Travelling internationally is an exciting adventure, but it can also bring unexpected challenges. One way to protect yourself against potential risks like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage is by purchasing international travel insurance. However, many travellers make mistakes when buying this coverage, which can lead to unwanted surprises en route. In this blog, we will highlight the 10 most common mistakes travelers make when purchasing international travel insurance and how you can avoid them.
What is international travel insurance?
International Travel Insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect travellers while they are abroad. It provides coverage for a variety of potential risks and emergencies that can arise during an international trip. This can include medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, flight delays, and even emergency evacuation.
There are several types of international travel insurance policies available, each offering different coverage options. Some may cover only medical emergencies, while others offer broader coverage by including non-medical risks such as trip interruptions, baggage loss, or even theft. To avail of these benefits of international travel insurance one should be fully aware of the policy details and priorly know the possible mistakes that could happen before buying the right travel insurance for international trips.
Top 10 common mistakes done by travellers while buying international travel insurance
1. Not understanding what’s covered
Many travellers buy insurance without fully understanding the scope of coverage. Not all policies include the same benefits, and some may have exclusions or limitations.
However, Before purchasing any travel insurance for international travel policy, it is advised to take the time to carefully read the terms and conditions. Make sure the policy covers the types of risks you’re concerned about, such as medical expenses, cancellations, or lost belongings. If you don’t understand something, ask the insurance provider for clarification.
2. Purchasing insurance too late
Some travellers think they can buy travel insurance at the last minute, but this can lead to missing out on important coverage, such as trip cancellation benefits. Travel insurance is most beneficial when purchased soon after booking your trip.
Buy your travel insurance for international trips as soon as you book your flight or accommodation. This ensures you are covered from the moment you make a commitment and gives you peace of mind in case something happens before you even leave.
3. Choosing the cheapest option
A low-cost policy might not provide the level of coverage you need in case of an emergency.
Instead of focusing solely on the price, compare policies based on their coverage levels. Consider factors such as medical coverage, trip interruptions, baggage loss, and emergency evacuation. Choosing the right travel insurance for international travel is more important than just picking the cheapest option.
4. Ignoring pre-existing medical conditions
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart problems, many standard travel insurance policies won’t cover related emergencies. Ignoring this can lead to high medical costs in case something goes wrong.
Look for international travel medical insurance policies that offer coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Some insurers provide an option to add this coverage for an additional cost, ensuring you are protected if a medical issue arises during your trip.
5. Not considering adventure or extreme activities
Many travellers enjoy adventurous activities like skiing, scuba diving, or hiking. However, standard international travel insurance policies often do not cover injuries related to high-risk activities.
If you plan to engage in adventure or extreme activities, make sure your policy includes coverage for them. Many insurance companies offer specialized coverage for such activities, or you can add a sports rider to your existing policy for extra protection.
6. Forgetting to check the deductible
The deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Travellers often overlook the deductible, which can lead to unexpected expenses if they need to file a claim.
Check the deductible amount before purchasing your international travel insurance policy. Make sure the deductible is an amount you are comfortable paying in case of an emergency. You may also want to choose a policy with a lower deductible if you prefer less out-of-pocket expense.
7. Failing to declare the correct travel dates
Incorrect travel dates or destinations can cause problems if you need to make a claim. If the dates on your insurance policy don’t match your actual travel dates, or if your destination isn’t covered, you could be left without protection.
You should double-check the dates and locations when filling out your travel insurance application. Make sure everything matches your actual travel plans to avoid coverage issues.
8. Overlooking baggage and personal belongings coverage
Many travellers forget to check if baggage and personal belongings are covered. Lost or delayed luggage can be a major inconvenience, but without proper coverage, it can also be an unexpected financial burden.
Ensure that your international travel and health insurance policy includes baggage coverage. Check the policy’s limits for lost or delayed luggage to ensure it is sufficient for your needs.
9. Not understanding the claims process
It is important to understand how to file a claim before you need to do it. Many travellers are not familiar with the claims process, which can lead to confusion and delays if they have to make a claim during their trip.
Take the time to learn about the claims process before you leave. Know who to contact in case of an emergency and what documents are required. This can help you act quickly if you need to file a claim, ensuring a smoother experience.
10. Assuming all countries are covered
Not all countries are automatically covered by your international travel insurance. Some destinations, especially those with political instability or high-risk factors, may be excluded from your policy.
Before purchasing travel insurance for international travel, check if your destination is included in the coverage. Make sure there are no exclusions for countries or regions you plan to visit. If you’re traveling to a high-risk area, consider purchasing additional coverage if available.
Now that you know the common mistakes people often make while choosing a travel insurance plan, it is equally important you know the various types of policies available in the market to ensure an informed purchase.
What are the types of international travel insurance?
It is important to choose the right type of travel insurance for international trips to ensure you’re protected for any potential risks during your travels. There are several types of travel insurance, each designed to cover different aspects of your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
- Medical travel insurance: This covers medical expenses if you get sick or injured while traveling. The international travel medical insurance may include doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, and sometimes emergency medical evacuation if needed.
- Single trip travel insurance: It covers one specific trip internationally and is ideal for occasional travellers. It also includes coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, loss of baggage, and delays.
- Multi trip travel insurance: It covers multiple trips within a specified period. It is the best choice for frequent travellers and it covers similar benefits as of single trip insurance but at a lower cost per trip.
- Student travel insurance: It is best suited for the students planning to study abroad. It covers the student for tuition fees, medical emergencies, and personal belongings.
- Business travel insurance: It is a type of international travel insurance which covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and the trip delays.
- Family travel insurance: It provides medical and travel related benefits to all the insured family members that are travelling together.
To Conclude
Buying international travel insurance is a smart way to protect yourself during your travels, but making the right choice can be tricky. By avoiding these common mistakes and carefully selecting the right coverage, you can travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered in case of an emergency.
ThePrint BrandStand content is a paid-for, sponsored article. Journalists of ThePrint are not involved in reporting or writing it.