Travel Insurance
Because Accidents Do Happen
Travel insurance is a necessity for any trip regardless of how far you are going or what you are doing. On a backpacking trip you will be going to far away destinations and partaking in activities you normally would not and therefore insurance is of the highest priority.
As a budget traveller or anyone with good sense, you are looking for the cheapest travel insurance which also gives you the maximum cover. The amount of cover you need does depend on what you are likely to be doing and will be priced according to the company's risk classifications.
Why Do I Need Travel Insurance?Travel insurance does initially seems like a cost you would rather not incur after you have just paid out for a holiday, but it could prove to be a much more expensive travelling experience if you become ill, lose your luggage or injure someone else. Depending on your insurance policy and the circumstances under which incidents happen, the company will reimburse you for all associated expenses up to the stated value.
Below is a list of conditions you should have included in your travel insurance policy and a brief description of each to help you on your way.
What Should The Policy Cover
Medical Cover It can be very easy to fall ill in a foreign country as it is an environment you are not used to and you meet so many people germs can spread. If you do happen to fall ill you could be facing very expensive medical bills for your treatment as few countries have a free NHS service. Bills for treatment can be very high and therefore insurance is vital. Be sure to keep receipts of all treatments and expenditure as proof required for claims. The policy should cover you for at least £2 million.
Cover For Your Possessions It is not always wise to take a lot of expensive equipment with you but sometimes there are things you cannot do without. If you take an mp3 player, laptop, or expensive camping gear with you and it gets lost or stolen, it is good to have it all covered so you can claim when you return.
Trip Cancellation If this clause is present in your insurance policy then you will be covered for any trip or flight you have paid for but cannot take because of illness.
Travel Delay If a flight is delayed for more than a set length of time some insurance policies will pay out for this misfortune. It is almost worth cashing in on a policy with this clause because delayed flights are not a rare occurrence.
Personal liability If you accidentally injured or damage somebody else's equipment and you are directly responsible, this clause with pay assuming the other party is holding you liable. Remember, accidents do happen.
Personal Accident If you have an accident leading to some form of permanent damage or loss of sight, a limb or equivalent, you or your family would be entitled to financial compensation.
Luggage Delay/Loss Unfortunately this is a common occurrence especially as a backpacker making several flights or transfers. It typically covers for loss or damage or sometimes even delay.
Important NotesAlways read the policy carefully so you know exactly what you are covered for.
Every time you have medical treatment or cause damage either take a photograph or keep the receipt as proof of the claim on your insurance. This is vital for a successful claim.
The points mentioned above are things you should be looking for on your policy, if they are not you should probably be looking elsewhere.
Take a copy of your policy with you to refer to and to show to relevant people such as doctors or dentists when necessary.