Why subscribe travel insurance?

Do you want to travel the quiet mind? Find out why travel insurance is important and live your holiday safely.

You are already dreaming of your holiday in the sun, the mountain or the shore of a lake. When booking, online or with a tour operator, you have been mentioned about the Travel insurance . But, kézako travel insurance? What is she? What and who does she protect? What is it really for? Why do you do it? Many questions that we will try to respond promptly, while keeping in mind that risk is daily and that prevention prevails on healing.

What is travel insurance? Why subscribe to it? Is that mandatory?

Protecting risks

To begin with, it is important to know that travel insurance is not mandatory. Indeed, you are and remain the only decision-maker. However, there are still four countries that require the subscription to travel insurance to be able to enter: Algeria, China, Cuba and Russia.

Travel insurance is, on the other hand, an asset for those who wish to protect themselves effectively against travel risks. Even if sometimes you may not see any relevant interest in it, the zero risk does not exist and premeditate may sometimes avoid you many inconveniences. As with all insurance, it is necessary to accept to pay only by prevention. But, the day you need it, you will be delighted to have done it.

Especially since abroad, depending on the country you visit and what you do, the risks involved are more important. Especially in exotic countries such as Australia or if you leave in the Gorges du Verdon Française make canyoning. Now, if you’re going to stroll through the streets of Milan, or Vancouver for example, you’re not immune to an accident.

This is why subscribing travel insurance is important. You do not advance any medical expenses and compensate for some significant expenses in countries like the United States that have a much less advantageous health system than in France. This travel insurance protects you and covers all or part of the hospitality or even repatriation costs. For a serenity holiday, we advise you to think about it strongly because it plays the same role as your French health insurance that you would not spend on a daily basis.

Read between (small) lines

It is unnecessary to remember the importance of reading the small lines of a contract. This applies to absolutely all types of contracts you can sign. But in the case of travel insurance, it can teach you the real conditions of your contract, which is covered, which is not. This is sometimes where you can realize that finally, the one you selected is not ideal for your travel practice.

As long as you don't sign, nothing engages you. You have, in any case, usually 14 days of withdrawal allowed after a signature. Be sure to read the small details that some companies slip into these small lines, counting on the fact that people who read them are minority. Surprise them and make sure you sign a contract that corresponds to 100%.

Travel insurance is dedicated to travel, no more

If you choose to subscribe to travel insurance, you should know that travel insurance is only effective abroad. Just as your French insurance is only applicable in France. Of course, if by misfortune it had to happen to you something or you have to shorten your stay, know that the guarantees of your travel insurance stop once you have returned to French territory.

Bank cards include insurance but are they sufficient?

It is true that bank cards offer insurance often included with certain offers. These insurances may cover the loss of baggage or the cancellation of a flight. But they are definitely not sufficient to cover all health risks abroad. Especially if you with the vagabond spirit and you embark on a long journey around the world.

Indeed, these cards offer protection only for 90 consecutive days... Which seems little for a world tour. In addition, the insurances they include cover only the ticket buyer. So if your half offers you two weeks of dream in Seychelles, you will not be covered. Obviously, each bank offers its own terms and contracts. You will never be better informed than your advisor.

What does travel insurance cover?

What is understood

There are several reasons why you can choose one Travel insurance rather than another: its guarantees. Among these, we usually find:

• medical expenses treated, as well as the reimbursement of medicines, medical consultations and hospitalization;
• guarantee for the practice of sports : You're in Manhattan, you'll run and suddenly a bike hits you. The guarantee for the practice of sports of your travel insurance comes and you will be taken care of. AttentionThis guarantee has its limits! Often extreme sports are not included;
• Assistance and repatriation which may be triggered in the event of a vital or family emergency. The costs associated with this unannounced return are borne according to the selected options;
• search and rescue costs: You went to the conquest of Mount Everest and suddenly you lost. Your travel insurance comes for you because your contract includes this guarantee (if applicable of course);
• compensation for the loss of your baggage ;
• compensation for a third party in case you hurt someone (civil responsibility);
• Legal assistance, if you find yourself in legal trouble, travel insurance is able to take care of your case. It is normal not to know all the laws of a country in which you travel. Yet, misunderstanding and things can quickly get worse;
• guarantee cancellation which allows you to be refunded if your trip has just canceled. However, beware, some specific conditions must be fulfilled. Same thing the change guarantee travel that allows you to change your trip if an incident you are not responsible prevents you from taking the plane, for example.

Is cancellation insurance really interesting?

Yes, to the extent that, if an event whatever makes the cancellation of the trip necessary, you can receive a refund of your trip. Thus, you do not lose all the money invested. Be careful, however, because like the guarantees, the cancellation insurance is subject to the conditions of the companies.

What travel insurance for what trip?

Depending on your trip, insurance is not the same. Indeed, that you go for a year around the world or simply in fashion Digital Nomad , the conditions are not the same. For example, those who expatriate, go to study (e.g. Erasmus) or Work Holiday Programme (PVT) do not have the same guarantees as they settle, although it is often temporary, in the country. They are not on a journey as one could imagine, the time of a short stay.

The best thing is to inform you with your insurance organization about your rights and terms with respect to your travel plan. Never leave without at least knowing these guarantees. This could make you change your mind and offer you additional protection.

What if I still decide to leave without subscribing travel insurance?

This is at your own risk and risk. With your discoveries, you are not immune to an injury, flu or food poisoning. If this happens to you, it will be up to you to advance medical expenses or to pay them in full without hope of reimbursement. You will not receive any assistance. You will then have to manage yourself in a foreign country without the same rules or laws as in France.