If you’re planning your summer travel plans, you should be sure your money is protected. Because you probably are spending thousands on this vacation, make sure you are prepared to deal with emergencies and unexpected turn of events.
Having the right insurance in place can be a big relief, especially if you’re already stretching your budget to cover the travel and accommodation expenses. In addition, you will be able to maintain lower stress levels if things turn unexpectedly in the wrong direction.
The good news is: In many cases you might not need to buy extra insurance. You can find insurance coverage within reach if you look for it at almost no cost or very little additional charge if bundled with your purchases. Here are the types of insurance you should consider.
Travel insurance
If you’re savvy, you probably have booked your flights and tickets months ago. If so, how sure are you that you will be able to complete the trip as planned. You might be pretty sure when you bought your flights and booked your hotel, but as the date becomes closer, you may find yourself having to deal with an emergency at work, a sick parent or child or any other crisis that requires you to reschedule.
Many airlines would offer you insurance at a small charge when you buy your tickets. Hotels often offer free cancellation within a particular period ahead of your stay. Having these protections in place can help you make a better decision and save a good amount of money if you have to cancel or reschedule.
Some credit card issuers also offer similar protections if you pay for your travel using the credit card. If You don’t want to pay extra for insurance, look at the benefits you’re getting from your credit card provider, you may be surprised that your travel is protected. Be sure, however, you check all the details of coverage as well as the exclusions.
Car rentals
Your car insurance might not cover you car rental if you’re travel domestically or abroad. Additional car insurance purchased along with your car rental can be expensive, although worthwhile if you don’t have a choice. A damaged car rental can be expensive to repair.
Similar to travel insurance, you may get car rental insurance from your credit card provider if you pay for the car using your credit card. Don’t assume this benefit, however. Check the benefits of your specific card as well as the exclusions and coverage. If you know that this benefit is included, follow the requirements religiously. You want to make sure you get this coverage. How likely is it to have an accident in a rental car? Actually, it is pretty likely if you’re driving a car that you’re not used to in a new city — or country.
Heath insurance
Some European countries will require you to buy health insurance for your destination just to get a visa. Although you might cringe at this requirement, you might see the point if you check the cost of health care for a tourist. In general, knowing that you have some insurance when you’re travelling can give your peace of mind. Remember, you and your family can catch anything from minor infections or cold to serious issues like broken bones or surgeries while you’re travelling. If your UAE insurance doesn’t provide international coverage, your health care bills can be too expensive to handle.
Make sure you check with your health insurance provider if there is an option to add international coverage before you travel. If not, look for independent travel insurance provider. Make sure you know exactly what you would do in case of a medical emergency in your destination. In addition, inquire when you will you need to pay out of pocket, and then get reimbursed. If that is the case, you should plan to have access to extra cash for emergencies.
The writer, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.
Get the right coverage
Check insurance for flights
Know the hotel cancellation policy
Get the right car rental coverage
Add international health insurance coverage
— R.O.
