Travelling is an exciting adventure – exploring new and mysterious places and widening horizons! However, if something were to go wrong on – or before – your travels, you’d want to know that you’re looked after and covered financially.  Travel insurance is necessary for protection and to ease your trip anxieties!

The subject of insurance can be confusing. This often causes people to ignore it until the last minute, or simply avoid it altogether. The important thing to remember is that armed with the proper information, it isn’t as complex as it seems. Expat Explore has covered some travel insurance basics in our Travel Insurance 101 Guide. Now, we’re diving deeper into the subject, explaining it in more detail and ensuring that you have everything you need to be covered for your next trip!

What is travel insurance and how does it work?

Simply put, insurance is protection while you are travelling. It’s usually bought after you book your trip – flights and accommodation included – but before you depart. Anyone about to travel should make sure they have insurance set up before they leave. This is why we require all our travellers to have insurance before they depart on any of our tours.

Also, many embassies will refuse visas to anyone who does not have insurance. This is especially true for the Schengen visa that you might need when you travel to any of the Schengen area countries.  So, to avoid being denied entry to your destination of choice, purchasing insurance is absolutely necessary.

Related: What is a visa and do I need one for my tour? 

What is covered by travel insurance and what should the policy include?

Travel insurance comes in a variety of options. To be sure of what you’re covered for you’ll need to check the company’s policies. Some of the things that are covered by these policies include:

• Trip cancellations
• Medical emergencies during your trip
• Lost luggage
• Medical evacuations
• Flight and/or vehicle accidents on your trip

However, there are some instances where you may not be covered. An example could be taking part in extreme sports while travelling. As well as any pre-existing conditions, losses or injuries incurred while committing a crime. You will also need to check with your insurance provider about Covid-19 cover as it is important to be covered for Covid-19 related medical expenses.

Covid-19

Covid-19 put travel on pause for months on end and it has certainly changed the way we travel. Thankfully, travel is back! Expat Explore pressed play on travel in 2021 and we have been back on the road ever since.

However, travelling now comes with a few additional important things to note.  It is more important than ever to protect yourself in the event that you fall ill or your trip is cancelled. While coverage differs depending on your insurance provider, Covid-19 cover usually includes:

• Medical assistance overseas in the event of testing positive for Covid-19 while travelling.
• Trip cancellation due to testing positive for Covid-19 prior to your trip.
• Medical repatriation/evacuation.

On the other hand, in these instances, you will generally NOT be covered by your insurance provider:

• Overseas government restrictions preventing you from travelling. E.g. lockdowns, quarantine on entry.
• Choosing not to travel based on health and safety concerns.
• You cannot go as you are not willing to meet quarantine requirements (if applicable) on return to your home country.
• You are not vaccinated against Covid-19.

Please note, this is not applicable to all insurance providers. Some providers cover more than others. Check with your personal provider to find out what exactly they will cover in relation to Covid-19.

Types of travel insurance:

Not all travel insurance is the same, and there are many different plans which cover a variety of events:

• • Medical insurance covers you for medical emergencies while you’re travelling.
  • Vacation plan insurance covers the cost of flights and accommodation should you need to delay or cancel your trip.
  • Personal liability insurance covers you in the unfortunate event that you may cause injuries or damage to somebody else.

How to buy travel insurance

Unlike other insurance types, travel insurance is paid for once-off – instead of with multiple premiums. You purchase a plan online the same way you do with any other online shopping purchase! Fill out a form, pay for the package and print out your confirmation form.  It is usually a simple and seamless process and doesn’t take much time at all.

What’s the best way to sign up for travel insurance?

It’s very important to research the different companies and pick the one that suits you best. You also have to read all of their policies and terms and conditions to make sure that the insurance will cover you as needed. Sign up for a policy as soon as you’ve booked your flights and trip!

Important questions to ask your insurance provider:

If you’re not quite sure about your insurance plan, here are some handy questions you could ask your provider. These should help you feel more secure with your policy:

• How much of my medical bills are covered by the insurance policy?
• What is the maximum age for this policy? Will my age affect my insurance coverage?
• Will there be excess to pay? How much is this?
• Will my medical bills be paid directly? Or do I need to pay for them and then claim back?
• Must I seek approval from the insurance company before seeking medical help?
• Can I contact the company 24/7 in the event of an emergency?
• Can I extend my policy if I decide to stay longer?
• How am I covered for events relating to Covid-19?

How much is travel insurance?

Many people worry about how much insurance costs. It is usually a percentage of your total trip costs. This percentage will depend on the insurance company but usually ranges between 4% and 10%. However, some insurance companies will base the cost of travel insurance on the benefits you need. Prices are also reliant on the traveller’s age, length of the trip, and the level of cover needed.

Good news! Many companies will give you lower insurance costs if you’re buying a package tour!

Travel Tip: Contact your medical insurer and your credit card company to see if you are already covered for your travels. Some credit card companies offer you free travel insurance if you pay for your trip using your credit card. BUT, be careful to research what this insurance actually covers.

What is travel insurance excess?

Much like other insurance policies, your travel insurance may require an excess to be paid. This simply means that you may have to pay a portion of your claim. You can get insurance with lower premiums, but you’ll have to pay more excess. This can sometimes help, if you’re looking to pay less – provided that you are prepared to pay should something happen.

Where to find the best travel insurance options?

It is recommended that you pick an insurance provider based on several things, including the country you are from and what your specific needs are. Be sure to do your research and find the provider that suits you best. Always choose a policy that suits your individual needs. Make sure you are adequately covered in the event of an unfortunate emergency. It’s also wise to be sure that you understand the terms and conditions of your policy.

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As much as we hope you’ll never have to use your travel insurance, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! So, whether you’re visiting a country close by or going all the way across the globe; heading off on a short trip or a multi-country tour – insurance should always be a priority. Now that you know more, have a look at our upcoming tours and get ready to start exploring!