Avoid Travel Policies You Don't Actually Need
Before you hop on a flight or get in the car to head off on your next adventure, it's important to purchase travel insurance. It will protect you and your loved ones in case you have an emergency while out of the country. However, not all travel insurance policies are needed; some are just a waste of money.
Travel medical insurance is a must, but only if you don't already have it
Basic travel insurance, such as emergency medical, is a must because the last thing you want is to get sick or injured while away from home and be stuck with a huge medical bill when you get back home. Travel medical insurance covers the costs of medication, treatments and even hospital stays while travelling. It also provides services such as access to recommended doctors who speak English if you're in a foreign country.
Travel medical insurance is a must when travelling, but you may not need to buy it if you're already covered. Check with your employer group benefits plan and your travel rewards credit card to see if you're already covered. If you are, then you don't need to buy extra coverage on your own.
Flight delay and cancellation isn't needed if you're not travelling by air
If you're not taking a flight, then purchasing additional flight delay and cancellation is just a waste of money. This type of insurance covers the costs of hotel accommodations if your flights are delayed or cancelled en route. Very often this type of insurance is also offered by your credit card provider so purchasing it as an add on to your medical insurance is unnecessary in many cases.
Evacuation insurance is a waste if you're in a safe zone
Daily Finance says that evacuation insurance is not necessary if you're travelling to a part of the world that isn't prone to natural disasters or civil unrest. There can be nothing more terrifying than taking a dream vacation and being evacuated due to a riot, political takeover or natural disaster, such as an earthquake or tsunami.
"Traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but it can also bring trepidation before a trip -- especially to somewhere covered by a U.S. Department of State travel warnings,” says Daily Finance. “Plans can be as elaborate as researching the destination or packing appropriate safety supplies to taking certain medications that prevent disease or discomfort while traveling."
Although we can never fully prepare for the unexpected, we can try to do our best. Try and keep your travels to historically safe destinations and avoid storm season in places where they are common.
Before purchasing any type of travel insurance policy shop around to find the best possible rates. It's also a good idea to check with your employer as well as your credit card company to see if you're already covered for some types of insurance. Buying several travel policies that you don’t need before you leave can be one way to boost the cost of your trip. Even if the insurance provides protection and peace of mind it will always be a waste of money if you buy more coverage than you need.