When it comes to travel insurance, and especially insuring your health, we are so used to the idea that we may feel like it was always there: you go on a trip, you get insurance. Common sense!
But this is actually a fairly recent development in the grand scheme of travelling things: travel and health insurance was introduced in 1863 by James Batterson. He was the first to realize that travel posed a unique risk collection of its own and decided to do something about it. Click here to learn a little more about this man and his work. For our purposes in the present time, though, here is some stuff you may not have known about your travel health insurance.
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Post trip expenses cover your pre trip too
Did you know that the health insurance you get for your trip is valid for more than just during, and sometime after, your adventure on the road? There is a valid reason for why experienced travelers will talk your ears off about getting your travel insurance early.
For a period of up to sixty days before you actually depart, you are protected from stuff like losing your deposit or a cancelled journey in case the weather goes freak, or if there happens to be some political turmoil at your destination which results in your trip having to be cancelled.
It even works for “domestic accidents”, such as getting injured in a way that messes up your travel plans. If this sort of thing happens, your transportation price (e.g. airline tickets) and your accommodations payments will be reimbursed, insofar as it is dictated by your policy benefits. So, in other words, once you have made and confirmed your travel plans, the sooner you get your insurance the more use you will be able to get out of it.
Attractive prices can often mean ugly value
What we mean to say by this is, just because an insurance plan is financially affordable for you, it may not be your most economic option in terms of the value you get for the price. Those basic plans that come at the lowest costs may not actually cover the things you need them to, so they end up costing you more due to additional expenses on the spot. If you are wondering how to figure out the best option, you can always use GoBear plans in Singapore, or any other comparison service online available in the country you are visiting.
If you would rather place your trust in your own brain than an algorithm, sit down for a bit and analyze your needs. Here are some things that you should consider:
Where do you intend to go? There are some insurance providers who will refuse to offer any coverage for trips to countries that are deemed high risk. How long will your journey last? The overall length of your trip will directly influence the cost of your insurance.
Are you planning to have companions along for the trip? There is actually a greater level of consideration for certain, shall we say, “travel party configurations”. Typical examples would include travelling with an elderly companion, travelling with a child, or travelling with a companion of any age who has a diagnosed medical condition. Even if you are travelling solo, you may be considered differently with regards to your safety and health hazards, especially if you are female.
Finally, what activities do you have planned for the duration of your trip? They will likely affect the categorization of your journey and the specification of your health insurance plan. Additional riders are commonly attached to policies for trips that are classified as “adventure travel”, e.g. safaris, scuba diving trips, mountaineering trips etc. Find out what falls into this category at this web page: https://www.tripsavvy.com/types-of-adventure-travel-34304
So, in view of all of these factors, paying a little bit extra can save you loads of money and headaches down the road, especially if you are bringing along some expensive equipment or intending to pursue any extreme sports types of activities.
Your medical expenses have a time limit on them
If you should happen to get sick while you are abroad, or right after you return from overseas, the medical expenses you will be facing while handling your post trip disease will typically be covered by your insurance policy. However, there is a catch to it.
For the vast majority of travel insurance providers, they have a stipulation that you have to seek out medical help within the first 48 hours of the moment when you return from your trip. Any later than that and you are out of luck, buddy, sorry. Also, if you are looking to file a claim, you have to make sure to do so within the terms specified by your policy (always read the fine print at least three times), and you have to file it immediately. Last but not least, always remember to point out to your consulting medical professional, at whatever clinic you decide to go to, that you are covered with your travel insurance.
These three things are the most essential information you need to keep in mind when getting your medical insurance for a trip. You have more options than just referring to it after your return! What else would you like to know? Request a sequel in the comments!