Travel insurance can be the most important part of your long-awaited vacation or business trip, so it’s
important to make your choice wisely. Here are seven tips to help you get the policy that’s right for you.
Don’t make any assumptions.
It’s easy to think that your current health insurance policy will follow you on the road or on a plane, but
that’s not always the case. In many cases, a personal policy won’t cover you the way travel insurance
would when you enter another country or travel to a politically volatile locale. Take a close look at your
current insurance policies and get clear on how your possessions – and your medical needs – will be
taken care of during your journey.
Read every word of the policy.
When you’ve got travel on your mind, the last thing you want to do is spend your time poring over the
fine print … but it’s a necessary evil. Give yourself peace of mind by knowing the ins and outs of your
travel insurance policy before you take your journey.
Be clear on who is underwriting your policy.
Are you dealing directly with the provider when you purchase your travel insurance policy? You may not
be if you get it through a hotel, resort, or travel agency. These sources typically mark up the price of a
policy, causing you to spend more than you need to. And if that provider happens to go bankrupt before
you take your trip, you may be traveling with no coverage at all.
Focus on quality rather than price.
Just because a policy is more expensive doesn’t mean that it will suit your needs better. Look through
the details of your travel insurance to make sure that you aren’t picking up a package that’s significantly
more comprehensive than you will actually need. Strike the balance between price and features before
you sign on the dotted line.
Understand the different types of insurance.
Just because a policy goes under the name of travel insurance doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be fully
covered. Different policy types exist to handle the basics (such as loss, theft, and unexpected
cancellations) as well as the complex needs of today’s travelers, which may include broader medical
coverage. Ensure that your travel needs will be met by the policy that you are considering.
Don’t wait until the last minute to buy.
Plane tickets and hotel rooms aren’t the only things to rise in cost when you wait until the last minute.
Take the time to lock in your travel insurance around the same time you book your trip. Buying early can
not only make your policy less expensive but can also afford you certain benefits such as no-fee
cancellation in case of issues with your vacation provider or unexpected weather events.
Consider annual coverage.
If you’re a frequent traveler, it may be a smarter move to make sure your travel insurance policy is an
annual one (meaning it covers you for a full year). These types of plans may have a more attractive cost
and come with better coverage than short-term policies.
No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, you want to keep unpleasant surprises to a minimum. The
the easiest way to do that is with a good travel insurance policy that helps ensure that when you’re on the
road or in the air, you can focus on enjoying every moment of the journey.