As a seasoned traveler I have been able to visit many corners of the world, 148 countries to this day. In my twenties I traveled the world independently every month multiple adventurous destinations for our family business that had its activities in wildlife conservation, I was privileged to visit unique places and meet the most impressive people, from royal families to local tribes in the rainforests.

The moment I was about to start my dream as a Bush-Pilot, “9/11” changed the world. Since then I have been able to explore the world as a “normal” pilot. As captain I have been allowed to fly different types of aircraft from passenger aircraft, cargo planes, private Boeings and different types of business jets. Again during this period I have been able to meet interesting people such as movie stars, famous musicians, well-known sportsmen, business people, heads of state, etc.

Today I fly an air ambulance, a kind of flying hospital, with a professional medical team together we bring seriously injured travelers back to a their home country. So I witness firsthand the unpredictability and uncertainties that can arise during your travel adventures.

What Is Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is like having a trusty sidekick when you hit the road. It’s a safety net that protects you from unexpected hiccups during your adventures. Think of it as your personal shield against the evil forces of canceled flights, lost luggage, and sudden illnesses. With travel insurance, you can kick back and relax, knowing that if things go haywire, you won’t be left high and dry. It’s like having a superhero that swoops in to save the day when your vacation plans take a nosedive. Since most health programs will not cover you overseas and credit cards often provide minimum protection, so, buckle up, find yourself a good travel insurance, and let your wanderlust roam free without worry.

Why Buy Travel Insurance?

If you’re planning a trip, let me tell you why you should seriously consider getting yourself some travel insurance. Picture this: you’ve been saving up for ages, you’re all excited to explore a new place, but then boom! Unexpected stuff happens. Your flight gets canceled, you lose your luggage, or even worse, you get sick or injured abroad. That’s where travel insurance comes in clutch. It’s like having a safety net that can cover your expenses in case of emergencies. It’s peace of mind knowing that if you get sick, you do not run the risk of potentially running up huge medical bills and that there will be someone there to pick up the tab if you get unlucky and need to go to the hospital. It is a no brainer that it’s a smart move to protect yourself and your hard-earned vacancy.

Is Travel Insurance pricey or not?

Well, the thing is, it really depends on what you’re looking for and the type of coverage you need. Travel insurance can have a range of prices based on factors like your destination, trip duration, age, and coverage limits. Basic plans can be pretty affordable, especially if you’re going on a short trip. But if you’re planning something epic or heading to a risky location or climb the mount Everest you might need more comprehensive coverage, which can be pricier. So, it’s all about finding the right balance between cost and protection that suits your travel plans. But on average, we are talking a few dollars per day for regular travel insurance. Probably less than you spend a beer.

What to look for in travel insurance?

Look for a few key things. First off, a good coverage for medical expenses. You never know what might happen while you’re traveling, so it’s important to have that peace of mind. Next, you like to see a good coverage for trip cancellation or interruption. If something unexpected comes up and you can’t go on your trip or have to cut it short, it’s nice to know you won’t be out a bunch of money. Lastly, check for coverage for lost or delayed baggage because, let’s face it, luggage can go missing sometimes. So having insurance to help cover those costs is a plus.

Not all travel insurance is created equal. It is important to thoroughly review and understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before purchasing. I can only tell you what I look for when deciding on travel insurance, and you will have to decide for yourselves.

Some bullet points to consider:

  • Medical Emergencies and Evacuations
  • Accidents and illnesses
  • Trip Cancellations and Interruptions
  • Travel Delays and Missed Connections
  • Lost or Delayed Baggage
  • Personal Liability and Legal Assistance
  • Sufficient coverage to pay for any medical expenses. Typically at least 150.000 USD, preferably more.
  • Covers emergency evacuation and care
  • Covers both injury and sudden illness
  • Transportation back home to your own country if necessary
  • Include the activities that you enjoy. If you think you might do a skiing, scuba diving course or…. then make sure your insurance covers you for that. Mostly you need to purchase extra coverage for more extreme activities like kitesurfing or horseback riding. Some insurance will refuse to cover adventurous activities, and their definition of adventurous can vary greatly. Read the policy carefully, so you are sure you know what it will and won’t cover.
  • Covers the countries you want to visit. Make sure your insurance covers you in high-cost countries like United States of America, Canada, …. in some countries like, for instance, Japan, hospitals can refuse to treat you if you can’t show them valid travel insurance!
  • Can be extended while traveling if our travel plans change
  • Covers you valuables should they get lost or stole
  • Has a 24/7 emergency contact number you can call to get help
  • Covers cancellations if you or a your family member get sick and can’t travel after all
  • Covers any political unrest or emergency situations that may result in the trip getting cut short
  • Claims can be filed online

No one puts a hospital visit on his itinerary
But should the unexpected do happen, here are some insurance companies to consider;

 

What a Travel Insurance is NOT!

Travel insurance ain’t no magical potion that’ll grant you superpowers or make you immune to all the troubles that come with traveling. It’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card either, so don’t go thinking you can act all reckless and expect the insurance to cover it. Nope, travel insurance won’t turn you into a careless daredevil! It won’t cover pre-existing medical conditions or let you cancel your trip just because you changed your mind about that beach party. Oh, and forget about claiming a new iPhone just because you lost your old one. Travel insurance is there to protect you from unexpected emergencies, like medical mishaps or trip cancellations for legit reasons. For instance, you can’t drive a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol and expect to be covered. Also, any third-party damage you cause is often not covered.

Conclusion

During my daily work as an air ambulance pilot, I know how enormous the costs can be to bring a patient to his home country but also see how happy people are when they can finally go home after weeks or even months in a foreign hospital. Travel insurance serves as an invaluable safeguard, providing protection and support when you need it the most. Whether you’re embarking on an adventurous expedition or simply going on a relaxing vacation, having travel insurance offers peace of mind and financial security. Remember, accidents and unforeseen circumstances can happen to anyone, regardless of their travel experience. So, make travel insurance an integral part of your travel planning, and embark on your journeys with confidence, knowing that you’re well-protected along the way.

Safe travels!

The above is intended to provide general information and should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It is important to thoroughly review and understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy before purchasing.

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