Ryan Galiotto

Buying travel insurance is something every traveler should do. Many problems could happen while overseas and many regular insurance plans wont cover you overseas. If you aren’t covered when you travel, you should buy travel insurance for your trip. Moreover, travel insurance cover more than just you but all those accidents and problems you might face on the road.

When you get travel insurance, make sure you are aware of of what is and is not included. Typically, they include health insurance, trip cancellation protection, and lost and stolen goods. Travel insurance policies do not cover alcohol or drug related problems, or carelessness in handling your possessions and luggage. You wont get reimbursed if you were simply being stupid.

Moreover, travel insurance usually covers health incidents. You will want to make sure your plan does. If you get sick while traveling, you want to make sure you are covered, especially if you are injured during an outdoor trek and need to be airlifted somewhere. Make sure your company covers at least 500,000 dollars in health coverage.

If you make a claim, remember travel insurance companies, no matter how good, are there to make money and will try to avoid paying out as much as they can. Make sure you have all your receipts and necessary forms. Be prepared to wait awhile to receive your money too. Even the best companies drag their feet.

Another way to get travel insurance besides signing up for a specific insurance coverage is via your credit card. The majority of credit cards offer travel insurance. American Express, Capital One, and Citi all offer various degrees of protection depending on the card you have with them. American Express offers the most comprehensive coverage but if you have a high fee card or good credit, usually any company offers good insurance. Just remember though that this credit card coverage does not include health insurance.

Whatever kind of trip you take, it is important that you buy a travel insurance plan before you go abroad, especially if you are going away for an extended amount of time. You never what could happen when on the road, what could get misplaced or stolen or who could get ill with what. It is better to be safe than sorry for the few more dollars travel insurance costs per day. It is a wise expense for some peace of mind.