An unexpected event can turn your dream vacation into an unpleasant nightmare. If you’re traveling outside of the country, there are many factors that can disrupt your travel plans, from political instability to bad weather and even terrorism in some cases. Fortunately, travel insurance can protect you from most of these disruptions so you can focus on enjoying your trip instead of worrying about all the ways it could go wrong. But before you buy, make sure you understand how it works and how to select the right plan for your needs. Here’s what you need to know about travel insurance before you go.
How does travel insurance work?
If you’re traveling abroad, travel insurance is an absolute must. If something happens while you’re away (and while you’re on vacation, things do happen), travel insurance can cover anything from canceling a hotel stay due to illness or injury, to emergency medical transportation and evacuation in case of a natural disaster or serious accident. It can even cover your luggage if it gets lost or stolen—and if you go overboard with souvenirs, that could be worth its weight in gold.
Which kind of travel insurance is right for you?
There are several different types of travel insurance, each covering a specific set of risks. In order to know which kind is right for you, first, you need to consider your plans. For example, if you’re planning on working overseas in a foreign country, it’s probably best that you get employer-sponsored health insurance and life/income insurance instead of travel insurance.