don’t go according to plan. This includes medical emergencies, stolen baggage, lost passports, canceled flights, etc. This coverage makes communication possible so you should always make sure your travel insurance policy includes this vital coverage.

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