More and more people are getting travel insurance before traveling abroad because they want to have a worry-free trip.
Last year alone insurers attended a total of 440,000 Spaniards who suffered a mishap abroad.
Just as we invest time in looking for the best deals on flights and accommodation, it is also important to take the time to select a travel insurance that fits your needs, since not always the cheapest option is the best one.
At Fit 2 Trip we can explain the most important aspects to consider when choosing a travel insurance. However, it is important that you read all your documents in detail, to make sure that the policy covers all your needs.
1. Medical Emergency Cover and Repatriation
Medical treatment abroad is one of the highest costs that travellers can incur if they need treatment whilst overseas. Keep in mind that medical costs vary greatly from one country to another. In the United States, for example, a night in the hospital can costs about $ 7,000, but the average inpatient stay is usually $ 30,000. Make sure emergency medical benefits are sufficiently high enough to cover costs. If travelling to the USA, look for a policy that provides emergency medical cover of at least 1€ million The repatriation benefit covers the cost of your return home if it is medically necessary, however this benefit will generally be the choice of your travel insurers medical officer.
2. Cancellation and Curtailment Cover
Travel insurance with cancellation coverage will assure you the reimbursement of many of the expenses contracted before you travel, in case you can not enjoy your trip due to many different situations. Curtailment coverage covers you for the cost of travel and the reimbursement of unused or missed travel arrangements if you have to return home in the event that an emergency happens at home, whilst you are travelling.
3. Baggage Cover
Baggage coverage will protect you from the accidental loss, theft or damage of your baggage and valuables, as well as baggage delay. Check the cover benefits for any individual limits to valuables and franchises.
4. Duration and territories covered
The duration of your trip and the destination/s are important factors to consider when selecting the type of policy you are looking for. It is important to get a travel insurance that adapts to the characteristics of our trip. You may want to go on a weekend trip, a one month trip, or travel for the whole year. Some companies offer travel insurance for single tips and annual coverage. The territories covered also differ from one company to another, as well as the premium. The premium usually vary depending on the accessibility and characteristics of the health system of the country, among others. The US, Canada, Hong Kong and China are usually under the group of countries with the highest premium.
5. Possibility of grouping all the members of the trip
For example, when traveling as a couple, it is advisable to get an insurance that covers both members together, instead of insurance for each one. In case of repatriation the individual insurance will only cover the return trip of the affected person, and not the companion.
6. Franchises
The franchise (sometimes called the Excess) is amount of the claim that is the responsibility of the customer to pay. A higher franchise will normally reduce the premium that an insurer will charge.
7. Possibility of adding sports and other activities.
If you are planning on taking part in any activities whilst on your trip, like skiing or snowboarding, make sure you have the correct cover, as many insurers will need you to tell them about any activities before you travel.
8. 24-hour customer service in case of emergency, plus attendance in your own language.
In the event of an emergency, travel insurers should provide you with access to a 24-hour call centre to assist you. Make sure you know the contact details for this service before you travel.
9. Coverage for preexisting medical conditions and different age groups.
If you take tablets or suffer from an ongoing medical condition, many travel insurers will not cover you in the event that you have a medical emergency because of your condition. Travel insurers refer to these as ‘pre-existing conditions’ and many exclude coverage. If you suffer from a medical condition or have in the past received treatment, make sure that your travel insurance will still cover you for medical emergencies.
Fit 2 Trip offers travel insurance for families, couples, individual travellers and people with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, cancer, heart disease and others. You can choose between single health insurance policies or multi-risk policies, in addition to the basic, standard or premium coverage level. You can also choose between single or multi-trip travel insurance and add summer activities.