How to choose your travel insurance?
25 July 2024
Traveling is often synonymous with discoveries, escapes and adventures. Whether you are a die-hard globetrotter or an occasional tourist, preparing for your trip is a crucial step. Among the elements not to be neglected, thetravel insurance holds a preponderant place. In the event of a problem abroad, suitable travel insurance can make the difference. But how to choose your travel insurance? What are the points to check? What are the pitfalls to avoid ? Follow the leader !
Understand the importance of travel insurance
Before getting into the technical details, it is important to understand what travel insurance is for. The latter covers the risks linked to your stay abroad, whether for a short holiday or a gap year around the world. Travel insurance includes several guarantees, including repatriation assistance, health insurance, civil liability, cancellation insurance, early return and many others.
A trip without insurance can quickly become a nightmare in the event of a health problem, accident, theft or dispute with a third party. We must not forget that medical costs abroad can be exorbitant, especially in countries like the USA or Canada. In addition, French Social Security does not fully reimburse medical expenses incurred abroad. Travel insurance is therefore essential to travel with peace of mind.
Analyze the guarantees offered by travel insurance
Not all travel insurance is created equal. It is therefore essential to analyze in detail the guarantees offered by each insurance contract. Check in particular the coverage of medical and hospitalization costs, repatriation assistance, civil liability, cancellation insurance and early return.
Each insurance company offers different guarantees. For example, some insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, while others do. Likewise, some insurance companies offer unlimited repatriation assistance, while others limit the amount of this guarantee. Finally, civil liability can vary from one contract to another, both in terms of amount and situations covered.
A comparison of travel insurance, like that offered by Chapka or Globe Partner, can be useful in making the right choice. Don’t forget to check the warranty exclusions, often hidden in the small lines of the contract.
Take into account the duration of your trip
The duration of your trip is a determining criterion in the choice of your insurance. For a short trip, temporary travel insurance may be sufficient. But for a long-term trip, annual travel insurance is more suitable.
Most travel insurance companies offer flexible contracts, adapted to the duration of your trip. For example, Chapka’s Cap Aventure insurance covers trips of up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewing the contract during the trip. Pay attention to the maximum duration of coverage of each insurance, and check carefully that your trip falls within these limits.
Do not rely solely on bank card insurance
Many travelers think they are sufficiently covered by their bank card insurance. This is a common mistake. In reality, bank card guarantees are often limited and do not cover all the risks associated with traveling abroad.
For example, most credit card insurance does not cover medical expenses abroad. In addition, the amount of repatriation assistance is often limited. Finally, bank cards generally do not offer any guarantee in the event of trip cancellation or early return. It is therefore strongly recommended to take out specific travel insurance in addition to your bank card insurance.
In conclusion, choosing your travel insurance is a crucial step in preparing your trip. Analyze the guarantees offered in detail, take into account the duration of your trip, and do not rely solely on bank card insurance. A comparison of travel insurance can be of great help in making the right choice. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Have a good trip !
