Are you dreaming about your next holiday? Planning to tick another dream destination off your bucket list? Holidays are amazing life experiences but you also want to have peace of mind while on vacation.
As experts in travel insurance, we’re here to guide you through selecting the best plan for your trip. Partnering with Westphalian Insurance Brokers, we offer insights to ensure you’re well-protected on your travels. When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider the type of trip, your destination’s healthcare costs, and the need for medical coverage. Do you need coverage for activities, trip cancellations, and lost baggage? Perhaps you need to consider medical coverage limits, trip cancellation benefits, and policy inclusions.
In this blog, we unpack everything you need to know. Discover more about choosing the right travel insurance plan with Westphalian Insurance Brokers and travel with peace of mind.
Key Considerations for Choosing Travel Insurance
1. Types of Coverage
When picking a travel insurance plan, you’ll need to evaluate different types of coverage so you’re properly safeguarded during your trip.
Medical coverage, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage and personal effects, rental car coverage, and accidental death and dismemberment are some key points to assess in your policy.
Understanding the specifics of each coverage type will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your travel needs and concerns.
Medical Coverage
No one wants to get sick or injured while on holidays but unfortunately situations can arise. Perhaps you’re planning an adventure holiday that could result in an injury? Or maybe you have a pre-existing medical condition that if treated overseas could cost thousands.
Medical coverage is one of the most important things to consider when choosing travel insurance. Medical coverage typically includes coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.
This type of coverage is particularly vital for international travel, where your domestic health insurance may not apply.
Look for policies that provide adequate coverage limits for medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency medical transportation. Having extensive medical coverage in your travel insurance plan can provide you with peace of mind during your trip.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
It can be quite stressful when a flight is cancelled or impacted, especially when you need to be at a destination for a certain event like a family or friends’ wedding or you need to return home quickly.
For complete protection, concentrate on Trip Cancellation/Interruption coverage, which reimburses non-refundable trip costs in case of cancellations or interruptions due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
There are different types of coverage within Trip Cancellation/Interruption policies. Trip cancellation coverage typically reimburses prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel before departure. Trip interruption coverage helps cover additional expenses if your trip is interrupted and you need to return home.
Some policies also offer cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, which allows you to cancel for reasons not typically covered, such as a change of mind. Understanding these coverage types will help you choose the right plan for your trip.
Baggage and Personal Effects
Choose a comprehensive travel insurance plan that includes protection for your baggage and personal items to safeguard against loss, theft, or damage while on your trip.
Baggage and personal effects coverage typically reimburses you for the value of your lost or damaged items, allowing you to replace them without the full financial burden. Reviewing the policy limits and exclusions associated with this coverage is crucial to make sure it meets your requirements.
Some plans may also provide additional benefits like coverage for delayed baggage, which can be beneficial if your belongings are temporarily misplaced during your journey.
Rental Car Coverage
There are typically two main types of coverage for rental cars: collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW).
CDW covers damage to the rental car if you’re involved in a collision, while LDW covers theft of the rental car or any damage resulting from theft. It’s important to check if your regular car insurance or credit card offers similar coverage before purchasing these waivers, as it could save you money.
Make sure to review the terms and conditions of the rental car coverage to guarantee you have the protection you need during your trip.
Accidental Death Policies
Accidental Death insurance provides benefits in the unfortunate event of death or serious injury resulting from an accident while travelling.
There are different levels of coverage within accidental death policies that offer varying amounts of compensation based on the severity of the incident. Some policies may include coverage for permanent disabilities, dismemberment, or loss of sight. Carefully review the details of each policy to determine which level of coverage best meets your needs and provides adequate financial protection in case of an unexpected accident during your travels.
2. Policy Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
To guarantee extensive coverage for your trip, thoroughly examine the policy inclusions and exclusions to confirm that they align with your specific travel needs and potential risks.
Check if the policy covers all your planned destinations, activities, and any potential risks that may arise during your trip. For instance, if you intend to participate in adventure sports like skiing or scuba diving, make certain that these activities are included in the policy coverage.
Additionally, look for coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency evacuations. Understanding what’s included in your travel insurance policy will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re adequately protected throughout your journey.
Exclusions
Check the fine print of your travel insurance policy carefully to understand the specific exclusions that might impact your coverage, especially regarding pre-existing medical conditions, high-risk activities, unattended luggage, and travel advisories for certain regions.
Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from coverage unless disclosed and accepted by the insurer. Engaging in high-risk activities like extreme sports may also void your coverage. Leaving your luggage unattended in public areas might lead to denial of any related claims.
Additionally, travel to regions under travel advisories may not be covered, so it’s important to be aware of any restrictions. Understanding these exclusions will help you avoid any surprises and make sure you have the necessary coverage for your trip.
3. Premiums and Excess
Premiums
Understanding how premiums are calculated can help you make an informed decision when selecting a travel insurance plan. The cost of your insurance policy is influenced by several factors, including:
- The type of coverage you choose
- The duration of your trip
- The destination you’re traveling to
- Your age
All-encompassing coverage plans may have higher premiums due to the extensive protection they offer, while basic plans might be more affordable but with limited coverage.
Excess
Considering the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage begins is important when evaluating travel insurance plans. This out-of-pocket amount is known as the excess. Typically, higher premiums come with lower excess, and lower premiums come with higher excess.
If you’re willing to pay a higher excess in the event of a claim, you can often secure a more affordable premium. However, it’s essential to strike a balance that aligns with your budget and risk tolerance.
Assess your willingness to cover a larger portion of the claim yourself versus relying more on the insurance coverage. By understanding how excess works, you can make a more informed decision when selecting the best travel insurance plan for your trip.
4. Special Considerations
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Prior to selecting a travel insurance plan, make sure to carefully examine the policy’s coverage of pre-existing medical conditions and the associated terms. Some insurance plans may exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, while others may offer coverage with certain restrictions or additional premiums.
Make sure you disclose all relevant medical information when purchasing a policy to avoid any issues with claims related to pre-existing conditions. Be mindful that definitions of pre-existing conditions can vary between insurance providers, so be sure to read the policy wording carefully.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, consider looking for a plan that provides adequate coverage for such conditions during your trip to ensure you’re properly protected.
Age Restrictions
When choosing a travel insurance plan, consider any age restrictions that may apply, especially if you’re a senior traveller. Some insurance policies have age limits that could impact your eligibility for coverage.
For example, certain plans may have upper age limits, typically around 70-85 years old, beyond which they may not provide coverage. On the other hand, we can offer specialised plans designed specifically for older travellers, taking into account your unique needs and potential health risks.
Carefully review the policy details to make sure you meet any age requirements and to understand how age may affect the coverage and premiums offered.
COVID-19 Coverage
While we may no longer be in lockdown anymore, COVID-19 may still be in the community no matter where you travel to. It’s important to verify that your policy includes specific provisions for COVID-19, such as coverage for medical treatment if you contract the virus while traveling or need to cancel your trip due to a COVID-19-related reason.
Understanding the extent of COVID-19 coverage in your travel insurance plan will provide you with peace of mind and financial security in case unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip.
5. Additional Features
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Having access to emergency assistance means you can reach out for help whenever you need it, no matter the time or day. Whether you find yourself in a foreign country without your essential documents or facing sudden changes to your travel itinerary, knowing that one of our dedicated team will be ready to assist you can make a significant difference in how smoothly you can resolve these issues and continue enjoying your trip.
Give yourself peace of mind during your travels by choosing travel insurance plans that come with all-encompassing round-the-clock emergency assistance for situations such as misplaced passports or flight rescheduling. Most inclusive policies offer this invaluable service to help you navigate unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
Optional Extras
Consider enhancing your travel insurance plan by exploring optional extras that are tailored to specific needs such as adventure sports, destination weddings, or pet health. Some policies allow you to add coverage for these specific situations, giving you peace of mind during your travels.
If you plan on engaging in activities like skydiving or scuba diving, opt for adventure sports coverage to safeguard yourself in case of any mishaps. For those planning a destination wedding abroad, adding coverage for this event can protect your investment in case of cancellations or other unforeseen circumstances.
Additionally, pet health coverage guarantees that your furry companions receive necessary medical attention while traveling with you. Consider these optional extras to customise your travel insurance plan effectively.
Steps to Choose the Right Travel Insurance
1. Assess Your Needs
Assessing your travel needs is vital to selecting the right insurance plan for your upcoming trip. Take into account the nature of your trip, destinations, activities, and personal health to determine the necessary coverage types and limits. If you’re starting on an adventurous journey, you might need coverage for extreme sports or medical evacuation.
For international trips, make sure your plan includes medical coverage and emergency assistance. Evaluate the value of your belongings to decide if baggage protection is essential.
Take the time to assess your requirements thoroughly to make sure you’re prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
2. Compare Policies
To choose the right travel insurance plan, start by utilising comparison tools to assess different policies based on coverage, cost, and customer reviews. Our website offers detailed comparisons and reviews to help you make an informed decision. Look into the specifics of each policy such as medical coverage limits, trip cancellation benefits, and coverage for lost or stolen belongings.
3. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)
Make sure to carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) of each travel insurance plan to understand coverage details, exclusions, and the claims process thoroughly.
The PDS provides crucial information about what’s covered by the policy, any exclusions that may apply, and the procedures for filing claims. By studying the PDS, you can make an informed decision and avoid any unexpected surprises during your trip.
4. Check for Existing Coverage
Before finalising your travel insurance plan, take a moment to evaluate if you already have coverage through your credit card or other insurance policies. Check the extent of coverage provided by these existing policies and determine if it meets your needs for the trip.
Some credit cards offer limited travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation or rental car insurance. However, these may not provide thorough coverage for all aspects of your travels. Understanding the limitations and exclusions of any existing coverage will help you avoid gaps in protection.
If your current coverage is inadequate, consider purchasing additional travel insurance to make sure you’re adequately protected during your trip.
5. Purchase Early
We recommend purchasing travel insurance early in your trip planning process to guarantee coverage for cancellations and other pre-trip issues.
Buying travel insurance as soon as you start making trip payments ensures that you’re protected if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or delay your trip.
By securing coverage early, you can also benefit from additional features such as pre-existing medical condition coverage or cancel for any reason (CFAR) options.
Don’t wait until the last minute, purchase your travel insurance early to enjoy thorough protection throughout your travel journey.
6. Review and Adjust
Once you receive your travel insurance policy, make sure to take advantage of the cooling-off period to review and adjust it according to your specific needs. Use this time (typically 10-15 days) to carefully examine the policy details.
Check if the coverage aligns with your travel plans and requirements. If you find any discrepancies or realise you need additional coverage, don’t hesitate to make adjustments. You can contact us to make the necessary changes or switch to a more suitable policy.
Why Choose Westphalian Insurance Brokers
With years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of small businesses, their owners, and their families protect against risks. Our commitment to achieving great outcomes for you is unwavering. Located in the Adelaide CBD, we meet clients in-house or at convenient locations. We even visit our small business clients to assess risks and provide accurate solutions, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Our services cover everything from travel insurance to complex commercial insurance programs. We understand the importance of proper coverage and the impact of inadequate insurance. As your broker, we represent your best interests, providing professional advice and tailored solutions.
What sets us apart?
Professional Expert Advice: We’re always available to answer your travel insurance questions and ensure you understand your coverage.
Tailored Solutions: We get to know you and your business to find travel insurance options that suit your needs.
Proudly Local: As a locally owned and operated small business, we offer personalised service.
Trustworthy and Reliable: We uphold the highest levels of integrity and honesty in every interaction.
Experienced and Knowledgeable: Our brokers stay up-to-date with the evolving insurance industry and new products.
All the Hard Work Covered: We handle all your travel insurance needs, saving you time and money.
At Westphalian Insurance Brokers, we work year-round to ensure you’re protected without interruption. Contact us today to discover how we can help you choose the best travel insurance plan for your trip.
Here at Westphalian Insurance Brokers we want to guarantee you have a worry-free and enjoyable travel journey.
Bon voyage!