Why use travel insurance?
Travel insurance is viewed by many as an optional extra, a “nice to have”. In most foreign countries expenses can be way in excess of what may be expected at home. This is even more so coupled with the weak South African exchange rate.
The need for travel insurance therefore becomes all the more relevant.
Not many have the luxury of paying for unforeseen emergencies out of their own pocket!
For example: You don’t want to be stranded, because the airline or hotel group you booked with has gone bankrupt!
Most travel insurance packages include:
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Medical evacuation
- Baggage
- Flight insurance
Purchasing travel insurance is vital:
- When traveling to destinations where health care may not be up to acceptable standards
- When traveling to destinations, where the choice of airlines, car rental companies, accommodation may be limited
- When traveling with a group, who may be affected by events concerning one member of the group (For groups, most travel insurance companies offer group policies)
- For the elderly or infirm.
In some cases personal insurance may cover you, but always check with your insurance company before travelling. Most insurance companies will be transparent about what their insurance does not cover, but it is always prudent to ask.
Examples of when you may not be covered:
- Labour unrest or strikes
- Mountain climbing, bungee cord jumping, skydiving or travel on any air-supported device other than on a regularly scheduled airline
- Loss of artificial limbs, false teeth, spectacles, hearing aids
- Loss arising from rodents, insects or vermin
Remember: Travel agents can give you information and advice, but they are not insurance specialists.
Always direct any specific questions to your insurance provider.