Taking a trip is one of life's greatest experiences! We encourage everyone to explore new places and enjoy all the beauty our world has to offer. Yet, you should also bear in mind that travelling comes with risks. Unfortunately, people only realise the risks when it is already too late. Whether you go on a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous trek, taking out travel insurance is no luxury. But why exactly? Find out here! Find out why travel insurance is important and what to look out for.
Travel well prepared: why taking out travel insurance is wise
Fair is fair: in the Netherlands, it sometimes seems like we have to take out insurance for everything. Yet there is one insurance policy that always comes through for us: travel insurance. Whether we take a city trip to London make, a holiday to Portugal books or a tour of Sri Lanka plans, our travel insurance is on. This gives security in case of unexpected situations, such as medical expenses or loss of luggage. The situation remains unpleasant, but at least it saves a lot of worry.
Tip: We ourselves have had continuous travel insurance for many years, but short-term travel insurance can also be a good option. Want to know more? Read our blog: Continuous or Short-term Travel Insurance: Which Do You Choose?
1. Protection against medical expenses
One of the main reasons to insure your trip is to cover medical expenses. An accident is in a small corner: you can fall ill unexpectedly or have a scooter accident, for example. And those healthcare costs abroad can be substantial, especially in countries like the United States or Switzerland. With good travel insurance, these costs will be (partly) covered. In addition, you can often call an emergency number 24/7, so help can be arranged quickly!
Tip: Travelling outside Europe? Then make sure you have a travel insurance with worldwide cover. With this, you are well insured, regardless of your destination.
2. Cover for loss, theft or damage to baggage
Check, check, check... everything is packed! Including that expensive camera, your iPad or e-reader and your headphones. The same goes for your skis or snowboard when you go on winter sports, or your diving equipment when you go diving on holiday. You might not immediately realise it, but your luggage often has more value than you think. Annoying if while travelling your backpack or daypack is damaged, lost or even stolen. With travel insurance, you are often insured for X amount, which can reimburse all or a large part of the value.
Tip: Make a list of valuables and keep copies of important documents in the cloud or in your mail. Does something happen? Then you have your affairs in order!
3. Assistance in case of trip cancellation or delay
Sometimes things go differently than planned: unexpected illness, family circumstances or a natural disaster. Annoying, but appropriate travel insurance often covers (part of) the cancellation costs.
Some insurances also reimburse delays en route, for example missed connections or a delayed flight. This can save you a lot of stress. Always check the policy conditions, though, so you know exactly what is and is not covered.
4. Legal support abroad
You may run into legal problems in a foreign country, such as after a traffic accident. Travel insurance often offers legal support, which can be very nice if you don't know the language or the laws well.
5. Emergency additional travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed
A few more days on holiday? Sounds wonderful but sometimes the reason is not so nice: a hurricane, earthquake or a strike that cancels your flight. In such cases, you incur extra costs for accommodation and rebooking. With the right cover, these necessary extra travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed.
6. Car breakdown? Back on the road in no time!
You have probably noticed it before when you go on holiday by car: a campervan or packed car standing by the side of the road. Whether you had your car fully checked beforehand, rented a campervan, or set off spontaneously, breakdowns on the road are still a risk. Think of a blown tyre or an overheated engine in the high temperatures of Spain or Italy.
With travel insurance, you can fortunately co-insure breakdown assistance for your car. This way, you will quickly get help at the nearest garage or replacement transport will be arranged for you. That way, car breakdown need not ruin your holiday.
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How to choose the right travel insurance?
Which travel insurance fits depends on your plans. Are you going away several times a year? Consider continuous insurance. Do you travel once a year? Then a short-term is often sufficient. You can find more explanation here: the difference between continuous and short-term travel insurance. Check out the options and choose one of the travel insurance which best suits your situation!
Frequently asked questions about travel insurance
What does travel insurance not cover?
Every insurance policy has exclusions. Besides general exclusions (e.g. reckless behaviour), extreme/high-risk sports, damage caused by alcohol/drugs, and travel to areas with a negative travel advisory are often not covered. Always check the policy conditions.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Mostly not, but we recommend it to everyone. Some countries require However, have (medical) insurance for entry. Check with your destination beforehand.
What does travel insurance cost?
The premium depends on your duration, destination and coverage. For a short-term policy, count on a few euros per day; a continuous policy often costs a fixed amount per month.
Getting travel insurance is a small effort that can save a lot of worry. Whether you're going away for the weekend or travelling around the world: with good insurance, you'll hit the road with peace of mind. Enjoy your trip!
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