Travel Insurance And What It Covers

Travel insurance may be offered to you at the time of your travel. Some people will turn it down because they are not sure what it is for. The insurance policy is for covering losses of money for non refundable payments made as well as for medical expenses. Travel insurance is for both domestic and international travelers.

You can purchase travel insurance to cover the exact duration of your trip during booking or for more extensive coverage purchase a continuous policy from a travel insurance company, travel agent, or travel supplier such as a cruise line or tour operator. The insurance policy offered by travel suppliers tends to be less inclusive than those bought from a travel company so be cautious if purchasing through a travel supplier.

Any type of traveler may purchase the insurance including but not limited to the business traveler, adventure traveler, student traveler and the international traveler. There are many features that can be included in the policies to create the right one for your needs.

Travel insurance covers many things, including medical expenses, emergency evacuations, injury or accidental death, disablement benefits, curtailment, delays in trip time, legal assistance, lost luggage and replacement of emergency essentials, damage, theft or loss of personal items such as money and travel documents, trip cancellations, overseas funeral costs, and also will usually include liability for rental car damages.

The policies vary widely depending on travel insurance company and travel supplier. The policy can be customized to meet the traveler’s needs and price. There are some companies that will offer insurance to cover any additional trip expenses that may arise.

A separate policy can be purchased to cover any high risk or dangerous sports participation such as rock climbing, sky diving, or skiing as well as one to cover any pre-existing medical conditions like asthma or diabetes. Travel to countries that are known for natural disasters, terrorism acts or have a war status will create the need for a separate policy for travel to the high risk country.

On your basic travel insurance policy you can expect that certain things will be excluded from coverage. Pre-existing medical conditions, injury or illness that was caused by alcohol or drug use, and war and terrorism will most likely be excluded. You can purchase separate policies for war and terrorism from some insurance companies.

The first trimester of pregnancy is normally covered by travel insurance for nay related expenses. Travel during pregnancy may not be covered from trimester to trimester so ask your travel insurance company about their policy.

Travel insurance can be very helpful with services that are operating 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Emergency travel assistance and concierge service are the two most used services for travel insurance policy holders. You can expect to pay about 5-7% of the total trip cost for the travel insurance policy.

Susan Reynolds is the webmaster for a leading South African Insurance Provider who specialises in Travel Insurance.