5 Steps to Getting the Best Travel Insurance Cover

Are you planning on going abroad? We all know that getting a travel insurance is a necessary precaution. It is also a truth — universally acknowledged — that, finding the right travel insurance package — one that isn’t going to break your bank, but will provide the appropriate protection, can be tedious. This article will go over what you should know when dealing with travel insurance.

What is the first step to getting a travel insurance?

Hiring a broker is the best way to go about getting an insurance, why?

• It comes at no cost to you. Brokers are paid by the insurance company they select for you. Moreover, Brokers have no financial incentive to pick one over another. Their job is to look for covers and compare them according to your requirements, finances, and activities you partake in when abroad.
• Unlike normal human beings, Brokers are passionate about navigating the furtive intricacies of insurance law. Take advantage of this and spare yourself hours of work.

When deciding on an insurance company, opting for the first suggestion that comes your way seems easy, but this tends to lead to disappointing results when filing claims.

Here’s the kicker,

There are literally hundreds of plans out there, steeped in complex legal language that is often misunderstood by even the most educated of consumers. Due to this, it is easy to miss something, or to fail at predicting certain eventualities. Multiple aspects of an insurance cover have different levels and limits, choosing the right one shouldn’t just be based on intuition.

What does a travel insurance normally cover?

Cancellation and Curtailment — There are a plethora of unforeseen circumstances that can lead to you having to cancel your trip — the death of a close family member, something could happen with the firm involved in your travel plan — different policies will offer different levels of cover.

Medical and emergency travel expenses — Probably the most important part of any travel insurance package — a large number of aspects are covered under the term medical and emergency travel expenses in your policy.

Coverage includes

• Emergency medical treatment or surgery, transport, and accomodation expenses.
• Accommodation and Travel expenses in case a family or friend is asked to come and stay with.
• Personal accident benefits in the event of death or disability. Most insurance policies will pay lump sum payments, which vary according to the nature of the case.
• Loss of or damage to luggage — it is probably the most tedious — yet common — of mishaps. It is so vital to have the right insurance policy covering your luggage and personal possessions in it, especially if you are parted from your belongings.
• Loss of Money and/or Passport — Most covers will offer protection for any theft or loss of money up to a specified amount (both electronic and cash). Despite this, it is always recommended that you carry only a small amount of cash at all times to minimise your risk.
• Travel delay — It happens too often, and can send your expertly crafted plans in disarray. Don’t let this one stumble create a domino effect of mishaps. If your travelling is delayed due to something you couldn’t prevent — like mechanical breakdown or adverse weather — you get compensated. Compensation varies according to the different levels available.
• Delayed luggage — If your luggage is temporarily lost or not returned within a specific time frame (say 24 hours), you will get reimbursed for the emergency purchase of vital replacement items, up to specified limits
• Third party liability — We don’t mean for them to happen, but between the chaos of being in a new place, and the usually hectic natures of holidays, situations arise where we accidentally cause damage to belongings, or harm others. Exclusions from this cover exist, so consult your broker — for example, will the activities you’ll be doing include skiing?

What other features should I consider?

Some Insurers provide 24/7 Emergency Assistance whilst you are abroad. This would normally include assistance in case of medical emergencies which would also potentially include direct payments for medical treatments abroad.
Talk with your Broker about this to see if you should look for a company that offers for this service.

What should I prepare before contacting a Broker?

• Figure out where you are going, and what your travel plans are.Whether your destination is Madrid’s Gran Via Street, famous for its stores and nightlife; Vienna, the Capital City of Classic Music, or Northern Italy, the perfect spot for winter sports — giving us a reasonably comprehensive idea of where you’re going, and what activities you’ll be engaging in is very important. Brokers will ask you all the necessary questions — but it is always a good idea to meet them half-way.
• Check your other insurances — Mainly, your Health Insurance. Ask your Broker to take a look at it to see where its coverage ends, and where the coverage of Travel Insurance should begin.
• If you don’t have one, you may want to consider asking your broker to look for a company where you can get both. Some insurance providers offer bonuses on people who have multiple premiums with them!

TIPS to keep in mind to avoid accidents

1) Keep a note of the address to your accommodation.

2) Friends and family posted on where you are. Mostly, just to keep them sane.

3) Don’t walk alone at night.

If there’s a couple or family walking, tag behind them. Don’t inconvenience them, but don’t let yourself be an isolated target. On this line of thought — avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night.

4) Wear your backpack facing front.

5) Ask questions, seek help.

Don’t let the possibility of embarrassment cost you your holiday — or more. If you feel you’re being followed, go to the nearest hotel, restaurant, or family and ask for help. Likewise, please do the same when it comes to directions.

6) If you’re going to engage in an activity that is a bit dangerous, do so wisely.

Get the right gear, an experienced guide, and check that help is within easy access. Finally, make sure it is covered by your insurance coverage.

Don’t be afraid to reach for the stars! Just keep your feet firmly on the ground.

7) Always keep your money/credit cards in hidden pockets under your pants or at least in your front pockets so that it will be much more difficult for pickpockets to get access to your wallet unnoticed!

Contact Ving’s Brokers by calling us at 2016 1622 or through our facebook page, Ving Insurance Brokers Ltd.

VING Insurance Brokers Limited (“VING”) is enrolled under the Insurance Distribution Act (Cap. 487 of the Laws of Malta) to carry on  business of insurance broking and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”). The activities of VING are solely restricted to that of a distributor. VING is not the manufacturer or underwriter on any insurance product it distributes.