Five things to check when buying Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is all about having a coverage when the unexpected happens, whilst on a trip. Most people don’t understand and care about some important things. Thus, they overlook buying travel insurancaie. Unforeseen events such as loss of baggage, theft, medical emergency, and other sudden incidents can ruin your trip. However, we've got good news for you: it can all be avoided if you have a travel insurance.

It is best to buy travel insurance than to fall prey to unexpected situations that could lead you to lose your financial independence. With a lot of policies with different travel insurance covers, it can be confusing and overwhelming to choose the one that best suits your needs. The following are things to check when buying travel insurance:

1.    What kind of trip are you going on and what duration?

Before you make a deal, first have a think about how long or how often you’re going to travel within the next 12 months. If you plan on travelling for several months at a time, then a ‘long-stay’ travel insurance is best for you. However, if you plan to take two or more trips within a year, then an annual multi-trip policy would be more cost-effective for you than a single trip policy.

2.    Who’s traveling with you?

Are you traveling alone or with your friends or family? What are their ages? It is important to declare their ages so you can keep an eye out for discounts available for couples and kids. Generally, the cost will vary depending on the age as there may be restrictions for older travellers. it's important to keep in mind that most insurance companies have a maximum age limit.

3.    Where do you plan on travelling?

When you buy travel insurance, you will find that some insurance providers categorise countries into different geographical areas. If your destination is not recommended for traveling by the World Health Organization or Foreign & Commonwealth Office or is known to be a high-risk zone, the tendency is that the premium of the policy a tad more pricey. 

4.    What does and does not your policy cover?

Checking what your policy does and does not cover is crucial before taking the plunge and buying travel insurance. Most insurers have baggage limits and many will not cover for injuries that are sustained whilst part-taking in dangerous or extreme activities, such as mountain climbing or biking. By asking which is which, you can be guided which activities to avoid and how much of your baggage will be covered.

5.    What if you have already traveled?

Most insurance companies don’t provide cover after a client has already left his home country but there are a few which offer such insurance cover, even if the trip has already begun. All you will have to do is to search and buy travel insurance that is perfect for those who have ‘already traveled’.

Great travel insurance can set your mind at rest, knowing your trip will be hassle-free and safe. Some may tell you that it is just of a waste of money but it can be a true life-saver if something were to go wrong whilst you're away. Financial safety and peace of mind are the two main reasons buying travel insurance should be a given.