One pivotal part of safety while traveling is buying the proper travel insurance. With a variety of different kinds of travel insurance available, you can tailor the policy to your vacation. Whether venturing to distant lands to partake in extreme sports or touring picturesque European cities, travel insurance makes a difference.
The big question on a lot of solo female traveller’s lips though is, which travel insurance should I choose?
Whenever you travel, do your research ahead of time and compare your options when getting travel insurance. Here are some examples of specific travel insurance policies, and what they are most useful for.
Travel Health or Medical Coverage
Probably the most important type of travel insurance is health or medical coverage. When you’re on the road, especially in a foreign country, you’ll want to be prepared in case of even the smallest injuries. Most standard health insurance doesn’t offer coverage outside of your own country. You run the risk of ending up with a massive bill if you need to visit a hospital or urgent care internationally. This type of travel insurance covers everything, from office visits to hospitalization as well as ambulance and medication costs.
Choose this type if: You will be traveling anywhere at all! The more activities you do, the more you put yourself at risk. Injury or illness can happen at any time. If you’re travelling somewhere that your regular insurance doesn’t cover, you’ll need it just in case.
Trip Cancellation or Interruption Coverage
Whenever you’re on the go, there’s a chance that your reservations will be cancelled or interrupted. Whether you’re traveling by plane or train, prevent your crew from losing money by purchasing travel insurance. If a flight is cancelled or even delayed, this type of coverage will help you recoup the losses you might incur otherwise. Some policies even include lost or delayed baggage.
Choose this type if: Your adventures are set to take place on a plane or train. Since you can’t control when you will be leaving, and it can impact your plans, this is a great way to make sure you don’t lose money.
Emergency Evacuation Coverage
Emergency evacuation coverage is a lesser-known type of travel insurance, but it can still be very important. It has a couple of different uses though. The main use of evacuation insurance is to take travelers home in case of medical emergencies. If you are injured and can’t be treated locally, or experience a major condition that will take months to cure, this type of insurance can airlift you home. It can also apply to evacuations during natural disasters, though that doesn’t include known events like snow storms, expected hurricanes or volcanic eruptions.
Choose this type if: You are heading to remote destinations. You may need some help from your home country if you’re ill or injured. It can also be beneficial to missionaries, aid workers or business travelers heading overseas.
Kidnap and Ransom Coverage
Specialized for corporate employees who will be traveling overseas, kidnap and ransom coverage is a great protection for workers. In the case of kidnappings or extortion demands, this type of insurance offers up funds to get the employee back. It also helps with crisis management support systems needed to navigate the overall problem. Optional commercial liability insurance can also cover things like embargoes.
Choose this type if: You have employees (or are an employee) that frequently travels overseas. It’s designed for those that want to protect their assets and finances in regions that often fall subject to kidnappings. It can also protect against foreign-country auto accidents that employees are involved in.
Cancel For Any Reason Coverage
Though it is the most rare insurance, it’s also the most comprehensive. Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage gives travelers the freedom to cancel non-refundable travel plans that aren’t included in their coverage. It’s more expensive than a simpler plan but it’s a great way to get money back for plans that would be otherwise wasted.
Choose this type if: You expect to have to cancel your trip. It covers any reason. It’s a good way to ensure you’re reimbursed for things that aren’t usually covered in the insurance plans.
Hopefully you have a clearer idea about what type of travel insurance is right for you on your next trip. Whichever type you choose, the most important thing is that you don’t leave home without it. Travel insurance is essential!