Imagine spending months planning the perfect exotic getaway only for a hurricane to ravage the destination a few days before your flight is set to take off. Situations like these are why travel insurance is a good thing to have in your back pocket just in case an emergency arises.
According to Nationwide, travel insurance is coverage designed to protect against risks and financial losses that could occur while traveling. Travel insurance could cost five to 10 percent of your total trip cost, however, it is worth it if something goes wrong that is out of your control. For example, let’s say your flight overseas is canceled due to a political uprising kicking off in the place you’re traveling to. It would reimburse the cost of your flight that you’d lost.
Insurance also helps cover medical expenses if you are injured while traveling. It is also recommended by the U.S. State Department as a necessity for all travelers.
When purchasing, make sure you always read the fine print. There are some things that aren’t covered by travel insurance, and it is important to know what all your policy covers.
No matter what company you decide to purchase coverage from, be sure you opt in for the ‘cancel for any reason’ add-on option. This ensures that your canceled trip is covered, no matter the reason for the cancellation.
Keep in mind that there are a handful of circumstances that are not covered by most travel insurance policies. Some of these things include health crises and natural disasters pre-existing before policy purchase, travel for medical procedures, losses due to mental or psychiatric disorders, and childbirth expenses.
When you’re preparing for your next business trip or a luxury getaway, consider acquiring travel insurance to cover all your bases in case an emergency takes place. It could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the future.