Travelling abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with a certain level of risk. Whether it’s unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, or lost or stolen luggage, the financial burden of these events can be significant. That’s why online overseas travel insurance is essential for anyone planning an international trip. This type of insurance provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of potential risks, so you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you’re protected. And with the convenience of purchasing international travel insurance online, which provides overseas insurance coverage directly through insurance providers’ websites, is just amazing as it’s easier to secure coverage before your trip. So don’t let unexpected events ruin your travels; invest in a travel insurance plan today.
[Also Check: Business Travel Insurance]
How Does Overseas Travel Insurance Work?
Let’s say you purchase overseas travel insurance, which includes trip cancellation benefits, to shield your upcoming trip to Europe. A week before departure, you experience a severe headache, and your doctor diagnoses you with meningitis. Your doctor advises you to cancel the trip as it can be life-threatening to travel in such a condition. With travel insurance, you will gain the money you planned for your vacation.
Luckily as you are ready; a severe, incapacitating illness can provide a ground reason for trip cancellation, which means you can be reimbursed for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Once you are feeling better, you gather the required documents, such as your airfare and hotel receipts and information about any refunds you did or did not receive, and file a claim. You can even receive your reimbursement via direct deposit to your debit card or check.
- Travel insurance while overseas may also pay expenses upfront in case of emergency medical treatment or transportation.
- Some plans include an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement for losses related to COVID-19.
- Check your plan’s Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation for specific coverage and limitations.
- Benefits may not cover the total cost of a loss and have maximum limits of liability
- Travel insurance reimburses you for covered financial losses after a claim is approved.
- Filing a claim involves submitting proof of loss to the insurance provider.
- Claims can be filed online or through a phone app.
What is Covered in International Travel Insurance?
Unless specified otherwise, international travel insurance typically includes the following types of coverage:
- Emergency Medical Expenses: This coverage pays for medical treatment and hospitalisation if you become ill or injured while travelling abroad. It also provides coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption: This coverage refunds you for prepaid, nonrefundable trip costs if you have to call off or interrupt your trip due to a reason covered, such as a severe illness or a death in the family.
- Baggage and Personal Effects: This coverage reimburses you for lost or stolen damaged luggage and personal items while travelling.
- Travel Delay: This coverage reimburses you for additional expenses incurred due to a delay in your scheduled trip, such as meals and accommodation.
- 24-hour Assistance Services: This coverage assists with emergency medical and travel-related issues, such as lost passport assistance and emergency cash transfers.
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment: This coverage provides financial compensation for unexpected or dismemberment while travelling.
- Hijack and Kidnap: This coverage provides financial compensation for hijack or kidnapping while travelling.
- Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains: This coverage provides for evacuation and return of mortal
Now, there are certain elements that international travel insurance does not cover. Although it depends greatly on the insurance provider, there are some general exclusions, and here goes a list.
Things Not Covered in International Travel Insurance
While the specific coverage of international travel insurance can vary depending on the policy and provider, there are generally some exclusions or limitations to what is covered. Here are some examples:
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Many travel insurance policies may exclude coverage for medical conditions that existed before the trip or that were not disclosed at the time of purchase.
- High-risk activities: Some policies may not cover certain high-risk activities such as extreme sports, skydiving, or mountaineering.
- Acts of terrorism or war: Some policies may exclude coverage for losses or injuries that result from acts of terrorism or war.
- Intentional self-harm or reckless behaviour: Most policies will not cover any loss or injury that results from intentional self-harm or reckless behaviour.
- Illegal activities: Any loss or injury that results from illegal activities, such as drug use or criminal behaviour, may not be covered.
- Travel to certain countries: Some policies may exclude coverage for travel to countries that are deemed unsafe or unstable by the insurance provider.
It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your international travel insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not covered.
Conclusion
Overseas travel insurance is a type of insurance that covers a wide range of potential risks while travelling abroad. It provides financial protection for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. By purchasing online international travel insurance, travellers can secure coverage before their trip and have peace of mind knowing they are protected.
