Travel Insurance Basics You Need to Know Before You Travel
TRAVEL INSURANCE BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
T
raveling abroad has many perks. For one, you get to see spectacular
sights you don’t normally see everyday. Apart from that, you also get to meet new people, experience different culture, and learn about so many valuable things including a place’s history and heritage. Moreover, during a vacation, you will not only get the relaxation that you need, you also get to do different kinds of activities that will give you a rush like no other. It is for these reasons why people constantly have that inherent urge to go places.
Now before you pack your bags and get on to the next flight available, you have to remember that traveling is not all about fun and excitement. It also requires careful planning and preparation if you want your journey to be a safe and successful one. One of the things that you would definitely need to plan for is the travel insurance. Travel insurance is like a financial “safety net� that protects you from various kinds of adverse scenarios that can happen during your trip.
Travel Insurance Coverage A good travel insurance policy will cover all sorts of misfortunes ranging from minor ones like minor illnesses, insect bites, mild injuries to major catastrophes like broken limbs, serious accidents, medical bills, and emergency evacuation. Apart from illnesses and accidents, a policy should also cover lost baggage, delayed flights, cancelled flights, and so on. The policy should compensate for whatever monetary loss, inconvenience, pain and suffering that you have endured because of these circumstances.
Exclusions in the Coverage Insurance coverage differs per policy. But
usually,
insurance
don’t
cover
chemical attacks, injuries caused acts of terrorism,
civil
war,
or
commotion,
illnesses due to alcohol or illegal drug use, injuries caused by dangerous or extreme sports, attacks from pre-existing medical records such as diabetes or hypertension.
Insurance Travel Tips Purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. It is always best to buy insurance before you even book your vacation. This way, you can be covered for any possible unfortunate event that may arise even before you vacation begins.
Study your options. There are many kinds of travel insurance, which include but are not limited to international student
insurance,
visitor
health
insurance, family holiday insurance, insurance for senior citizen, insurance for people with pre-existing medical conditions, and so on. It is important that you study all the options available along with the costs and inclusions so you can choose the policy appropriate for you.
Keep a photocopy of all your travel insurance documents when you travel. In the event of a medical emergency or accident, you need to submit the following information to the insurance company: police reports, medical bills, doctors’ reports, boarding passes and tickets, and so on.
See to it that you have the necessary travel insurance company information with you before you travel. You should have the number to the company’s 24-hour emergency hotline.
These are just few of the many things that you need to know about travel insurance. Make sure that you thoroughly study about it before you go on with your trip.
SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELING ABROAD
A
re you going to travel abroad? Then you must know that a good travel
experience revolves around safety and precaution. Do not leave home without carrying these safety tips with you. This way, you can assure of a fun and at the same
time,
destination.
safe
journey
to
your
Safety Tip # 1 – Don’t Act like a Tourist Tourists always stand out in the crowd simply because they do not belong. Before you head to your destination, find out what the locals wear and how they act so you can blend accordingly. Avoid taking out your map and holding it in broad daylight. It is not a good idea to stare in awe at the attractions or look as if you are lost and confused. Moreover, keep your camera inside your messenger’s bag instead of hanging it around your neck. Be discreet so you do not attract criminals who are always on the lookout for unsuspecting
Be discreet so you do not attract criminals who are always on the lookout for unsuspecting tourists.
Safety Tip # 2 – Study and Plan Your Trip Properly Read up about the country or city of your destination. Do not only learn about the popular tourist attractions but also be in the know when it comes to customs, traditions, tourist traps, warnings, off-thebeaten-path spots, and language. Learning important phrases of the native language can come in handy during emergencies. Extensive knowledge about the place will contribute to your safety.
Safety Tip # 3 – Avoid Shady Hotels Go for reputable hotels that are located closely to tourist attractions. This is important not only for your convenience but also to ensure that the hotel is located in a safe neighborhood or vicinity. See to it that prior to booking with a hotel, you read plenty of online reviews about it so you know what you are getting yourself into.
Safety Tip # 4 – Buy Travel Insurance Travel insurance can protect you from a wide
array
of
unfortunate
scenarios
including medical emergencies, accidents, lost
baggage,
and
delayed
trips
or
cancelled flights. There are many types of travel insurance coverage such as general travel insurance,
visitors
health
insurance,
travel insurance for senior citizens, and family holiday travel insurance, among many others. See to it that you purchase a policy that is appropriate for the kind of
trip that you will be having. For example, if you are not planning on staying long in your destination, a short-term health insurance makes sense.
Safety Tip # 5 – Get Vaccinated This is particularly important for people traveling
to
remote
or
far-flung
destinations. Vaccinations are crucial to protect you from certain kinds of illnesses that you may catch during your trip. A trip to the doctor prior to your vacation should be in order.
Safety Tip # 6 – Secure your Belongings Always
secure
your
belongings,
especially your valuables during your vacation. Keep your travel documents like passport and visa with you wherever you go. It would be best not to bring any jewelry during the trip. As for cash, it would be a smart idea to rely on traveler’s checks instead of cash and credit cards. Keep it safe while you are on vacation with these simple tips to keep in mind.
For more information about health insurance for international students and international student insurance, please check out www.zinternationalstudent.com