As tourist destinations have slowly started to recover, Forbes has listed down some important travel insurance tips that are worth sharing. Forbes believes that a solid travel insurance plan is a smart way to protect the investment you make in a trip in case the unexpected happens.
Here are the top 10 travel insurance tips for 2022 listed by Forbes.
1. Match Coverage to Your Journey and Destination
Your vacation destination and itinerary play a significant role in determining how much coverage you might need. Let’s say you’re booking an overseas excursion with connecting flights that include multiple sightseeing tours, entertainment at various venues, and some exploration and sporty activities.
2. Travel Medical Insurance for Overseas Travel
If you’re traveling only within the U.S., your health plan likely covers medical costs. But it might have very limited if any, coverage overseas. Check your plan’s details for global coverage to see how much travel medical insurance you may need, and Medicare typically isn’t accepted abroad.
3. Buy Travel Insurance Soon After You Book Your Trip
You forfeit some benefits if you don’t buy a travel insurance policy shortly after booking a trip. Some types of coverage are available only within a specific time frame, generally around 14 to 21 days after making the first trip deposit.
4. Consider Pros and Cons of “Cancel For Any Reason” Coverage
Standard trip cancellation benefits apply only when you cancel for a reason listed in your policy. But if you want the greatest flexibility, consider “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) travel insurance. It reimburses a portion of the non-refundable, prepaid expenses of your trip if you want to cancel for reasons not listed in the base policy. It adds an average of 50% to an insurance plan’s cost. And it has some special rules.
5. Travel Insurance With Cancel For Any Reason Cover
6. Check Your Credit Card’s Perks for Travel Insurance
Before you put down money on a travel insurance plan, look into what coverage you might already have in your wallet. You might be pleasantly surprised if your credit card includes travel insurance.
7. Look into Adventure Travel Insurance If You’re Planning Riskier Activities
Travel insurance policies typically have exclusions for high-risk activities. For example, if you’re skydiving or parasailing during the trip, your travel medical insurance might not cover you if you get injured.
8. Confirm Covid Coverage and Check Visitor Guidelines
Not all travel insurance policies include coverage for pandemics. If you’re concerned about Covid-related problems, be sure plans you’re considering cover Covid-related cancellations and medical costs.
And be aware that many countries still have Covid-related rules for visitors. For instance, you may need to show proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test taken within three days before your departure. Be sure to ask your travel agent or check government websites for the most current guidelines.
9. Find Out if Your Travel Insurance Company Has a Mobile App
Some travel insurance companies have mobile apps that make it easy to manage your trip plans (and problems) on the go. For example, the Allianz TravelSmart app provides live flight updates, and you can use it to access Alllianz’s 24-hour concierge and assistance services.
10. Don’t Assume Travel Insurance Is Cost-Prohibitive
You may think travel insurance is a pricey proposition, but it can be relatively affordable. If you’ve paid thousands of dollars in deposits for your vacation, travel insurance can be a wise way to safeguard the investment.