Top 10 reasons for travel insurance
2012-08-22 07:59
"In a perfect world there wouldn't be any tsunamis, earthquakes, or terrorist attacks. Thieves wouldn't be able to steal your wallet and your camera while you're admiring the sights in some far-flung spot; and there's no possible way you could break your leg while skiing, or walk in front of a London bus and get knocked over," Simmy Micheli, a sales manager for Travel Insurance Consultants, recently told us in an interview.
Sadly, the world we live in is far from perfect and even the magic of a long-awaited trip finally realising can't shield us from bad things happening.
So, even though insurance is probably one of the last things any traveller thinks about before setting out on an adventure, it's something that no one should go without.
We take a look at the top 10 reasons to take out travel insurance.
1. Peace of mind
Of course you don't want to expect the worst, but if you don't have a lifetime supply of extra cash to keep you out of trouble at your disposal, travel insurance is an absolute must for even the most free-spirited adventurer.
2. Cancellation on your part
So you're just days away from the trip of your dreams and suddenly it turns out that the bad cold you thought you had suddenly became severe pneumonia. You're in hospital and booked off for at least two weeks. What about your trip? Well, it definitely sucks that you can't go, but it would be much worse if you made no arrangements for a possible cancellation like this. Not only would you be ill an unable to travel, but also a good deal poorer. Not ideal.
3. Cancellation on the airline's part due to a strike, riot or civil commotion
While most airlines should offer some sort of refund on the flight you missed if they cancel it, they cannot be held liable for the rest of the bookings you might forfeit because of it. In this case travel insurance can be pretty useful if you suddenly have to cough up cash for accommodation you never even got to use in the first place.
4. Curtailment
Having to cut a trip short is probably one of the absolute worst disappointments any traveller could ever face. Whether it's due to illness, injury, death of a loved one, or even something good like having to start a new job, or wanting to meet your brand new niece or nephew before they're a week old, cancelling a leg of your trip is a very real possibility and one you should make sure you cover when taking out travel insurance.
5. Loss/theft of travel documents
Losing your travel documents is the single biggest worry most travellers face. While it should be avoided at all costs, accidents do happen and having insurance to cover the costs of replacing them comes highly recommended.
6. Theft of luggage
Keeping your luggage safe while travelling isn't always easy. Whether your bag gets nicked while you're on the bus, never makes it to the airport or you become the victim of a highly unlikely hotel/backpackers robbery, insurance should help cover all the replacements you will have to make while on the road.
7. Personal liability
So, you decided to act like a rock star while drunk and left your hotel room in a bit of a shambles. Chances are you're going to be held liable for any damages. So, make sure the travel insurance you choose covers this too... just in case.
8. Medical
Preventing a little niggling bug or injury picked up while travelling from becoming more serious could require medical assistance... and there's no telling how much a visit to the doctor or chemist may cost you in the end. While your medical aid may provide a good option for travel, check the offers from your travel insurer and pick the one which will serve you best.
9. Legal expenses
While getting embroiled in legal battles while travelling may seem extremely unlikely, you never know what might happen... a loose tile by the hotel pool could leave you with a shifted vertebra and if you're inclined to fight for your right, it will be there responsibility to pay for your medical procedure. However, getting professional help to enforce this, could be very costly. Make sure you have that covered.
10. Not becoming financially crippled
All things considered, the main reason behind taking out travel insurance is to protect yourself from financial ruin. Travel is getting more expensive by the day and, well, you never know when you might be the victim.
