If you are planning on taking your first trip outside of the country, it’s important that you take the time to learn about travel insurance. Traveling can be one of the most exciting experiences in life, but there is also an element of risk involved that many people forget to factor in when they’re looking forward to their next adventure abroad. Travel insurance can help protect your investment and make sure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Here are 10 common myths about travel insurance you need to stop believing before you go abroad.
1: I don’t need insurance if I’m not doing anything risky
Yes, it’s important not to take unnecessary risks while you’re traveling. But what if you get in a car accident? What if your flight is delayed and you miss your connection? The risk of something going wrong when you’re traveling overseas can be greater than if you were at home, so it’s important that you protect yourself with travel insurance.
One of the most common myths about travel insurance is that it’s not worth the cost.
2: The government will take care of me if something goes wrong
You may be thinking that the government will take care of you if something goes wrong while on vacation. Unfortunately, this is not always true. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs states that No government agency provides comprehensive medical coverage for travelers abroad. In other words, you are responsible for your own medical bills if something happens while traveling outside the United States, and your insurance company may only cover a limited amount.
3: I don’t need insurance if I’m only going for a short trip
You may think that you don’t need travel insurance if you’re only going on a short trip, but this is one of the most common misconceptions about travel insurance. If your flight is cancelled or you get sick while traveling, the consequences can be devastating. Many people have lost their jobs and had to declare bankruptcy because they didn’t have travel insurance when these things happened to them.
4: I’m already covered by my health insurance
If you’re in the United States, you should know that your health insurance is not going to cover you when you’re traveling abroad. There are a few exceptions for emergency situations, but if you have a pre-existing condition and want coverage for things like prescriptions or emergency transportation, then travel insurance is the best way to go.
5: I don’t need insurance if I’m traveling with a tour group
If you’re traveling with a tour group, it may seem like you don’t need travel insurance. But that’s not true! Tour groups are often contracted with their own providers and they may not cover the exact same things as your regular plan. If you want to be sure you’re covered in case something happens on your trip, it’s a good idea to buy a supplemental travel insurance policy from your provider or an outside company.
6: I don’t need insurance if I’m traveling to a safe country
Most people think that if they are traveling to a country with a low crime rate or one that is not prone to natural disasters, then they don’t need insurance. But even in countries with the lowest crime rates in the world, there are still accidents. For example, according to the CIA World Factbook, Belarus and Iceland have some of the lowest crime rates in the world but they also have some of the worst traffic safety records.
7: I don’t need insurance if I have a credit card
Sure, it’s smart to use your credit card while you’re traveling. But what if you need medical care? Or what if your luggage is lost by the airline? Credit cards can’t fix everything. In order for them to work, you have to have enough of a balance on your credit card and have the right kind of coverage. Read on for more information about why travel insurance might be a better option for you.
8: I don’t need insurance if I’m not doing anything adventurous
Many people believe that as long as they’re staying close to home, or for the most part, in low-risk environments, they don’t need travel insurance. But no matter what your destination is, you can find yourself in a situation that requires medical attention.
9: I don’t need insurance if I’m not going far from home
Don’t be fooled into thinking that if you’re not going far from home, you don’t need insurance. Whether you’re traveling internationally or just a few states away, there are many reasons why you might need travel insurance: trip cancellation, lost luggage, medical expenses, etc.
10: I don’t need insurance if I’m careful
You might think that you’re careful enough and don’t need travel insurance, but you never know when something will go wrong. For example, what if your luggage gets lost and your clothes are ruined? What if the airline has a mechanical problem and you get stranded in another country? With so many things that can happen while you’re traveling, it’s best to be prepared.