Regardless of whether you travel regularly or are planning the trip of a lifetime, the unexpected may happen and being exposed to risk could see your holiday end in financial ruin.
Travel insurers have countless stories of incidents that occur when travelling that turn into a major financial loss for the traveller. Just check out some of our reviews to see how travel insurance helps when things go wrong. Still not convinced, check out our top 5 reasons to buy travel insurance:
1. It Could Happen To You
It's perfectly understandable that some people pose the question "Why should I bother with travel insurance - nothing will happen to me?!". Put quite simply, unexpected events do occur...And could happen to anyone. Life is always throwing us curveballs, even more so when you’re on the move.
When planning your dream trip, it pays to remember that travel insurance acts like a safety net , it will catch you if things take an unexpected twist.
Buying travel insurance lets you enjoy your trip without worrying about any ‘what-ifs’.
2. Overseas Medical Treatment Is Expensive
Picture this: you're exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok or soaking up the sun on the beaches of Bali when suddenly, you fall ill or get injured. Not exactly the vacation memory you had in mind, right? Now, on top of feeling lousy, you're hit with a hefty medical bill.
Medical treatment abroad can cost an arm and a leg. And let's face it, most of us don't have spare limbs to sacrifice.
- Daily hospitalisation costs in Southeast Asia regularly exceed $800.
- Medical evacuation costs from Bali have exceeded $60,000.
- Return of remains from Europe costs in excess of $10,000.
- Medical evacuations from the United States regularly range from $75,000 to $95,000 and can be up to $300,000.
Figures sourced from Smartraveller.gov.au
So consider that the last thing you want to be worried about when you’re sick or injured and miles from home is how you’re going to pay for it all.
3. Cancellation Of Your Travel Plans
Life happens, and sometimes it happens at the worst possible moments.
No one wants bad news on their holidays, but from time to time people are unlucky enough to have to cancel their trip or return home suddenly due to the illness or death of a loved one.
The last thing you need in this instance is the worry and financial burden of a last minute flight and lost deposits. With travel insurance some of this burden is taken off of your shoulders as many insurers will compensate you for your losses if this happens.
Buying travel insurance is like buying a little peace of mind, and knowing that even if you can’t control the ups and downs of life, you can ensure they don’t leave you out of pocket.
4. Personal Belongings
We all bring our personal bits on trips with us, a little slice of home can be so important when you’re on the road, but when you’re constantly moving it is so easy to misplace your things.
Too often people discover that their luggage has been lost or delayed upon arrival at their destination or valuable personal items such as cameras and laptops are lost, stolen or damaged during their holiday. No one wants to be left with the bill for replacing their pricey tech and the right travel insurance policy can keep all such worries at bay.
Make sure to check your policy wording to see how much is covered, but if you do your research and choose the best policy for you, travel insurance can make these worries a thing of the past.
5. Peace Of Mind
Travel insurance gives you the freedom to focus on your holiday and provides loved ones back home the peace of mind that should anything happen, you're covered.
This comes into every single reason for purchasing travel insurance and is the ultimate answer to ‘why buy before you fly?’. Free yourself and your loved ones from fear and stress and make your travel experience the exciting, relaxing and fun experience you’ve always dreamed of.
Enough said. The evidence is clear. Quit debating, start comparing and buy travel insurance for your trip today.
Natalie Smith
Having travelled to over 40 countries, studied tourism management and worked as a flight attendant for over three years, Natalie knows more than a thing or two about travel! She’s an adventure-lover, whose favourite trips have been trekking Machu Picchu and volunteering in an animal shelter in the Amazon. Qualified in Tier 2 General Insurance General Advice and specialising in travel insurance for the last five years, she in passionate about helping travellers get the most out of their holiday.