How Does Travel Insurance Protect Me?!

Travel insurance is insurance that is intended to cover medical expenses, financial default of travel suppliers, and other losses incurred while traveling, either within one's own country, or internationally. Temporary travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time of the booking of a trip to cover exactly the duration of that trip, or a more extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased from travel insurance companies, travel agents or directly from travel suppliers, such as cruise lines or tour operators. However, travel insurance purchased from travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than insurance offered by insurance companies. Travel insurance often offers coverage for a variety of travelers. Student travel, business travel, leisure travel, adventure travel, cruise travel, and international travel are all various options that can be insured.

Coverage types

• Medical/dental expenses
• Emergency evacuation/repatriation of remains
• Trip cancellation/interruption
• Accidental death, injury or disablement benefit
• Delayed departure, missed connection
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage, personal effects or travel documents
• Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement of essential items)
• Trip Cancellation
• Flight Connection was missed due to airline schedule
• Travel Delays due to weather
• Medical Emergency and hospital care (Accident or Sickness)

Optional coverage

Some travel policies will also provide cover for additional costs, although these vary widely between providers.

• Car rental collision coverage
• Pre-existing conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes)
• Sports with an element of risk (e.g. skiing, scuba diving)
• Additional AD&D coverage
• 3rd Party Supplier insolvency (e.g. the hotel or airline to which you made non refundable pre-payments has gone into administration)

Travel insurance can also provide helpful services, often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that can include concierge services and emergency travel assistance.