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 detail. Whether it's an adventure mode with a trek in Nepal, relaxing on the beaches of Thailand, or even a road trip in Iceland, you wouldn't want anything in the world to ruin this moment of relaxation, would you? So, have you thought about travel insurance abroad? Are you covered in case something goes wrong at the other end of the world?

Taking out travel insurance before you leave allows you to approach your trip with peace of mind. Find out why you should get it and how to choose your travel insurance.

Why take out travel insurance?

Do I really need travel insurance? That's the question many people ask themselves before leaving for abroad…

While it is mandatory for certain destinations (Russia, Algeria, China…) and certain types of visas, taking out insurance is often up to the traveler. Nevertheless, in case of the unexpected, you'll be glad to have one and it is strongly recommended to take out insurance before going abroad.

In France, Social Security offers you efficient and automatic coverage for your medical care, but when you cross the border, it may only cover part of your expenses… or none at all!

To avoid taking risks and to travel with peace of mind, it is therefore wise to take out travel insurance. Especially since some mishaps abroad can be (very) expensive. Here are some real examples of medical expenses paid by travelers after a visit to the emergency room in certain countries:

• Canada: Ski accident on Mont Tremblant €5,500
• Thailand: Monkey bite in Kho Phi Phi Ley €200
• New Zealand: Hospitalization after 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 request reimbursement from their insurer or ask for direct coverage of medical expenses in case of hospitalization. In fact, all the above medical expenses were covered by insurance!

Apart from medical expenses, you should also not overlook the costs that a possible repatriation could generate. Contrary to popular belief, this will not be covered by the government of your home country, and you will have to pay for it out of your own pocket.

And what about trip cancellation, loss of your luggage, or damage accidentally caused to others as a result of an accident?

So, of course, at first, insurance represents an investment in your travel budget, but it can also be a real source of savings. It provides those who get it with a service and significant guarantees in case of misadventures.

Tips for choosing travel insurance abroad

If you make the (right) choice to travel with insurance, make sure to choose the one that best suits your needs: destination(s), length of trip, activities on site, etc. In fact, not all travel insurance offers the same coverage and 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 coverages of travel insurance:

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

Also remember to check the coverage limits according to your chosen destination. In the United States or Canada, for example, medical expenses are very high, so your coverage limits must be sufficient.

The main exclusions of travel insurance:

• illnesses and accidents whose origin predates the effective date of the contract
• accidents related to the practice of certain sports and activities

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

Your bank card insurance

Perhaps you already have insurance included in your bank card contract? To avoid duplicates and adjust your travel insurance according to your needs, consider contacting 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 travel insurance offered by specialists and the coverages are often limited and subject to conditions such as having purchased the trip with the card, for example…

Among these limitations, there may be:

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

It is unlikely that your bank card insurance can cover all your needs. Once again, be vigilant and even if it is not always easy, reading all the documentation of your insurance will help you make the right choice and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Without being an expensive expense, taking out travel health insurance before you leave allows you to approach your stay with peace of mind and to fully enjoy your trip in complete safety. Make the right choice and enjoy your trip!