Travel can be dangerous. It can also be more expensive than you had planned if accidents or unexpected events disrupt your plans. As you make your summer travel plans this year, you may want to consider the possibility of getting travel insurance. Travel insurance can help you with a variety of issues that may crop up on your work or leisure trip—from automobile accidents to weather cancellations. This type of insurance can help you deal with expenses related to unexpected illnesses that can be extremely expensive outside of the country as well.
Travel insurance often only applies to a very specific amount of time while you areon the move, unlike many other insurance plans that have long-term policy periods. It also only applies if very specific events occur as well. However, some policies can be in effect the whole year, so you do not have to get new coverage every time you travel. There are a variety of coverage options available, so it is important to take a close look at what a policy will and will not cover before you purchase a plan.
Types of Travel Accident Insurance Coverage
Each insurance company that offers travel insurance will vary on the kind of coverage available. The following types of travel accident insurance coverages may be available.
- Trip Cancellation Packages. Some insurance packages are specifically designed to cover any damages related to unexpected delays, cancellations, or interruptions in your travel plans. They apply to things like cancelled flights, delays that cause missed other reservations, and lost, damaged, or stolen luggage or other personal items.
- Emergency Medical Services.If you or a loved one is injured while on vacation, especially if it occurs in another country, medical costs can be significant. Some travel accident insurance plans will include coverage for emergency medical and dental services.
- Evacuation and Repatriation Services.If you go out of the country, you may need to make special arrangements to leave the country you are visiting. This could occur if you have been injured or if an unexpected hiccup occurs regarding your rights to travel. Travel insurance can help you get back to Canada in these situations.
- Travel Life Insurance. In the event of your death or a death of a loved one while travelling, your beneficiaries can receive proceeds just like they would in a regular life insurance policy. Accidental dismemberment is often offered as a pairing with accidental death coverage as well.
Additional varieties of coverage may be available as well. Take care to read through the fine print on the policy carefully before you travel, so you understand your rights and coverages under the plan. You should also pick a reputable company as well. In most situations, a quick online search should give you an idea of how others have rated the company regarding acceptance or denial of claims and other related issues.
Filing a Travel Accident Insurance Claim
There are few industry-wide requirements for travel insurance policies regarding notice. That means that you will need to take a close look at your obligations regarding the timing and method requirements for reporting claims. Companies will vary widely on what kind of notice may be required or how you should report a claim, such as whether the report must be in writing or can be verbal.
Failing to follow specific instructions can ultimately undermine your claim in some situations. It is a good idea to report your potential claim as soon as possible after the incident occurs, even if you have plenty of time to let them know about your accident.
Unfortunately, some travel insurance companies will create complex reporting requirements as a way to increase the number of requests that they can deny. It may be helpful to have a lawyer look over the policy to determine your reporting obligations, but it is important to do it quickly. Call our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT to speak with someone right away after your travel-related damage occurs.