Travel insurance is
insurance that is intended to cover financial
and other losses incurred while
travelling, either
within one's own country, or internationally.
Travel insurance can usually be arranged at the time
of booking of a trip to
cover exactly the duration of that trip or a more
extensive, continuous insurance can be purchased
from (most often) [travel agents, travel insurance
companies or directly from travel suppliers such as
cruise lines or tour operators.
The most common risks that are covered by travel
insurance are:
- Cancellation
- Curtailment
- Delayed departure
- Loss, theft or damage to personal
possessions and money (including travel
documents)
- Delayed baggage (and emergency replacement
of essential items)
- Medical expenses
- Emergency evacuation/repatriation
- Overseas funeral expenses
- Accidental death, injury or disablement
benefit
- Legal assistance
- Personal liability and rental car damage
excess
- Loss of income
Some travel policies will also provide cover for
additional costs, although these vary widely between
providers.
And in addition, often separate insurance can be
purchased for specific costs such as:
- high risk sports (e.g.
skiing,
scuba-diving)
- travel to high risk countries (e.g. due to
war or
natural disasters)
- pre-existing medical conditions (e.g.
asthma,
diabetes)
