International Travel Insurance

It's advisable to get travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, ideally shortly after confirming your travel arrangements. Purchasing insurance early helps ensure you're protected from unforeseen events that could disrupt your plans, such as trip cancellations due to covered illness or other unexpected covered circumstances.

Additionally, many travel insurance policies offer benefits that become more valuable the sooner you buy them, like coverage for pre-existing medical conditions. Waiting until the last minute, such as on the day of travel, may limit your coverage options and leave you exposed to potential risks.

>>> Read more: Do I buy travel insurance before or after booking?

When traveling abroad you can’t predict unfortunate events that will happen, so travel insurance is necessary because it can provide essential protection and some peace of mind. It provides a safety net against a range of unforeseen challenges:

• Medical Emergencies
• Trip Cancellation/ Delays
• Lost or Stolen Belongings
• Travel Assistance

International travel insurance typically covers a range of essential aspects during your overseas trips, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and doctor's fees.
• Trip Cancellations/Interruptions: Reimbursement for non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel or cut short your journey due to covered reasons.
• Travel Delay: Compensation for expenses incurred during delayed flights or transit.
• Lost or Delayed Baggage: Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed luggage and personal belongings.
• Emergency Evacuation: Assistance and financial support for medical evacuations in case of serious illness or injury.
• Emergency Assistance: Emergency Assistance: 24/7 support for emergencies.

The cost of international travel insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors: 

• Coverage Type: Basic plans with limited coverage are cheaper, while comprehensive plans offering extensive protection come at a higher cost.
• Trip Duration: Longer trips generally result in higher premiums.
• Traveler's Age: Older travelers may pay more due to potentially higher health risks.
• Destination: Some regions are associated with higher risks, affecting insurance rates.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: Coverage for existing medical conditions may increase the premium.
• Add-Ons: Optional coverage, such as adventure sports or rental car protection, can add to the cost.

For a more precise estimate, it's advisable to request quotes from various insurance providers based on your specific travel details.

>> Read more: What are the best travel insurance companies?