We get it, travel insurance may not be the most exciting purchase you make as you prepare to take off on your trip, but it’s definitely one of the most important.
Insurance covers us against a whole manner of events that are completely out of our control, and, contrary to what some people believe, isn’t just for people who are planning on throwing themselves off bridges, diving to the depths of exotic oceans, or climbing massive mountain ranges. Insurance may sound like an additional, unnecessary expense, but this expense could help save you some major cash in the long run.
Here are some other unforeseen events that could ruin a trip, if you don’t prepare for the unexpected. And, if you still feel like base jumping in New Zealand, travel insurance has you covered for that, too.
In Case You Get Lost or Miss an Arrival Time
If you get lost in the outback, or any other desert landscape, then you could be covered. That said, try not to get lost in the outback or desert landscape!
As anyone who’s taken a local bus or train will tell you, things don’t always run exactly to time, in fact if yours arrives a couple of hours late you’re usually one of the lucky ones!
If you miss your flight as the result of a broken down bus, delayed train or major diversion and you can prove that you had your travel pre-booked, and that you left a sufficient amount of time to get from where you are to the airport, there’s a very good chance you’ll be covered on some policies.
So you won’t need to be one of the stressy travellers in the backseat, you can keep calm and enjoy the very long ride.
To Protect Your Belongings
Travel insurance will help protect your belongings in the event they get stolen, which should take a weight off your mind when traveling. With more and more people choosing to take gadgets abroad, you’ll want to make sure you’re covered in the event they get stolen. Not only can they get stolen, but if you lose your luggage when traveling via airplane, you’ll want to protect your assets.
Lost, Stolen Passport
Of all things you really don’t want to lose while you’re traveling, your passport has got to be number one. If you lose your passport, visa, or other form of identification, travel insurance has you covered.
It’s not uncommon for travelers to lose their passports. And having a plan that has you covered will come in mighty handy when you are stuck in Bangkok/New York/Sydney waiting for your new one to come through. It can take weeks leaving you having to pay for a hotel and food.
This isn’t meant to scare you, there’s a very good chance you’ll get through your travels without even needing to think about your insurance. However, much of that peace of mind will come from knowing you have adequate insurance, just in case.
Weather & Natural Disasters
If you’re traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season, then you’ll want the right insurance plan to protect you and your belongings during any unexpected weather event that Mother Nature decided to conjure up.
Medical Expenses
You tell yourself that you’re not going to get sick when traveling; you even load up on vitamin C. But, there’s always that “What if…” thought in the back of your mind. Getting sick with the flu, or even some sickness common to the area your traveling, can cause concern. You want treatment, you want a doctor, but without travel insurance, the likelihood of paying hundreds for medical attention is high.
You never know when you’re going to get ill or injured. Remember that you’ll be eating different things and you’ll be taking part in a whole host of adventurous activities, so the idea of not having medical cover is unthinkable – well, it is to us anyway.
Chances are you won’t need to use it, the majority of people don’t, but the thought of going away and not being able to walk into a hospital for help if you needed it, for fear of huge medical bills, should bring you out in a cold sweat.
Purchasing travel insurance may be the last thing on your mind, if at all, as you prepare for you’re new adventure. But, this small add on before you depart could be the most important thing you do before you head to a new destination, whether international or domestic.
COMPARE OUR INSURANCE POLICIES TO FIND OUT WHICH COVERAGE WORKS BEST FOR YOU!
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