Before you make travel plans be sure to apply for, or renew your passport. Depending on which state you live in, your local post office can issue you a passport photo. After you obtain your passport, you can then apply for traveler’s insurance.
Travel insurance provides short-term security for domestic and foreign travelers. Millions of people travel to foreign and domestic countries every year and fail to prepare for medical emergencies, evacuation plans or unexpected disasters. Most travel insurance policies cover such basics and should be part of a pre-planned trip.
What type of insurance to look for
You want the type of insurance that will pay you in the event of an emergency. If you or someone in your family gets ill, you want the assurance of knowing that you are covered, even in a foreign country. Be sure to include medical coverage in your policy, and get a clear understanding of what the policy actually covers. For example:
- Ask if the policy covers private or public hospitals
- Will the policy pay for accidents following a sporting event if you are a participant?
- Does the policy cover new or existing illnesses, if so, what is the waiting period?
- Does the policy provider offer 24 hour support via online or telephone?
- Does the plan include dental expenses?
If you are traveling abroad and you have a pre-existing medical condition, be sure to take your own insurance policy. Even if you purchase a traveler’s insurance policy, there is no guarantee the policy will cover your illness in another country. If the policy does cover pre-existing conditions, be sure your illness is on the approval list.
Look for policies that cover loss, theft and damage
If possible, purchase an insurance policy with theft, loss and damage coverage. Millions of tourists lose their belongings to theft, fire, damage or disaster. If this happens, you want to be sure you are covered. If any of these situations occur, be sure to file a police report and get documentation. Insurance companies will not pay for loss without a police report.
If you are traveling with expensive items, be sure to have them insured before you leave home. Policies offering coverage of expensive items usually cost more. Traveler’s insurance is great to have, and it does offer the most protection when you are away from home, on vacation or traveling abroad.
