Travel insurance is a policy that compensates the traveler when inconveniences or harmful events occur. There are various types, since the insurance coverage inside it is different and can be customized according to the needs of each insured. However, there are some more common risks that the policy generally covers, namely:
- cancellation of the trip;
- lost luggage,
- health coverage following accidents and health problems during the stay.
The different coverage: cancellation of the trip
Travel cancellation insurance reimburses travel expenses already incurred in the event of cancellation, such as the cost of the air ticket, the cost of the hotel and the additional costs incurred to book a new trip . The reasons that lead to cancellation may concern:
- the illness, accident or death of the insured or a family member on whom the trip may depend;
- dismissal and layoffs;
- the theft of documents.
The reasons and events that led to the cancellation of the trip must all be document able – for example, the attestation of a doctor or the report to the police in case of theft.
On the other hand, foreseeable events are not usually covered , such as a health problem that occurs following a pathology that already exists and is known to the policyholder.
Travel cancellation can be requested at the time of booking or within eight days of this date. It is advantageous because its cost varies on average between 10 and 30 euros : in addition, it does not provide for age limits on the part of those who subscribe it and can be proposed by the airline or by a specialized agency.
Baggage insurance
In this case, the traveler is protected from accidents, loss or theft of baggage. Usually the guarantee also intervenes for a possible delay in the delivery of the baggage, paying an amount equal to the expenses incurred by the insured for the purchase of the necessary goods, while for the theft and loss the value of the objects is reimbursed. In addition, the coverage can be customized by extending the protection to particularly expensive items of luggage.
Baggage insurance may provide for the application of an excess , a pre-established sum which is always borne by the insured and which is deducted from the amount of the damage.
Health coverage
It is advantageous to subscribe when the traveler goes to a state where medical treatment is more expensive . Usually this insurance provides reimbursement for medical expenses in the case of hospitalizations, treatments, physiotherapy and rehabilitation interventions, the purchase of medicines and diagnostic tests following an illness or injury. Among the expenses not covered we find aesthetic interventions and diseases such as AIDS or those deriving from the abuse of alcohol, drugs or psychotropic drugs.
How to choose travel insurance?
It is therefore necessary to evaluate the type of coverage included in the policy . There are several other guarantees that can be added, such as civil liability , in the event of accidental damage to other people or their property during the trip, and judicial protection , useful for the onset of legal disputes and to protect your rights.
In addition, the choice of the right insurance can be made depending on whether you are facing a single trip or multiple trips during the year.
A factor not to be overlooked when purchasing travel insurance is the ceiling , which indicates the maximum amount paid out by the company in case of need: a policy with a low limit may not be able to fully cover the amount of damage suffered. by the insured.
Finally, it is important to evaluate the exclusion clauses present in the contract. The latter mainly concern older insured persons, as well as people suffering from chronic diseases or suffering from diseases caused by the use of drugs, alcohol or medicines.
How much does travel insurance cost?
Insurances have different costs which vary according to the duration of the trip, the number of insured persons and the destination (cheaper for Italy, more expensive for countries outside the European Union). Obviously, the price also changes according to the level of protection offered by the policy : among the most expensive we find all-inclusive insurances, because they include special coverage – an example is the securing of the home in case of break-in during the trip.
We remind you that travel insurance can also be purchased online. Segregation is the portal that allows you to compare travel insurance and calculate its cost in a simple, fast and free way: to do this, just fill in the form with the destination, the number of travelers and your preference on the type of coverage.