International travel is an activity that many seniors in semi of full retirement enjoy to do. Many look forward to traveling to other parts of the world for various reasons, such as business, tourism, vacation, pilgrimage, education, and medical attention.
International Travel
The euphoria of traveling outside one’s home country is usually accompanied by extensive planning. A lot of time and money is spent to ensure everyone has a good time. These include the purchase of an international passport, medical tests (if necessary), costly visa processing fees, flight booking, and hotel reservations.
Many people will go to any length to make their dreams of international travel come true. International travel is enjoyable and something to look forward to. Many travelers regard to travel, particularly international travel, as a form of education. It’s an opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and learn how things are done in other countries.
Regardless of the trip’s original purpose, international travel provides the traveler numerous opportunities. These include business, educational, and employment opportunities, as well as marital opportunities. Unfortunately, these (potential) travelers only see these and many other options. Because it is easy to be unaware of the risks associated with international travel, many travelers fail to take precautions.
At this point, you may wonder, “What are the risks associated with international travel?” That’s an excellent question. Just keep reading because most of those dangers are covered in the following sections.
The Dangers of International Travel
As attractive, fun, enjoyable, profitable, and educational as it is, international travel has its drawbacks – the risks – just like everything else in life. And thankfully, most of these risks can be transferred to professional travel insurance providers by purchasing travel insurance, also known as “travel health insurance” or “travel medical insurance.”
These international travel risks are numerous and diverse, including, but not limited to:
- Sudden illness in the country of destination requiring urgent medical attention and/or hospitalization.
- Involvement in an accident leading to bodily injuries, temporary or permanent disability, or death
- Loss of checked-in baggage
- Loss of valuable items such as international passport, drivers’ licence, national identity card, etc.
- Personal liabilities abroad
- Emergency dental cases
- Hijacking
- Arrest by law enforcement agencies requiring bail and legal defense
Another question you may have at this point is, “Do travel insurance policies cover all of the risks mentioned above?” And the answer is a resounding YES, as well as much more.
Benefits and Coverage
The majority of the covers and benefits of travel insurance policies are listed below, depending on the provider. Look for these coverages and benefits the next time you buy travel insurance.
- Medical Expenses and hospitalization abroad
- Emergency Medical Evacuation
- Repatriation after treatment
- Emergency dental care
- Repatriation of family member traveling with the insured
- Travel of one Immediate Family Member
- Emergency Return Home following Death of Close Relative
- Repatriation of Mortal Remains
- Medical Assistance
- Legal Assistance
- Pre-Departure Services
- International General Assistance
- Abroad Information Assistance about lost Luggage and Passport,
- Delivery of Medicines
- Legal Defence
- Advance of Bail Bond
- Hijacking in means of Public Transport
- Loss of Passport, driving license, national identity card abroad
- Compensation for in-flight loss of checked-in baggage
- Compensation for delay in the arrival of luggage
- Delayed Departure
- Location and forwarding of baggage and personal effects.
- Accidental Death
- Permanent Disability
- Personal Civil Liability
- Trip Cancellation Expenses
Risks Not Covered By Travel Insurance Policies
After discussing the coverage and benefits provided by travel insurance, it is also important to consider the risks that are not covered by the majority of these policies, which are listed below:
- Participation in criminal acts, or as a result of their fraudulent, seriously negligent, or reckless actions, including those actions of the Insured in a state of derangement or under psychiatric treatment costs for which are themselves excluded;
- Natural phenomena such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, atypical cyclonic storms, falling objects from space and aerolites, and in general, any extraordinary atmospheric, meteorological, seismic, or geological phenomenon or any other type of natural disaster;
- Events arising from terrorism, mutiny or crowd disturbances;
- Events or actions of the Armed Forces or Security Forces in peacetime;
- Wars, with or without prior declaration, and any conflicts or international interventions using force, coercion, or military operations of whatever type.
- Participation in bets, challenges, or brawls, save in the case of legitimate defense or necessity;
- Pre-existing Illness or injuries
- Participation in competitions, sports, and preparatory or training tests;
- Motor racing or motorcycle racing, horse riding, climbing, pot holing, boxing, wrestling in any of its modes, martial arts, parachuting, hot air ballooning, free falling, gliding, and, in general, any sport or recreational activity that is known to be dangerous;
- Participation in competitions or tournaments organized by sporting federations or similar organizations.
- Hazardous winter and summer sports such as skiing and similar sports.
- Work-related accidents
- Internationally and locally recognized epidemics.
- Illnesses or injuries arising from chronic ailments or from those that existed before the inception date of the policy;
- Death or injuries as a result of suicide or attempted suicide or any self-inflicted injuries.
- Illness, injuries, or pathological states caused by the consumption of alcohol, drugs, toxic substances, narcotics, or medicines acquired without medical prescription, as well as any mental illness or mental imbalance;
- Illness or injuries caused by pregnancy and childbirth or any complication therefore or voluntary termination of pregnancy;
Where to Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is easily purchased online, and numerous travel insurance providers offering policies. Find your preferred provider, fill out the online form or questionnaire, and pay. The policy will be made available for immediate printing and emailed to you.
Travel insurance can also be purchased offline from a local insurance company or travel agency. Whatever you use, you can be confident that you will be fully protected against insurable travel risks.
Tip: Ensure you’re fully transparent about your health when filling out your travel insurance questionnaire. If unsure, see your doctor and a local travel insurance agent to get the appropriate coverage.
Using Your Travel Insurance
After purchasing your travel insurance policy, whether self-purchased through the provider’s online portal, at a travel agency, or through a local insurance company, make sure you keep the document with you while traveling. This is critical because relevant bodies may require you to produce that document.
Take special note of your policy number (if possible, copy it somewhere else), as it will be required by service providers to identify you when you call them for help correctly.
Another thing to note on your travel insurance certificate or policy document is the insurance company’s phone number, which you will need to call if you require assistance. Take note of these numbers, which are always prominently displayed on the travel insurance document.
Conclusion and Summary
Other benefits provided by travel insurance policies cannot be discussed in detail here. However, after reading the few advantages mentioned above, you will agree that Travel Insurance is a must-have for a successful trip. So, the next time you plan an international trip, ensure you get travel insurance. It is reasonably priced, and anyone can afford it. It will provide you with enormous peace of mind and protection.
Originally posted 2019-10-19 11:53:22.
