Travel

Related Articles

International travel insurance provides a security blanket for all sorts of emergencies when you travel abroad, but not all policies are created equal. Don t just sign up for the first policy you come across. Learn how to compare international travel insurance policies.

Cancellation Coverage

The most basic thing an international travel insurance plan should do is cover your losses if you must cancel your trip at the last minute or cut the trip short. Compare plans based on what counts as a valid reason for cancellations and what kind of proof you need to provide to have your claim approved. For instance, will a plan cover you if you have a death in the family but not cover you if you have lost your job and can no longer afford the trip? The thing with last-minute emergencies is that you never know what they will be, so looking for a policy that covers a wide range of approved cancellation reasons is beneficial.

Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is usually an optional feature with international travel insurance, though some basic level policies offer some minimal coverage for emergencies. Doctors and travel industry experts alike recommend adding medical coverage, especially if you are going to a remote area or if you are going to be doing activities that could lead to injury, like skiing.

When comparing medical coverage, evaluate both the coverage and the price. You don t have to buy your travel medical coverage from the same company you are using for your cancellation coverage, so see if that company will give you a deal if you purchase both from them. In terms of medical coverage, find out if you are covered for just emergency room visits or if you are covered for hospital stays. Also, find out what medical issues are covered. If you have a pre-existing condition, verify that medical emergencies associated with that condition are covered.

Additional Coverage Benefits

What extras come with the different policies you are evaluating? Do they cover lost luggage? Stolen wallets? Legal issues that arise abroad? Some policies are bare-bones plans while others may have lots of bells and whistles at the same price. Shop around.