Travel Insurance
Naturally, you hope that you won't need to use it, but it is better to be prepared in order to prevent high costs. That's why in this blog we will cover the most frequently asked questions about travel insurance, what it covers, when it is valid, and how you take it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need travel insurance?
- What is the difference between travel insurance and cancellation insurance?
- How do you get travel insurance?
- How far in advance do I have to get travel insurance?
- How much does travel insurance cost?
- How can you get travel insurance if you are already abroad?
- Which travel insurance do I need for winter sports?
- Which travel insurance do I need for a long trip?
- Do I get a travel insurance reimbursement for a delayed flight?
- Is travel insurance valid when there is an increased level travel advisory?
Why do I need travel insurance?
An accident is waiting just around the corner! Cliché maybe, but it certainly can be true when you’re on vacation. Your phone could fall out of your pocket into the sea, you could get lost while hiking in the mountains or your wallet could be stolen from your bag in a busy square. When abroad, medical costs in particular are often high. In Spain, for example, you could pay AUD $70,000 at a private clinic for a leg fracture. It could happen to you!
What does travel insurance cover?
- Treatment in the event of illness or accident: With a standard health insurance policy only the cost of treatment in Australia is usually covered. Abroad, treatment is often (much) more expensive.
- Theft or lost luggage: Items are reimbursed up to a maximum amount (varies per insurance policy, check your coverage).
- Breakdown when travelling with your own car: Replacement transport is usually included. The rental company policy applies to rental cars.
- Death or permanent disability as a result of an accident.
What is not covered?
- Damage due to intentional reckless behavior or gross negligence. For example, if an accident happens under the influence of alcohol.
- Damage or theft due to negligence. For example, if you don't keep your belongings safe.
What is the difference between travel insurance and cancellation insurance?
Travel insurance generally reimburses costs incurred during your trip. Cancellation insurance reimburses costs incurred beforehand, if the trip cannot be made, for example, due to illness or death. Cancellation insurance must be taken out when booking your trip or within a few days of booking. You are insured for the period before your departure. After that, it is no longer possible to get cancellation insurance. Travel insurance can be taken out up to a few minutes before departure.
How do I get the travel insurance?
There are many different companies that offer travel insurance. You can choose between a short-term travel insurance policy (only for your vacation time) or a continuous travel insurance policy. Which type is cheaper depends on how often you travel, and where.
How far in advance do I have to get travel insurance?
You can get travel insurance until just before departure. Even while packing your backpack. The easiest way, however, is to get travel insurance when you book so that you don't forget it and face any unpleasant surprises. You can also get comprehensive insurance just before your vacation. This is valid immediately. Do you already have comprehensive travel insurance? Be sure to check in advance whether the coverage is sufficient for your destination so that you still have time to adjust it, if needed.
How much does travel insurance cost?
Comparatively, travel insurance does not cost very much. You will spend a lot more money if something happens and you have to pay out-of-pocket! The cost of travel insurance is calculated per person per vacation day. The longer your trip lasts, the more you pay for travel insurance. It is often cheaper to get travel and cancellation insurance at the same time.
How can I get travel insurance if I am already abroad?
You may already be abroad when you remember that you have not taken out travel insurance. In that case, it is still possible to get regular travel insurance. This is then valid from the moment you purchase the insurance.
Which travel insurance do I need for winter sports?
Winter sports and other special sports have an additional risk of accidents. Not every travel insurance policy covers these possible extra costs. You often have to get additional insurance for this.
Which travel insurance do I need for a long trip?
For a trip of more than 60 days you can get travel insurance with an extension to the regular term. There are also other options, for example for studying, living or travelling abroad. In many cases, the contents of your house are also covered. The best choice for your long trip depends on the purpose (are you going to live there, are you planning to travel, etc.?)
Do I get a travel insurance reimbursement for a delayed flight?
Travel insurance does not provide reimbursement for a delayed or cancelled flight. In some cases, cancellation insurance does. If there was no ‘force majeure’ for the delay and the delay is longer than 3 hours, you are often entitled to compensation as a passenger, even without insurance.
Is travel insurance valid when there is an increased level travel advisory?
Travel insurance should be valid if the government has issued an increased level travel advisory for your destination, check your policy. However, this only applies to accidents that are not related to the cause of the travel advisory. This applies to both short-term and comprehensive travel insurance policies. So, if you drop your phone in the water or fall and break your leg in an area with a travel advisory, you will be insured.
Now you know everything there is to know about travel insurance. Get travel insurance and enjoy your vacation without any worries today!
