International Travel Insurance

About International Travel Insurance

No matter how well you plan a vacation or trip, almost anything can happen when you are traveling internationally. If you want to make sure that you are protected from any unforeseen problems, International travel insurance coverage could be exactly what you are looking for.

The specific coverage that a travel insurance policy offers depends on the type of policy that you buy. Events that could be covered include anything from a cancelled flight to illness or injury. Protection from terrorism and travel supplier default may also be part of some policies. Most people purchase this type of coverage to protect themselves from the two biggest financial burdens that can occur: a cancelled/delayed trip and a medical emergency.

International travel insurance is especially important if your current health insurance policy does not provide you with medical coverage when you are out of the country. Without health insurance, you could be left with costly medical bills, or worse yet, you may not even be able to get medical care when you need it.

Buying International Travel Insurance

Travel insurance policies offer varying coverage. Before buying a policy, it is important to make sure you are purchasing the type of coverage you need.

It is also key to make sure you are not already covered by an existing policy. Some travel services include insurance policies for trip cancellation and lost baggage with the trips that they book. Buying a separate policy that offers the same coverage could be nothing more than a waste of money.

The same thing goes for travel health insurance. If you have a current health insurance plan, buying additional coverage may not be necessary because you could already be covered. If you plan on traveling internationally, contact your current insurance provider to determine whether you will be covered in your travels. Ask specific questions about treatment options, medevac travel, and claim procedures. If you are not currently covered when traveling, ask if it would be possible to add it, and if so, how it will affect your insurance premiums.

Getting Quotes

When shopping for international travel insurance, get several different quotes from several different providers. Keep in mind, however, that you should be comparing more than just price. Coverage varies and finding quotes for the exact same coverage is difficult. Though cost is important, the coverage that you get for your money is even more important.

Where to Buy

International travel insurance policies can be purchased from travel booking services and agencies, insurance companies, insurance agents or brokers, and providers of medevac and travel emergency services.

Some of the more well known providers of travel insurance include:

• Access America
• Global Alert
• Medjet Assist
• Travel Guard International
• Travel Insured International
• Travelex Insurance Services
• TravelSafe Insurance

A Final Note

Although international travel insurance coverage can be an extra expenditure, it can be well worth the money in the event of an emergency. If you plan on living or traveling out of the country for a significant period of time, you may want to consider buying a policy or amending your current insurance coverage.