Though COVID-19 has made travel difficult, many people are starting to feel more comfortable visiting other cities and countries again. Even under normal circumstances, it’s smart to take steps to protect yourself and your belongings before an international trip, but it’s even more essential now. Anyone concerned about issues like lost baggage, medical emergencies, or theft while overseas may want to invest in travel insurance. If you’re not familiar with how it works, read on to learn about how international travel insurance can keep you protected.
How does international travel insurance protect you?
There’s a lot that goes into planning an international trip, but many people don’t consider the benefits of purchasing international travel insurance. No one wants to think about something going wrong on their holiday, but travel insurance is the best way to give yourself peace of mind. Even if something unexpected goes wrong, you’ll have some protection and an insurance company that can help you figure out what to do next.
Before purchasing travel insurance, it’s important to understand what it covers. Medical coverage is often the most important reason to buy insurance. An unexpected accident or illness can leave you with significant medical expenses to repay. When you’re overseas, the Australian government isn’t responsible for the cost of your care. That means you’ll need to take care of the cost of your medical bills and transport home. In countries where health care costs are high, like the United States, this can mean accumulating thousands of dollars worth of debt.
Travel insurance also covers other situations like cancellations and travel disruptions, though what events qualify will depend based on the policy you choose. Both losses of luggage and theft are covered, so you won’t be left high and dry if you’re separated from your belongings. Your travel insurance can provide reimbursement for the costs of replacing your lost or stolen items.
What else should you do to protect yourself while traveling?
If you’re traveling now or in the near future, you’ll need to consider the impact that COVID-19 will have on your plans. There are travel restrictions in effect, and it’s hard to say whether or not additional restrictions may be imposed. Before you make a hotel or flight reservation, make sure you ask what their refund policy is in the event that you’re unable to travel. Once you arrive at your destination, you should also research the current health and safety guidance in the area. You may find that the requirements regarding practices like social distancing and mask-wearing are different than they are in your home country.
When traveling internationally, having proper documentation is necessary. We’ve all heard horror stories about travelers losing their passport or ID, which can leave you without access to the information you need. Before you leave, make photocopies of the documents that you’re bringing with you, including your immunization record, itinerary, medical information, passport, plane tickets, travel insurance, and visa. You may still need to get in touch with your country’s embassy to ensure you can travel home without incident, but it will be a huge help to have electronic copies of your documents.
You should always prepare thoroughly for an international trip, as there are a number of things you can do to avoid having unnecessary trouble after you’ve arrived. One way to protect yourself from many of the more serious risks associated with travel is to purchase travel insurance. Medical coverage alone is reason enough to buy insurance, but reimbursement in the event of theft or loss of luggage can also save you thousands of dollars. Many of us are excited to start traveling again, but it’s important to do so in a way that keeps you and your family safe.
