The dawn of internet browsing and low-cost long haul flights has given us access to the rest of the world at affordable prices like never before. But for some, it’s not all sun, sea and sangria! It’s no secret that when you travel, there is much that’s out of your control. Flights can be delayed or you might need to return home if an emergency occurs.
While travel insurance might initially appear to represent an unnecessary expense for the average traveller, Insure4Retirement have provided 4 important reasons as to why you should seriously considering purchasing a policy.
- Accidents happen: While we enjoy a free health service in the UK, a simple trip to see a doctor abroad for a broken bone or even treatment for the flu can result in a significant bill which without travel insurance you will be liable for. Whilst serious accidents abroad of course affect only a small percentage of travellers, the costs they can impose can turn that dream holiday into something more akin to a financial nightmare. For these reasons it is highly advisable that travel insurance is purchased by travellers as the vast majority of policies will provide considerable financial assistance should the need arise.
- Natural Disasters: Each year, there seems to be increasing reports of popular holiday destinations being ravaged by natural disasters and even terrorism. Last year Mexico, named as one of the top 10 holiday destinations, was ravaged by two earthquakes just weeks apart, causing exponential infrastructural damage and the loss of over 360 lives. Although the chances of a disaster striking while you’re on holiday may be relatively low, itis difficult to ignore the ever-present risk of something unpredictable happening.
- Protect your possessions: Beyond providing protection against cancellation and illness or accidents abroad, travel insurance policies also generally offer cover against more likely, but equally disruptive events such as the loss of travel documents, the loss of money due to theft or stolen or lost suitcases. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind to allow you to enjoy your break safe in the knowledge that you will protected against the vast majority of issues which can occur abroad.
- Cancellation Cover: Most holidaymakers book their holidays months in advance of their trip, and as we all know a lot can change in the space of a few short months. Cancellation cover is really important as you may need to cancel travel plans for various reasons such as, prior to travel, injury or illness to you, a close relative or someone that you are travelling / staying with. This cover can allow you to recoup the costs of travel and accommodation that you cannot use, subject to the terms of the policy.
In most cases your travels will go ahead without any issues. Hopefully, you’ll not have to experience the nightmare of being seriously ill or injured in a foreign country. But if you do, the last thing you want is not having the support or financial means by which to get treated and flown home. But minimising those risks, and ensuring you have adequate planning and travel cover in place, can help provide peace of mind and assistance in a world full of surprises.
