Are You Familiar With Travel Insurance?

For some travelers, insurance is a good deal; for others, it's not.

We’ve had so many people tell us over the years that they have never bought travel medical insurance. We’ve heard things like “It really depends on the situation,” “Hospitals are cheap where I’m going.” I’ll just come home if I get sick.”

I find all of these excuses unacceptable. For those of you that think you don’t need travel insurance, read on. We’ve got some scenarios to drive this point home.

Ok! What do I even mean by travel health insurance? Why must you get one? Are there pros and cons? Is it really worth the hype?

Travel Insurance is a product designed to cover the costs and reduce the risk associated with unexpected events during domestic or international travel. Travel insurance usually covers the insured in two main categories: costs associated with medical expenses and trip cancellations. In case you are wondering if one needs health insurance when travelling to a foreign country depends deeply on the desired destination as well as the ability to personally cover any health care needs during the stay out at the certain foreign country.

Whether you’re sailing on a cruise ship, climbing a mountain, or are simply in another country, getting really sick or injured on the road can be catastrophic…and expensive. That's why medical travel insurance is very important:

In most cases, your travel will go without a hitch. You’ll not have to experience the nightmare of being seriously ill or injured in a foreign country. But if you do, the last thing you want is not having the support or financial means by which to get treated and flown home.

For that alone, travel insurance is worth every cent.

Travel insurance is ultimately a legal contract created by lawyers and you should spend the time to read the fine print and description of coverage (policy wording) thoroughly and ask questions if you don't understand what you're covered for.

There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip, return home early or force you to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.

To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance, and emergency travel services, here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong.

1.  It's 11 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?

2.  Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?

3. Your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for assistance in obtaining emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?

4.  You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help coordinate a medical evacuation?

5.  If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?

6. You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed who will reimburse you for covered necessities? If it's stolen, who will reimburse you for its contents?

7.  Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who is able to assist in getting you to your destination?

8.  You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who is able to assist you in finding an English-speaking physician?

9.  Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will reimburse you if you want to cancel your trip?

10.You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to a hurricane which has made your resort uninhabitable. Who can assist you in being evacuated? Who will reimburse you for your lost vacation investment?

If you are leaving your home country, you should always have emergency medical and evacuation.

When you leave your home country, your health insurance may or may not travel with you. Whenever you are traveling abroad, buy either a travel medical plan or vacation plan that includes medical emergencies.

• Without insurance, you may have to cover emergency expenses on your own – your consulate abroad is unlikely to help you.
• What happens if you have a bad fall on the ski slopes and need a helicopter to a good hospital?
• How would you cope if one of the kids fell ill – even with something minor – in the US or another country with sky-high medical costs?

What more can I say? Always consult your travel agent to know the appropriate travel insurance that will suit your travel plans because it is really worth it.