The Christmas season is fast approaching and it’s that time of the year again when people all over the world are planning their holidays abroad. Whether you are visiting family, going on a ski trip with your friends or travelling to an exotic destination to escape the cold, there’s more to holiday planning than just sorting out your packing, accommodation and travel itinerary. Travelling abroad comes with a plethora of potential risks which should not be overlooked, so it is highly recommended that you secure travel insurance for added protection against any unforeseen mishaps.

Do you really need travel insurance?

Let’s face it, a lot can go wrong when travelling abroad. For example, your non-refundable flight could be cancelled, or your valuable items could get stolen in a foreign country. Going abroad without securing a travel insurance plan puts you at risk of having to pay for all the costs associated with potential pitfalls straight from your own pocket. It is therefore highly recommended that you purchase a plan if you want to travel with added peace of mind.

What is usually covered by travel insurance?

Travel insurance offers protection against a variety of potential mishaps, and typically covers the following:

  • Medical expenses during an emergency
  • Medical evacuation that is deemed medically necessary during an emergency
  • Accidental death and dismemberment
  • Repatriation of remains
  • Cancellation of trips or flights
  • Delays during travel

Additionally, some plans may also provide further support, such as rental car insurance or 24/7 phone or web support.

Knowing what to look out for when purchasing travel insurance

Pacific Prime’s team of global insurance advisors have identified the most important things you will need to look out for when purchasing travel insurance.

Know where to buy travel insurance

First and foremost, you should know where you can buy travel insurance! In most countries, you can buy it from banks, ATMs, online, directly from the insurer, or obtain a best value deal from a broker. Many low cost airlines nowadays also offer travel insurance, but it is best to compare prices before securing your purchase.

Pay attention to the duration of your plan

It’s important to keep in mind that most travel insurance plans are designed to offer short-term coverage, lasting from 30 days to 12 weeks. If you are going to be away for longer you will likely need to secure other plans or speak to an insurance broker to see if there are longer plans available.

Be aware of the region of coverage

Some insurance plans will offer varied premiums for different regions. For example, the same will have set levels of coverage but may have a different premium for those travelling to, say, Europe and Asia than for those who will be travelling only within North America. It is therefore essential to ensure that the plan you are purchasing is valid for the region you are travelling to. If you find that the list of countries covered by the travel insurance plan you are looking at does not include the location you are visiting, then it is best to look for an alternative plan.

Don’t forget to read through the fine print

It may seem tedious, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of exactly what is being covered in your travel insurance plan. For example, many of the coverage elements are for emergencies only. Although plans do include medical coverage, if you were to, say, travel to Dubai for a dental appointment or surgery, this will not be covered. You will often see that the coverage limits are lower for travel insurance, and offer just enough benefits to get you well enough to fly home. The same goes for cancellation coverage. Most insurers will provide a set list of cancellation conditions. If you change your mind and decide you don’t want to go on your trip anymore, in most cases you will not be reimbursed by the plan.

 
 

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If you are looking for the best travel insurance plans on the market, why not visit Pacific Prime’s Travel Insurance page to purchase your plan today? Their team of experienced insurance advisors offer a wealth of experience that you can rely on.