THE CHOICE IS YOURS
By Jason Jourdan
Travel insurance provides extra protection when vacation plans go sideways. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most overlooked trip-planning necessities. International travel medical insurance is a Swiss Army knife of policy protection for anyone traveling abroad. The past year has shown the need for travel insurance and the importance of finding policies tailored to the needs of vacationers. Choosing the right all-purpose plan requires planning and research to find the best coverage.
Purchasing travel insurance can be one of the most complicated and confusing aspects of trip planning. When choosing an insurance policy for international travel, travelers need to decide on the amount of coverage necessary, shop and compare plans online and ensure their intended destination is covered. The U.S. Travel Association has resources detailing which countries require travel insurance.
A wide range of policy options exists for nearly every traveler’s needs. For example, insurance companies offer coverage for older passengers, provide plans for resort packages or cruises, and even protect those seeking edgier experiences like skiing, parasailing, or scuba diving.
At a minimum, international travelers should be searching for policies including coverage for:
- Personal injury, accidents, sudden illness
- Lost or damaged items
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Trip interruption coverage
Comprehensive travel insurance plans average between 4% to 8% of the total cost of a trip. However, pricing will vary depending on:
- Length of trip
- Cost of local/destination health care
- Need for pre-existing condition coverage
- Amount of overall coverage required
- Ages of travelers
There are a few key considerations to be weighed when choosing the best travel insurance policies. Solid insurance providers offer at least $100,000 in coverage with options to buy more. Travel insurance policies should include emergency evacuations, related medical expenses, and funds for a return trip home. In addition to continencies for injury, illness, cancelations, and lost or stolen possessions, informed travelers expect their coverage to extend to most countries worldwide and to have 24/7 access to an advisor or agent for assistance.
The financial planning gurus at Nerdwallet inspired the following recommendations for choosing a travel insurance policy
- Evaluate financial risks of travel
- Review existing coverage and sources
- Get quotes online
- Comparatively shop coverage
- Buy policies early
Insurance policies come equipped with fine print, and it’s a safe bet an international travel medical insurance policy will come fully loaded! Reading and understanding the details helps to alleviate confusion in an emergency and gives the traveler confidence in knowing what is and what isn’t covered.
Industry experts predict that the purchase of travel medical insurance will become an inseparable component of international travel. Of course, choosing the right policy won’t mitigate every risk associated with a trip abroad, but it will provide a healthy dose of peace of mind. International travel medical insurance from Point Comfort® offers policies with benefits to cover a range of travel contingencies, including:
- CCOVID-19 Medical Expense Coverage up to the Policy Maximum
- Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
- Emergency Medical Reunion
- Return of Minor Child
- Emergency Traveler Assistance
Choose the travel insurance with the right coverage for international trips and COVID-19 protection. Compare other insurance plans and discover your point of comfort with the peace of mind benefits of Point Comfort® international travel medical insurance!
CLICK HERE for your FREE quote.
