Being delighted at the idea of going on an international vacation is pretty understandable. It keeps you excited and enthusiastic. You, of course, start preparing for the trip in well advance, and the first thing that strikes your mind is to contact a reliable travel agent to plan your tour. After contacting your travel agent, you prepare a checklist of things to carry along, go shopping, and do your packing. You are all set for a great holiday trip to experience the best out of it.
However, while preparing for an international tour, you might often overlook travel insurance. And this is the case with a lot of travelers.
Myth: My domestic insurance plan covers me.
Fact: You may be under the belief that your domestic insurance provides cover for expenses related to medical treatments abroad. This is not the case always unless you have an insurance policy that includes cover for overseas treatment. Therefore, to be on the safer side, you should get travel insurance so that you can enjoy your holidays stress-free. Many people have a false belief that their existing domestic health insurance or insurance through their credit card will cover them, making additional travel insurance unnecessary to purchase. The fact is such coverage is very limited in what they cover before or during your trip.
Myth: Low claim settlements.
Fact: It is a common misconception that it might be challenging to get a travel insurance claim. To get a claim smoothly, you would have to follow the specific procedure and submit the needed proofs and documents to the travel insurer, who would then verify and settle the case.
Myth: Your airline will reimburse you in case your flight gets canceled or delayed.
Fact: In most countries, including the US, you are not entitled to any compensation, meals, or lodging expenses from an airline if your flight is delayed due to some reasons which are beyond the airline’s control, such as inclement weather, air traffic delays, or mechanical issues. The maximum an airline can do is getting you to your destination when the next flight is available. On the other hand, travel insurance covers meals and hotel rooms if your trip is detained beyond a specific duration.
Myth: You will have to buy travel insurance every time you take a trip.
Fact: Though this can be done if this is what suits your travel needs, it is not the only option. There are annual multi-trip travel insurance policies also available. But, yes, if you are about to trip to the USA or Canada, you will have to purchase destination-specific policies and keep you covered for a maximum duration of 60 days per trip.
Myth: Travel insurance won’t cover hazardous activities.
Fact: It is no so that travel your insurance will not cover dangerous or activities that include high-risk. If you are going to do bungee jumping on your next vacation, or if your next cruise includes parasailing or scuba diving activity, you should purchase appropriate travel insurance that would cover such activities. There are many travel insurance policies that have such coverage. Suppose you believe that a travel insurance plan is only for those who will be participating in risky adventure sports activities like sky diving or ice climbing. In that case, you should clarify that they are not the only ones who need travel insurance.
