Choosing travel insurance is an important task to ensure a smooth and safe trip.
First the big question is: Do I really need travel insurance?
See here why you should take out travel insurance?
Here are some steps to help you find the travel insurance that best suits your needs:
Assess your coverage needs:
Before you start choosing international travel insurance, determine what your specific needs are.
This includes considering your trip destination, duration, planned activities and any pre-existing medical conditions you or your traveling companions may have.
Medical coverage (health insurance):
Check that your insurance provides adequate coverage for medical expenses, including hospital treatment, emergency medical evacuation and medical repatriation.
Compare different plans:
Research and compare different travel insurance plans offered by various insurance companies.
Request an insurance quote and take into consideration not only the price, but also the coverage offered.
However, compensation limits, exclusions, and insurer ratings are important.
Cheap insurance is not necessarily the best fit for your needs.
Check the insurer’s reputation:
Make sure you choose an insurance company that is trustworthy and has a good reputation.
You can check online reviews, customer reviews, and rating agency ratings.
Read the policy carefully:
Before choosing travel insurance, read the policy carefully to fully understand the terms, conditions, coverage and exclusions.
Please make sure you are aware of any limitations or restrictions that may affect your trip.
Consider adding extra coverage to your travel insurance:
Depending on your specific needs, it may be advantageous to add extra coverage to your travel insurance.
Some of them include trip cancellation coverage, luggage insurance, car rental insurance or adventure sports coverage.
Cancellation/interruption coverage:
Look for insurance that covers expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to specific reasons, such as sudden illness or weather issues.
Check for discounts:
Some insurers offer discounts for certain groups, such as students, seniors or families. Be sure to ask about any available discounts that may apply to you.
Get multiple quotes:
Don’t hesitate to request quotes from multiple insurers to ensure you’re getting the best possible price for the coverage you want. This can also help you negotiate better terms with your chosen insurer.
Consider roadside assistance:
In addition to insurance coverage, check whether the insurer offers 24-hour travel assistance services, such as medical support, emergency assistance, and help with travel services such as hotel reservations or alternative transportation in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Exclusions and limitations:
Carefully read the policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations to understand exactly what is and is not covered by the insurance.
Civil liability coverage:
Some insurance policies provide coverage for legal expenses and third-party damages in the event of accidents for which you are responsible.
How much travel insurance coverage should I choose?
Choosing the amount of travel insurance coverage is crucial to ensuring you are adequately protected
Answering these questions will help you determine the appropriate coverage amount:
Assess medical costs at destination:
Research the average medical costs in the country or region you are traveling to. This includes doctor visits, hospital treatments, surgical procedures and other healthcare services.
See a study with data from 2019 here.
Consider your health conditions:
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, take them into consideration when choosing your medical coverage amount. Make sure your insurance provides sufficient coverage for any treatments or emergencies related to your condition.
Evaluate the cost of an emergency medical evacuation:
If you are traveling to a remote area or a country with limited medical services, consider the cost of an emergency medical evacuation. This can be significantly expensive and it is important to have adequate coverage for this eventuality.
Calculate the value of your personal belongings:
Assess the total value of your personal belongings that you will be taking with you during your trip, including luggage, electronics, jewelry, important documents, etc. Choose coverage that is sufficient to replace these items if they are lost, stolen or damaged.
Some travel insurance may also cover car insurance that you will be renting.
It is important to know the car coverage that your credit card may have, and/or the values and coverage that your rental company provides.
Consider the specific risks of the trip:
If you are participating in high-risk activities such as adventure sports, trekking in remote areas or diving, consider the risks associated with these activities and choose coverage that offers adequate protection in such situations.
Consider the length of the trip and the type of plan:
As you are traveling for a long period of time or planning multiple trips throughout the year, it may be more economical to invest in an annual plan with more comprehensive coverage.
If you still have any questions, consult an insurance professional:
If you are in doubt about the appropriate amount of coverage for your specific trip, consult an insurance broker or insurance company representative. They can help you assess your needs and choose a plan that offers the coverage you need.
Atenção: As opiniões, revisões, análises e recomendações de viagens e produtos são baseadas nas minhas experiências e pesquisas pessoais, sem vínculo a nenhuma dessas entidades.
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