On any trip, the most important insurance is, undoubtedly, medical. That is why travel agencies automatically include basic health insurance in the cost of the tour. Those who prefer to travel independently should take care of their insurance themselves by ordering it online or purchasing it at the office of the insurance company.
For the Schengen Member States, it is compulsory to take out medical insurance with a coverage amount of 30 thousand euros. At the same time for countries in South-East Asia, Japan, USA, Canada and Australia you will most likely need a coverage of 50 thousand euros. Even when you travel to a country where insurance is not necessary, we advise you not to risk you well-being and still arrange for medical insurance. The fact is that all those who have at least once had to pay for medical services abroad with their own money, know perfectly well how high the medical bill can be.
Anyone can afford standard medical insurance (ranging from 0.5 euros to 2 euros for each day abroad). On average, the insurance for a week in Europe will cost 7 euros. However, the amount of health insurance will go up if a child or an elderly person is traveling. Additional risks (skiing, rock climbing, diving), as well as the number of countries visited, will also increase the final cost of the policy.
Medical insurance should at least cover expenses in case of a real threat to life and health – payment for medication and medical services, transportation to the hospital or home if necessary. Tourists are oftentimes offered additional insurance against unforeseen emergencies. Please note that the options for extended health insurance may vary between different insurance companies.
In addition to health insurance, you can also insure your luggage. You can purchase a policy both from the insurance company and when buying a ticket. In this case, your insurer will have to pay damages in the event of loss, delay, damage or theft of luggage during transportation. The insurance company can also compensate for the purchase of essentials. However, note that the amount of refund can not exceed the value of the luggage itself. Also, if it turns out that you as insured person are guilty in an insured case (gross negligence, intent, etc.), you can forget about compensation.
Planning a trip in advance, some travelers prefer to insure themselves against trip cancellation. Travel expenses will be reimbursed if the traveler himself or a close relative is sick, documents have been stolen or burnt, property damaged, visa refused or a summons received from the court or the military registration and enlistment office.
Holiday-makers who travel by car should also decide on the insurance. Obligatory for traveling abroad is the so-called public indemnity insurance and its foreigh equivalents. Also, you can additionally insure the car against damage as a result of the actions of third parties, accidents or theft. It is relevant to have such insurance, if you are going to visit Southern European countries – there especially frequent are instances of parking cars leaving dents or scratches on nearby vehicles.
When choosing a company where to purchase your insurance, rely on the reputation of the insurance provider, which shall reimburse the costs, as well as friends' recommendations. Even if you overpay for a trusworthy name a little bit, consider it another insurance of your well-being. It's always better when everything is under control!