Should I get travel insurance?

On your to-do list before you depart on your adventure, ‘get travel insurance’ is probably low or not on the list at all. Unfortunately, travel insurance is usually something most of us don’t think of until it’s too late.

What is travel insurance?

It is coverage while you’re away from home that will protect you in the event of an illness or injury. Travel insurance can cover emergencies, cancellation coverage or events such as lost baggage, theft, or terrorism. It can be tailored to your needs or the regulations of the country you’re traveling.

Why you should get travel insurance:

You have a lot invested in your trip

• Just like how some people insure jewelry, insuring a vacation you’ve spent a lot on can ease some of the worry of “What will I do if something happens?”

You are travelling outside your home country

• Your medical insurance might not apply outside of your home country.
• Don’t assume that all countries have the same medical facilities as your home country. In cases of accidents, you might need transportation to another place to get the medical attention you need. Medical bills aren’t the best souvenirs.

You are travelling during severe weather season

• You quickly figure out the reason for cheap hotel rates- it’s monsoon season. Travelling during the off season can save you money, but can cost you much more if you get unlucky with severe weather.
• Travel insurance plans can be crafted to cover you in these cases:
• Trip cancellation – if you need to cancel your trip due to weather, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
• Trip interruption – if you are traveling and your trip is interrupted due to severe weather.
• If you live somewhere prone to severe weather and you cannot return home from a trip due to your home being uninhabitable.

You are a daredevil

• If you think you’re going to participate in any adventure sports, travel insurance can be your safety net in cases of physical injury.
• Even if you’re traveling domestically for your ski trip and you have medical insurance, travel insurance tailored to your situation could save you more money.

Your credit card doesn’t have travel insurance

• Some travel credit cards do have travel insurance, but there are some terms that you’ll have to read the fine print on. For starters, the whole trip has to have been purchased on the card.
• While calling credit card companies isn’t particularly enjoyable, a phone call is better than assuming you are covered and finding out otherwise.
• You can also top-off your current credit card travel insurance for more peace of mind.

You're traveling to one of the following countries:

• The United States (from outside the US), Schengen countries (26 European countries, including France, Germany and Italy), Cuba, Russia, Antarctica.
• Check with the country or countries you’re travelling to for specific regulations - some countries require more comprehensive coverage than others.

How do I get travel insurance?

You can purchase travel insurance here at Get Benefits through our sister company, NW Benefit Advantage. You can request a quote and get more information here.

Once you purchase a travel health insurance plan, be sure to keep copies of your policy and insurance ID card with you at all times during your travels. Bon voyage!