Should you take out travel insurance abroad?

The date of your long-awaited vacation is approaching. Your trip is carefully planned down to the smallest details. Whether it's an adventurous trek in Nepal, a relaxing time on the beaches of Thailand, or a road trip in Iceland, you wouldn't want this moment of relaxation to be spoiled for anything in the world, would you?
So, have you thought about travel insurance abroad? Are you covered in case something goes wrong at the ends of the earth?

Taking out travel insurance before your departure allows you to approach your stay with peace of mind. Discover why you should subscribe and how to choose your travel insurance.

Why take out travel insurance?

Do I really need travel insurance? This is the question many people ask themselves before leaving abroad...

While it is mandatory for certain destinations (Russia, Algeria, China...) and certain types of visas, subscribing to insurance often remains at the discretion of the traveler. However, in case of unexpected events, you'll be glad to have one, and it's highly recommended to take out insurance before going abroad.

In France, Social Security offers effective and automatic coverage of your medical care, but when you cross the border, it may only cover part of your expenses... or not at all!

To avoid taking risks and to leave with peace of mind, it is therefore prudent to subscribe to travel insurance. Especially since some mishaps abroad can be (very) expensive. Here are a few real examples of medical expenses paid by travelers after visiting emergency rooms in certain countries:

• Canada: Ski accident on Mont Tremblant €5,500
• Thailand: Monkey bite in Kho Phi Phi Ley €200
• New Zealand: Hospitalization following an accident in Auckland €9,200
• Australia: Motorcycle accident in Perth with multiple fractures €130,000

A traveler who has taken out travel insurance abroad can make reimbursement requests with their insurer or request direct coverage of medical expenses in case of hospitalization. In fact, all the above medical expenses were covered by insurance!

Apart from medical expenses, one should also not overlook the costs that a potential repatriation could generate. Contrary to popular belief, this will not be covered by your home country's government, and you will have to pay for it yourself.

And what about trip cancellation, loss of your luggage, or damages accidentally caused to others due to an accident?

Certainly, at the start, insurance represents an investment in your travel budget, but it can also be a real source of savings. It ensures those who obtain it a service and guarantees that are not negligible in case of unfortunate adventures.

Tips for choosing travel insurance abroad

If you make the (right) choice to travel with insurance, take care to choose one that best suits your needs: destination(s), length of trip, activities undertaken on site, etc. Indeed, not all travel insurances offer the same guarantees and do not have the same exclusions.

It is still possible to know the most important coverages to which you should pay particular attention. These are common to most travel insurance offers.

The main guarantees of travel insurances:

• health guarantees: medical emergencies, direct coverage in case of hospitalization, general practitioner and specialist fees, pharmacy, tests, X-rays, etc.
• assistance guarantees: repatriation assistance, presence of a relative in case of hospitalization, legal assistance abroad, search costs, etc.
• civil liability: coverage of damages caused to others following an accident

Also remember to check the ceilings on guarantees based on your chosen destination. In the United States or Canada, for example, medical costs are very high; your guarantee ceilings must be sufficient.

The main exclusions of travel insurances:

• illnesses and accidents whose origin is prior to the contract's effective date
• accidents related to the practice of certain sports and activities

The guarantees and exclusions must be clearly stated in the insurance information notice. Be sure to read carefully the general conditions as well as the documentation provided. Do not hesitate to ask insurers for explanations and ask them questions. This way, you will avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations.

The insurance from your bank card

Perhaps you already have insurance included in your bank card contract? To avoid duplicates and adjust your travel insurance according to your needs, remember to contact your bank.

If your bank card covers you during your stays abroad, it is still important to check the conditions of your contract which vary depending on the type of card. In some cases, this "free" travel insurance is much less effective than those offered by specialists and guarantees are often limited and subject to conditions such as having purchased the trip with the card...

Among these limitations there may be:

• your trip duration limited to 90 days
• low reimbursement limits
• high deductibles
• absence of "civil liability" guarantee

There is little chance that your bank card insurance can cover all your needs. Once again, be vigilant and even if it's not always obvious, reading all the documentation from your insurances will help you make the right choice and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Without representing an expensive expenditure, subscribing to health travel insurance before your departure allows you to approach your stay calmly and fully enjoy your trip safely.
Make the right choice and enjoy your trip!