Do I need Travel Insurance?
Well, answer us this: do you need earthly possessions? If you answered no, congratulations! You’re a free spirit and you probably don’t bring deodorant when you travel, let alone insurance.
If you answered yes, then don’t leave home without travel insurance. As self-proclaimed travel-holics, we’ve seen first-hand all of the things that can—and do—go wrong on the road. Buffer yourself against the shock and cost by taking out travel insurance. Worst-case scenario, you don’t end up using it and you have a fun, safe trip. That doesn’t sound so bad to us…
Don't just take our word for it.
Check out these statistics for Australian travelers—and remember, these are natives of a country where even the trees can be poisonous. "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) … handles over 16,000 cases each year involving the welfare of Australians who have suffered illness, theft, robbery or assault." This is triple the number of 20 years ago. No wonder the Department of Foreign Affairs officially states, "If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel."
So, what does travel insurance cover?
Travel insurance protects you in the case of lost or stolen luggage and personal effects, accident or illness, trip cancellation or personal liability.
Probably the most important reason to take out travel insurance is to ensure you are covered for medical treatment. Although your national health scheme may cover your medical expenses at home, once you head overseas, you are (normally) no longer covered. Medical expenses can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and you may be refused treatment if you are not insured. Getting sick that far away from Mom is bad enough—don’t add medical bills to your burden.
A good insurance policy will also cover you for emergency evacuation back to your country of residence—ever wanted to get helicoptered out of a dangerous situation, à la Die Hard?
Make sure you take out a policy as soon as you pay for any flights or travel arrangements—that way you will be covered if you have to cancel your trip in an emergency.
Read the fine print.
The best single piece of advice we can give is to read the policy wording carefully.
Let's repeat that again: Take your time. Have a cup of tea. Sit down quietly and read the policy fine print. Especially the exclusions.
Not all policies are the same. It is essential you read the fine print to be sure you're covered for the sort of travel you'll be doing—and the places you'll be going. There’s the standard stuff—covering hospital treatment and additional expenses (go for the top level if you're traveling in North America), emergency medical evacuation, funeral expenses, emergency dental treatment, theft and loss of personal belongings, etc.—but check to see if the policy covers any adventure sports or other activities you might undertake, as well as any electronics you want to bring (such as cameras, laptops, and iPods).
Make sure you keep your policy up to date, and double-check that it provides a high enough level of cover. If you travel a lot, it may be worth taking out an annual policy. Check the level of excess you will be required to pay, and be sure to keep receipts (at home) for any gear you're taking that might get stolen.
Rules to travel by.
Don't take anything with you that you can't bear to part with. That includes dignity, but it mostly applies to gadgets.
Be safe, but don’t be so afraid you don’t go to new places and try new experiences. We’ll see you out there!
Travel Insurance is designed to give you peace of mind. So, read the fine print, buy the policy that covers your needs, and take note of the emergency assistance numbers. All set? Let’s go!
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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