Five reasons why you’ll regret skipping out on travel insurance

A sponsored post by UK travel insurance company Globelink International on why you should be a smart cookie and purchase travel insurance for your next overseas adventure.

 

Similar to renter’s insurance, traveller’s insurance may seem unnecessary to some folks… until your trip goes south, and you’re left regretting the decision.

While the cost varies from company to company, travel insurance plans generally include medical, trip cancellation, security or medical evacuation insurance. While your regular health plan will probably not include emergencies or services outside your origin country, it’s smart to purchase single trip travel insurance when going on vacation.

Travel insurance will not help you avoid any misfortunes during your travels, but it does offer some consolation in the form of monetary compensation for your inconvenience. Here, we are going to take a quick look at the five reasons why you are going to regret trying to save on your travel insurance the next time you take a trip.

Why you should purchase travel insurance for your next trip - Plane flying over the mountains - Lost With Purpose travel blog

Flying over the Hindu Kush mountains

1. Flight Interruptions or Cancellations

No one really knows what will happen before you depart for another country. One of the first benefits of taking out travel insurance, whether it’s annual travel insurance or another policy, is that it allows a person to cancel a trip and get a refund of the cost of the trip.

Travel insurance offers much needed protection against trip interruptions or cancellation. For example, when an emergency arises and a traveller has no choice but to cancel their trip or cut it short—be it for sickness, death, jury duty or some other reason—the traveller has the right to receive compensation for their expenses.

Since the traveller already paid for their vacation and will lose their money if such an emergency occurs, travel insurance cushions the blow of any losses that result from a trip cancellation. Moreover, cancellation coverage provides protection from the purchase date through the departure date. With cancellation coverage, it’s no issue if you need to cancel your trip before departure. You’ll still receive all other insurance benefits from the departure date through the end of the trip date.

Why you need to purchase travel insurance - Alex in Goris, Armenia - Lost With Purpose travel blog

Admires for spires in Goris, Armenia

2. Annual Travel Insurance

For the frequent flyers, an annual travel insurance policy can give you some peace of mind. It’s good to know there’s a policy in place that will protect you during all your travels throughout the year.

An annual travel insurance policy is ideal for those last-minute bookings, family holidays, important business trips, or weekend vacations.

It should be noted that a person is not allowed to take out annual travel insurance if they plan on traveling to any known high-risk regions.

3. Personal Effects and Luggage

Taking out travel insurance means you are covered for any lost or stolen personal belongings during your trip. For example, if your luggage is delayed for more than 12 hours and you are in need of a fresh set of clothes in the country where you’ve just arrived, your travel insurance will reimburse you for those costs.

That said, the expenditure should be in moderation, and certainly does not include a $4,000 suit, a designer handbag, or any other expensive items! These reimbursements are put in place to make sure a traveller is not put in an uncomfortable situation by arriving earlier than their baggage in a foreign country.

Moreover, a single trip travel insurance policy with baggage coverage can offer protection if a traveller’s personal belongings are lost, damaged or stolen. Baggage coverage is also included in annual travel insurance. For more details, contact your local travel insurance provider.

Why you need to buy travel insurance - in a clinic in Afghanistan - Lost With Purpose travel blog

Clinic adventures in Kabul, Afghanistan

4. Extra Stay Expenses

If a doctor tells you to stay in a country for more days than planned due to medical reasons, a travel insurance policy can also include the costs of additional expenses, such as accommodation. The travel insurance can also cover the extra cost of travel and accommodation of one relative who needs to stay with you, if necessary.

Most travel insurance plans will not cover any pre-existing health conditions. However, if you get sick due to a non-pre-existing medical condition while on the road, travel insurance will cover all or part of the costs (depending on the travel policy you’ve signed up for). Some extended stay or extra stay travel policies can protect you for up to twelve months. For cruises, health insurance may not cover you if you’re traveling on a foreign-flagged ship.

Why you need to purchase travel insurance - Looking at Karakul Lake in Xinjiang province, China - Lost With Purpose travel blog

Looking out over Karakul Lake in Xinjiang, China

5. 24/7 Worldwide Phone Assistance

Another benefit of taking out travel insurance is the lifeline it provides travelers in emergency situations abroad.

Travel insurance plans include 24/7 phone assistance when you need to call someone if something happens while you’re on a business trip or vacation abroad. This service is crucial to have when you have a medical issue. The 24/7 travel assistance service can help you:

  • Locate the nearest hospital if you are hurt or injured, and need medical attention.
  • Organize emergency transportation home.
  • Organize emergency medical transportation.
  • Replace any medical prescriptions during an emergency.
  • Overcome the language barrier, which can hinder your ability to find help in an emergency situation when abroad.

You may also need non-medical assistance, which can include:

  • Lost baggage or stolen baggage replacement assistance.
  • Assistance with lost passport or other travel documents.
  • Emergency travel information for passport or visa requirements.

Apart from that, travel insurance can also provide coverage for situations people mostly don’t expect to find themselves in while traveling abroad, such as injuries due to hazardous sports or identity theft.

A final note

One final point to sign off with: if you hire a car while traveling abroad and it’s stolen or you have an accident, your travel insurance will pay for the rental vehicle excess.

Many people think that travel insurance is just health insurance, but it’s so much more than that. Travel insurance can help costly fees incurred due to medical or other emergencies, keeping you safe from stress while you enjoy your time abroad.

Alex Reynolds profile picture

Alex Reynolds

American by birth, British by passport, Filipina by appearance. Addicted to ice cream. Enjoys climbing trees, dislikes falling out. Has great fondness for goats which is usually not reciprocated.

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5 thoughts on “Five reasons why you’ll regret skipping out on travel insurance

    Tara says:

    I may have missed this somewhere, but where was the photo at the top of this post taken (above the title)? It’s gorgeous!

    Alex says:

    Haha, no, I didn’t mention where it’s from. I took it recently in Kalna, a town in West Bengal, India. The sight was stunning – 2 concentric circles of 108 Shiva temples!

    Tara says:

    It is absolutely stunning! Thanks for the info.

    Anna says:

    Totally agree! Travel insurance is super important to have, especially when it comes to covering emergency medical costs. Peace of mind is priceless.

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