Melo Villareal
Travel Insurance – What you need to Know
It’s the one thing we often leave to the last minute or forget to take care of altogether. Travel Insurance. We convince ourselves we’ll be OK without any, but then inevitably, something happens, and we rue the day we didn’t take out a policy. Whether it’s a canceled flight, stolen/lost luggage, or medical bill, without the appropriate cover, your holiday could become a costly, not to mention stressful, ordeal.
And with so many affordable options available, there is no excuse for not being covered. But which is the right one for you? If you’re unfamiliar with some of the industry language, you may be a little confused about what you’re actually paying for and what is and isn’t covered. Below is a breakdown of some of the key terms and what they actually mean:
Policy Types:
Single-trip travel insurance – This is for a single holiday or trip and covers the specific time you are traveling (with a maximum length of stay).
Annual/Multi-trip travel insurance – A good, cost-effective choice if you plan more than one trip in 12 months. Like a single trip coverage, there will be a maximum length of stay per trip, typically between 30 and 45 days.
Long-stay travel insurance – As the name suggests, these policies cover trips longer than the maximum permitted by annual and single-trip policies.
Cover for Individuals and Groups:
Policies will generally give you the option of insuring an individual, a couple (two people traveling together), or a family.
If required, you can also find specific policies for large groups (schools, clubs, etc.).
If you’re traveling as a family, combined family cover may be a more appropriate option than insuring each family member individually. It is often discounted, so it is a better value. Some providers also have no restrictions on how many children you travel with.
Cover areas and options:
Because travel insurance can vary significantly across different providers, you must check the small print to ensure you have the required coverage. Medical expenses are generally included as standard, but policies also help you with lost baggage, cancellation, delays, and personal liability (this covers you if you’re found to be legally liable for accidental injury to a third party or loss/damage to their possessions).
There are also specific policies available depending on the trip you’re taking, so if you’re playing golf or getting married abroad, coverage is available to deal with specifics relevant to these activities.
Hiring a car
Hiring a vehicle is a popular choice for many holidaymakers, and knowing your insurance options is essential. Most car hire companies will offer standard insurance of the vehicle included in the cost, but be aware of the excess insurance product they will offer too.
This is designed to cover the excess amount you must pay should the vehicle become damaged. Instead of getting this at the rental desk, buy it in advance from a specialist broker, where the policy is cheaper and more comprehensive.
Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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Read:
- Best Car Insurance For Traveling
- Planning Your Road Trip: Do you have Car Insurance?
- Travel Tips to Ensure Your Next Holiday is the Best One Yet
- Essential Travel Tips to Guide You on Your Next Journey
- 5 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance
