Channel Button

There are 3 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #2 by Helium's members.

Travel   >

Travel Planning & Advice

Get a Widget for this title

Is travel insurance compulsory when going abroad?

The answer is yes, and it will be a whole easier when you are covered by dependable insurance provider in your country whom are able to cover you in terms of accidents during your trip and even before you depart for your trip, now isn't that something out of the box. Nowadays, its rather competitive in the insurance world and as a consumer, you'll be rather confused on which type of travel insurance to choose from.

Credit card, these days provides some simple or basic travel insurance whenever, you pay your travel needs through your card. However, do check what kind of basic insurance coverage you are entitled to and what you are not entitled to. At times, you may want to opt for something which is more than a basic plan which will basically cover all your needs during your travels abroad.

Through my years of experience, as a in-house consultant, I have witnessed quite a few travelers, going abroad without an even adequate insurance plans to cover during their trips. And those trips which travelers alike are going to, which is the yuppies love, surfing, snorkeling, diving etc, are proving to be a dangerous sports which I would think it would be best to have a insurance coverage when one is planning such activities. My friend whom is a avid traveler, was at one time at Egypt. Unfortunately, he met with a Car accident and was sent to the local hospital in town. As soon, as he was delivered to the hospital, the first question that pops out of the mouth of the nurse at the reception was "Do you have any insurance coverage"? My friend was both appalled and surprised but he was well prepared for such an emergency and rather well insured too. Hospitals in other countries generally charge a rather high fee, especially to visitors or tourists alike and so unless you are pretty well to do or you are covered by an insurance plan, hospitals are unlikely to treat you, for fear that you will have no money to pay for your medical expenses.

Often enough, there are many travelers, whom are met with circumstances where they are unable to go for their planned trip on the said date of travel. Usually, for airlines and hotel reservations, there is a certain fee which is their administrative fee or penalty fee which they will charge against the traveler. It can be a hefty sum, especially, if its a last minute decision to decide not to fly because of some emergency or family issues which needs settling, especially if its bought during a travel fair which airlines and hotel reservations have certain restrictions in regards to flying and one of them would have to be not able to fly because of emergency, which then makes your ticket, non-refundable. Hence, its best to check with your travel agent whether the tickets which are bought are able to be sent for refund if you have met with such an incident. However, this could be avoided, if you have bought an insurance from your travel agent.

Hence, my advice is to travel with ease of mind, knowing you have the most comprehensive protection. Be it for a short business trip or extended family holiday, single-journey or annual coverage.

Learn more about this author, Pam Teck Keong.
Contact this writer Click here to send this author comments or questions.


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Is travel insurance compulsory when going abroad?

  • 1 of 3

    by Karen Bryan

    As an independent UK based travel consultant, I always recommend taking out travel insurance to my clients when making bookings.

    read more

  • 2 of 3

    by Pam Teck Keong

    The answer is yes, and it will be a whole easier when you are covered by dependable insurance provider in your country whom

    read more

  • 3 of 3

    by Dambrath

    Travel insurance isn't absolutely mandatory when traveling abroad, but in most cases i would strongly recommend it. No matter

    read more

Add your voice

Know something about Is travel insurance compulsory when going abroad??
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

Helium Debate

Cast your vote!

Do people vacation primarily for excitement or relaxation?

Click for your side.

149747

Featured Partner

Common Language Project

The mission of the Common Language Project is to develop and implement innovative multimedia approaches to internatio...more

What is Helium? | Buy Web Content | Contact Us | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA | User Tools | Help | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA